Every kid loves to play—but why does it have to stop when you become a “grownup”? Some of my favorite memories as a kid involved games, whether it was playing the Wii or competing against my siblings (and dad) in yard games, four square, or Uno. Good news! I’ve found a solution. Fairway Social just opened downtown (114 13th St. S., Birmingham) and it combines all the best elements into one: competitive games on simulators, social time with friends, and delicious food and drinks. Now us “adults” can play too.
You can rent a bay—the area with the simulator—and pay by the hour (or half hour!). While you can totally walk up, the bays are popping these days, especially on the weekend, so I’d suggest making a reservation. The price of the bays varies by day and hour, ranging from $25–45, but the bays can hold up to eight people, so the more people you invite, the cheaper it gets. (Girl math?) There are dozens of fabulous games to play, from sports like golf and soccer to carnival games and zombie dodgeball—regardless of your age or skill level, there’s something there for you. (For example, I am not a golf girl, so I never even touched a golf game… but I still had a fantastic time playing darts, skeeball, tic tac toe, balloon darts, zombie dodgeball, and more.)
Of course, I also spent my fair share of time at the table located behind the playing area, where the food was laid out, waiting for me to nibble. Personally, I’m down for splitting several appetizers, but they do offer a full-course menu with flatbread pizzas, burgers, salads, and more. Regardless, you must try the fried brussel sprouts—they come topped with bacon jam (yummmmm!). I’d also recommend the parmesan truffle fries or the chips, salsa & queso. If you get thirsty, Fairway Social has an entire drink menu with fun signature cocktails, canned and bottled drinks, and wines.
When you’re finished with your hour (or three) of fun at your bay, the fun has only begun. Speakeasy timeeeee! Head back over to the hostess booth (you know, where you go when you first walk in) and ask about The Lodge. The host will write down the code on a scorecard and then you can head to the corner of the room decorated as a golf locker room… Or is it? Plot twist! (And spoiler alert!) You’ll punch in the secret code and presto! The wall will open, revealing a dark-lit, swanky speakeasy called The Lodge.
The Lodge shares the same menu as Fairway Social, with a few specialty drinks of their own, such as their cold brew take on the espresso martini. And did I mention the desserts?! The brownie sundae is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with creamy ice cream atop a fudgy brownie. Big fan.
If you time it right, you may even get to listen to live music from the stage set up at the front of the speakeasy. (Though, personally, I loved their fun, upbeat music playlist! It’s what I call “rollerskating rink” music. If you know, you know.) You can even play upscale bowling while you wait for your food. I spent hours in there and could’ve spent more.
When you’re ready to leave, you can head out the back door, which leads to a beautiful patio and small lawn where you can play yard games like cornhole. (It also leads to the other stores part of the Urban Supply development.) Fairway Social is kid-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids for a fun weekend activity! (Especially on a rainy or too-hot kind of day!) The Lodge is 21+, so feel free to use that as your excuse to get a babysitter and hit the town. However you choose to go, you won’t want to miss out on all that is happening at Fairway Social. Come hungry, ready to play, and excited to have some fun. See you there!
