Reviewed by: Pat Byington
New music-focused cocktail bar, Ralph’s Listening Room, coming soon to Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
If you’ve ever wanted to spin your favorite vinyl record on a Hi-Fi stereo while relaxing with a refreshing cocktail, this one’s for you.
A new music-focused cocktail bar, Ralph’s Listening Room, is set to open at 2204 2nd Ave N in downtown Birmingham later this summer. We spoke with co-owner Qadeem Hassan to learn more about the unique concept.
A new listening room coming to downtown Birmingham
Later this year, Ralph’s Listening Room will open in downtown Birmingham—the only place in The Magic City where guests can sip a cocktail and relax while intentionally concentrating on music played through a Hi-Fi stereo.
The concept of a public gathering place dedicated to music is nothing new. Listening room cafés called jazz kissa became popular in post-war Japan as places where people could listen to vinyl records that were too expensive for an individual to buy. The concept eventually made its way to the United States—and the recent vinyl record resurgence has made listening room cafés even more popular.
“Japanese listening room cafés became very popular and eventually made their way over to the States. We wanted to bring a bit of that culture to Birmingham—and merge it with a cocktail bar.”
Qadeem Hassan, Co-Owner, Ralph’s Listening Room
Inspired by the listening room cafés of post-war Japan, Ralph’s Listening Room aims to bring the audiophile and cocktail community together in an inviting, intimate space with dim lighting and smooth colors.
The project is led by Qadeem Hassan and Justin Speegle, two longtime friends turned business partners—in fact, the name “Ralph’s” is a tribute to a late family member who had encouraged the duo to start their own bar.
“Ralph’s Listening Room will offer restaurant-style service and a dedicated lounge area where guests can listen to music on our Hi-Fi stereo. We’re also working on a few surprises, like cozy, intimate listening corners and rooms for small parties.”
Qadeem Hassan, Co-Owner, Ralph’s Listening Room
Ralph’s Listening Room will be located at 2204 2nd Ave N, a cozy spot near several popular Birmingham establishments.
“We fell in love with this space early on; it’s close to so many of our favorite places in Birmingham—Bamboo on 2nd, the House of Found Objects, El Barrio and Collins Bar to name a few. It’s such a great corner of Birmingham and we are fortunate to be there.”
Qadeem Hassan, Co-Owner, Ralph’s Listening Room
Opening in Birmingham, Summer 2025
Qadeem and his team aim to open Ralph’s Listening Room around late July/early August this year. In the meantime, Ralph’s Listening Room is hosting pop-up tastings at spaces around the city.
“Each pop-up has a theme meant to complement the space that’s hosting us. For example, our next pop-up will be at Tucana Tiki Bar in Parkside. We’re curating a playlist with Brazilian jazz, reggae and Brazilian funk and create a dedicated cocktail matched with the music.”
Qadeem Hassan, Co-Owner, Ralph’s Listening Room
Follow Ralph’s Listening Room on Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming pop-up events.
Have you visited a Ralph’s Listening Room pop-up in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
