Quirky Alabama cocktail bar named one of the best bars in America

A whimsical Birmingham staple is officially capturing national attention. A local bar known for its eccentric charm and vibrant social atmosphere has been named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire magazine.

A Birmingham Original

Located at 2205 Second Avenue North, The House of Found Objects has been a hub for locals and visitors alike since it first opened in 2022. The space is the brainchild of award-winning bartender Feizal Valli, who previously helped lead The Atomic Bar & Lounge to prominence before its closure in 2021.

More Than Just Drinks

Esquire contributor Beth Ann Fennelly describes the venue as a mix of "seventies retro" and "futuristic fun house." The bar is designed to be interactive, featuring unique highlights such as an Elvis Table stocked with jumpsuits, a poetry corner equipped with a manual typewriter, and a photo booth that projects guest snapshots directly onto a screen behind the bar.

The sense of community is the true draw. Guests might find themselves at the Sesame Street table donning a Cookie Monster costume to share snacks, or ordering a signature drink named after a regular. As noted by Esquire, while the venue is packed with quirky decor, "the true found object is community."

Planning Your Visit

The House of Found Objects joins a prestigious list of national hotspots, including bars like Papercut in Austin, Cody’s Public House in Chicago, and Bar Tonique in New Orleans.

You can drop by to experience the magic Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., or during weekend hours from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. To see the full list of recognized establishments, check out Esquire’s complete ranking.