The Collins Bar

After hearing from a multitude of friends how great the Collins Bar was, I was excited to go there. When we first walked in, I was excited about the cool periodic table and the games available at the tables. When I went to the bar to order my drinks, I encountered a problem. The bartender treated me as though I wasn’t intelligent enough to order a drink (I didn’t catch his name but he had a shaved head). He looked at my friends who had questions about various cocktails (as is common with craft cocktails) and told them to discuss what they wanted amongst themselves and he’d be back. I told him I knew what I wanted but he walked away. Eventually another bartender came and took our order. Another member of my party went to the bar and asked about what beers were available and the same bartender told him he needed to decide what he wanted. After my friend said he wanted a beer, the bartender called the bouncer to have him removed for being belligerent. Another friend had her credit card snatched off her wallet without her consent and drinks were charged without her knowing what was being charged. I will be hesitant to frequent an establishment where bartenders treat patrons as though they are not smart enough to order drinks. Perhaps in the future I will try again and hope for a better outcome.

Having heard about this bar time and time again from the classier crowd, I finally decided we’d get pre-​sushi drinks at Collins.
From all the talk, I expected Collins to be super swank– you know, chrome and white light and bartenders in tuxedos, but this was not the case at all. Collins is, summed up, a game bar: chill and relaxing (at least it was at 7:30 pm)
ATMOSPHERE
–The lighting is dim, but not too dark.
–Dress is casual to business dress– you’d be out of place in club attire.
–Seating ranges from circular booths, bar stools at stand-​alone bar tables, to cozy cubby-​like tables tucked away from the rest
–Décor is vintage chic with fabulous suspended paper plane sculptures
FARE
Unlike other bars, there is not a set cocktail menu.
You tell the bartender/​server what flavors you like and they bring you something to match. And they’re good!
They list all their available liquors, along with a beer and wine list if that is more your style.
SERVICE
These folks are awesome. They anticipate well, are kind and interesting to talk to, and don’t rush (you know how bartenders often won’t even look you in the eye, they just point and then look down in preparation of making the next in a long line of drinks.) — the eye contact + smile makes a big difference

Love the quirky ambience of this downtown spot! The bartenders know how to craft creative and delicious libations.

Asked for something with gin and dry and it was fantastic. The bar tenders know what they’re doing and it is a great atmosphere inside.

What a unique spot! Definitely one of my favorite bars in Birmingham. The handcrafted cocktails are delicious, but if you are staying for more than one drink I’d recommend switching to beer at some point or at least drinking more water. They will sneak up on you! The bread pudding is delicious, I haven’t tried any of the main courses. The tables are intimate and cozy and the bar is a great place to watch the electric drinks being prepared.

I just realized that I had yet to write a review for one of our favorite bars in town! Other than the fact that it can become VERY crowded inside at peak times (a testament to how many other people love this place too) there is nothing bad that I can say! I like that they don’t have a menu, but rather you tell them what kinds of liquor and flavor profile you want put together and they will make you a perfect drink. The bartenders are all very attentive. They do offer some small plates as well. I have tried the fried tots, and they are delicious, as is the hummus. Be sure and check out one of the drinks that they are known for… the sex panther. If you are a fan of bourbon, you definitely will not regret the decision!

This bar kicks ass! The last drink they made me was set on fire because «the drink needed it.» I get a new cocktail with each order I ever place and am always thoroughly delighted with what the creations they deliver. The bar style is cool, the crowd is chic, and the bartenders are like hipster Yodas (so wise).

I don’t tend to review every place I go to, but I felt I needed to highlight the tremendous experience I had Friday night (10÷10÷15) at The Collins Bar. I am from Philadelphia and was visiting Birmingham with my fiancée. We love a good cocktail and have been to many amazing places in Philly. Knowing that, my standards are very high when it comes to a good drink, and Collins totally blew both of us away.
We sat at the bar and had a great conversation with the bartender (tall chap, dark hair, no beard, I should have asked his name as he was great) on the types of drinks we like. I tend to go for Bourbon drinks (namely Old Fashioneds and Manhattans), and taking that knowledge he cooked up a wonderful take on both drinks that was like nothing I had had before. You can tell their ingredients are top notch and the creativity and speed upon which he executed our cocktails was impressive. However, the next drink I had was even better and one of the best cocktails I’ve had full stop. I like smokey drinks as well and I’ve been getting into Mezcal lately. He took what I loved with the first drink, and re-​built it using Mezcal and some lovely citrus elements. It was amazing! I loved how there is no drink menu and they simply cook up something to match your tastes. A gem of a cocktail bar, on par with anything I’ve had in Philly or NYC, and a tremendous representation of the renaissance Birmingham is in the midst of. I can’t wait to visit again!

