Five Points S Opt. 2

Five Points South features restaurants, bars, retail business and community happenings. It is adjacent to UAB’s campus and has a high rate of student and faculty traffic.
Photo by Wallace Golding / Managing Editor

Connor McDonald
Community Editor

A vibrant mix of early 20th century architecture decorates buildings and homes throughout the streets of Birmingham’s well-known neighborhood of Five Points South. Located adjacent to the UAB campus, Five Points South has long been the heart of Birmingham’s Southside and is easily one of Birmingham’s most relevant neighborhoods.

Five Points South began as a busy streetcar suburb of Birmingham in the then-suburban town of Highland. Five Points South has always enjoyed higher commercial and residential development compared to other neighborhoods. Today, almost 10,000 people live within its borders, according to a housing study done by The Department of Community Development.

During the middle of the 20th century, Five Points South began to develop a proud reputation as the Birmingham area’s hub for everything counter-culture and bohemian, which it still enjoys to this day. Record stores, tattoo shops and a wide variety of bars cater to the underground vibe of the area.

“We’ve been here 40 years,” said Marian McKay, owner of Charlemagne Records. “We just liked that it was just a tight-knit community and that our neighbors were great. It’s just a great place to hang out and walk. You get to go to cool restaurants and places to shop. It’s just a great touristy area.”

UAB’s campus is mostly located within Five Points South and forms the border between the historic neighborhood and the newer developments in the Parkside District and Midtown area. Since UAB is the state’s largest employer and its campus is the busiest area in Birmingham, the university provides a steady supply of people who work and live in the Five Points South neighborhood.

From the Nick, Birmingham’s most infamous dive bar, to Highlands Bar and Grill, arguably one the most popular restaurants in the entire state, there’s something for everyone in Five Points South.

“I really like how there’s just a lot of different activities,” said Nita Morgan, general manager of the Pancake House. “I love the building we’re in. I really like Jim N’ Nicks Barbecue and, of course, Jimmy Johns. We definitely have Insomnia Cookies bring stuff over whenever we have meetings, and Waffle House is always nice whenever we’re closed.”

Recently, a wave of vacancies has washed over Five Points South, but with two brand-new 17-story apartment buildings, a bowling alley and new restaurants in the works, the stage is set for the heart of the city to start beating once more.

“I’ve seen it come and go,” said George Cowgill, owner of Black Market Bar + Grill. “It’s always been like a rollercoaster. While there have been good times and bad times, it’s always been eclectic. When I say bad times, I mean that a lot of businesses would shut down and there would be vacant buildings. These are really good spots that’ll be vacant, and eventually those spaces will open up again. I think we’re about to see it come back around soon.”

Connor McDonald can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @theconmcdon.