Urban Standard

“A gregarious crowd fills the outdoor patio and rooftop bar of this sprawling industrial space. The inventive cocktails incorporate curious ingredients—TY KU Coconut Sake, Icebox cold-brewed coffee, flamed orange (thankfully not all in one drink). Insider Tip: Carrigan’s elevated pub fare is deliciously capricious. Opt for the gussied-up corn dog topped with guajillo ketchup, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.”

“Inventive, sophisticated setting for modern Mexican cuisine & spirits amid bold art & rich woods.”

“Best curated book selection in town. Small shop with coffee and supposedly the best chocolate chip cookie in Alabama. ”

“Great place to read while enjoying their great coffee. In the heart of a street full of boutiques and other shopping. ”

“If you think the best pasta you’ll ever eat has to come from a fine-dining restaurant, think again. Opened in 2009, Trattoria Zaza (formerly Trattoria Centrale) has been a downtown breakfast and lunch staple for more than a decade. Trattoria slings slices of al taglio pizza and piles plates high with pasta. Daily special pastas keep things interesting. What to Order: Fettuccine with Garlic-Pecorino Cream, Porkalicious Pizza (Fridays), Tiramisu Hot Tip: Zaza does a daily pizza happy hour from 5 p.m.–6 p.m. that includes two slices, a salad, and a bottle or can of beer, all for $10.”