If you look closely, Birmingham is becoming more and more well-known across the globe as a really cool place to live and visit. I have to say, I totally agree! Here’s a look at two awards that have helped put Birmingham even further on the map of cool.

2018 Nightclub & Bar Award for Live Music Venue of the Year

Winner: Iron City

Yep, Iron City was given this awarded this amazing title by Nightclub & Bar, an online publication for the bar, nightlife and restaurant industry. The publication announced winners in 18 categories. Categories included those, such as:

Beer Bar of the Year
Dance Club of the Year
Lounge Venue of the Year
Dive Bar of the Year
Hotel Bar of the Year

Birmingham, Iron City, bar, music venue, bar tap, 2018 Nightclub Bar Award for Live Music Venue of the Year — Tap at Iron City. Photo via Iron City’s Facebook page.

Click here to check out the full list.

According to the publication’s website, the awards recognize individuals and venues from across the nation that showcase extraordinary expertise and innovation in bar, nightclub and lounge concepts that push the industry to evolve while setting new trends. Hmm, sounds exactly like Iron City to me!

Todd Hagerty, general manager of Iron City had this to say about the win:

“Iron City and all of its team members are very excited to hear that we won the 2018 Nightclub & Bar Live Music Venue of the Year Award. There are some outstanding music venues nationwide that they could have chosen for this award, which makes Iron City winning such a great accomplishment.”

If you’ve been to Iron City, you know it’s a pretty hot spot, but out of all the possible winners, what made it stand out to those at Nightclub & Bar?

According to David Klemt, editor of Nightclub & Bar Media Group, it was because of its:

Reviews
Historic location and renovation
Food and beverage program
Artist/event lineup
Availability for private events
Slick, user-friendly website

Birmingham, Iron City, bars, music venues, live music venues, 2018 Nightclub and Bar Award for Live Music Venue of the Year, venue of the year, music venue of the year, Nightclub Bar, awards — The Flaming Lips at Iron City. Photo by Don Naman.

USA Today: A female chef in each state

Winner: Becky Satterfield

There’s no doubt that Birmingham has an incredible and thriving restaurant scene. We are definitely a city that enjoys going out to eat! But who can blame us with all of the amazing places we have to dine?

In honor of Women’s History Month, USA Today featured 50 female chefs (one from each state) that have made a huge – not to mention, delicious – mark in the restaurant industry.

Birmingham, Satterfield's, Becky Satterfield, Satterfield's Restaurant, chefs, Birmingham chefs, USA Today — Becky Satterfield, Satterfield’s Restaurant. Photo via Satterfield’s Facebook page.

For Alabama, Becky Satterfield, owner and executive pastry chef at Satterfield’s Restaurant won the honor.

Satterfield’s, located in the heart of Cahaba Heights, provides a friendly and elegant atmosphere with ingredients that are always fresh. Becky opened the restaurant in 2005 and it has become a favorite of many in the greater Birmingham area.

One of the most sought-after treats is the beignets with sauteed apples and homemade vanilla bean ice cream. Mmm!