Otey's Tavern — Restaurant in Mountain Brook

Otey's is a basic bar, trying to be a little bit more. They lack attention to detail. I knew I was in trouble when our server (the name Nicole was on the check) asked us about drinks, we asked for a Michelob ultra and an unsweet iced tea - she brought the beer, and within 60 seconds forgot what the second drink was. This was not a busy time of day, it was 5:30 p.m., and the restaurant was at about 50% of capacity. I ordered the cheeseburger with onion rings, and she put it in to the kitchen as a cheeseburger and fries. She asked how we'd like our burgers done - we both asked for medium, one came out rare and one came out well done. We're the kind of people who usually lean towards a five-star review for everything, servers and local businesses need as much promotion as possible. Unfortunately the whole experience was sub par, even waiting for about 15 minutes after our dishes were cleared by a busboy before we asked another waitress to help us get our check. Otey's feels like one of those places designed around their regulars. Outside, there was the smoking crew. Inside there were people who all seem to know each other. As this was only my second time to Otey's in the past year, I can only assume that our service level was worse because we're not regulars. It's unfortunate, but I do not see any...

Shout out to Alex that made my utterly disdainful evening a much better experience. One of the bar tenders wasn't exactly a shining beacon of customer service, especially for someone like me who's from out of town.

I didn't know that Hot = Buffalo, BBQ = BBQ, and Mild = BBQ (and definitely not mustard based as the lovely girl said). As she said that Mild was mustard based BBQ, she snarled and unceremoniously tossed the wings in the trash and defiantly asked if I would like something else.

Anyhow, when Alex brought my Buffalo wings, I apologized that I didn't know that Mild was BBQ and I felt bad for not knowing, especially being from out of town. What a joy he was and really did everything he could to make the situation better. He even comped my meal. So, yes, the next time I'm here in the middle of the week, I'll come by and see Alex. Oh, and the wings are pretty good and...

This is our first trip here. Once we arrived we were quickly seated in the middle of the room. I felt a little cramped and in the way. It was a very busy afternoon so there were lots of customers. The atmosphere was moderately loud. Each of us ordered a different dish and it was nothing, in my opinion extra. The "big" BLT had overcooked bacon that crumbled into tiny pieces on regular white bread. So I mostly ate my sandwich with lettuce and tomato trying to pick up the bacon from the plate. My side order was Mexican Street corn it had a refrigerated taste. All I can say is I'm one and done. I think it's more of a gathering place and everybody hangs...