Dining/Bars

There’s no doubt about it, Birmingham is growing in the social scene. Checking out all of the new restaurants and bars around the city is cool and sticking with what you know and love never gets old. Next time you need a pre-study meal or you’re looking to celebrate (or forget) about the chemistry test with some drinks check out one of these great spots, both new and old!

Best Restaurants:

Highlands Bar & Grill

Bottega Restaurant

El Barrio

MELT

Saw’s Soul Kitchen

Best Bars:

Paramount Bar

The J Clyde

The Collins Bar

Avondale Brewing Company

Carrigan's Public House

Outdoor/Recreation

On the UAB campus, students enjoy relaxing on The Green, a lawn in the middle of the university that students can use to play ultimate frisbee, soccer, football, or just to set up a hammock and relax outside. The campus rec center is a great place to work out and perform recreational activities. With an indoor track, swimming pool, rock climbing wall, weight room, gaming room, and its numerous courts such as basketball, soccer and racquetball courts students can enjoy all that it offers.

Head off-campus and can enjoy numerous outdoor activities around the city. Birmingham has a bike rental program called Zip. Rent a bike and adventure around the city. Ride over to one of the many parks like Red Mountain to hit the trails or over to Kelly Ingram Park and download the walking tour and take that. Make sure to make time to stop by Vulcan Park, this is one of the biggest if not the biggest tourist attraction in Alabama. It’s a public park that houses an enormous cast iron statue from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

Things to do

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama so you can bet there are plenty of things for UAB students to do! On campus, students get highly involved in campus activities, from joining one of the hundreds on of clubs, intramural sports, hanging out on The Green, or cheering for your Blazers basketball team at the Bartow Arena everyone finds a way to do something that they enjoy.

The UAB campus is in a central location giving students easy access to all that Birmingham has to offer. The city is filled with museums to check out and many even offer student discounts. The Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum, Civil Rights Institute, McWane Science Center, and Birmingham Art Museum are just a few to name. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens or the Birmingham Zoo are both two great places to spend a leisurely, relaxing day. On the other hand, those looking for something more upbeat try one of the many concert venues like the Iron City. Trying to get away from the city? Head to Red Mountain Park for a hike and some peaceful r&r.

Highlights include:

Attending a Blazer’s game
Visiting one of several Birmingham museums
Spending the day at the Birmingham Zoo
Hiking at Red Mountain Park