Your Updated Guide to Avondale

Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood is a creative hub that also happens to be packed with lively spots to eat and drink. The area has evolved since we published our original guide in 2018, so we’re offering an updated version to do Avondale justice! First, get a glimpse into the neighborhood’s unique history, then take a tour of Avondale as you’ll find it today.

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Imagine 1920s Birmingham, AL — a bustling steel town named Avondale. A cool, blue dusk lazily settles on the well-worn, red dirt streets, and the warm illumination of gas lamps glows forth from the windows of row houses, saloons, a service station, and a firehouse. As the stars fall on Alabama, a lumbering elephant and her keeper emerge from a lush, idyllic park and zoo at the end of Main Street for an evening walkabout.

The elephant bellows her freedom-filled delight on the emptied streets as she explores the sleepy town, her keeper following along behind. She lumbers near a row house and her large, soulful eye peers into the window of a bedroom, where a young Southern girl’s eyes widen in wonderment at the sight of her. “Hey, Miss Fancy,” whispers the little girl against the glass.

This was not unusual in the eclectic town of Avondale nearly 100 years ago. Miss Fancy the elephant, a former circus performer also known as the Queen of Avondale, was bought by the city as its “crowd gatherer” for the zoo, which opened in Avondale Park in 1914. She had a famously affectional relationship with the children of Avondale, who were known to pass by the park after school, hoping that her trainer, Mr. Todd, would hoist them onto the gentle giant’s back for a ride.

The Evolution of Avondale

Today, you can stand under the Avondale Park entrance, and you’ll be staring straight down the main artery of Avondale — 41st Street. It was formerly known as Spring Street because a spring of water runs from the underground river in Avondale Cave. This cool, clean, spring water and underground caverns have drawn people to the area for centuries — from Native Americans to pioneer families, followed by throngs of working families during the industrial boom and railroad construction.

In its heyday, the city boasted a library built with Carnegie funds and the nearby site of the first Iron Bowl in 1893. At a hopping hangout in the ’50s and ’60s called the Sky Castle, Avondale teenagers would go “cruising” and park in front of a glassed-in booth where the legendary local disc jockey of WSGN radio piped out the rock ‘n’ roll tunes of the era.

After the ’60s, neglect, crime, and kudzu swept over Avondale’s former beauty, becoming a desolate steel town with a forgotten past. However, the Friends of Avondale Park came together to restore the historic park to its former beauty, and in the past 10 years, Avondale has exploded with a youthful, entrepreneurial spirit that has brought the neighborhood back to life. It now embodies the New South, a place where local cuisine, art, music, and, most importantly, entrepreneurial camaraderie reign supreme.

Let’s explore the creative corners and lively eateries throughout Avondale as you’ll find it today!

Restaurants, Breweries & Bars

Avondale Brewing Company

Avondale Brewery’s beer is proudly served up and down 41st Street. There is a palpable respect for Avondale’s rich history in the brewery, with brews named after snippets of Avondale folklore. Enjoy a Spring Street Saison, Miss Fancy’s Tripel, or another of their seasonal brews. Sit under the twinkle lights on the sprawling back patio and open-air bar area, where you can also catch acts such as Portugal. The Man and St. Paul and The Broken Bones. They also host fundraisers in this beloved beer garden, and their upstairs space has become a popular wedding venue.

Punch Love Coffee

Punch Love Coffee, located at MAKEbhm, is a must for your caffeine needs next time you’re in the Avondale area. What began as a pop-up concept in partnership with local businesses like Seasick Records and Mom’s Basement, Punch Love Coffee is now a full-service brick-and-mortar serving high-quality coffee and espresso. (You can also find gift items from local makers like HOAM Candle Company!)

Big Spoon Creamery

Also housed in the MAKEbhm building, Big Spoon Creamery makes its ice creams completely from scratch, using as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible, as well as high-quality specialty ingredients. The shop was the dream of Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara, who met while working as chefs at Bottega. The two married in 2014, and three months later, they took the leap toward their dream.

