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The Margaret, a bar that sparkles with a neighborhood feel opens in Downtown Birmingham (PHOTOS)
ByPat Byington
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The Margaret, the much anticipated bar owned by Pam Stallings, the longtime proprietor of The Nick, and her two friends Jess Welling and Theresa Holloway Cottrell opened this weekend in Downtown Birmingham.
Named in honor of Stallings’ mother who passed away in 2020, the new bar replaces the Atomic Lounge Bar and Lounge at 2113 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203.
Filled with Chandeliers and Warmth
In an interview with the owners back in December, Bham Now was told the new bar would be filled with chandeliers — reflecting the fun-loving, sparkling spirit of Stallings’ mother.
The bar’s decor does just that — who doesn’t love chandeliers! In addition to glistening glass, the place is warm, inviting and eclectic with plenty of comfortable seating and artwork lining the walls.
According to Co-owner Jess Welling who was tending bar when we visited on a Sunday afternoon, the response to The Margaret has been very positive.
“Everyone in the neighborhood has been super welcoming — really cool, generous and kind.”
Neighborhood Feel
The Margaret in downtown Birmingham. (Pat Byington/Bham Now) 
Seating in the back area of The Margaret in downtown Birmingham. (Pat Byington/Bham Now) 
Chandeliers even in the restroom at The Margaret in downtown Birmingham. (Pat Byington/Bham Now) 
Artwork at The Margaret in downtown Birmingham. (Pat Byington/Bham Now) 
Artwork at The Margaret in downtown Birmingham. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)
If The Margaret is trying to capture that neighborhood feel, they nailed it, said Oscar Wilson, a Birmingham native we met at the bar. Here is how he described the new establishment.
“It is beautiful. It’s exactly what the downtown area needs. A lot of bars here are upscale and high end. This place has the same upscale and high end feel but it is more of a neighborhood bar.”
That’s exactly what Stallings told us what she was striving for — “a fun, comfortable bar where people can hang with friends that’s not too stuffy.”
The Margaret – Hours
Interested in visiting the Magic City’s latest Bar and Lounge? Here are The Margaret hours:
Monday – Thursday – 4:00p.m. to Midnight
Friday – 4:00p.m. to 2:00a.m.
Saturday – Noon to 2:00a.m.
Sunday – Noon to midnight
Are you going to try out The Margaret this week? Let us know what you think. Tag us on social media @bhamnow with photos and your first impressions
