Your Guide to Birmingham’s Historic 4th Avenue Historic District
Walk Birmingham's historic Black business district, where 1940s eateries, jazz history, and Civil Rights legacy meet along three blocks. Image: Facebook / INBirmingham
The historic district that runs along three blocks of 4th Avenue North is an integral part of the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Here, you’ll find a crop of barbershops, eateries, hotels, theaters, and mortuaries built during the Jim Crow era as a response to Black residents being barred from many white-owned businesses. The district grew into an important gathering place for Birmingham’s Black community, earning the nickname “Little Harlem” during its heyday.
Today, the area is quieter than other parts of downtown Birmingham and feels more like a historic corridor than a traditional entertainment hub. But you’ll still find plenty to see and do!
SB Tip: This area is still being revitalized, so make sure to check business hours before you visit.
Where to Eat + Drink
Nelson Brothers Cafe: One of only three businesses still operating that were on the street during the 1963 Civil Rights campaign (along with Green Acres Cafe and Magic City Barbershop), Nelson Brothers Cafe has been serving the neighborhood since 1943. Locals know it’s the place to go for mouthwatering pork chops served with rice and gravy, a much-praised sweet potato pie, and hearty breakfasts served all day.
Brothers Daniel and George Nelson founded the beloved eatery, located at 314 17th Street North, and it’s now run by their descendants, keeping it a true family tradition.
Green Acres Cafe: If you’re craving classic Southern food, make your way to Green Acres Cafe. The family-owned restaurant has been serving Birmingham since 1958 and is especially known for its fried chicken wings.
The downtown location at 1705 4th Avenue North remains a longtime fixture of the district and one of the businesses that has helped keep its food traditions alive.
Ga Briella’s Art Gallery and Bistro: For another local hot spot, head to Ga Briella’s, located near the heart of the district on 17th Street North. The restaurant and art gallery brings food and local creativity together, making it a fitting addition to a neighborhood where culture, entrepreneurship, and community have long been intertwined.
Where to Shop
Ferrill African Wear: At 320 16th Street North, Ferrill African Wear offers African clothing and accessories, but owner Shirley Ferrill sees the shop as more than just a retail destination. Since opening in 2017, she has used the business to introduce visitors to African culture and create opportunities for conversations about race and Black history.
Look for colorful clothing and textiles, and check ahead for special events, including fashion shows.
FLY V: Stop by the FLY-V showroom for Birmingham-born streetwear centered on the brand’s motto, “Forever Live Young.” Founded by Birmingham native Drew Jones, FLY V has grown from a custom T-shirt hobby into a recognizable apparel brand, with its flagship showroom at 320 17th Street North. The brand’s message centers on empowerment, positivity, and staying connected to your roots.
Historic 4th Avenue Shirts: At 1703 4th Avenue North, Historic 4th Avenue Shirts is part clothing shop, part neighborhood time capsule. The Logan family sells 4th Avenue-themed and custom T-shirts alongside vintage albums and CDs, while the shop’s old bar has been repurposed as a shaved-ice and ice-cream spot. The owners are strong advocates for literacy and include a free book with every purchase.
Sonya Faye’s Tailor & Clothier: Sonya Faye’s Tailor & Clothier is a meeting point for craftsmanship and community, opened by Sonya Gardner in 2004. As Sonya puts it, “I take great pride in the work I do and the relationships I have built throughout the years. Being located in the 4th Avenue District allows me to be more than just a business owner. I am a part of the community, and my fitting services help people look and feel their very best.”
Where to Explore
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame: Located at 1631 4th Avenue North inside the historic Carver Theatre, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is one of the district’s essential stops. The Carver opened in 1935 as a movie theater and became a major hub of nightlife in Birmingham’s segregated Black business district. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame moved into the renovated theater in 1993.
Inside, you’ll learn about Alabama’s rich jazz legacy and the musicians who helped shape the genre, including Erskine Hawkins and Sun Ra. The museum also hosts performances and educational programming, so check the schedule for the latest happenings. Current museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: District, Located at 520 16th Street North in the broader Civil Rights District, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an essential companion stop while you’re in the area. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum explores Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement through its galleries, artifacts, photographs, and oral histories.
Its location makes it easy to pair with a 4th Avenue walk, particularly if you’re interested in understanding how the district’s Black business community intersected with the larger Civil Rights Movement. The museum’s self-guided galleries typically take about 90 minutes; current public hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m.
Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park: Stop by Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park, a small neighborhood green space honoring the late Birmingham native and founding member of The Temptations. The park pays tribute to his musical legacy while adding a welcoming public space to the historic 4th Avenue District. It’s a fitting stop for music lovers and anyone curious about the cultural connections that link Alabama to national history.
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Rai Mincey
Rai Mincey is a lifestyle journalist and recipe developer drawn to destinations that feel lush, nostalgic, and deeply human. Through her blog, The Savoring, she explores intimate dining experiences, Southern-rooted cuisine, solo travel, and the small rituals that make everyday life feel richer and more beautiful.
