The Garage

I've been to The Garage countless times over the last few decades. It still feels like the place it has been since the beginning. It's an unpretentious, unique, comfortable place with a dark divey interior and the best patio in Birmingham. There are lots of odd things to see out there and a beautiful, peaceful wisteria canopy. You'll find lots of cozy private spots for a date or large tables for a group. The cocktails are super solid and reasonably priced. There's a decent beer selection too. All that's enough to keep me coming back, but then there are the sandwiches, which are over the top! This time we split the Fritz, my go-to when I am starved and don't want to bother thinking about what to order. It's massive and packed with you know, everything. Order it and prepare to feast. The Garage is a BHM icon and I cannot recommend it strongly enough.

A very unique atmosphere that serves great sandwiches and has a good selection of beer. When I say unique, I mean unique. A former antique odds and ends business turned into a sandwich and beverage business. You are surrounded by the unique antiques when you sit outside.

Eclectic place. Popular locally. Sandwiches and beer are the specialty. Sandwich and chips were basic. Reuben was good. Not enormous. Lots of beer variety. Patio setting with alot of old stuff. Very enjoyable in a nice day

Best best sandwiches and ambience in Birmingham They have magnolia trees in the courtyard along with Wisteria. If you catch it at the right time of the year it is absolutely stunning but it's always really wonderful to sit outside. The local beers are really fun to try, but the food is why we come. Awesome sandwiches. Definitely one of our "must bring visitors to" places in Birmingham

A gem on the rough. First time there. I liked everything about it. It's hard to explain their eclectic atmosphere, but I thought it was really cool. My sandwich was really good and the wait wasn't that long. Be prepared to walk, though. Residential area. Parking is tight. I'll be back!

The Garage was the first place my Hubby brought me when we first started dating. It was once where the affluent of the Highlands had their automobiles kept and now the garage bays house a wealth of interesting antiques etc. GQ once named it one of the top 10 coolest bars in the world. It's still tops to us. Good drinks, eclectic folks, and yummy sandwiches makes for a great venue! Check it out!

Solid “hole in the wall” type location with a great back patio and awesome sandwiches. Got “The Fritz” which is basically just everything they have on a sandwich.

This was an incredible lunch experience. The hot sandwiches we got tasted amazing, and the level of customization was very much appreciated. Just as a heads up, the location was absolutely packed when we ate there on a Saturday around 1pm. The restaurant is also cash only, but there is an ATM in the restaurant.

Great food, cold beer, fantastic service, and the best atmosphere! This is our go-to when we have friends and family visiting from out of town.

Great sandwiches, wonderful staff, talkative regulars, and plenty of beer! Great atmosphere! It doesn't take long to feel like you're one of the regulars at The Garage!

It was a cold January night, and my husband and I were looking for a new place to go because we had been stuck in the house all day. The Garage isn't a new place. We used to go in in the 80s, but we forgot about it once we had kids. Anyway, we were looking on Yelp, and when we saw it again after, we decided we had to go. It is the same divey, casual, fun, neighborhood hangout that it used to be. We loved the 80s music that they were playing, and luckily, we're able to get a table. My husband kept smelling the soup, so we had to try it, and we were so glad we did. It was a southwestern soup with Conecuh sausage. My favorite was dipping the crackers and scooping up the beans and sausage, and there was a lot of sausage. It was delicious. They have some inside seating and a fire pit outside. I want to visit in the spring and see the Wisteria in bloom. There were a lot of vines.

Lived in downtown for 10+ years and can't believe I waited so long to come to the garage/let alone write a review for them. Partially, I think I used to never carry cash on me, but that is no longer a problem. Come to The Garage for a casual drink and amazing sandwhiches. Everyone here is so kind and welcoming and I think the outdoor space is great in the summer. My favorite snack is their pretzels with their signature mustard. All of their drinks are chilled so you always have a cool beverage to sip on. Stop by and support The Garage!

