Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood is a creative hub that happens to also be packed with fabulous spots to eat and drink. There’s so much to see and explore, and you’ll feel Avondale’s laid-back vibes wherever you go. The area has evolved significantly since we published our original guide back in 2018 — here’s the updated version, featuring all of the newcomers!
Table of Contents
WHERE TO EAT
Avondale’s character is perhaps best summed up by its food. There’s something for everyone, and you can expect to be embraced by a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere. From charming date-night spots to inviting patios and lively haunts, make sure you bring your appetite!
- The Avondale Sugar Shack is a colorful shaved ice stand perfect for an afternoon treat on a hot day.
- Big Spoon Creamery makes its ice creams entirely from scratch, using high-quality specialty ingredients, including as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. Check out the latest flavors at the shop in the MAKEbhm coworking building.
- Taco Morro Loco might be unassumingly housed in the same building as Munchie’s Food Store and Gas Station at the corner of 41st Street and 5th Avenue, but trust us, it shouldn’t be overlooked. We highly recommend the tamales and authentic tacos!
- SAW’s Soul Kitchen is a local favorite for its barbecue-meets-soul-food fusion fare. Known as some of the best BBQ in the South, SAW’s is famous for its pork and greens plate, a humble Styrofoam tray of creamy cheese grits topped with greens, pulled pork, and thin onion ring curls.
- Black Market Bar & Grill is open seven days a week and offers a delicious menu and an eclectic, punk rock vibe. Make it your late-night hang, but be sure to come back for the scrumptious Sunday brunch.
- The Goose is a chill sports bar perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner and catching the game. Gather your friends on the spacious patio to snag some sun when the weather’s right.
- Avondale Common House + Ferus on 41st offer locally sourced food and drinks (including brews straight from the Ferus brewery in Trussville) for a delicious menu that’s vegetarian and vegan-friendly. They also share a cool outdoor event space that features live music on the regular.
- Parkside on Fifth is located directly across from Avondale Park in the historic 1890 marble works. It serves craft cocktails and elevated bar food in a charming, chic space. Hang out at the full-service bar or lounge outside on the lush garden terrace.
- Hotbox at Parkside serves up Asian fusion street fare in an airstream trailer behind Parkside on Fifth. Grab a bite from Hotbox and relax with a Parkside cocktail on the patio for the ultimate relaxing end to your day.
- The Current at Cahaba makes the perfect pairing for your Cahaba brew. Grab a bite from the food stall right on the patio of Cahaba Brewing Company.
- Lag’s Eatery has a long legacy in Birmingham, dating back to its first neighborhood cafe in Homewood in the 70s. Now, Lag’s in Avondale serves up the best diner food Birmingham has to offer — from breakfast until late at night.
- Get your sandwich fix at Ampersandwich in Avondale. There, you can get classics like turkey melts, Cubans, meatball subs, salads, loaded bagels, and more.
- Joyland is a celebration of fast food from James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock. Try the popular Crustburger or Joysticks (fried chicken on a stick, combining Japanese kushikatsu with Southern fried chicken) and finish the meal with a boozy shake.
- Munchie’s on 5th Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone in a chill environment. Grab a table inside or out on the gas station-turned-patio for this unique-to-Avondale haunt.
- Luna Latin Cuisine features authentic Venezuelan cuisine and serves up the best in Latin American comfort food. Discover your new favorite Venezuelan dish and pair it with a specialty cocktail.
WHERE TO DRINK
Avondale is home to some of the most popular breweries, artisan coffee shops, and bars around. You’ll find house-made craft brews that honor the legacy and lore of the neighborhood, an opulent speakeasy lounge, and a cozy pet cafe, to name a few.
Coffee + Tea
- Punch Love Coffee is located at MAKEbhm and began as a pop-up concept in partnership with local businesses like Seasick Records and Mom’s Basement. Now, it’s a full-service brick-and-mortar serving high-quality coffee and espresso.
- Gatos and Beans is Alabama’s first cat cafe. Reserve your spot to enjoy cozy sips and love on some precious kitties.
- Satellite is located adjacent to its parent event venue, Saturn. It serves up yummy coffee and pastries by day and craft brews and creative cocktails by night. The NASA-themed digs are a cool place to work and unwind.
Craft Beer
- Cahaba Brewing Company offers 25+ taps at its 30-barrel brewhouse in the Historical Continental Gin Complex in East Avondale. In addition to its core brews, it serves up a rotating menu of seasonal and limited-edition drinks, including cocktails mixed with homemade spirits.
