Bars & Brewpubs: The Garage Cafe - Birmingham

It's a steamy summer night in Birmingham. We've just finished dinner on the patio at Bottega (a restaurant I would highly recommend if you're in the city and in the mood for northern Italian. It's a little pricey but definitely worth it.) and are ready for a beer. We head to the Garage Cafe with the advice of a local friend.

From the outside it looks any other dive bar. The interior is small and dark and the u-shaped wooden bar is weathered like an antique at a flea market. Men sit on stools sipping bottled beers, watching sports on a plasma screen above. The next day I learn this simple bar has a national reputation -- it is one of GQ magazine's "Best Places to Fly To."

When I approach the bar, I finally understand why it is so revered: hundreds of bottles bobbing like buoys in metal tubs of partially melted ice. The list of beer, drawn on two small black chalk boards above the bar, includes more than 50 beers from all over the world. I quickly scan the list and find a beer I have yet to try: Anchor Steam. Of course, it's a cash only bar and I have not a cent on me. So I walk over to the ATM and get $20.

With my Anchor Steam in hand we head to the back patio, a converted courtyard. During the day it is a market place for antiques and art. Surrounding the tables outdoors are stained wooden doors and oversized glass windows. In the windows are stacks of pottery, sculptures and cast iron work. The shops enclose the courtyard and the limbs of 100-year-old trees reach over top of the patio creating a natural ceiling.

It is perfect setting to enjoy a good beer with friends on a warm summer night.

The Garage Cafe
2304 10th Ter S
Birmingham, Ala.
205-322-3211
www.garagecafe.us