The artisan ice cream shop’s signature “Big Spoon” sundae is a customer favorite, as is their ice cream flight, which is six small scoops of any six flavors. They carry the mainstay flavors but are renowned for their inventive, locally sourced seasonal flavors, like their Blood Orange Sorbet and King Cake flavors. “Avondale has an incredible community feel, and everyone supports one another and helps each other,” says Ryan. “We love being a part of such a vibrant and energetic culture here.”

Taco Morro Loco

Unassumingly housed in the same building as Munchie’s Food Store and Gas Station at the corner of 41st Street and 5th Avenue, Taco Morro Loco is not to be overlooked. We walked into this spot on a Friday for a late lunch, expecting it to be relatively empty, but all walks of life were crowded in the entryway waiting for their to-go orders, and there were only two tables left in the adjacent dining room.

We tried the highly recommended tamales, green and red, and they were outstanding — generously filled with perfectly spiced pork or chicken and packed in a fluffy tamale, topped with cilantro and Cotija cheese. We also tried their authentic tacos, served in a corn tortilla with fresh cilantro, white onions, a lime wedge, radishes, and some spicy hot sauce on the side — yum!

Avondale Common House & Distillery

Avondale Common House & Distillery owners Ellen and William Rogers are not new to the restaurant scene. “William and I both have a long history in fine dining, but neither one of us wanted to do that anymore,” says Ellen of the laid-back vibe and accessible menu. “The food reflects that training; however, [it’s] all locally sourced from the area using local farms. And I think people really appreciate that.” Get a mouthwatering burger for a solid epicurean win. Or go for something more creative like the uber-popular buffalo cauliflower appetizer and the maple bacon Brussels. “They are both incredible,” says Ellen.

While Ellen is also proud of the craft cocktail menu, her favorite thing about the restaurant is its large covered front patio. “At capacity, it holds 50 people comfortably and is a great place to people-watch, enjoy a rainy afternoon or lunch with the girls,” she says, adding, “I love the ambiance, the colors, the music. We try to keep things young and casual — we want our dining room to feel like home, and we have gotten numerous compliments that it feels that way.” This casual and inviting neighborhood spot is sure to be an Avondale staple.

MELT

Paget Pizitz and her business partner, Harriet Despinakis, launched the MELT food truck in 2011. They were looking for the right neighborhood for their first brick-and-mortar location when they saw what was once Stephen’s Garage, and “we just knew — we saw our future here,” says Paget. “The history is so rich in this neighborhood that each street, house, and storefront seems to tell a different story.” Harriet and Paget pride themselves on the crowd-pleasing quality of their woman-owned business. “It appeals to all walks of life, young and old,” says Paget, adding, “That actually describes the atmosphere of Avondale, too.”

Paget brought one of her childhood board games to the restaurant, and she and Harriet were delighted to see that people really loved it. Now, there are various board games and fun diversions, such as hula hoops and sidewalk chalk, for people to enjoy while waiting for their favorite cheesy, melted dish to arrive.

The Marble Ring

Named for one of Zelda Fitzgerald’s most eccentric sayings — “I hope you die in the marble ring” (believed to be said in reference to the State Capitol’s rotunda in Montgomery) — this speakeasy-style lounge invites visitors to take a step back into the Roaring ’20s. “The Marble Ring takes you back to yesteryear, emitting a lush, rich, and sensual atmosphere,” says this speakeasy’s general manager Michelle Willard. “Our sections, equipped with soft couches and armchairs, allow our guests an opportunity to unwind in comfort and elegance. (The Marble Ring is on our list of Birmingham’s Must-Try Cocktail Bars!)

SAW’s Soul Kitchen

Mike Wilson opened SAW’s first BBQ joint in Homewood. Not too long after, Mike and his friend, Chef Brandon Cain, decided to venture into Avondale’s rapidly growing scene with a barbecue-meets-soul-food fusion restaurant. The tiny kitchen with a big soul opened its doors in 2012.