DON'T RUBEN A GOOD THING! Since I work in the food industry, my coworkers always talk about hidden gems that they adore in town. I'm always so shocked when I haven't heard about places before, but am always up for checking out something new. The Garage has been mentioned Tok many times to count so I knew I just had to try it. Located in the outskirts of Highland Park stands The Garage. It is a little difficult to find if you haven't been before. We were walking around looking, but not really knowing what to look for if you know what I mean. Finally we asked a few passer byers and they gave us the perfect directions. When you first arrive, this place looks a bit run down, but fear not, because it is an amazing hole in the wall. I tried to look the menu up online, but couldn't find much. But after reading several reviews I knew what to order. How the menu is set up you can either build your own sandwich or order any type of sandwich and they will make it for you. These folk are sandwich wizards. Courtney ordered a Ruben as he has been on a mission to find the best Ruben in Birmingham. Thus far the top contender has been McAlisters, but there has got to be a local spot too that makes a fabulous Ruben. He did say that this Ruben at The Garage comes in at a solid second. I on the other hand, ordered the club sandwich. I'm not all about finding the best of the best, but nothing is better then a good old fashioned club sandwich. We sat out on the patio. This patio area was amazing it is just like you are sitting in so,e one's back yard. They have multiple tables and adorable chairs. The decor is vintage items, but gives a very relaxed and calming vibe. I will definitely be back. The food is great, people are sweet and take care of each customer who comes in. Though it was a little difficult to find, at the end of the day I a, so happy we have a good old fashioned sandwich shop in Birmingham.

This is one of my favorite spots for a quick nutritious and delicious bite. The sandwiches are so phenomenal you'd think grandma made them. The soup is always yummy, I always get it. I never care what it is. The garage is consistent. Perfect place for patio refreshments.

Ok. How do you give a five star rating to a sandwich place...? I dunno. But let me tell you that this is a pretty cool place. Have been there before for a to go order. This time was still light out and we dined in. We went out back and it is pretty eclectic. (At time of this review there are more pictures of the outside than of the food). Let me say that if I'm there just having a beer outside it's getting a five star. The sandwiches are just a plus. We had the BLT and a roast beef. Plenty of choices for many combinations on the menu. Was very pleased to find out they took credit cards. Previous reviews says cash only.

This place had been on my radar for a while and I'm so glad I finally stopped by! I love the rustic, homey, back yard type feel. It makes the space feel uniquely authentic. I heard a cheerful, "Hey!", "Hi!", and "Hello" from their staff rhe moment I walked in and a lot of the guests seemed like comfy friends and regulars. I didn't have time to dine in, so I ordered to go from the bar and it was an easy process. They're a small, but mighty team and were working through their long line of orders as swiftly as they could; so grab a drink and settle in a bit while you wait, it's worth it. I thought I was keeping it simple by order a ham & turkey sandwich with pepper jack cheese and pepperonis, but the sandwich was SO good, I've gotta go back and explore more. The bread was perfect toasted and the proteins were soft but thick. The lettuce and peppers were nice and crunchy, everything just blended together so well. I'm really looking forward to going back with a friend when I have more time to enjoy because I've heard their patio is also pretty epi

You are evergreen, Garage. I love you so much. Employees always SO KIND, and service is always quick. I came in last week and sat inside because it was raining, parked by the window looking out back and thought to myself, maybe...I should never leave. The lull of the rain and the noise from inside was very peaceful. And of course serving the best sandwiches ever helps. I think this is my favorite place. Ever... thank you for your consistency. I have a lot of vegetarian/vegan friends so I started testing out options around bham and a plain ole veggie sandwich from the garage is my #1 option for that

The sandwiches here are great, depending on how hungry you are you can easily share a sandwich. They offer indoor and outdoor seating-and are cash only. Drinks are ordered at the front bar, and sandwiches are ordered at the counter just before you exit to the patio. They will bring your sandwich to you after it is made, so our service was great. It's a build your own style sandwich and they are good on their portion sizes. Drinks are also a wide selection, lots of beer to select from-some liquor with standard soda options if needed. They also had a water color with cups towards the back. The ambiance reminds me of a garage sale meets an estate sale-lots of neat things to look at everywhere and mismatch seating. The only downside of this place like any other downtown is the parking, and the cash only operation.

The wait was unbelievable--45 minutes for a sandwich that couldn't have taken more than 5 to make. The sandwich itself wasn't bad but no better than something most folks could make at home. They say that they prefer cash but when I offered cash instead of a card the lady taking my order looked at me with so much confusion and disgust you'd think I was offering her a fistful of maggots. An upside is that the ambiance is excellent on a nice day, and the concept of a sandwich shop inside of a bar is neat.

