What is Magic City Sips?
Magic City Sips is Birmingham’s premier year-round experience that celebrates and supports our vibrant food and drink scene. From casual bites to crafted cocktails, we bring together local bars, restaurants, and patrons to experience the best of Birmingham’s hospitality industry. Whether you're meeting clients, enjoying a night out with friends, or savoring a quiet dinner, SIPS connects you with the places that make our city unique. Join the movement—eat, drink, and love local!
Calling All Bars and Restaurants
Join Magic City Sips!
Sign up today to be a part of Magic City Sips 2025! This is your opportunity to engage with the community, attract a wider audience, and vie for recognition in the prestigious Sippy Cup Awards!
To be included in SIPS, your establishment must opt-in to the participation options in the registration form below.
All locally owned bars & restaurants in the Birmingham City limits are welcome to participate!
Don't miss out
What you get when you join SIPS!
Upon registration, the City of Birmingham will provide:
- A QR code & decal sticker for display, allowing patrons to engage and vote
- Digital marketing materials to promote your participation
- Opportunities to participate in event activations & citywide promotions
Our Participants
Emerald Lounge
Mayawell Bar
The Mayor
The Filling Station
Pizza Café and Bar
Magnolia Point
Joyland
Ampersand
Michael's Restaurant
Bosses @ Midtown
Uptown Jazz Lounge
Pilcrow
Woodlawn Theater Bham
The Crestwood Tavern
Hemings
The Margaret
The Shop @1417
Leafly Boba Bar
Tucana Tiki Bar
Alicia's Coffee
PopUp Bar Bham
4 Seasons Sports Bar and Grill
Majestic Lounge
2025 Partners
Interested in becoming a partner?
Email Whitney at [email protected].
Birmingham Legion
Redmont Distilling Co
98.7 Kiss
BHAM Now
Stay in the SIPS Loop!
Get the latest events, happy hours, and hot spots delivered straight to your inbox.
SIPS Event Schedule
Food Truck Fridays
A Magic City Sips Experience
📍 Location: Short 20th Street (in front of City Hall)
🕑 Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
📅 Save the Dates:
• June 26
• July 24
• August 21
• September 18
• October 16
Food Truck Fridays is a monthly lunchtime activation powered by Magic City Sips, bringing together some of Birmingham’s best food trucks in the heart of downtown.
Join us from June through October as we transform short 20th Street in front of Birmingham City Hall into a vibrant gathering space filled with great food, community energy, and local flavor. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, meeting up with coworkers, or just exploring downtown, Food Truck Fridays is your go-to spot to eat local and experience Birmingham’s culinary creativity.
Calling All Food Truck Vendors!
Are you a food truck owner looking to grow your business and connect with new customers? Food Truck Fridays is a great opportunity to showcase your menu, build visibility, and be part of one of Birmingham’s most exciting community activations.
All vendors must:
• Be licensed with the City of Birmingham
• Be in good standing with all city requirements
• Apply in advance through our official sign-up form
Spots are limited and selected to ensure a diverse mix of food options at each event.
Coffee & Convo
A Magic City Sips Partner Program
Coffee & Convo is a monthly outreach initiative led by the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity (OBDO), designed to foster meaningful connections between small business owners across the City of Birmingham.
Inspired by the idea of bringing City Hall directly into the community, this program creates an inviting and accessible space for entrepreneurs to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insight into the resources and opportunities available to support their growth.
Why It Matters for Coffee Shops & Cafés
As a participating business in Magic City Sips, coffee shops and cafés have the unique opportunity to engage with and benefit from this program.
Coffee & Convo is intentionally hosted at various times and locations to meet the diverse needs of Birmingham’s entrepreneurial community—making it an ideal platform for café owners to:
• Connect with fellow business owners and community leaders
• Learn about funding opportunities, city programs, and business resources
• Increase visibility within the local small business ecosystem
• Position their space as a hub for community and professional engagement
Get Involved
We encourage all participating coffee shops and cafés to take advantage of this initiative as part of their Magic City Sips experience.
Together, we’re building stronger connections, supporting local businesses, and creating spaces where Birmingham’s entrepreneurs can thrive.
Supporting Birmingham’s Hospitality Industry.
Magic City Sips is committed to helping local businesses thrive. Our Business Resources & Support section offers valuable tools and resources to empower bars, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments. From marketing assistance and financial resources to workshops and educational opportunities, we’re here to help you grow, improve operations, and build lasting relationships with the community.
See below!
Business Resources
Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned business owner, Magic City Sips is your partner in success.
Professional Organizations:
Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA)
Provides business resources, networking opportunities, and a healthcare program (ARHACare) designed for the hospitality industry.
Visit ARHA Website
Innovate Alabama
Offers incentives and programs to support businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, and connects them with talent development initiatives.
Visit Innovate Alabama Website
Staffing and Job Resources:
Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS)
Specializes in placing candidates in hotel and restaurant positions across the Birmingham area.
Education and Training:
Jefferson State Community College – Culinary & Hospitality Institute
Offers programs in culinary management, hotel management, and baking/pastry.
Lawson State Culinary Arts
Offers degrees and certificates in culinary techniques, food and beverage service, and event management.
Auburn University – Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Arts Center
A state-of-the-art facility for hospitality management education.
Birmingham City Schools – Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT)
Provides students with hands-on training and internships in various areas of the hospitality industry.
Other Resources:
City of Birmingham - Office of Business Diversity & Opportunity
Supports women and minority entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses.
Jackson Howard & Whatley
Provides accounting services tailored to the hospitality industry, including financial audits, tax planning, and business valuations.
Birmingham Business Alliance
Promotes Birmingham as a location for hospitality-related businesses and highlights the city's thriving food and beverage industry.
Alabama Tourism Department
Offers information and resources for tourism professionals and those interested in learning more about Alabama's tourism sector.
Check out the 2025 Magic City Sips Award Winners!
A 14-minute video montage showcasing clips of various bars participating in the Magic City SIPs event, accompanied by an instrumental music track.
Best Mocktail:
Bosses @ Midtown
Best Cocktail:
Emerald Lounge
Best Happy Hour App:
The Shop @ 1417
Best Mixologist:
Derrick - Bosses @ Midtown
Best Vibes:
Mayawell Bar
Putting People First Award:
Rickey - Mayawell Bar
Cheers!
Join us in shaping an unforgettable experience for Birmingham's residents and visitors alike during Magic City Sips
