Bottletree remembered: A look back at what bands and national press said about ... - AL.com
Although sister-and-brother owners Merrilee and Brad Challis were open about the financial challenges of business, Bottletree Cafe quickly became a cultural hub following its summer 2006 opening. Writers for national outlets sang its praises, and bands were quick to name it among their favorite venues in the country. Although Bottletree is slated to close after this weekend, in print and in memory, the lauded venue's legacy will live on. "One of the newest clubs to open is the Bottletree (3719 Third Ave. , 205-533-6288. $8-$12), which showcases rising as well as established Birmingham and national bands. -- Washington Post, July 23, 2006. "Used to be, if you lived in Birmingham, treks to Atlanta or Nashville were necessary sacrifices to see a good rock show. But Birmingham's Bottletree might be changing that. Granted, it's a bit young (both the bar and the clientele), but this place is already stealing thunder from every small music venue in the region. In just one week, Bottletree hosted Band of Horses, Rogue Wave, and one of the guys from Broken Social Scene. -- Esquire , Best Bars 2007. John: Okay, I'm gonna say the Bottle Tree in Birmingham, Alabama. That's maybe the best new venue. Pitchfork: I used to live in Birmingham, but I'm not sure the Bottle Tree was around then. Steve Patterson: I really like the Bottle Tree in Birmingham, Alabama. Source: www.al.com