Fun dive bar with amazing sandwiches and a full bar. The outside is a super fun area with lots of historical objects behind the glass. Truly lives up to their name. Service is different from most dive bars. One line for drinks (full bar with a good beer selection) and one line for sandwiches. You can't go wrong with their steamed sandwiches. I always get the pastrami Reuben and it's delicious. They also have vegetarian options as well. So there is something for everyone here!

Good food and interesting decor... be adventurous ... the service was excellent. My daughter and I love this place.

Cool dive bar & kitchen in the back. This place is popular by locals & tourist as well as we found this place on Yelp. If you are judging this place by looks only you might think should I go in, but do. The food ordering system is line up and place/pay for your order and find a seat. They will bring the food to you. The menu is basically sandwiches and the soup of the day. Food was delicious! We had a veggie sandwich and was fresh & filling. They have tables inside and patio seating outside. Great lively bar too!! A must checkout. Street Parking is limited but someone is always leaving

We drove from Atlanta to Birmingham to attend a concert. We wanted to grab something light for lunch. We stumbled across this neighborhood GEM! The Garage. What can I say...The service, the food, the atmosphere, and the music was fantastic! If I'm ever back in Birmingham, I will definitely be back to the Garage

The Garage is a long time local favorite. Even through a recent ownership change, time seems to stand still here. Formed from an old 1930's era covered garage, the courtyard ambience is uniquely scattered with stone statues and creeping wisteria. It makes for a perfect place to enjoy lunch outside on a beautiful day. The sandwiches are custom made to your liking from a menu including different breads, cheeses, condiments and toppings, and meats. My go-to order is the pastrami on a hoagie with an ever evolving selection of toppings in an effort to create the perfect garage sandwich. Sometimes I ponder if I will ever find the perfect garage sandwich as they are all so delicious, but then I remember that it is about the journey and not the destination. The staff is friendly and the bartenders knowledge of beer is extensive. They only take cash, but there is an ATM in the back, and personally I feel like that adds to the nearly century old aesthetic. 5/5 in my book.

Cool place. It's cash only, so come prepared. They have an ATM inside. Medium good drinks!

Good, Service, Ambiance All three are excellent at The Garage. Very cool place to have a beer or drink and a delicious sandwich

I love the Garage! The sandwiches are amazing and the drink selection is large. There out door area is relaxing and inviting. The best way to get the best price is to bring cash. The staff is very friendly, welcoming and ready to help.

Talk about a great dive bar. I love this spot! Don't forget to bring cash. Enjoy a great sandwich outside in their eclectic back patio.

This is such a cool spot to grab a sandwich and a drink. The courtyard seating area is so beautiful and there is so much that catches the eye.

A solid go-to sandwich place when you're just looking for something chill and a great outdoor space. The air quality isn't great indoors - quite smoky, but they have a large patio with tables outside. There are two lines, one to order food and one for drinks. Pay on your way out. They now accept credit cards, but there's a 4% discount if you pay cash.

It's a great dive/joint of a place. Nothing pretentious. Sandwiches and drinks. An incredible patio that is a wonderful rambling, shambling thing. Highly recommend for a slow lunch on a sunny day.

Love Love Love this place when the weather is appropriate to sit outside. The food is amazing!!! Service has always been more than helpful.

Amazing sandos and vibe loved it. Second time in Birmingham love these hidden jewels!

Great little spot we discovered . Bring CASH, it's a cash only business. We came for the sandwiches and they did not disappointment. The soup that day was amazing , sausage and white bean. Sandwiches are $9 and come with chips. Overall great spot with friendly people , mainly locals .

Solid sandwiches. Solid staff. Solid ambiance. If I could give this establishment 6 stars, I would.

Just a fun place to hang out and have a bite and a drink. Funky atmosphere, casual hangout.

What a neat place, we came here for lunch as it was close to one of our offices. We got there right at 11 when they opened. When we walked in the bartender asked if we had been there before. We replied this is our first. The next words out of his mouth was "we only take cash" ... well I for one never carry cash, so he quickly said well we have an atm in the back. Which this is pretty smart on their side as they do not have to pay the credit/debit card charges the customer does. We ordered at the kitchen area and it is a custom sandwich. I got the smoked turkey hot. It came out about 10 minutes later. I have to admit it was a really good sandwich. They do serve these on top of regular chips. All in all this is a good little place for lunch, so if you are in the area this would be a good spot for lunch.

