Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
INSIDE LOOK: Birmingham’s newest speakeasy, Pogo Cocktail Bar, opens Nov. 22
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by Ben Pierce
Pogo Cocktail Bar, an era-spanning speakeasy tucked under 1st Avenue North’s Armour House brasserie, opens for business on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know.
Pogo Cocktail Bar opening on Friday, Nov. 22
Partners Rollins Montgomery and Chris Reebals are opening Pogo as a separate but complementing entity to their recently opened Armour House.
“With Pogo, we hope to provide a new and enhanced experience to the area, where classic cocktails and modern technic mix in a unique atmosphere.
We look forward to welcoming guests on November 22 to see another facet of Armour House that complements its sophisticated vibe and exceptional service.”
Rollins Montgomery
- Location: 2309 1st Ave. N, Suite 201, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4:30PM-Midnight | Friday-Saturday 4:30PM-1:30AM
The Door at Pogo
Access to Pogo is through Armour House, hidden away in its near predecessor.
The running brick pattern of Pogo’s entrance draws you in—with an arched white brick hall with distressed paint.
It appears there’s a pogo stick leaning against the wall, but a bit of attention reveals the outline of a “running brick” door and mounts holding the pogo stick fast, making a door handle.
Why a Pogo stick?
Armour & Company meatpacking once occupied the space. When clearing its former basement you might not know what to expect to find, but toys would be pretty far down on the list.
Surprisingly, among the left-behinds, nestled in the shadow of the past, was a pogo stick; gently used but colorful with green and coral accents.
Clever people don’t ignore serendipities. A bar was named.
Through the door
You’re beneath the world and hidden away in a pocket but the conspiratorial sense has room to mingle.
To the left of the entrance are four spacious booths, access arched and curtained for privacy. Large high tops run in a row towards the back.
As you turn to the right, couches and cushioned chairs afford clique close seating in areas and court holding expanses in others.
The bar is of beautiful, polished wood inlaid with metallic flows.
Get a drink from the Bartender of the Year
In 2022, Carla Irene was named Bartender of the Year by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association. Now she’s Pogo’s Spirits Director and Bar Manager.
Traditionally cocktails have evocative or distinctive names: Manhattan, Harvey Wall-Banger, Cosmopolitan. You can try all of these and more prepared by Pogo’s well-trained and experienced staff.
But speakeasies are about discretion, so Irene tells me that their bespoke concoctions will be listed on a drinks menu full of details and descriptions – enticing splashes of this with that in a way you may not have thought of, etc – but instead of names, the house cocktails will be numbered; a bit of anonymity in the spirit of things (I deserve a great deal of credit for the pun.)
What About Wine?
Of course, there will be wine. The list sounds to be a bit of a playground. The focus will be on “non-traditional” varieties, grapes we may not see often, and esoteric blends.
If you’re in the mood for a crisp white, your server or bartender might suggest a glass of aromatic wines from Greece and structured wines from Israel, instead of a pinot grigio.
Irene caught me with her description of a particular planned offering. Along with a glass of sparkling, as a side, they’ll offer “caviar,” solid rounds made from liquor via the dark arts of molecular gastronomy. She says they plan on offering a choice of caviars made with either Chambord or St.Germain liqueur. I like the idea of a Kir Royale that pops in your mouth.
What Else?
Pogo will offer live jazz on the weekends with regional talent. When you see the place, I think you’ll agree that’s a good idea. Dimmed lights and broken chords seem pat with the décor.
I can’t get the rounded approach out of my head. It’s a very cool door.
Excited about downtown Birmingham’s newest speakeasy? Tell us what think on social media by tagging us at @bhamnow
