Red Lion Lounge

I went here now knowing exactly to expect… and am sooo glad that we did! Had heard about this place for a while, but had never noticed it when driving around downtown Homewood. The place is almost hidden behind the Regions tower, and is definitely worth looking for! The interior is lined with pictures of the regulars that have been here over the last 30 plus years. You really do feel like you have gone back in time. The one bartender was awesome, taking care of a room full of patrons without missing a beat. The crowd was a lot of fun too, singing along to the jukebox with us most of the night! Some may be put off that you can still smoke inside, at least for the time being (which was a plus to me.) The place never seemed smoky or anything though, so most should not be too bothered by it. I think we have found a new regular place… definitely can’t wait to go back soon!

If you’re looking for an old school neighborhood joint, this is definitely the place ! Tucked behind Regions bank in Homewood away from the fray. It is like walking back in time. Between the wall of regulars pics to the funky architecture, you know you have walked back to a place where regulars really are the norm and drink specials really aren’t needed since the drinks are cheap and good. Jeff, our bartender, moved with skill through the 20 + customers ensuring no one was without a beverage that wanted one. It really was remarkable to watch him tend the bar and tables by himself. Of course, he’s been taking care of folks for 30 years! The clientale is cool, sure of themselves and willing to sing a song if you play the right one on the circa 1976 jukebox. Definitely a spot where you want folks to know your name.

Cheers, where everybody knows your name! Even if you feel out-​of-​place, no one treats you as such. This place is exactly what you expect. Smokers, 1970−80s paraphernalia, small town conversations, REAL people w/​no pretentiousness, stiff drinks, realistic tabs, shrimp or crawfish boils for some SEC games, and a great place to watch sports!
Say hey to «Di», short for Diana (cool bartender).

Visiting Red Lion Lounge was a pleasant surprise. Literally and figuratively! It’s tucked away in an odd location that you can miss if you don’t pay attention. I’m originally from the Midwest and upon entering the bar’s hidden corridor felt like I was being transported back in time in my former neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin many, many, many years ago. Maybe stuck somewhere between the 1970s and the early 1990s. The walls are covered in caricature sketches of the former bar regulars, snarky and sarcastic signage, and the jukebox has an array of old folk and classic country music to spin tunes all night long. It is certainly a unique place. The drinks are cheap, the bar service is steady and the bartender who waited on us was very friendly and chatty. Overall, I love the retro vibe of this spot, the friendly service, and the hidden away quality of the place. Go check it out if you haven’t!

Walking into this place feels a little surreal. It isn’t particularly grand or impressively decorated but you get the overwhelming feeling, from the moment that you walk through the threshold, that its walls have seen a considerable amount of history. It feels comfortably lived in and like it could be someone’s hobby bar in the basement. The bartender was warm and immediately knew that I was a first-​timer. At first, I felt like I was intruding but I soon realized this was my projection and not, at all, the genuine situation. I signed the guest book, ordered an Old Fashioned and reveled in the nostalgia on the walls. To be clear, this place is very quiet. If you came with a group of more than 4 friends, all first timers, you might actually be intrusive. That being said, I can’t imagine anyone not being welcomed with open arms here.
The drinks are simple but made well and with care. The beer selection is equally simple but, somehow, comprehensive. You’ll find something you like, I assure you. The prices are unbelievable. I tipped excessively because I was concerned that I my bill was inaccurate but I think it was genuinely a steal. Overall, this is a local haunt that you should check out if you are looking for a quiet, homey option where you can comfortably drink alone or with a companion without the hustle-​bustle of the downtown scene.

I had been told several times about this place, but had not had the pleasure of stopping by. That all changed the other day.
Red Lion is located down a short driveway, underneath another business in Homewood. As we walked in, my first sense (hearing) picked up the beautiful sounds of Willie Nelson. This was an immediate good sign for me. The jukebox was full of great classic country, so I was set, musically speaking. Unfortunately, another sense (smell) picked up smoke and sewage. I hate to point that out, because I really did love this place, but it was unavoidable. The bathroom did have a sign that explained they were experiencing plumbing issues.
The bartender, Pat, was a pleasure to get to know. She kept my drink full and interesting, yet not bothersome, conversation going. The walls were covered in cool charactertures of the regulars, some dearly departed. Pat explained that the artist had recently passed, so these were very special to everyone. Every patron in the place walked by and said that it was nice to have us in «their» bar.
If you’re looking for a rowdy bar that stays open late, this isn’t your place. On the other hand, If you’re wanting good music, strong drinks, an interesting atmosphere, and great conversations… go check out the Red Lion Lounge.

If you want to relax in front of a big TV, with a beer and a smoke — then this is your hang-​out. Inexpensive and frequented by genuine people, love the place.