The Nick

Imagine a place that locals fondly call the city's "dirty little secret." The Nick is a legendary dive bar and iconic concert venue in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. This humble wooden building in the Southside district has become a true sanctuary for fans of punk rock, metal, and alternative music.

Inside, an atmosphere of raw authenticity prevails: walls densely covered with flyers and posters, a long wooden bar, and a stage that has seen hundreds of great musicians. There is no room for pretension or glamour here—only honest sound, pool tables, pinball, and an unpredictable but powerful audio system that adds charm to every performance.

The Nick operates as a private club due to local liquor laws, so guests over 21 must pay a small annual membership fee of $5 to enter. This spot attracts those looking for the real energy of a live performance and wanting to witness Birmingham's musical history firsthand.

To check the schedule of evening performances or for other inquiries, you can contact the venue directly:

The main reason to visit The Nick is the live performances. Concerts take place here almost daily, representing the full spectrum of the underground scene: from punk rock and metal to soulful blues. On Mondays, the Birmingham Bandstand traditionally roars—an open mic night where you can hear the most promising local performers and newcomers.

Between sets, visitors can enjoy a cold beer at the bar, play a game of pool, or try their luck on the retro pinball machines. Be sure to check out the patio—it's the epicenter of heartfelt conversations, where musicians often mingle with their listeners in an informal setting.

A special pleasure is examining the interior: the club's ceilings and walls are literally "cemented" with band promo photos. It is a living encyclopedia of rock, as giants like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, Korn, and Kings of Leon all started out on this tiny stage. Even if you don't catch a future superstar, you will certainly feel the spirit of freedom and pure rock and roll.

The Nick is located in the Southside neighborhood at 2514 10th Ave S. If you are traveling by car, it is easy to reach via 10th Avenue South, and street parking is usually available near the entrance.

For those who prefer public transportation, the BJCTA bus routes serve the Southside area. You can also use taxi services or popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft—a trip from the city center takes only a few minutes, as the distance is about 3 kilometers.

If you are already in the Southside district, a walk to the club can be a pleasant addition to your evening. This area is famous for its lively atmosphere, with many bars and restaurants, making the journey to the city's "dirty little secret" quite interesting.

The story of this place began in the late 1970s when the building housed a simple grocery store called B’ham’s Finest Qwik Mart. Later, it transformed into a bar called the Wooden Nickel, where local bands began to perform. The turning point came in 1981 when promoter Dan Nolen decided to buy the establishment. After a successful performance by his band, The Fits, he offered the owner $550 in cash on the spot—and the deal was done.

The official opening under the name The Nick took place on June 22, 1982. Nolen focused on original live music, filling a void in the city's cultural life, which at that time was dominated by cover bands. The club quickly became a launching pad for young talent, many of whom later achieved worldwide fame.

For over 40 years, the venue has survived many musical eras, from the aggressive punk of the 80s to grunge and indie rock. Despite economic crises and the closure of many competitors, "The Nick" has kept its soul as a classic dive bar. Today, it is still managed by Dan Nolen along with Pam Stallings, who first came to work here as a waitress in 1983.

You should set aside 2 to 4 hours for a visit to The Nick. This is plenty of time to catch a band's set, enjoy a few drinks, and soak up the venue's unique atmosphere.

If you plan to attend an "open mic" night or a large concert featuring several bands, your visit might last until late in the evening (or early morning). This place encourages leisurely socializing and getting lost in the musical energy, so there is definitely no need to rush.

The venue is known for its flexible and very democratic schedule, catering to night owls and music lovers alike:

• Monday – Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 4:00 AM;
• Thursday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM;
• Friday – Sunday: Open 24 hours.

Please note that operating hours may change depending on the schedule of specific events and concerts. It is recommended to check the official website before visiting to confirm the start time of the performance you are interested in.

The Southside district and its surroundings offer many interesting locations to visit before heading to a late-night concert. Exploring these places will allow you to better feel the industrial past and cultural present of the city.