The roof of a church-like structure protrudes from behind a highway overpass in one of the quieter parts of Birmingham, Ala. Look closer at the building and youll see a Pride flag flapping, dicing the humid air. This is Spikes Alabamas only leather bar.

Inside, two cages rest against the wall, propped on a stage. Youll also find a boutique stocked with high-quality sex instruments floggers, whips, chains, harnesses. Theres a bar complete with vodka bottles in every color, forming a glass-bottle rainbow. Top 40 pop music bounces through the space, which feels both cavernous and comfy.