This month’s Birmingham restaurant openings offer something for every craving — from sleek new sushi spots to cozy kitchens dishing out comfort food favorites. Plus, you can raise a glass at stylish new bars and even a lounge-meets-golf concept where you can sip, swing, and stay awhile. Check them out!
The Chicken Spot
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: thechickenspotal.com
Good news for chicken lovers, there’s a new spot to get your fix of the classic fried favorite! The Chicken Spot has opened downtown, with a menu built upon crispy, golden fried chicken. You can order classic chicken fingers, drumsticks, wings, or sandwiches, all served with sides like perfectly seasoned fries, fried okra, or even a garden salad.
Johin’na
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: johinnabhm.com
Birmingham’s downtown dining scene gained a sophisticated new destination this month with the arrival of Johin’na. This upscale Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant blends the precision of sushi, robata, sashimi, and omakase with the warmth of Southern hospitality.
The menu offers both familiar favorites and imaginative surprises — like the Hot Stone Short Ribs and Grilled Oysters with Miso Butter — while the atmosphere itself is a showpiece, complete with richly themed rooms and sleek design details that make the dining experience as visually memorable as it is delicious.
Otsuka Ramen
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: otsukaramenal.com
Otsuka Ramen opened its doors earlier this month, just steps away from the UAB campus, bringing the best of Japan right to the heart of Birmingham. The eatery offers an extensive menu, with everything from ramen and fried rice to hibachi, poke bowls, sushi rolls, and even bento boxes.
Sweet Roll
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: sweetrollhoover.com
Birmingham just got a little sweeter with Sweet Roll. This ice cream shop specializes in handcrafted rolled ice cream, delivering a full-on experience. Watch your order come to life on the cold stone right before your eyes!
Menu highlights include Cookie Monster, which is packed with Oreos and cookie dough, Cinnamon Crunch, an indulgent blend of sweet cream and cinnamon swirl, and Honolulu, a tropical-themed dish featuring coconut and pineapple.
SLIDE Café
Neighborhood: Five Points South
More Info: eatslidecafe.com
SLIDE Café isn’t new to the Birmingham dining scene. In fact, it has been part of the city’s culinary offerings since Chef Raquel Lenzie and Angele Lenzie started their food truck years ago, before opening their original brick-and-mortar. But the eatery recently reopened in a new space — a larger spot that can accommodate its growing fanbase.
Now located in Five Points South, SLIDE Café will continue to serve its beloved brunch and lunch dishes, along with new additions like French toast, ribeye, and eggs.
Sticks ‘N Stones Cocktail Bar
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: sticksnstoneshvr.com
Birmingham’s newest cocktail bar has officially opened in Knox Square. Founded by Hoover residents Trice Green and Lynnie Harrison-Green, Sticks ‘N Stones is a sophisticated yet welcoming space where patrons can enjoy elevated cocktails and community connection.
The bar’s cocktail menu is equally stylish, with innovative drinks and timeless classics such as The Grayson, a pecan old-fashioned, and a tequila espresso martini, as well as a rotating menu of must-try creations.
Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: tapinsgolflounge.com
Hoover just got a whole lot more fun with the opening of Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar. Located in the Knox Square neighborhood, Tap Ins offers something for every type of fun-seeker — from pro-level TrackMan golf simulators and duckpin bowling to shuffleboard and foosball.
There’s also a 360° bar featuring craft cocktails, rotating seasonal specials, and a menu of comfort bites, sure to become Hoover’s new go-to spot for gathering.
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
Neighborhood: Pelham
More Info: waldoschicken.com
Get excited, Waldo’s fans! The chicken-centric eatery has opened a new location in Pelham. Whether you prefer Southern fried or rotisserie style, Waldo’s is serving it up deliciously and accompanied by nearly a dozen signature sauces for dipping and side dishes that are just as tempting. The new Pelham location marks the eatery’s third location in the Birmingham metro area.
Keep scrolling for more even more recent restaurant openings around Birmingham!
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PUBLISHED JULY 2025
As summer sizzles in the Magic City, we’re all about chasing down cool cocktails, crave-worthy bites, and a break from the heat. Thankfully, Birmingham’s ever-evolving food scene is serving up just that, with a fresh crop of new restaurants worth checking out. From bold new flavors to creative takes on the classics, these spots are bringing something fresh to the table, and we can’t wait to dig in.
Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: Facebook
Birmingham kicked off July on a sweet note with the debut of its first dessert bar. Ampersand Cocktails and Desserts Bar is now open downtown, serving up decadent treats, including some with a grown-up twist, such as alcohol-infused options and handcrafted cocktails.