- Avondale Brewing Company celebrates its namesake’s whimsical history in many of its artisan brews. The spacious beer garden is a beloved gathering spot for the neighborhood and always has an upcoming concert or event on the calendar.
- Back Forty Beer Company is located at Sloss Docks and offers an inviting taproom with a full-service kitchen and over 100 house-crafted brews rotating on tap. It also has an expansive beer garden where you can kick back and enjoy a lovely Avondale afternoon.
Cocktails + Bars
- Brown Derby Bar & Grill is right on the line where the Avondale, Forest Park, and Lakeview neighborhoods meet, but the casual ambiance makes it an Avondale spot in our book. They’ve got plenty of pool tables and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night.
- 41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales is a casual pub offering 37 beers on draft, wine, cider, cocktails, and free popcorn! Named for its location and as a nod to its co-owner’s career, this laid-back bar is known for its Moscow Mules, the only two shuffleboard tables in Birmingham, and a league for shuffleboard die-hards.
- Mom’s Basement is a homey haunt that emulates the neighborhood basement hang-outs of your youth. They’ve got bar games, comfy couches, and live music on the regular.
- The Marble Ring is named for one of Zelda Fitzgerald’s most eccentric sayings: “I hope you die in the marble ring,” believed to be said about the State Capitol’s rotunda in Montgomery. The lush speakeasy-style lounge pays homage to Zelda’s vivacious American flapper spirit with signature cocktails. It also serves sushi and bar snacks.
WHERE TO SHOP + EXPLORE
Shop wholesale designer home decor, explore a national historical landmark, and learn the fundamentals of ceramics, screen printing, or woodworking. The area is also known for its buzzing music scene, with hip venues throughout the neighborhood.
Retail
- Avondale Apothecary is a cannabis lounge fully stocked with edibles, infused beverages, and more. They also host concerts and other live events on the covered outdoor patio, The Greenhouse.
- Sara Sells is a designer home decor wholesaler offering monthly sales at up to 60% off retail pricing. Follow online updates for the next sale, get there early to snag your place in line, and get ready for some fantastic finds!
- Sozo Trading Co. is a retail shop providing sustainability for Sozo Children, a faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit supporting more than 120 vulnerable children in need in Kampala, Uganda. You’ll find 18,000 square feet of upscale thrift store items, brand-new boutique-style clothing, jewelry and accessories, vendor booth items, and global handmade goods.
- Lolo French Antiques et More offers the best in period and style pieces from the 17th through the mid-20th centuries. Owners Lolo and Mimi Gouon have been in the antiques business for more than 30 years and value being trusted resources for antiques—both the pieces themselves and the history behind them.
Entertainment
- Elysian Gardens is an enchanting outdoor venue designed by Birmingham native and award-winning national artist William Colburn Jr. Grab a cocktail from the Artifice Garden bar while you enjoy live entertainment amid the artist’s whimsical creations.
- Saturn is a music venue next to its coffee shop and bar, Satellite. It hosts up-and-coming musical acts, raves, and other entertainment shows for a line-up as diverse and unpredictable as the universe itself.
Creative + Cultural
- MAKEbhm is a coworking space for artists and makers of all kinds. MAKEbhm provides space, access to equipment and tools, and community classes so local creatives can bring their art and design ideas to life.
- If it’s time for new ink, head to Birmingham Tattoo Company. The team of artists specializes in custom and pre-designed tattooing to create works of art as unique as their customers.
- Sloss Furnaces is a national historic landmark and a cultural hub for The Magic City. Take a self-guided tour to learn about its impressive history and stay up-to-date on its events calendar for the latest shows, demonstrations, and festivals.
Salons
- MAE studio is the second salon for Morgan Mondy, owner of Morgan Ashley Salon in Greystone. The salon offers a full suite of hair services using natural and environmentally healthy products, including facial waxing.
- Hairfolk Salon is a sought-after local salon for cuts, color, styling, specialty treatments, and waxing. Founded in 2017 by Eric Goss, Hairfolk strives to provide guests with a luxurious, sophisticated, comfortable, pretense-free atmosphere.
- The team at Sparrow Salon believes feeling good and looking good go hand-in-hand. Owner Theo Pettway and his team of highly qualified stylists are passionate about providing a truly rejuvenating experience for every guest with a full range of hair care services.
- Arcadia Salon is a chic five-chair salon that prioritizes creating a relaxing experience while providing top-of-the-line hair care. From hair care to facial waxing, you’ll feel refreshed and beautiful after a trip to Arcadia Salon.
Drop by Avondale and fall in love with this booming Birmingham neighborhood.
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About the Author
Katie Leigh Matthews