SAW’s Soul Kitchen 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. With his background in fine dining, Chef Brandon is constantly inspired to create new twists on Southern soul food. Drop in early for lunch to try one of his haute country specials, because they usually sell out. (SAW’s makes some serious sandwiches. See where they landed on our list of epic deli sandwiches in BHAM!)

Post Office Pies

Post Office Pies is the brainchild of Chef John Hall, who was living in New York City, delivering pizzas out of his apartment, when his friends from SAW’s Soul Kitchen, Mike Wilson and Brandon Cain, came to him with the opportunity to open a pizza joint in the old U.S. Post Office in his Avondale hometown. The pizza ovens fired up and the doors opened in March 2014.

Chef John’s hickory-fired pizzas are authentic from dough to toppings. The wood-fired ovens, handcrafted specifically for the type of dough the kitchen uses, remain between 700 and 800 degrees. The pizzas are out-of-this-world delicious, and the salads also come highly recommended.

Parkside on Fifth

Parkside on Fifth is located directly across from Avondale Park in the historic 1890 marble works. Previously Parkside Cafe, Parkside on Fifth serves craft cocktails with house-made syrups, cold beer, and elevated bar food. Hang out at the full-service bar, or lounge outside on their lush garden terrace.

41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales

Looking for a watering hole where you can play shuffleboard and hang up your very own engraved copper Moscow Mule mug?! Look no further than 41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales — “Aircraft Sales” being a nod to co-owner Cliff Atkins’ other career as a professional pilot. This Avondale bar has the only two shuffleboard tables in Birmingham, as well as a league for shuffleboard die-hards.

Moscow Mules are the signature drink of the house, but they just launched a new draft system, featuring 37 draft beer, wine, and cider selections, as well as made-to-order fresh and frozen daiquiris and original cocktails. Customers can enjoy the free fresh popcorn served daily, or they are welcome to bring their own food from neighboring establishments. Rows and rows of personalized Moscow Mule mugs hang at the bar, and a gallery of frames affectionately dubbed the “How Great I Am” wall, features the regulars’ proudest moments. Patrons are invited to bring in a framed picture of their most awesome moments to be displayed indefinitely, giving one the distinct impression that there is a community here that really supports and celebrates one another.

Luna Latin Cuisine

If you’re in the mood for some authentic Venezuelan cuisine or even if you’ve never had the pleasure of trying it, Avondale has you covered. Luna Latin Cuisine serves the best of ‘Latin America Comfort Food,’ and we are here for it. Discover all the unique Latin American flavors complemented by one of their several specialty cocktails, like their Lunarita, which consists of Hornitos Plata, Grand Mariner, fresh limes, and orange juice. From burgers to their traditional Pabellon, you can’t go wrong with adding this to your ‘must eat’ list in Avondale.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Hailing from South Carolina, Rodney Scott recently opened his first Alabama location in Avondale, and he is serving up some incredible Southern delicacies. Rodney’s family owned a convenience store in their quaint town where they smoked whole hogs. As he grew up, he quickly learned the family’s cooking secrets and became a chef in his own right. Oh, and did we mention Rodney is the 2018 Southeast Winner of the James Beard Best Chef award? We’re pretty honored to have this master chef and his smokehouse right here in the heart of Avondale.

Creative Hubs

Saturn

Saturn owner Brian Teasley and local artist Merrilee Challis opened Bottletree, Birmingham’s well-respected music venue, in 2005. The location of the beloved hangout, right at the edge of Avondale, opened the floodgates for the neighborhood’s meteoric growth. “We just thought we might be able to help make a little difference and that other people would hopefully follow,” says Brian. “Being a resident here myself for 15 years, I really believe in helping Avondale grow in an exciting, new way that pays respect to my fellow residents and business owners.”

