Zydeco

2001 15th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

Address:	2001 15th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
Phone:	+1 205-933-1032
Site:	zydecobirmingham.com
Rating:	3.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Robert Jones

Easily one of the worst sounding concert venues Ive ever been to. The bass guitar was so loud that the speakers were distorting. I couldnt hear the vocals, guitars, or drums. At times I couldnt even tell what song was being played because it was just a roar of speaker distortion at about 120 Dbs. Throughout the night the sound guy just kept "turning it up", which is NOT A SOLUTION FOR A BAD MIX!! Its also pretty indicative of ear-fatigue. I always wear ear plugs at concerts (because I care about my ears), but this show sounded like absolute garbage with or without ear plugs. I honestly shouldve requested a refund, but then that means it wouldve taken money out of the bands pockets, and this clearly wasnt their fault. At one point the singer came out into the crowd and said "wow, this is what it sounds like out here!?" Also, the band got into a verbal altercation with security and had to stop the show because security "decided to stop doing their job". Security then left the stage and sulked around in the crowd the rest of the night while the bands roadies had to help out the crowd surfers. On the positive side, the bartenders were good, the drinks reasonably priced, and the patio area is pretty nice. Didnt go into the downstairs pub area. Ive seen the list of bands that have played at this venue, its pretty impressive. I really hope I had an atypical experience, but as I was walking to my car I heard a group of guys behind me say, "Why do we even pay money to go to such a terrible venue? Its never good." Thats my sentiment. I wont be back.

Jacob Slay

Terrible. This is by far the worst venue Ive ever been to. I went to see DGD & Chon last night, while the bands were fantastic the experience was bogged down by the venue. Notably the incredibly low ceilings (you can literally reach up and touch them without having to jump) made breathing a struggle (it was a very crowded show). The open bar also irked me. The floor was covered in spilled beers, making it very slippery. The most alarming thing to me tho was the lack of exits. There is one accessible exit, which is also the entrance, and is at the back of the venue, and leads out straight to stairs. If theres anything the Station nightclub fire shouldve showed people, its that bars and venues need more than one exit. I would not go to this venue again, and I advise that others dont go as well.

A Private User

I have been to zydeco for several shows and finally had enough. Years ago, they were pulling in great bands on a weekly basis. Now, it seems like months pass before there is a decent show at this place. Its become Birminghams premier cover-band venue and thats a shame. The comments about poor management are spot-on. The pool tables are in awful condition, the bumpers are showing and the felt is trashed with beer stains and mildew. Instead of opting for an inexpensive felt job to spruce them up, they just ignore them. Their security is notoriously aggressive and unfriendly. When they act in this manner, the management simply ignores them. Finally, the prices are simply too high for such a hole in the wall establishment. Dont waste your time, patience, and money with these people.

Richard Wedding

There is just something about rednecks getting together in a dark place that is just too overwhelming. Not only was this place by far the worst audio system I have ever heard in a concert but, there security guy had to be refs from the YMCA. There were multiple fights that, they just let happen because they were afraid to break it up. To add about the audio system, I would rather cut my wrist then have to listen to that horrible audio system again. The agony of having to listen to it made me cringe the whole entire concert.

Ryan Jones

Weirdest setup for a music venue I have been to. The upper level has extremely low ceilings that make it pretty hard to see the performers on stage if you are not up front against the guard rails. It can get packed pretty quickly and doesnt seem to have much in the way of ventilation so be prepared to be hot and sweaty, even at the back of the venue. They do have a cool outside patio that you can hang out at, as well as a lower area with a bar and pool tables.

A Private User

The Zydeco is effectively two bars in one. The downstairs bar is the small and hosts small acts from time to time. Drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is more like a sports bar. Upstairs is the performance venue and large bar. Sound quality and lighting are good and the tech staff are helpful. The only downside to this venue is the HVAC is weak leaving the stage warm and humid with a large audience.

A Private User

Great bar staff. Memorable shows you wont find anywhere else in Birmingham. Some shows are geared toward genres that have seen their glory days pass. However, I have seen the best shows in Birmingham at Zydeco. They go outside the box with some of the bands they choose to book and get some real gems in the process. Bar atmosphere is roomy highlighted by one of the best patios in town.

Mark Moorehead

The sound was absolute garbage. The ceiling was soooo low. The stage had to only be a foot off the ground. Im 63 and I was standing towards the back and couldnt even see any of the bands ridiculous haircuts. The ventilation was completely non existent. I felt like I walked into the Froomundamabawls rain forest of Armpitstankia. Will not be returning.

Michael Day

Really cool and unique venue. Theres multiple levels and rooms. Ive been here for a private event and for a concert. For concerts, the ceiling is a little low and the sound not perfect, but theyve definitely maximized the functionality of the space. There is an outside area with heaters and is really enjoyable iftl the weather is nice

James Baker

These reviews are 100% true. No matter how tall you are, the ceiling is so low it is impossible to see the band from anywhere but the front 2 rows. No air conditioner. The floor glues your shoes to it. Ive been to hole in the wall dive bars better than this place. Id rate lower than 1 star if I could. Save your money.

A Private User

Zydeco is a mediocre "club" at best. The house sound system for the bands is absolutely terrible, and the drinks are way overpriced. The place is almost empty on slow nights; unfortunately, that tends to be almost every night. Your best bet for some fun or good music is Zen or the Workplay.

A Private User

This is a terrible place!!!! They tried to give shots out with absolutely not alcohol and then charge my credit card more than I wrote later on. Those bartenders are breaking the law by changing what the customers are writing on the reciepts. Please be AWARE!!!!!!!!!

DRTYx LOYALTY

Horrible, nasty, venue. The owners and operators do not take care of this place at all. Pretty sure they got roaches and the place is so poorly ventilated it smelt of a giant room of hot breath. All you could smell in the air was peoples breath. Just nasty.

FeC ENG

Only been there for rock concerts. Was once a great venue, but seems like concerts are happening less and less. I blame Asking Alexandria for this one. Regardless, many great memories and hearing loss happened here. Going to miss the shows here