From new coffee shops and barbecue joints to a stellar seafood restaurant and some “sweet spots,” Birmingham is teeming with new restaurants — 27 of them! And people are flocking to check the menus and patios. To give a lay of the land, we’ve scoured the culinary scene to bring you the best new Birmingham restaurants. Bookmark this page, put on your stretchy pants, then head out to try the new eateries that are calling your name!
27 New Birmingham Restaurants to Check Out This Spring
AVONDALE
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
3719 3rd Ave. S, Birmingham, AL 35222 • (205) 506-2711
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pitmaster Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ developed a taste for barbecue at a young age while smoking hogs behind his family’s convenience store in Hemingway, South Carolina. He smokes his hogs the Eastern Carolina way, cooked belly-side-down for 12 hours, and the taste is unforgettable.
Fried catfish at Rodney’s comes from farm-raised catfish, is cornmeal-breaded and then served with house-made tartar sauce. Image: Andrew Cebulka
Luna Latin Cuisine
4120 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Luna Latin Cuisine brings authentic Venezuelan cuisine to the heart of Avondale. Traditional plates include corn, rice, plantain, yams, beans and several meats, along with sides that feature vibrant vegetable dishes with tomatoes, onions, eggplants, squashes, spinach and zucchini.
Cookie Dough Magic
400 41st St. S. Suite 102, Birmingham, AL 35222 • (256) 321-9550
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; closed Monday
Who doesn’t crave cookie dough? Enjoy this treat in all its glory at newly opened Cookie Dough Magic in Avondale. With flavors like magic chocolate chip, Fancy’s peanut butter and brownie batter, there’s something for everyone. SB Tip: The “salty sweet flavor,” their signature dough with dark chocolate chips, sea salt and Ghirardelli caramel, is the owner’s favorite!
HOMEWOOD
Mark’s Joint
2846 18th St. S, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 848-8026
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday
There is no such thing as too much barbecue and Mark’s Joint, centrally located on 18th Street in Homewood, offers shoppers some classic Southern comfort food. Sandwiches, sausage, ribs and even BBQ nachos round out this delicious menu.
The spare ribs are already a favorite at Mark’s Joint Backyard BBQ. Served fall-off-the-bone style with two homemade sides, it’s hard not to clean your plate with this order! Image: Adelaide Matte
RELATED: Birmingham Barbecue: 3 New Pits to Check Out Now
INVERNESS
Bullet Coffee Company
5299 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 • (205) 848-8070
Hours: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
From the owners of Red Mountain Expresso comes a new coffee shop on 280, Bullet Coffee Company! This shop serves up all the classic coffee drinks you love, plus wraps, salads and pastries to accompany your caffeine fix.
LAKEVIEW
Automatic Seafood & Oysters
2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 580-1600
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Exquisite land-to-sea fare meets an effortlessly chic dining experience at Automatic Seafood & Oysters — the latest restaurant to join Birmingham’s ever-growing Lakeview District. Acclaimed Chef Adam Evans of The Optimist in Atlanta returns to his Birmingham home with this impressive eatery.
The fluke crudo is served with fresh pickled ginger, crispy skin and lime. Image: Caleb Chancey of Caleb Chancey Photography
DOWNTOWN
Mile End Deli
1701 1st Ave S Suite 135, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 558-8011
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Marrying Jewish comfort food with a classic deli concept, Mile End Delicatessen brings house-made bagels, which are soaked in honey and wood-fired, and an impressive selection of sandwiches, noshes and all-day breakfast to Birmingham.
Bizarre: The Coffee Bar
217 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 201-5764
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; closed Sunday
It seems as though new coffee shops are popping up daily in the ‘ham, and we’re not complaining! If you find yourself downtown, stop by Bizarre: The Coffee Bar for a yummy latte and tasty treat.
Birmingham Candy Company at The Pizitz Food Hall
1821 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 447-3002
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We all know that the Pizitz Food Hall houses some of the most delicious savory bites in the city, but they’ve recently added a sweet spot to the mix! Indulge in a caramel apple, chocolate or seasonal delight at Birmingham Candy Company, which opened this April!
Caramel apples | Image: Birmingham Candy Company
Santos Coffee
2024 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Another new coffee shop has opened its doors in Downtown Birmingham. Located on 3rd Avenue North, Santos Coffee serves up delicious caffeine-filled beverages, as well as waffles and crêpes.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken at The Battery
2201 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 538-5337
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This Mason, TN original has brought its world-famous, spicy fried chicken to the Magic City, and we couldn’t be more excited. Pair Gus’s crispy fried chicken with your choice of classic comfort-food sides for a meal you won’t soon forget.
Birmingham District Brewing Co. at The Battery
2201 2nd Ave S Suite 102, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 202-5779
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, noon to 10 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, noon to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
The Battery also houses Birmingham’s newest brewery, Birmingham District Brewing Co.! Grab some eats from Gus’s or Wasabi Juan’s downstairs, then head up to the brewery for a cold brew to pair with your meal.
PEPPER PLACE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The Lumbar
212 29th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m to 11 p.m.; closed Sunday
Recently opened in the heart of Pepper Place Entertainment District, The Lumbar offers a one-of-a-kind bar experience. This science-themed bar serves up tasty, unique cocktails and bar menu items in a fun and funky environment.
