4 openings (+ 1 closing) in Birmingham this week, including a new ramen spot near UAB

It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town.

From a new cocktail bar in Hoover to an exciting Japanese fusion restaurant, here are four businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, one local spot we’re saying farewell to.

Now Open

1. Otsuka Ramen | UAB

A new restaurant serving ramen, hibachi, sushi and more opened this week next to UAB—perfect for a quick bite, takeout or a night out with friends.

Otsuka Ramen has an extensive menu and a contemporary interior with a sushi bar and booths. While it’s known for ramen, the menu features specialties like yakisoba, fried rice and poke.

• Location: 707 Richard Arringotn Jr. Blvd. S., Suite 101
• Otsuka Ramen: 205-593-4287 | Website
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM | Sunday 12PM-8PM

2. Sticks N’ Stones | Hoover

Residents in Hoover’s Knox Square community no longer have to travel far for a top-notch, elevated cocktail experience. Over the weekend, Hoover residents Trice Green and Lynnie Harrison-Green officially opened the new Sticks N’ Stones cocktail bar across from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.

To help develop Sticks N’ Stones bar program, the Greens collaborated with Jesus Mendez, an experienced local restaurateur and entrepreneur involved in Salud Taqueria, Adiõs, Unos Tacos, The Louis Bar and more in Birmingham.

In addition to beverages, Sticks N’ Stones offers a small but mighty food menu crafted by Chef Ché Gaines, who recently left his position as Culinary Director of Bocca Ristorante and Bistro 218 for Sticks N’ Stones.

• Location: 5852 Elsie Rd, Hoover, Alabama 35244
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-9PM | Friday-Saturday 4-10PM
• Sticks N’ Stones: 205.304.1230 | Website | Instagram

Coming Soon

3. Johin’na | 2nd Ave N

Starting Friday, Aug. 1, downtown Birmingham will welcome a unique newcomer to the culinary scene. 

Johin’na offers an upscale Asian-cuisine dining option that embraces the culture of the South. The restaurant offers sleek, modern vibes in addition to its mouth-watering menu featuring unique fusion items like collard green gyoza with sweet tea soy sauce.

• Location: 2002 2nd Ave. N.
• Lunch hours: Tuesday—Sunday: 11AM-1PM (Brunch served on Sundays)
• Dinner hours: Tuesday—Thursday 5PM-10PM | Friday—Saturday 5-11PM
• Johin’na: 205-202-3409 | Website | Instagram | Facebook

4. Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar | Hoover

Hoover, get ready to tee up! Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar is coming your way this August. Locally owned and operated, Tap Ins will offer entertainment for all ages with its high-energy sports bar vibe and sleek, upscale feel. 

Expect games like Duckpin bowling and shuffleboard, plus a 360° full-service bar featuring a craft cocktail menu, beer, wine and seasonal specials.

• Location: 5844 Elsie Rd Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: 
  • Monday-Thursday 10AM-11PM
  • Friday-Saturday 10AM-Midnight
  • Sunday 10AM-11AM
• Facebook | Instagram | Website

Closed

5. Village Sportswear | Mountain Brook Village

Longtime Mountain Brook retailer Village Sportswear closed in early July.

According to a message on the family-owned business’s answering machine, the owners have retired:

“Today’s the day. Stop by and say goodbye. We will be in the store all day to remind everyone how thankful we are to have been a part of this wonderful Village and community. Good things to come. Just hold on.”

Village Sportswear via Instagram

Located at 2421 Montevallo Rd. Mountain Brook AL 35223 in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, the women’s clothing store was known for beautiful designer collections of dresses, skirts and suits.

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