Map Illustration by Shannon Robinson

This story appears in Birmingham magazine's July 2016 Issue. Subscribe today!

If there's one area of Birmingham that embraces the grungy side of the music scene, it's Five Points South. With record stores, tattoo shops, gritty bars, and good food to boot, there are plenty of things to do for the musician and non-musician alike.

1. Charlemagne Record Exchange

Up a steep staircase though an unassuming storefront on the sidewalk, this record store has been a staple in Five Points since 1977. The store might be small but they've got a ton of records wall-to-wall packed in. You can find great deals on vinyls of everything from Alabama Shakes to Elvis Presley. The vision for the store was to be not just a record store, but also a record exchange. You can even grab some free CDs from local artists while you're there.

1924 1/2 11th Ave. S. | 205.322.5349

2. Golden Temple Natural Grocery and Cafe

What fuels a musician better than all-natural, vegetarian and vegan fare? Golden Temple is a combination restaurant and health foods store and grocery that offers a variety of organic produce, vitamins, wellness products, and more. The cafe side serves up vegetarian fare in options like Tofu Stir Fry, Enchilada Stack, and Lentil soup, as well as daily specials and a juice and smoothie bar.

1901 11th Ave. S. | 205.933.6333

3. Wicked Ways Tattoo

This tattoo shop is run by two dudes who love Five Points South just as much as they love their tattoo art. Tattoo artist Jay Mitchell calls himself a "Five Points baby" and says he could be located anywhere but never wants to leave Five Points. The guys' tattoo art is displayed in galleries along the walls and they'll draw up anything you want inked. They also offer the largest selection of body jewelry in the area if you want a piercing with your tat.

1022 20th St. S. | 205.983.7753

4. Iiis: An Optical Shop

This might just be the coolest eyewear shop in town. Located right next to Starbucks, this trendy shop has been around 22 years and features stylish glasses and sunglasses from a variety of designers. Owner Kris Childs moved to Birmingham from New Orleans with a vision: to bring here what was only available in the more sophisticated cities, and to provide an environment that would be professional, stimulating, unique, creative, and unpretentious all at the same time.

1925 11th Ave. S. | 205.930.9394

5. Black Market Bar and Grill

Let's be honest, we all know there's always booze accompanying music, and what better place to drink up (and chow down) than at Black Market. With a large whiskey selection and Wednesday night Well Hell ($1 well liquor drinks), this is one of Five Points' most popular watering holes. They also have live music on certain nights. And with bar bites like potato skins, burgers, and tacos, you'll stay full, as well.

1035 20th St. S. | 205.933.8035

And the rest ...

Surin West

1918 11th Ave. S.

205.324.1928

Renaissance Records

2020 11th Ave. S.

205.933.8000

The Upsidedown Plaza

2012 Magnolia Ave S.

205.930.0333