Came here at the recommendation of someone who started several Birmingham area restaurants. I asked, "what's the best restaurant in Birmingham that no one has ever heard of?" This was his answer, and after coming here, it's my answer too. I ordered the Fritz, which had everything in it. This was a beautifully crafted sandwich that included turkey and corned beef amongst jalapenos, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Even though it had so many ingredients, the sandwich still had an identity. The soup was also very good. It was a white bean soup with Conecuh sausage and some greens. It had a great homemade character and taste, which is ideal at every restaurant. Unique atmosphere that really embodies its name - it doesn't get any more hole-in-the-wall than this. Seating is limited, and it's cash only. 5 stars because of the quality of food and unique atmosphere.

Dope sandwiches with quality meats. Laid back/comfortable atmosphere. Cooks were stellar. Would come back!

Delish! The inside is kinda small but they have a really nice patio area outside and their sandwiches are so yummy! Make sure you bring cash though because they don't take anything else!

Very rude! Not a family establishment and they let it be known! We were turned away because we had 2 kids with us. Although, kids are allowed until 6pm, the guy made it very known that we weren't welcomed, rolled his eyes and walked away!

These are the best handcrafted sandwiches in the metro area. Once you get past the cash-only part of the visit you'll be amazed at the awesome meal you're about to receive. The ambience is less garage oriented and more like a garage sale. Junk everywhere that makes the charm of this place that much more. BRING CASH WITH YOU. Other than that, enjoy!

This is one of my favorite places in Birmingham to grab a beer and sit out on the patio. Everyone is always nice and the food is yummy. It's an all cash bar, but they have an ATM in the back

My favorite bar in bham!!! The food is great and I adore the patio, especially when the wisteria is in bloom!

Great staff, great seating chart, and cheap drinks :) Is one of my favorite bars in Birmingham just for how relax it is and their food is actually above average too!

Absolutely the best sandwiches in Birmingham and drinks at a great price. Service is outstanding, they have an absolute solid staff that cares about their customers and always take care of us. It is certainly not flashy but definitely feels like home.

Our first time here and initially were excited to try something new. The staff did not appear too interested in our visit to their restaurant. Definitely a local bar. Sandwiches are meh and staff is lacking personality. Sandwich came with a hair in it. Soup was not desirable. Don't come with the family. If you want a bar with a young alternative hippie vibe you may love it. Don't go there if you are hungry.

I have been here several times for what. Some in bag. Even the tuna play is large and very tasty. I always sit out in the courtyard when the weather is nice because the bar area is very dark and gloomy. The men's bathroom could use an upgrade. The way you order and then pay later is confusing in today's economy, but the meal and atmosphere are worth it.

The best sandwich I've ever had. The one downside is that parking isn't easy. When we go, we usually take an early lunch. It's definitely worth it though. I'm really glad they're now taking debit cards.

I'm actually pretty darn speechless about this place. It was quite the adventure trying to locate but gosh darn it, WE FOUND IT! It definitely owns up to being considered a "Hidden Gem" in Birmingham. I've been hearing about this place for quite awhile and I am elated that I finally got to try it with two of my friends from work! Coming from someone who tends to not lean towards sandwiches, this place made me a believer! These sandwiches are absolutely handcrafted to perfection! Specifically, the smoked turkey on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, spicy mustard, pepper jack cheese, oil and vinegar, black olives and salt & pepper was delicious! So many toppings and meat made this an excellent lunch PLUS chips and a pickle all in a basket for $8.25. Cash Only. You have been warned but they have an ATM on site. Indoor, bar seating is available. We opted to sit in the courtyard area and it was such a pretty day! You will be surrounded by garage type decor/ treasure. Much to look at but it doesn't interfere with enjoying the atmosphere and the food! If you've heard about this place and you are reading this review, you MUST try it!

