Walking through the doors of The Atomic Bar and Lounge is like stepping into a time machine, except this time machine takes you to a slightly warped version of the 50s and 60s. You open your eyes and the first words that slip out of your mouth are probably something like “raaaadical, or righteous!”. Where did that come from you might think. Well, that’s exactly why we like this place, because you get lost in the art, the decor and most notably, the nostalgia. Your night transforms, and you assume the ambiance that the retrofuturistic design creates. Everything from the tube TV’s and radios that look like they’re 50 years old, to the mid century modern sofas and chairs resting on top of a shag rug. It’s all beautiful.
Welcome to the vision of owners Feizal Villa and his wife Rachael Roberts.
Picture this. You’re sitting at a table tucked away in the back. A bead curtain separates you and your homies from the lively packed house. Just as your game of UNO is heating up, the bead curtain suddenly parts. A waitress walks up, and asks for your drink of choice. What do you get? Oh we’ll tell you what you get. You order none other than “The Legendary Sex Panther” signature cocktail. You read that right. It’s a twist on an old-fashioned and it’s delicious.And you know you’re getting your $9 worth when the description reads, “It’s illegal in 9 countries. It’s made with bits of real panther. 60% of the time it works every time.” (Bonus points if you know what movie that came from). PLUS, it comes with a temporary panther tattoo. Wear that bad boy with pride! While you’re thinking about where to apply your sex panther tattoo on your body, go ahead and think about which costume you’d like to borrow from behind the bar. Oh yea, did we not mention that earlier? They have full body costumes of everything from a shark to Elvis to a giraffe (they are all neatly listed on the menu). Could there possibly be a better adult playground than The Atomic? We think not.
Feizal and Rachael are no strangers to a good cocktail and costumes (just look at their wedding photos from Vegas where Feizal donned Elvis attire to say “I do”). After coming to Birmingham post hurricane Katrina, Feizal found himself in the food and bartending scene of Birmingham—Highlands, Collins Bar—and he found love across the bar when he met Rachael. The Atomic Bar and Lounge is their brainchild, their turn at ownership and a one of a kind experience! Located downtown on 1st Ave North, The Atomic is open 4pm-Midnight, Tuesday-Thursday and 4pm-2am on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the cocktails, the games, the décor and make some new friends. And as always …. stay classy Birmingham and thanks for stopping by.
