BAAM: Huntsville’s new destination for nightlife has it all

By Maria Rakoczy | Living 50 Plus

BAAM is downtown Huntsville’s newest spot for good food and good nightlife.

It’s the newest venture of longtime Huntsville restaurateur Mark Komara. Komara started in the local restaurant and entertainment business forty-one years ago in 1983 with Sports Page Bar and Deli on South Parkway. In 2009, he took over the Huntsville establishment Furniture Factory Bar & Grill on Meridian Street downtown.

Walking through Furniture Factory with Komara, it’s clear that since 2009 he’s created not only a successful restaurant but a successful community. In just a quick pass through the classic bar and grill, its owner stopped to wave at and greet regulars by name and with warm familiarity so many times, it was impossible to count.

Now, Komara is expanding and diversifying his restaurant community with BAAM. BAAM is joining a literal lineup of Komara’s ventures which include Furniture Factory Bar and Grill, The Haven Event Venue, Southern Gayles Golf Course and Grille, and Vibes Restaurant and Lounge. When the former Rocket Republic space opened up on the other side of Furniture Factory, Komara saw an opportunity to add to the local food and nightlife scene.

“We looked at [the space] one day and said, “Let’s try to do something here,” said Komara.

BAAM is a reincarnation in new and improved form of the old, beloved hibachi restaurant, Mikato Japanese Steakhouse off Jordan Lane. Komara recruited the former Mikato general manager and head chef, Sung Rose, to serve up the old Mikato menu with an Asian fusion flare.

“It’s all the old Mikato way, the old Mikato homemade sauces that go with it, and that’s what we’re building on. It’s really picking up, and people know it, and they want that food. Mikato’s had a great reputation as far as great food,” said Komara.

The menu features a mix of old favorites and fresh twists on classics. Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the boom boom shrimp, gyoza, New York Strip fried rice, Korean wings, bulgogi taco, and takoyaki.

The drink menu is a mix of old and new that’s not to be overlooked either.

Event Coordinator for The Haven Jen Kauffman curated BAAM’s signature drink menu with variety in mind and to complement the classic beer offerings of Furniture Factory next door.

“The cocktails here are craft cocktails. They’re cocktails that I have found from across the country in my travels to really nice restaurants and bars, and so, I’ve got a fusion of fruit, of sweet, of we have the best bushwacker in town right now,” explained Kauffman. “You can go [to Furniture Factory], you can get a good old beer like any day of the week. Over here, you can come, and you can get a really good old beer and you can get a really nice cocktail.”

Everything is served in a chic, sit-down setting with live music and entertainment. It’s upscale but not stuffy, and it offers indoor and patio seating. Both seating areas are outfitted with a full bar and stages for live music and entertainment. The patio area is also available as a cigar lounge with a broad selection of high-quality cigars.

On the weekends, diners can enjoy the fine food and cigars to the sounds of fine music from local bands, like Jed-Eye, Big Daddy Kingfish, and more, who rock the stage outside. Guests inside get the experience of a lively piano bar that takes requests and plays upbeat, danceable piano music guests will want to sing along to.

This fall, Komara says BAAM will not only be the place to go to for great music but also for great football games. It’s got all the TVs football fans need to keep up with the big games and a special big screen projector on the patio. Its Asian fusion menu makes it a great option for those looking to veer off the beaten path of wings and burgers.

Altogether, BAAM brings a fresh twist to the classic bar and nightlife experience. It offers variety for Furniture Factory old-timers and beckons newcomers into the fold with its unique food and vibes. It’s part of a music and food renaissance sweeping Huntsville, especially downtown, that is bringing creative and exciting venues to the area.

BAAM is located at 617 Meridian Street in Huntsville and open 4pm-12 am Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm-1am Fridays and Saturdays, and 4-11pm on Sundays. Browse their menu and learn more at baamhsv.com.