Legacy Arena at the BJCC – Bar Crawl

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is a hub of excitement and activity in Birmingham, Alabama. That makes sense given that it’s home to a 220,000-square-foot exhibition hall, a 3,000-seat concert hall, a 1,000-seat theater, two hotels with over 1,000 guest rooms combined, and more. It’s also home to the Legacy Arena at the BJCC.

Located at the heart of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, the Legacy Arena at the BJCC is one of the facility’s busiest venues. It has hosted everything from sporting events, such as Davis Cup tennis matches, to live shows like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Legacy Arena at the BJCC is also a stop on many major concert tours. Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, and Michael Jackson are just a few of the notable names who have played there.

As wonderfully world-class as the Legacy Arena at the BJCC and the rest of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is, you’ll be glad to know that Birmingham has plenty more to offer, such as bars. In fact, there are more than enough bars within walking distance of the facility for you to go on a bar crawl while you’re in town. If that sounds right up your alley, check out this fun bar crawl itinerary we’ve put together.

The Roof

If there’s any bar you should begin your Birmingham bar crawl at, it’s The Roof. Like its name suggests, The Roof is located atop the historic Redmont Hotel less than a mile from the Legacy Arena at the BJCC. There you can enjoy crafty cocktails like their signature bourbon-infused Alabama Buffalo, as well as local beers and other delicious drinks, 14 stories above Birmingham’s bustling business district.

To get to The Roof, take one of the elevators up to the hotel’s penthouse. After the ride up, you’ll find yourself in a stylish and sophisticated space made for mingling. The outdoor bar is obviously the highlight of The Roof, with its sweeping views of the city’s downtown skyline, but there’s an inside bar too in case the weather is less than perfect.

The Collins Bar

Once you come back down to Earth, take a short walk over to The Collins Bar, your next bar crawl destination. And if you decide to skip The Roof because heights aren’t for you, getting to The Collins Bar from the Legacy Arena at the BJCC will take you about 20 minutes on foot.

With its casual, retro vibe, The Collins Bar feels a world away from The Roof, even though it’s only right down the street. Funky decorations are all over the place, from a giant Birmingham-themed periodic table adorning the wall behind the bar to paper airplanes tethered to the ceiling.

The drink selection at The Collins Bar is just as eclectic as their décor. They’ve got beer, bourbon, rum, gin, tequila, and just about any other booze you could think of. If you have trouble deciding what you want, just tell the bartender what kind of flavors you like, and they’ll put together a cocktail tailor made just for you.

Whatever you end up drinking, pair it with one of their inventive bar snacks, such as Greek-inspired pot stickers and bacon fat tater tots, for the full Collins Bar experience. Because what’s a bar crawl without some good eats, right?

Carrigan’s Public House

Let’s say none of the food at The Collins Bar strikes your fancy. Although that’s highly unlikely, you can just get your grub on at the next stop instead.

The follow-up to The Collins Bar is a nearby watering hole by the name of Carrigan’s Public House, a gastropub known for their elevated bar food made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some standout menu items include an oxtail chili bowl, pork cheek sliders, and street tacos brimming with Southern-fried catfish, apple and cabbage slaw, jalapeno, and ginger-lime mayo.

The rooftop deck at Carrigan’s Public House is the perfect place to nurse one of their deliciously potent cocktails. And since their cocktail menu changes seasonally, you’ve always got a reason to return to Carrigan’s Public House whenever you’re in town. Other drink options include martinis, wine, and beer. They’ve got some local beers on tap too, in case you’re interested in a taste of what Birmingham has been brewing up lately.

Paper Doll

Paper Doll, the next and second-to-last stop on your Birmingham bar crawl, is one of the city’s hottest new bars. It’s technically not all that new, however. Before it was Paper Doll, it was another bar named Tavern on 1st.

Tavern on 1st was known for their variety of delicious cocktails, and Paper Doll keeps that tradition going in a space that’s been totally redesigned. Gone are Tavern on 1st’s booths and wooden tables; in their place are comfortable couches, small black tables, and a medley of kitschy-cool chairs. The walls feature a mix of exposed brick and murals designed by local artist William McLure. Plush velvet curtains hand from the ceiling. Ornate chandeliers and other eye-catching light fixtures set the mood.

As beautiful as Paper Doll’s interior is, it’s the drinks that’ll really wow you. If you’re in a cocktail kind of mood, try the Basil Smash, made with Hendrick’s Gin, lime juice, house-made cucumber syrup, green chartreuse, and muddled basil. For more adventurous drinkers there’s the Thank You for Smoking, which incorporates house-made bacon bitters, and El Chappo’s Escape, a smoky mezcal concoction garnished with a tiny jalapeno.

The Atomic Lounge

Although it’s the last bar on our list, your night will feel like it has just begun as you step inside The Atomic Lounge. It’s the kind of place where adventure awaits you around every corner, so grab a drink and start exploring!

The main room of The Atomic Lounge sets the mood for the entire establishment with its retro-inspired décor. It’s like a living room from the ‘60s, but way cooler. You can also walk on the wild side in the whimsical Jungle Room or wind down in a ‘70s-style room named after political activist and Birmingham native Angela Davis.

The signature drink of The Atomic Lounge is a cocktail known as The Legendary Sex Panther, and throwing one back is practically a rite of passage for first-timers. It’s made with bourbon, blackstrap rum, cynar, Demerara sugar, and bitters. A kiss of flame and a temporary panther tattoo puts the whole thing over the top. They’ve got plenty more cocktails to choose from too, as well as a sizeable selection of wine and beer.

Once the Sex Panther begins to work its magic, consider taking part in another Atomic Lounge tradition by putting on a getup from their closet full of costumes. There’s about a dozen to choose from, ranging from animals like a shark, pig, and monkey to Princess Leia, Elvis, and a hot dog. Weird? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.