Ashley Mac’s Kitchen
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: ashleymacs.com
Ashley Mac’s is expanding again, with a new location at Brock’s Gap in Hoover. The beloved eatery, known for its Southern-style menu and famous strawberry cake, now counts five locations in Birmingham, including Riverchase, Meadowbrook, Homewood, and Cahaba Heights. The new Hoover location — Ashley Mac’s Kitchen — features a comfortable dining room, spacious patio, and The Market, a grab-and-go section stocked with all the classics: chicken salad, take-and-bake casseroles, soups, sides, and more.
Billy’s Tavern
Neighborhood: Lakeview
More Info: Instagram
A Lakeview favorite is back and better than ever. Billy’s Tavern, a neighborhood staple since 1982, has officially reopened after a six-month closure, this time with a new owner at the helm. Jesse Thompson, a familiar face in Birmingham’s bar scene, has lovingly restored the space, keeping its laid-back charm while adding a few fresh touches like new seating and pool tables. Of course, the much-loved Coca-Cola Santa mural still watches over the bar, welcoming regulars and first-timers alike.
Fairway Social
Neighborhood: Parkside
More Info: fairway-social-birmingham.com
Urban Supply just got even more fun with the arrival of Fairway Social. This all-in-one social hub blends upscale eats, signature cocktails, and endless entertainment — from a full-service restaurant and bar to six Full Swing™ bays featuring virtual golf, baseball, football, soccer, and more. Whether you’re meeting up for a casual game night or planning a family outing, the space delivers something for every kind of player, including Golden Tee, cornhole, and lawn games. Coming later this month is part two of the venue: The Lodge, a speakeasy-style hideaway tucked inside Fairway Social, complete with duckpin bowling, live music, and a cozy cocktail vibe perfect for winding down (or turning up) your evening.
Farm Bowl + Juice Company
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: Instagram
Farm Bowl + Juice Company is a favorite in Homewood, and now it brings its fresh, feel-good menu to a second location: Hoover’s Knox Square. Known for its açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and coffee brewed with Seeds Coffee Co. beans, the new spot continues the brand’s mission of making healthy choices both delicious and convenient.
Kung Fu Tea
Neighborhood: Highway 280
More Info: kungfutea.com
Bubble tea fans, Kung Fu Tea has officially made its Birmingham debut with a new location in Tattersall Park. Known for its wide-ranging menu of customizable sips, the popular franchise serves everything from classic milk teas and fruit-forward blends to matcha, slushes, and more. This marks Kung Fu Tea’s first spot in the Birmingham area, bringing a fresh and flavorful addition to the city’s growing beverage scene.
Lee’s Coffee
Neighborhood: Southside
More Info: workplay.com
There’s no such thing as too many coffee spots, especially when they double as cozy hangouts. Tucked inside Workplay, Lee’s Coffee is the newest neighborhood gem serving up Non-Fiction Coffee, handcrafted cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for early mornings, midday pick-me-ups, or pre-show sips with friends.
Memory Lane Ice Cream Parlor
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: Facebook
O’Carr’s Delicatessen is a longstanding Homewood institution known for its famous chicken salad, and now it’s adding something even sweeter to the mix. Just next door, the new Memory Lane Ice Cream Parlor is serving up a nostalgic menu with old-fashioned milkshakes, hand-scooped ice cream, and classic ice cream sundaes.
The Electric East
Neighborhood: Avondale
More Info: theelectricbar.com
Bluff Park favorite The Electric brings its signature sandwiches to Avondale with the opening of The Electric East. Taking over the former Tropicaleo space, the eatery offers the same creative, flavor-packed menu that put the original location (founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo Ben and Laura Smith) on the map.
The Toasted Yolk Cafe
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: thetoastedyolk.com
Birmingham’s brunch scene is getting a delicious upgrade with the arrival of The Toasted Yolk Café. Originally founded in Houston, this popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot opened its third Alabama location in the Magic City. With a menu boasting more than 60 crave-worthy options (including shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, and the signature French toast), it’s the kind of place where every brunch-goer finds their go-to. Don’t miss the namesake dish, The Toasted Yolk, or the rotating lineup of seasonal offerings that keep things fresh.
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent restaurant openings!
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PUBLISHED JUNE 2025
From laid-back coffee shops perfect for those early morning pick-me-ups to new pizza joints and sweet spots, there’s something to discover in every corner of the Magic City this month. Whether you’re popping in for a casual lunch or mapping out your next date-night destination, this month’s batch of new restaurants has you covered.