In the breezy spring and early summer days, The Lumbar opens it’s chic al fresco bar out front. Image: Stephen DeVries for Pepper Place
RELATED: The Lumbar: Where You Can Get a Beer with a Side of Science
FIVE POINTS
The Lab Bar and Kitchen
808 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 933-9009
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
The Lab Bar and Kitchen, located in Five Points South neighboring UAB’s campus, serves up a vast selection of Southern fare, shareable bites, flatbreads, salads and more. Wash it down with one of their themed cocktails, like The Blazer or An Evening in Bham.
Filter Coffee Parlor
1927 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 202-6422
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located in the old Starbucks location in the nexus of Five Points South, Filter Coffee Parlor not only offers high-quality coffees, teas, specialty drinks and seasonal eats, but also exciting events and programming that serve to bring the community together. Expect kids’ events, live music and more at this dynamic coffee shop.
CAHABA HEIGHTS
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
3029 Pump House Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 715-8999
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Even on a weeknight, you’ll likely find crowds gathering at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Cahaba Heights, where owner Pat Martin smokes whole hogs “the Tennessee way.” Hickory smoke wafts from the pit, which is located front and center, right next to the bar at this cool barbecue joint.
Martin’s covers all the Southern staples with its menu. From pork sandwiches to wings and loaded potatoes, there’s something for every palate. Image: Martin’s
Wintzell’s Oyster House
Heights Village, 3144, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 637-0188
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The original Wintzell’s Oyster House is a historic landmark on Dauphin Street in Mobile, AL, known for its “oysters — fried, stewed or nude.” They also have a mean West Indies salad and an award-winning gumbo and are now serving up these tasty dishes at their new location in Cahaba Heights.
HOOVER
Wild Roast Cafe
585 Shades Crest Road, Birmingham, AL 35226 • (205) 790-1803
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday
Wild Roast Cafe describes itself as a “caffeinated community of artists and neighbors.” We love that! If you find yourself in the Bluff Park community along Shades Crest Road, stop in for a tasty coffee and check out the local art decorating the walls — and possibly catch an independent musician playing on stage.
Baba Java Roaster & Cafe
4730 Chace Circle #124, Hoover, AL 35244 • (205) 777-5984
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday
Baba Java is a brand-new coffee shop in Hoover, owned and operated by a husband-and-wife duo. This specialty roaster and cafe serves up coffee drinks, take-away lunch options and plenty of gluten-free and paleo pastries. Yum!
RELATED: Birmingham’s Neighborhood Coffee Shops
An apple strudel at Baba Java | Image: Baba Java
NEW LOCATIONS
Wasabi Juan’s at The Battery
2201 2nd Ave S Suite 105 Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 703-8891
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Monday
The Battery development downtown brings a bevy of new eats to town, among them a new Wasabi Juan’s, the beloved Japanese-Mexican fusion eatery. Craving a sushi burrito? They’ve got you covered!
Sprout & Pour Juicery + Cafe at Founders Station
2015 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 423-5543
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday
If you’re on the hunt for a healthier bite, stop by Sprout & Pour’s new location at Founder’s Station on Morris Avenue for an açaí bowl, pressed juice, wrap or salad. Enjoy it on their beautiful patio then stop by Square One Goods just next door!
The acai bowls at Sprout & Pour are almost too pretty to eat! Image: Sprout & Pour
Brät Brot Gartenbar
2910 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 440-2910
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; closed Sunday and Monday
After a brief break, Brät Brot recently reopened their sleek “gartenbar.” The beer garden offers traditional German fare with a modern gastropub twist, as well as a full bar with craft cocktails, plus a late-night brunch every Friday until 10 p.m. Hang out in the fabulous al fresco space for a fun afternoon with friends.
Pho Pho at The Pizitz Food Hall
1821 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 214-9999
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pho is the food fad of the year and with good reason! Noodles, warm broth, veggies and all your favorite toppings make this delicious — and Instagram-worthy — dish a must-try. The original Pho Pho in Five Points South just opened up a stall at The Pizitz Food Hall. Grab a piping hot bowl of pho next time you’re there!
Ono Poke
934 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 238-5508
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ono Poke is almost always our go-to choice at The Pizitz Food Hall, and now they’ve got a new location in Homewood! Stop by for your fix of build-your-own poke.
A gorgeous poke bowl from Ono Poke | Image: Ono Poke
Seeds Coffee Company
2808 7th Avenue South #105, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 312-9947
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Sunday
Another local favorite, Seeds Coffee Company, has opened some new doors down in Lakeview. Diners can expect all the classic drinks and bites in an equally inviting atmosphere as the original.
Big Spoon Creamery
926 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 637-0823
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.
Big Spoon Creamery, which originally got its start as a food truck, has opened a new location in Homewood! After shopping and dining your way through Homewood’s quaint Edgewood neighborhood, find time to treat yourself to one of Big Spoon’s scrumptious and unique flavors.
RELATED: Birmingham’s Favorite Ice Cream Joints & Popsicle Stands
Delectable scoops! Image: Big Spoon Creamery
Sitar Indian Cuisine
1801 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 323-6500
Hours: Monday through Saturday, lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
This beloved Indian eatery in the heart of UAB’s campus has a large and loyal following, who were relieved to learn that the restaurant wasn’t closing this past November, merely building new digs about a half-mile away. The new location recently opened its doors to happy customers craving Sitar’s delicious Indian cuisine.
SB TIP: When you need to book a sitter for your night out, download Wyndy! Now venture out and taste the new flavors of the Magic City!
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