The Garage makes South’s best dive bar list; declares neighbor deserves honor instead

According to Southern Living, The Garage—an iconic bar with an idyllic patio filled with wisteria and quirky antiques on Birmingham’s Southside—is one of the 25 best dive bars in the South.

In their March 16th story about the South’s most legendary dive bars, the magazine described what makes the place special.

“When the weather is nice, there’s no better place in Birmingham to spend an afternoon than at The Garage, a beer garden known for its build-your-own sandwiches (try the house-favorite Fritz Sandwich) and local beer.”

~ Southern Living

The Garage appreciates the honor, suggests a better choice

Bham Now caught up with the owner of The Garage, Bob “Irish Bob” Ryan about the honor.

Ryan appreciated Southern Living’s kind words and recognition, but he also had one big surprising suggestion:

“Always appreciate The Garage getting recognized for being a great spot for a beer and a sandwich, but in this instance we reject it! The greatest dive bar in the south is 100 yards down the street from us…The Nick!”

Located on the corner of 26th Street and 10th Avenue South, a stone’s throw from Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital and Underwood Park, The Nick has been a destination for up-and-coming bands and many late nights and early mornings.

A frequent customer along with the rest of The Garage staff, Ryan added,

“(The Nick has) been there forever, cheap booze, dimly lit, graffiti everywhere, great crew working the bar and an ‘interesting’ collection of folk drinking at the bar, all kinds of bands playing every night.

But my favorite thing about the place is finding yourself leaving and not realizing it’s morning until you walk out the door and the sunlight hits you! It’s hands down the best dive bar I know of.”

Sounds like a genuine dive bar too.

What do you think Birmingham? Did Southern Living get it right? Which one is the best dive bar: The Garage, with its beer garden and patio, or The Nick’s edgy music and late night/morning?