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Mayor Randall Woodfin at Birmingham's Sippy Cup Awards — Mayor Randall Woodfin at Birmingham’s Sippy Cup Awards. (IEO and Wells Media Group)

It may be tempting to keep your favorite restaurants, food trucks and bars all to yourself, but spotlighting and sharing the love is what helps them thrive—and what keeps Birmingham at the top of national lists for its celebrated food scene.

We told you all about Magic City Sips a few months back. It’s a collective sponsored by the City of Birmingham that works with these independent eating and drinking purveyors to publicize their tasty fare and provide resources so their businesses can grow.

Now, it’s time to celebrate our scene by voting in the 2025 Sippy Cup Awards. Keep reading to learn how you can weigh in on your favorites and details about the FREE award show on Monday, November 10th. Cheers to that!

What are the Sippy Cup Awards + how to vote NOW

Cheers to the best food + drink in Birmingham! (IEO and Wells Media Group)

The Sippy Cup Awards are a chance to mix and mingle with the movers and shakers in Birmingham’s restaurant scene. It all culminates in a big, fun gathering that highlights and celebrates all that’s tasty in our town.

“At its core, Magic City Sips is about supporting the people behind Birmingham’s vibrant hospitality scene. This program highlights the talent and passion that make our city a culinary destination.

By voting in the Sippy Cup Awards, you’re helping shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who bring our community together around food, drinks and unforgettable experiences.”

_{Lakeela Lowe, Project Manager of Magic City Sips}

Voting is happening right now and will run until October 31st, but don’t wait for your voice to be heard. Now’s the time to rally behind the culinary creators you love.

This year’s categories include:

Best cocktail
Best mocktail
Best happy hour appetizer
Best vibes
Putting people first award
Favorite bartender/mixologist

Winners in each category will be honored with:

A Sippy Cup Award trophy
Automatic entry into Birmingham Restaurant Week 2026
Radio feature segment with 98.7 KISS FM’s J. Michael
…and more surprises still to come.

And voting is super-easy: All you have to do is visit this link before Halloween to cast your vote in each category.

How to attend the FREE Sippy Cup Awards 2025 on November 10

Enjoy a night of celebrating all that's tasteful in Birmingham at the Sippy Cup Awards — Enjoy a night of celebrating all that’s tasteful in Birmingham at the Sippy Cup Awards. (IEO and Wells Media Group)

Once you’ve cast your vote, it’s time to raise a glass to winners. Here’s what to know:

Where: Iron City Birmingham | 513 22nd St S in Birmingham
When: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 5-9PM
Cost: FREE
Tickets: at this link—grab them before they’re gone!
More info: magiccitysips.com

Let your taste buds be heard! — You’ve got great taste, Birmingham! (Magic City Sips)

What’s next for Magic City Sips?

Magic City Sips is a celebration of all things good in Birmingham (Magic City Sips)

We’ll be keeping an eye on all this org is doing to promote our food-filled town, so stay tuned for their 2026 plans. An Industry Night is on deck for January, and their site maintains an excellent list of resources for those in the service industry. Check that out here.

In the meantime, visit this link to cast your vote for 2025 Sippy Cup Award nominees, and make sure to join in on the foodie fun on Monday, November 10th at Iron City. Cheers to you, Birmingham!

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