It’s official. Pam Stallings, owner of The Nick, and a couple of her friends who have worked at the legendary bar are opening a new bar called The Margaret — replacing The Atomic Bar and Lounge in downtown Birmingham.

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved a new liquor license for The Margaret. The bar, which is on the corner of 21st Street and 1st Avenue North (2113 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203), plans to open before Christmas.

The Name

Stallings and her two friends Jess Welling and Theresa Holloway Cottrell named the incoming neighborhood bar after Stallings’ mother who passed away in 2020.

“My mom was a great businesswoman in a male dominated world,” said Stallings. “She was successful with honor and integrity without stomping on others.”

Much like The Atomic Lounge, the new bar will be eclectic and funky in its own way. For example, expect the focal decor to be chandeliers… Yes, chandeliers!

“This is how we decided to honor Pam’s mom,” Cottrell told Bham Now in a recent interview. “She always had a sparkle in her eyes and was a lot of fun to be around. That’s what we want The Margaret to be, a reflection of Margaret.”

What to Expect

As owner of The Nick for three decades, Stallings is excited to expand downtown.

“Why do I want to open a bar downtown when I already have the best bar in town?” she said. “I am excited about what is happening with the growth downtown, but there is something missing – a fun, comfortable bar where I can hang with friends that’s not too stuffy. The Margaret will be that place where people can watch a game, get a cold beer and a shot,” according to Stallings.

Meant to Be

Even though folks around town still miss The Atomic Lounge — we can’t wait to see The Margaret with its chandeliers and all.

Perhaps, The Margaret replacing The Atomic Lounge was meant to be. Remember the Sgt. Pepper-like mural with Birmingham dignitaries? Pam Stallings was on the front row.

Welcome back to the neighborhood — Pam, Jess and Theresa!