Classic definition of a hole in the wall cafe / bar with an eclectic and expansive outside patio. The garage cafe is a bar in highlands that has replaced what appears to be an old-timely auto garage that had since fallen into disuse and overgrown with vegetation and antiques. The owners of the garage cafe have done an exceptional job turning this place into a working bar and small deli, using the outside patio and leftover antiques / decor to their advantage. A couple of things to note before going here: they only take cash, and they really only offer made-to-order sandwiches (ie pick your bread, cheese, meat, etc...). Cost is about $8-9 across the board. The beer selection is mostly, or entirely (?), canned and bottled beer, but they do have a pretty varied and decent selection of local, domestic and international beers. I recommend anyone check this place out, grab a beer and a sandwich and hang out on the patio. Very fun and very unique.

Great little casual watering hole that also serves food. I came for a late night drink and to my surprise they served Sour beers. That's always a plus for me. The bar is cash only but the is an ATM. There is an outside courtyard that seemed like it would be perfect in warmer weather. I mean who wouldn't want to enjoy a drink, food, and nice weather. It gives the feel of a dive bar. But is a great hang out spot for friends or even a couple wanting to do something different. It's not romantic so don't go expecting at 5 star date, lol. The dim lighting does help though. I definitely plan to return.

i totally did not know i was walking into a bar for a sandwich, but what a fun atmosphere! i got a half club sandwich, a cup of soup, and some chips all for $10, and they have plenty of alcoholic beverage options too. im highly impressed by the mean sandwich they made me and will certainly be back when visiting birmingham!

I found this place on Yelp! and wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. It was kind of tricky to find, and we almost gave up, but I'm so glad we didn't. We arrived in the late afternoon on a Sunday; a bit empty, but still so awesome. I ordered a turkey on wheat, which came with chips and a pickle - so good. It is a very chill spot, but the best part is the courtyard out back! Keep in mind, parking is limited and it is cash only.

Unique experience. Good food. They keep it simple but it's always satisfying. Great spot for lunch, especially on a pretty day. A Birmingham classic.

A few years ago we drove in circles looking for this place. Today we noticed there's one funky little turn to get into the right street. Wow. So glad we tried again. Awesome atmosphere, fantastic sandwiches, great bar. Sat outside under the wisteria and even though it's hot outside , the shade and surroundings made it cool. Really, really neat place . Awesome music playing, quick service on food. Definitely coming back the next time I'm in Birmingham. Can't recommend this place enough.

One of Birmingham's hidden gems! Driving past this place on the street, you wouldn't think it was a cool bar or café. You pretty much have to know the locals to even find out about The Garage. When you pull up, the outside looks like an outdoor patio furniture store. It's common to see concrete pots, sculptures and wrought iron items laid out everywhere. Parking is on the street and at times can be pretty tricks. I'd recommend taking an Uber/Lyft/cab if possible. Remember to bring CASH ONLY. They do have an ATM inside just in case you forget, or like the rest of America, only have a card on hand. Seating is limited on the inside but there's a massive back porch which is perfect for our recent fall nights. This was my second visit and both times were laid back and fun. A small group of friends and I decided to go after dinner Friday night. It was nice because we could easily find a spot for all of us to fit and talk without screaming. There was background music, which was also appreciated and helped the ambiance. I've never had their sandwiches before but I hear they are out of this world. My friend absolutely raves about their grilled cheese. She said you can also take it to-go. I'm excited and eager to try them out at lunchtime sometime soon. If you're wanting a laid back local bar, take your friends to The Garage!

OMG, the best customized to order Sandwiches in Birmingham. This place took us some time to find and eventually found it, hence the label "Hidden Gem" in Birmingham. There was so much hype about the place, that my friends and I decided to go. Since we went during lunch hour we weren't able to order from the bar (oh well), but the bartender was so nice and helpful. He let us know where we needed to order for the lunch menu. At first, I thought I was going to order from a list of signature sandwiches, but it's more of built your own sandwich (BYOS). I had a heated turkey meat with pepper jack cheese on wheat bread with most of the condiments from the topping list. I did not expect for a sandwich to be so freaking delicious, and I have had my share of sandwiches. I received chips and a pickle with my order for the low price of $8.25.. (what a great deal) Also, this place only takes cash, so make sure you have cash, if not they do have an ATM on site. This is the ideal place to get you sandwich fix on with a nice drink to wash it down with. I will be back!!!