Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge at the Grand Hotel is the perfect setting to capture the essence of a sunset on Mobile Bay. Surrounded by beautiful ancient live oak trees, warm fire pits, and comfortable outside seating areas, when the sun sets to the west, it feels special every time.

Aura J. “Bucky” Miller, a bartender at the Birdcage Lounge for over 50 years, was known for his Mint Juleps and an uncanny knack for remembering the names of guests who first visited the Grand Hotel in years past. He consistently was awarded Marriott’s highest accommodation for customer service.

After his death, the Grand Hotel commissioned a full-sized sculpture of Bucky holding a tray with a Mint Julep. Bucky’s name was added to the Birdcage Lounge in his memory, which embraced the standard of guest service for which he was known.

Watching the sunset at Bucky’s is a memorable experience. The lounge opens at 5 pm weekdays and earlier on weekends, and the patio area fills quickly when the weather's nice. It's a good idea to make a reservation for seating around the firepits. After the sun goes down, folks like to stick around as the afterglow is the best part of a sunset. Each minute, the colors change into a painting of hues that can’t be replicated. A few clouds enhance the effect.

Inside Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge is an intimate bar with a grand piano that entertains guests, Wednesday through Saturday, until the wee hours of the night. They offer an extensive list of specialty cocktails and rare bourbon choices as well as a bar menu including fried crab claws, tapas plates, burgers, and other items including desserts.

Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge has been the place for a special evening with friends for as long as I can remember. It’s always a treat!

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