Our Favorite Places: Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar

In these tough times, there’s never been a better time to support Birmingham's incredible local bar scene. We look forward to when they’ll be back at full strength!

Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar

2015 1st Avenue North, Downtown

Hidden beneath Founder’s Station is a clandestine bar serving a full craft cocktail menu specializing in agave spirits. The entrance is not visible from 1st Ave N, instead, you walk around the corner to find the door under a neon ¶ in a small alley between Founder’s Station and The Essential. Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar is named for the typographical character used to indicate a new paragraph or section of text, inspired by the printing press company originally located in the historic building.

Your Name:
‍Joe Phelps, Owner

What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
‍We want the bar to be an escape. Since the bar is located in a basement, we like to say it's "shelter from the storm." You can interpret that literally or figuratively. I think the space is very unique to Birmingham and it's fun to hear people's reactions after they come down the stairs. Everywhere you look you should notice something fun to look at whether that be a piece of neon art from a local artist, years of melted candle wax or a funny little detail we snuck in. Also, this part of town is perfect for bar hopping. Every bar and restaurant has its own distinct character. Each stop promises a unique experience.

What’s something people don’t know about running a bar?
‍Y'all don't worry about that. Just enjoy the drinks ;)

What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
‍They come back again and again. We always love seeing familiar faces. The design of our bar allows patrons to easily socialize. We want to help foster community.

What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
‍We want you to know how happy we are to see you. Making you feel welcome beginning-to-end is what is most important to us. Additionally, we ensure you get the drink you came down craving, whether it's on the menu, a classic or something we make up on the spot to fit your tastes.

What’s your favorite drink?
‍It depends on the day. Sometimes I want to sip on good tequila, sometimes I want that bright blue frozen drink. Birmingham has some of the best bartenders in the South and I'll take whatever they are shaking or stirring.

@pilcrowcocktail's classic margarita made with key lime juice, agave nectar and blanco tequila.

What have you done differently to respond to the pandemic?
‍We've added curtains that create sections to break up our open floor plan that also provide some privacy, which people have appreciated. We've also purchased air purifiers and hired an expert to work on our air flow and HVAC. We're now table service only to avoid people standing around and bumping into each other. And, of course, we require masks to be worn when not seated.

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