Billy’s Tavern has reopened in Lakeview; here’s what’s new

After a brief hiatus, longtime Lakeview dive Billy’s Tavern has reopened its doors. We met with new owner Jesse Thompson for a sneak peek and to see what’s new.

Billy’s Tavern: A Lakeview staple since 1982

Located at 2829 6th Ave S, Billy’s Tavern—or Billies Tavern, depending on which sign you’re looking at—is a cozy dive bar in Birmingham’s popular Lakeview Entertainment District. Founded by Billy English in 1982, Billy’s Tavern has become known for its casual atmosphere and the iconic, vibrant Coca-Cola Santa Claus mural.

After running his eponymous Lakeview dive for over four decades, Billy passed in early 2025. Luckily, the bar has a new owner: longtime bartender at Lou’s Pub Jesse Thompson.

Born and raised just a few blocks away from Billy’s Tavern, Thompson has lived in Birmingham nearly all his life. He got his start in the local bar scene in 2007 at the iconic Blue Monkey Lounge and recently wrapped up a nearly 12-year career at Lou’s Pub & Package Store.

“I grew up working at Sam’s Super Sandwiches in Homewood, and that’s where I got connected to the owner of this building. When Billy died, [the building owner] and I got together and worked out a way for me to run Billy’s Tavern.”

Jesse Thompson, Owner, Billy’s Tavern

What’s new at Billy’s Tavern?

When Billy’s Tavern opened in the 1980s, there was only one other bar on the street. Today, Lakeview has become one of Birmingham’s most popular entertainment districts, with bars like:

• Nana Funks
• Innisfree
• Lou’s Pub
• Denim on 7th
• Tin Roof
• SIDEBAR
• Moe’s Original BBQ
• The Refinery

Still, there’s something unique, charming and timeless about Billy’s Tavern.

“Billy’s is a no frills, old-school dive bar and it has a lot of character that you can’t just make up. In a way, every piece of decor is part of a living document going on 40+ years.

This isn’t your ‘immersive cocktail experience.’ My dream is just to have a nice bar where everyone is welcome to come in, hang out and be kind to each other.”

Jesse Thompson, Owner, Billy’s Tavern

Since getting the keys to the space in February, Thompson has spent his free time getting the bar into tip-top shape.

“[Billy] got into bad health at the end of the year, so the bar was in slight disrepair when I got it. The space itself is amazing; the building used to be a gas station, but it’s a lot bigger on the inside than it looks. I’ve made some changes, but I wanted to keep the same physical feel that Billy’s Tavern is known for.”

Jesse Thompson, Owner, Billy’s Tavern

The restoration has yielded several interesting historic finds. For example, Thompson stumbled upon the original 1982 bill of sale—handwritten on standard notebook paper—among old bills. Along the way, he’s made a handful of upgrades, including adding seating and new pool tables to a side room previously used as a “catch-all” storage space.

Billy’s Tavern is now open in Lakeview

After a six-month hiatus, Billy’s Tavern officially reopened its doors on Thursday, July 3.

• Billy’s Tavern: Instagram
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 2PM-12AM; Sunday, 2PM-9PM
• Address: 2829 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Have you visited the new Billy’s Tavern in Lakeview? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!