carrigan's public house

food is good, needs work. there was a group of 4 of us that went this past tues. we were all really excited to try out the food and check out the atmosphere of the place.there was no place to stand in line to put in your order or a waitress to help you out at a table. no place where menus were accessible to those who weren't being helped at the bar. everyone that came in before and after us were putting in drink and food orders. so, there was a bunch of people standing around, looking confused about who's in line next to order or they were looking for a menu.

we finally managed to get some menus and read through everything. we waited on one of the four bartenders to take our order for about 15 minutes. they were busy makingdrinksfor other customers as well as putting in food orders. oh, and the drink prices are pretty high as well. the poor bartenders looked stressed, tired, and overworked. we placed our order and everything came out well. the loaded fries and double burger were the best dishes at our table. they were worth the wait. i got the short rib sandwich, it wasn't worth the $13. wouldn't get it again. another diner got the felafel sandwich, he didn't finish it. maybe it was an acquired taste? he didn't seem impressed. i'm not going to lie, i love the look of the place. the rooftop dining and outside area are pleasing to the eye. the only reason i tipped over 20% was because i felt bad for the bartenders, not because i received excellent service. i really don't understand why there is a station to take orders at the end of the bar away from the alcohol if the owner won't bother to hire someone to actually use it.

i'll say it again, we were there on a tuesday. not a busy night for most businesses. there were tables available. it wasn't packed out. i can't even fathom what a weekend night is like. i don't feel like i need to go back.

good seating outside and on the top balcony with lights and a passing train. thedrinksare good, and bartenders are pretty quick. nice decor behind the bar!

such a nice atmosphere. we love going there for a drink and love love love the lights outside. it is right by the train and you can see it passing by. they serve bothdrinksand food. this place is a must try if you are out at night in birmingham.

for me, it depends on how you're thinking about this place when rating it. as a bar and a fun place to grabdrinkswith friends is give it a 5 for sure. when it comes to food it's just ok. attempt to elevate bar food but frankly a corn dog is a corn dog. the food is really good for what it is but this isn't a restaurant where you go simply for the food. it is a great bar with a bar(ish) menu.

the food was excellent. we had cold ramen, oxtail chili, fries, and humus plate. each item was delicious, healthy (except the fries cause that's impossible), and creatively done. the humus was sundried tomato; it was lemony and creamy, served with veggies, pita, olive tapenade, etc. the cold ramen was served with a large heap of smoked beef, kimchi, soft boiled eggs, etc. super. the chili was more like a stew with lots of tomato celery onion, wonderful flavor. it had a pile of shredded cheese in top, sliced fresh jalepeno, and garlic buttered toast. the fries came with 3 good mystery sauces, 2 creamy, 1 tomato based.
the service was weird. you order at the bar, which is fine, except that we were forced to fight to put an order in on a slow day. had to chase the bartender around the bar some, kinda awkward. they could probably use an order food here sign to separate thedrinksvs food orders.

jesus christ. here's the deal: if you want a highly crafted cocktail or a locally brewed beer this place is for you. the architecture, landscape and interior are off the charts good. however, it might be a bit tough to recognize these things through the cloud of smugness that you'll have to fight to actually get any booze into your body. from the very hip yet disinterested door guys to the very hip yet disinterested bartenders, there is a constant battle of having to prove that you're cool enough to drink there. granted, the bartenders are some of the most knowledgeable you're likely to find in birmingham (just ask them, they'll tell you). however, they will pour that knowledge onto you looking down their noses at the steepest of angles from atop their enormous, self-made pedestals. greatdrinksthough.

a little pricey but very tasty. the food here is actually really good for bar food (honestly even for a regular restaurant). thedrinksare good, though a little expensive. the bartenders are always friendly and eager to answer questions. the rooftop has an awesome seating area for a less noisy or crowded feeling.

awful service/overall poor experience. my wife and i went there for a drink and appetizer. we had to wait around while 4 employees were chatting in plain view. they could clearly see that we didn't know where to go, but they just kept talking in the back. we each got a drink. mine was good. my wife's drink was not. maybe it was what we ordered, but we have been to collins bar just down the way several times, and theredrinksare waaay better. then, we go up to the rooftop deck which seemed nice. that is until two trains sat in front of us squeaking away most of the time we were there. then, we got the run around from a rude staffer about where to close out her ticket. we will stick with the collins bar if we want a drink in that area from now on.

pre·ten·tious. very good drinks, terrible service, terrible food. we rode our bikes over, since its in the neighborhood and walked in to the cool new place. we ask if they were serving food yet, and said no. that was fine, we were there kind of early. we settled fordrinksand boiled peanuts. i ordered a whiskey rye, and the cashier proceeded to tell me that i was at the wrong register to orderdrinks(this was the food register) and this time he would let me (but they were not serving food and the register was open.... boggles my mind). the drink was amazing, so we sat and chatted for a while until it was time to order food. i originally the sliders and ten minutes later the cashier said we don't serve those for more hours. so i ended up with clt, which maybe also called a poor mans chicken sandwich. it was chicken skin fried until crunchy and served as a blt. it was too expensive for what it was. the entire time, it was like pulling teeth to get any service.

love. best corn dog ever! greatdrinksand atmosphere.

all things considered this place is off to a good start. was there on a friday evening and got lucky enough to snag seats at the bar. those that were not so lucky had to practice patience to get theirdrinksordered. bartenders stayed very busy but were not super attentive to customers. food was great!