Bangkok Street Foods
Neighborhood: Vestavia
More Info: bangkookstreetfoodsbhm.com
Explore the tastes of Thailand with a visit to Bangkok Street Foods. The new Liberty Park eatery boasts fresh, traditional Thai ingredients in its dishes. Its extensive menu features everything from pad thai and chicken satay to sushi, lo mein, and curry.
El Barrio
Neighborhood: West Homewood
More Info: Instagram
El Barrio’s second location brings its downtown charm to West Homewood’s West Row development. From the chorizo meatloaf and al pastor tacos to the seasonal guacamole and chicken enchiladas, the new location offers the same delicious Mexican-inspired menu, a large dining room, and a full-service bar. Adding to the fun and ambiance is its connection to the newly opened Paramount via a shared hallway (which is full of arcade games!).
El Royale Café
Neighborhood: Lakeview
More Info: elroyalecafe.com
El Royale Café is bringing Tex‑Mex flair to Lakeview, taking over the former Carrigan’s Beer Garden with a space that feels like it’s straight out of a movie set. Designed by celebrity photographer Miller Mobley (known for shooting icons like Michelle Obama and Anthony Bourdain), the aesthetic is an “ode to classic Mexican cafés” from California and Texas. A visit promises cozy spots where you can sip frozen margaritas and enjoy the thoughtful menu under the glow of brass lanterns. Alternatively, soak in the scene of the garden courtyard!
Ellianos Coffee
Neighborhood: Trussville
More Info: ellianos.com
Ellianos Coffee rolled out its first Birmingham location in Trussville with a sleek, double-sided drive-thru designed for the ultimate convenience. The new coffee shop offers all the classic coffee drinks, from lattes and mochas to espresso, plus iced coffee, smoothies, shakes, and freezers, which combine coffee and espresso with the sweetness of ice cream. Also on the menu are energy drinks, various teas, and even food options like breakfast bowls, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and a few lunch options.
Hoover Steaks & Wines
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: hooversteaksandwines.com
Hoover just got a little more delicious with the opening of Hoover Steaks & Wines at Knox Square shopping center. This new specialty spot blends the ease of gourmet grab-and-go with the charm of in-house dining — think hand-selected meats, decadent sides, and over 550 wines from around the world, all available to take home or enjoy right there. Whether you’re stocking up for a dinner party, picking up a chef-prepared meal, or dining in, Hoover Steaks & Wines makes it easy to savor the good stuff.
Paramount
Neighborhood: West Homewood
More Info: Instagram
With Paramount’s arrival in the West Row development this month, West Homewood is in for a serious dose of fun and flavor. Known already for its retro-arcade vibe, classic bar food, and nostalgic games thanks to its downtown location, this new spot brings all the same energy, complete with big-screen TVs, an extensive beer menu, and an outdoor patio—plus a fun-filled hallway that connects it to the new El Barrio.
Pop Up Bar Bham
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: popupbarbham.com
Morris Avenue just got even more exciting with the debut of Pop Up Bar Bham, a rotating-concept bar bringing fresh energy to the historic street. This brick-and-mortar addition from the national brand delivers seasonal themes, inventive cocktails, and eye-catching décor—all designed for maximum fun. Its first Birmingham installation, The Jungle, transforms the space into a tropical oasis with vibrant greenery, moody lighting, and a menu of playful drinks.
Sweet Treats by Hayley
Neighborhood: Pelham
More Info: Facebook
Pelham just got a little sweeter with the recent opening of Sweet Treats by Hayley. The new bakery and pastry shop specializes in creating custom cakes and cookies, having served customers online for the last few years. The new brick-and-mortar will offer a delicious range of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and even ice cream.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: tazikis.com
One of Birmingham’s favorite Mediterranean restaurants just opened its 13th location in the metro area: Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is now open in the Knox Square shopping center in Hoover. The new location of this beloved fast-casual eatery is reminiscent of its other locations across Birmingham, with all of the Greek goodness you’re used to, from the chicken roll-ups and gyros to salads, which can be enjoyed in its inside dining space or outdoors on its lovely patio.
Unbothered Scoops
Neighborhood: Bessemer
More Info: Facebook
Unbothered Scoops is serving up cool treats and an even cooler atmosphere in the western metro. The shop’s motto says it all: “It’s a vibe, a movement, and a moment of peace in every scoop.” This dessert destination is all about good energy, big flavor, and carefree indulgence, the ideal stop to beat the heat or just pick up a little pick-me-up.
Dig in, BHAM!
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