After Brian left Bottletree, he realized that viewing smiles on people’s faces who are seeing a band they never thought they would get to see in Birmingham was what fulfilled him most, so he dove into building another wildly creative music venue: Saturn. “We like to say that our interior designer was NASA,” says Brian. “As far as the culture, it’s all over the map, depending on what we have going on for a specific night. That’s the way we like it though: diverse and unpredictable.”

MAKEbhm

MAKEbhm is a makers’ space for artists and makers of all kinds. MAKEbhm provides space, access to equipment and tools, power, Wi-Fi, and coffee so that local creatives can bring their art and design ideas to life. “We rent workspace to woodworkers, ceramicists, graphic designers, architects, and more. We also teach classes in ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, screen printing, and beyond,” says Chris Izor, MAKEbhm Director of Operations, of the 100+ creatives and artists who use the building.

“It’s a great environment where everyone is friendly but still focused on work, and because it’s not just a bunch of laptops, you get to see so much work in progress,” adds Chris. “Many of our makers live in the neighborhood or close by, and all of our makers are customers of the Avondale businesses.” Makers and artists interested in securing a space of their own can arrange a tour by appointment HERE.

MAE studio

For years, Morgan Mondy, owner of Morgan Ashley Salon (down 280 on Highway 119), wanted to open a second salon in downtown Birmingham, closer to her community of friends. “I really wanted to be a part of revitalizing Birmingham and providing a space for community and for people to feel welcomed and comfortable and have a curated experience,” she says. She recently found that in the light-filled space formerly home to The Nest. The space mixes lush textures and elegant lighting with modern, minimalist touches for a result that Morgan describes as a “Parisian-inspired studio.”

MAE studio offers all hair services, including facial waxing, and they use the most natural and environmentally healthy products. They also carry Kitsch products, Lamill Coffee, colorful accessories from Nat + Noor, and more. “My favorite thing about MAE is the process of creating for each soul who walks through our door. I like that it is artistry and crafting a specific look and style, even brand, for a person — all while keeping the process feeling like it is a time to take life a little slower,” she says. “Our belief is that today is beautiful, and the moments we share are what make up this incredible life.”

Hairfolk Salon

Located on 4th Avenue South, Hairfolk Salon is another sought-after local salon for cuts, color, styling, specialty treatments, and waxing. Founded in 2017 by Eric Goss, Hairfolk strives to provide an atmosphere for guests that’s luxurious, sophisticated, and comfortable – but totally “free from pretense.” The salon uses the wildly popular Oribe product line, so you can stay in the know on the latest and stock up after each visit. Check out their Instagram to see some of the magic their team has been making!

Sozo Trading Co.

Sozo Trading Co. houses 18,000 square feet of upscale thrift store items, brand-new boutique-style clothing, jewelry and accessories, vendor booth items, and global handmade goods. Sozo Trading Co. provides sustainability for Sozo Children, a faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit supporting more than 120 vulnerable children in need in Kampala, Uganda.

“Sozo’s vision is to see all children thriving, all communities transformed,” says store manager Barbara Phillips. “Shopping or donating your gently used items to our thrift store directly impacts the lives of Sozo’s children in Uganda and enables us to partner with local ministries in the Avondale community to help the underserved.”

Arcadia Salon

The new kid of the block at 400 41st Street building is the chic Arcadia Salon. This five-chair salon focuses on creating a relaxing experience while receiving top-of-the-line hair care. Arcadia’s mission is for all those who walk through the salon doors to feel happy and well taken care of.

The experience at Arcadia is second to none, with highly trained stylists who strive to give each of their clients a unique salon trip that leaves them feeling refreshed and beautiful. The salon itself is impeccably designed with natural light galore and modern, yet friendly decor. From hair care to facial waxing, you won’t be disappointed by the quality of service you receive at Arcadia Salon.

Drop by Avondale, and fall in love with this booming Birmingham neighborhood.

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