The recap: Birmingham District Brewing Co. grand opening at The Battery in Southside

Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham District Brewing Co.
Birmingham District Brewing Co. Photo by Terri Robertson for Bham Now

Birmingham District Brewing Co. opened its doors to the public on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in The Battery, located at 2201 Second Avenue South. Here’s what you missed. And hey, it’s hump day—so it’s the perfect time to start planning an outing. 

Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham District Brewing Co.
The bright yellow doors are finally open. Photo by Terri Robertson for Bham Now

Inside, Birmingham District Brewing Co. is reminiscent of a mining cavern—albeit an aesthetically pleasing, open-air mining cavern—with lots of steel and rich wood details. The interior design, like the brewery’s name, is a nod to Birmingham’s historic iron and steel industry. (Get the full backstory here.)

Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham District Brewing Co., beer taps
Steel City Tap Co. crafted the taps. And that beautiful ceiling? It’s reclaimed wood from World War II-era submarine docks in Mobile Bay. Photo by Lauren Bedford for Bham Now

The Beer

Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham District Brewing Co., beer flight
Flights of four are $8. That gorgeous tabletop below was crafted by Magic City Woodworks. Photo by Lauren Bedford for Bham Now

Expect to see Birmingham District Brewing Co.’s flagship brews adapt as the brewery adjusts to the market. But off the bat, they’re offering tasty renditions of classic beer styles. There’s something for everyone. 

  • Lose Your Way New England IPA, 6.5% abv 
  • Red Mountain Red Ale, 5.5% abv 
  • The Descent American Stout, 7% abv
  • Maingate Blonde, 5% abv
  • American Wheat, 4.7% abv
  • Seasonal brew for November 2018: Oktoberfest, Marzen, 5.8% abv 

The Food

Urban Cookhouse and Wasabi Juan’s catered the private opening on Saturday afternoon, while their respective food trucks sold fare to beer drinkers at the public opening that evening. 

Wasabi Juan’s food truck is setting up camp outside Birmingham District Brewing Co. until its brick and mortar at The Battery opens. Mmmmm, sushi burritos. 

Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham District Brewing Co., Wasabi Juan's catering
Catering by Wasabi Juan’s at the private opening. Photo by Terri Robertson for Bham Now

When the development of The Battery is complete, you can take your pick of eats from Wasabi Juan’s or Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken out of Memphis. (Stay tuned with Bham Now; we’ll let you know when those opening dates are set.)

The Courtyard

After you get your food, meander to The Battery’s shared courtyard, which connects to Birmingham District Brewing Co., to eat. Courtyard games include giant Connect Four and cornhole. Or, take your food inside the brewery and belly up to the bar. 

Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham District Brewing Co., courtyard
Opening day was chilly, so Birmingham District Brewing Co. brought out the heat lamps to keep guests toasty in the courtyard. Photo by Terri Robertson for Bham Now

Then, perhaps, you’ll hop on board for a pedal tour of the city at Birmingham Pedal Tours, also opening this year in The Battery. It’s also possible to get a first-class workout while you’re visiting The Battery.

You’ll find True40, a fitness studio, above the brewery. (I recommend doing that before beer and food, not after.)

Feedback from the Crowd

Here’s what some of Birmingham District Brewing Co.’s first visitors are saying on Instagram. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpu9vAuHM13/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqBNhpDACgJ/

It’s a great place to gather and watch the big game. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqBeV9IlHLZ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqBwIJRH3DP/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqDbIxTnX9U/

Sophie is a dog, BTW. Yep, Birmingham District Brewing Co. is pet friendly. Apparently, Sophie dug the free Cheetos that fell off the table, while her humans enjoyed the pairing of beer with the complimentary salty snack. 

Location

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