Really cool place! Went here with some friends last night and had a great time. Wonderful atmosphere; I loved that they had old typewriters that people could use, as well as card games. The personalized drink concept is really cool, and they tastes amazing. The only problem I had there was that the food servings were pretty small, BUT they did taste great. Planning on taking my partner here soon.

Awesome bar with great bartenders who won’t steer you in the wrong direction even if you accidentally ask them to, which I did once. (Long story that still ended in a good drink thanks to a bartender’s intervention.) It always seems somewhat busy, but never uncomfortably packed, loud or etc. The drinks are always great, reasonably priced and there are some interesting small plates to try, too. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

You’ll always find a crowd at the Collins Bar, yet there’s never a problem finding a seat at the bar, in a booth, or outside. It’s a dimly lit, quirky bar with a creative, inviting scene. There’s a HUGE «periodic table of Birmingham» on the wall behind the bar, and there’s a typewriter sitting on most tables. The bartenders are mixologists. They’re extremely knowledgeable and are always up for trying new things. In fact, they seem to like it best when customers let them run wild with a cocktail recipe. Their concoctions are always delicious and certainly unique. The service is great; the mood is fun. It’s a go-​to after dinner drink spot, located conveniently down the street from some of Birmingham’s best eateries on popular 2^nd Ave North.

These cocktails are great, and I’m a beer guy who rarely drinks liquor or anything else. Like most places in Birmingham, they also serve the local brews. You can give the bartender general thoughts and he’ll take the mixology from there. Such a cool spot, and they take pride in their work.

This is my favorite bar in all of Birmingham. They make amazing craft cocktails at affordable prices. I was a high end cocktail bartender for over a year in England, and the Collins quality is top notch. Their service matches their product. Their bar tenders are in love with their jobs and it shows. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed and hipster ish. Do not miss this place if you like cocktails!

They make a great Sazerac, and will indulge your idiosyncrasies without pause or remorse.

The drinks are awesome and for craft cocktail, its not that expensive. I love being able to tell the bartender what I like and them make something amazing. If you are a bourbon drinker, the sex panther is awesome! I usually try and stop by during the week early because the place gets packed (no tables and you can not move). If Collins was a little larger… i would go more often. Overall all, I am never disappointed.

Fantastic bar! Know your flavor palette when you go in. You’ll be incredibly surprised by what they can create. I started throwing some unique combinations at the bar tender and received some creative drinks. Don’t forget to ask them to throw bitters into everything

There comes a time in your life when you want more from a drink than a hangover. When you’ve reached this pinnacle of adulthood, The Collins Bar is for you.
Another spot in my epic moving away bar crawl, Collins caught my eye with the brightly colored umbrellas and vintage periodic table deco when you walk in.
This place was made for the ASFA kid in the city. There is no drink menu. Tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll make an unique cocktail for you.
These are mixologist in vests and good temperaments.
The drink I had felt like a long lost friend. I can’t tell you what was in it, but that would also defeat the point of my personal beverage experience.
The Collins Bar is cool as hell. Try it out or don’t say you live in Birmingham.

Collins is definitely different in vibe from the old Metro Bistro seems a little on the trendy side. However, it has a classy intimate feel with mixologists ready to create a drink for you. You tell them what you like as a base such as bourbon, and if you like sweet or sour, citrus or not etc. And they create a drink for you. The downside is your friends may want your drink too and you have to get the sAme mixologist to create your drink. If you come back and want the same thing, you could have an issue. I enjoyed my drink and the price was reasonable. If you enjoy, mixed drinks in a small place with good looking folks, Collins is for you.

YUM! period. (can I stop here…)
The Collins bar is really great! I have to admit, we went on a Thursday night and the crowd was manageable. Personal bartender service on deck! Ordered something amazing (not sure exactly what…)…rum, pear, craft beer, whiskey, some amazing vermouth (blanc)…all thee above! TRUST YOUR BARTENDERS! It’s helpful to know that someone is crafting a tailor made cocktail to your preference. Be aware: drink menus are non-​existent, be prepared to share your likes and dislikes
The décor is so cool! We actually made a paper airplane
Oh happy day!!!

Excellent drinks, excellent location, excellent service. What else can you ask for?
Has to be one of my favorite spots for a drink. I think the food is spectacular as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken and Waffles and the Grilled Cheese.