Avondale is Birmingham's most interesting neighborhood for an evening out. The area east of downtown has concentrated a cluster of craft breweries, independent restaurants, and music venues along 3rd Avenue South. Avondale Brewing Company, the anchor of the neighborhood, hosts outdoor concerts and has a large beer garden that fills on weekends. The surrounding blocks have built up a supporting cast of good bars and casual restaurants.
The neighborhood is named for Avondale Park, a pleasant Victorian-era park with a spring-fed lake that bookends the commercial strip. Worth exploring on foot during the day, but it comes to life after 6pm. A 15-minute drive or Uber from downtown or Five Points South.