It’s no secret I love a fun night out with my friends complete with a cute (sometimes overpriced) cocktail, and over the last few years, I’ve honed in on my opinions on the best cocktail bars in Birmingham! Save this list for my favorite cocktail bars to check out whether you’re a local or visiting Birmingham. Plus, most of these bars have nonalcoholic drinks on the menu, so I’ll include my recommendations for those, whether you’re participating in Dry January or don’t drink.
1. Juniper
Juniper is an absolutely beautiful gin bar in Forest Park, and aside from a great cocktail menu and wonderful food, it’s also just one of the most aesthetically pleasing places I’ve ever been. I love a dirty martini, and Juniper makes one of my favorites, but they also have other spirits! Plus, their happy hour has marinated olives and fries for a good deal, so I highly recommend that. Juniper’s nonalcoholic drink menu rotates, but they typically have two or three on the menu at all times!
2. The House of Found Objects
A few years ago, my old coworkers and I spent most Fridays at The Atomic Lounge, which closed in 2021. Thankfully, Feizal (the old owner) opened up House of Found Objects to fill the void. This is always the first bar I recommend to out-of-towners because it’s so unique!
This is a fun bar with a fabulous drink menu (my favorite is the legendary Sex Panther that comes with a temporary tattoo and the Geno Pearson, but they also have some of my favorite mocktails) and an even more interesting environment. My go-to nonalcoholic drink here is the Wanda Claire, which has lavender, honey, lemon and rosemary. My friends and I stopped by on New Year’s Eve and it definitely lived up to the hype for the first-timers!
3. Adios
Adios makes my favorite margarita in Birmingham, and that’s saying something! They have a rotating menu with classic drinks along with seasonal specialties, and the vibes of Adios are just amazing with an ofrenda and warm, ambient lighting. Their tepache spritz is nonalcoholic and the perfect amount of fizz.
Just make note that it can be pretty loud in there, so keep that in mind if you were looking for a more casual, calm night!
4. The Collins
If you’re with a group of people and you’re not sure what everyone’s individual cocktail vibes are, go to the Collins! This is definitely one of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham for groups, pickier people, or even people who aren’t sure what their favorite drinks are yet. They don’t have a set menu, so while you can enjoy an Old Fashioned or Tom Collins (both are less expensive during their happy hour, BTW), you can also tell the bartenders the general spirits and flavors you like for a fully custom drink.
I’ve asked for a drink that feels like the cozy first day of fall and ended up with one of my favorite, never-to-be-had-again drinks. Obviously, because you can make your own drink, they can take most flavors and turn them into a nonalcoholic drink! I recommend this spot for a big group, but it can get pricey since you’re also paying for the bartenders to be creative.
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5. Neon Moon
Now whether you think of this as a cocktail bar or a more casual dive-feeling bar or a dance spot is up to you… but Neon Moon can be a very fun time with a good drink! It’s on 2nd Ave, and it’s always pretty busy whether there’s a huge group of college students or a bachelorette party. The vibes are all-around fun and they’re my favorite spot to go if I want to dance, but they can be hit-or-miss with the crowd and super busy or very low-key! Just be prepared for anything.
In terms of nonalcoholic drinks at Neon Moon… well, you’re probably better off ordering a soda or soda water with lime tbh, BUT I have had many nights here without a single drink at all and tons of fun! I recommend going on weekdays if you can to avoid the absolute crazy crowds.
6. Tucana Tiki Bar
If there’s one thing the best cocktail bars in Birmingham have going for them, it’s fun atmospheres and Tucana is no different. It’s located near Railroad Park and is two stories with tons of bright light and disco balls, and while it is rum-focused, they do have other drinks on the menu and some good non-alcoholic options! Like some of the other bars here, their menu does rotate seasonally.
7. The Lumbar
The Lumbar is one of the more casual cocktail bars on this list, and they’ve got one of my favorite menus of food that doesn’t feel like bar food! They’re located in Pepper Place, so I’ve been after an Ignite Class workout and to finish up a work day before.
Their cocktail menu rotates monthly with fun themes like Shark Week, and their food menu features both vegetarian and meat options, so it’s a great option if you’re eating with friends who have different dietary needs! Their BBQ turkey sliders and Tetris Tots (tater tots shaped like Tetris) are some of my personal faves. Their Quirky Shirley is one of my favorite Shirley temples in Birmingham.
8. Lou’s Pub
Okay, Lou’s Pub is definitely more casual than the other spots on this list and might be considered a pub rather than a cocktail bar BUT they are one of my favorites in Birmingham! It’s a very casual spot with kind bartenders, and it’s actually the only package store in Birmingham that also serves drinks. Like the Collins, you can order a typical cocktail or you can tell the bartenders the general spirits or flavors you like and they’ll make something amazing. One of the bartenders there actually recommended my favorite low-alcoholic drink I’ve ever had: soda water with a splash of bitters. Some of my most favorite (and also, some of my most chaotic, lol) nights have started with a “quick” trip to Lou’s!
I consider myself a connoisseur of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham, so I hope you enjoy these recommendations!
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