Inside The Church Key, a new bar in Lakeview [PHOTOS]

There’s a new bar in Lakeview! The Church Key opened a little over a week ago at 620 27th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233—learn more about The Church Key and what to expect!

The Church Key, the newest bar in Lakeview

At first glance, you might not notice Lakeview’s newest bar while driving by. In fact, the only hint of the new bar’s existence is a small yellow sign to the left of the door. The building, previously occupied by Electra, retains a faded circle where the former occupant’s sign once hung.

Inside is a different story.

Posters for classic films like Jaws, Star Wars and Die Hard adorn the walls next to flyers for punk bands like Bad Religion, The Cramps, Melvins and more. One door is even decked out in a top-to-bottom print featuring Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie. Meanwhile, every available shelf features iconic 1980s toys, including Predator and Mad Max action figures.

Several Storm Trooper action figures are positioned on the rafters, keeping an eye on the crowd below.

You’ve entered The Church Key, a no-frills, no-nonsense bar that takes it back to the basics. Bartenders will serve beer, wine and cocktails like your classic Jack & Coke, but don’t visit expecting your next Instagram-able cocktail—these drinks are meant to be enjoyed, not photographed.

Why “The Church Key”? Is it because the building looks like an old church? No—according to the owner, the name is derived from a slang term for a bottle opener.

Since The Church Key operates as a private club, all visitors must have a membership to the club as per Alabama law. When visiting The Church Key for the first time, you’ll need to:

• Bring a valid ID (must be 21+)
• Provide your name, address, phone number, occupation and place of employment
• Bring $5 (cash or card) for your membership fee

Check out The Church Key in Lakeview

The Church Key will open from 3:00PM to Midnight, Sunday through Thursday and 3:00PM to 1:00AM on Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour will be weekdays from 3:00PM to 7:00PM.

If it’s your first time visiting, don’t forget to bring $5 (cash or card) and your valid ID to secure your membership to The Church Key.

Have you visited The Church Key in Lakeview? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know what you liked about it!