Small plates spot Sybil, in Palladium, okayed
By Kevin Elliott
Final approval for the Sybil restaurant that will feature small plates and craft cocktails in the Palladium building on Hamilton Row was granted by the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, February 14.
Sybil, 211 Hamilton Row, is a 1,194-square-foot establishment with space for 30 people inside, as well as room for a dozen outdoor patio seats. The building space, located in the former Cryobalance location, is owned AF Jonna but the restaurant is owned by Aaron Belen of the AFB Hospitality Group, who also owns The Morrie in same building, allowing the two dining establishments to share kitchen space.
Described as a small intimate setting, Sybil will operate Wednesday through Sunday until 2 a.m., with Monday and Tuesday reserved for private party bookings. The restaurant will use an existing Class C liquor license in escrow with AF Jonna.
Commissioner Andrew Haig questioned the width of the proposed outdoor dining area and whether it would allow for adequate room for pedestrians and meet ADA requirements.
Birmingham City Planner Nick Dupuis said the city worked with the applicant to reduce the width of the patio to add an extra foot to the adjacent walking path area.
Plans for the restaurant went before the Birmingham Planning Board in December, with board members recommending approval for a special land use permit and final site plans and design review. The planning board recommendation came with three conditions for approval, including that specification sheets for proposed outdoor table and chairs meet the city’s zoning ordinance; the applicant, Aaron Belen, submit sign plans for review to the planning board; and that the applicant comply with all requests by city departments. Dupuis said the conditions had been met.
City Commissioners approved the plans by a vote of 6-0, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent.
“I’m really glad this area is being activated,” said mayor pro tem Pierre Boutros. “It’s been a long time, and this is an iconic building, and that area hasn’t been activated.”