Raise a glass: A Downtown BHM cocktail trail
August 14, 2026 · City Center, Dining, Entertainment, Five Points South, Live, Visit
From hidden speakeasies and intimate listening lounges to rooftop bars and tropical escapes, downtown is home to a growing collection of places dedicated to the art of a great drink. Whether you’re meeting friends after work, kicking off a night out, or searching for your next favorite cocktail, there’s no shortage of spots to explore.
Think of this guide as a starting point rather than a comprehensive list. We’ve highlighted a selection of cocktail bars, lounges and beverage-focused destinations across districts to help you discover somewhere new. So, grab a friend, pace yourself and sip your way through downtown Birmingham!
Historic City Center
Adiõs
A microcosm of Latin party culture, Adiõs brings the energy with a cocktail menu developed by a James Beard Award semifinalist in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category.
The Collins Bar
There’s no menu at The Collins Bar. Instead, tell your bartender your vibe, your tastes or your preferred spirit and let them craft something just for you.
Hold Your Horses
A neighborhood favorite with a festive side, Hold Your Horses transforms into the annual Miracle on 24th Street Christmas pop-up each holiday season.
House of Found Objects
Kooky, eclectic and undeniably cool, House of Found Objects is as much an experience as it is a cocktail bar. If the inimitable decor doesn’t catch your eye, the expertly crafted drinks will.
Moonshine at Elyton
Take your cocktail to new heights at Moonshine, perched atop the Elyton Hotel. The rooftop offers sweeping views of downtown alongside a menu of cocktails made for lingering.
Nightcap
Cocktails and dessert? What more could you ask for? Appropriately named, Nightcap offers a sweet way to cap off a night downtown.
Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar
Pilcrow’s name pays homage to the building’s history: Founders Station was once home to a printing press company, and a pilcrow is the typographical mark used to indicate a new paragraph or section of text.
Pink Lantern
A Vietnamese coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night, Pink Lantern boasts an inventive drink menu and a calendar packed with entertainment, from burlesque and drag to karaoke, bingo and movie nights.
Pogo Cocktail Bar
Hidden below street level at Armour House, Pogo has the feel of a classic speakeasy, with old-world charm and a sophisticated atmosphere. On Fridays and Saturdays, live jazz adds to the experience.
Ralph’s Listening Room
A newer addition to downtown’s nightlife scene, Ralph’s Listening Room fits right in with its warm, intimate atmosphere; Hi-Fi listening experience; and, albums spinning from open to close.
Parkside
Tucana Tiki Bar
A rotating menu of tropical deliciousness makes Tucana a must-stop for cocktail fans. Some visitors have been known to order a drink simply for the wacky glass it comes in, but the fun presentation never comes at the expense of quality.
Up-Down Arcade Bar
The sights and sounds of arcade games and Skee-Ball may be the first things to catch your attention at Up-Down, but the bar is an unsung hero. Friendly staff and a rotating seasonal drink menu make for a great night out, even if you’re not a gamer!
Lakeview
High Dive Hi-Fi Lounge
This listening room sits next door to Seasick Records, another Birmingham favorite, making it a no-brainer stop for music fans. The cocktail and food menus also draw inspiration from Japanese flavors, adding another layer of intrigue to the experience.
Mayawell
This is the tequila bar in Birmingham. With an impressive selection of agave spirits and margaritas worth making a special trip for, Mayawell is a must-stop for tequila lovers.
Five Points South
Sakéroom
Saké may be in the name, but there’s more to discover at Sakéroom. This spot is Birmingham’s Tokyo after dark experience, blending cocktails, hookah, sushi, Japanese-inspired street food, and curated music into one immersive nightlife atmosphere.
Southside
Bygones
This classy cocktail joint specializes in both classic and experimental cocktails. Located next to The Painted Lady Hotel, it’s a favorite among Birmingham visitors and locals alike.
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