The arrival of fall signals a shift from bright and crisp to warm and savory for Birmingham’s favorite menus. This season, silky butternut squash soup, unexpected festive cocktails, nostalgic casseroles, and, of course, some pumpkin delights round out our selection of must-try autumnal dishes. Here’s where to find the yummiest fall flavors in the Magic City!
Bites
Pumpkin treats at Crestline Bagel
Mountain Brook: 66-B Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213 • (205) 871-4583
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Weekends, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cahaba Heights: 4117 Crosshaven Dr #5230, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 407-4583
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Weekends, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown: 1500 1st Ave N Suite 31, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 844-4583
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday
Birmingham’s favorite Crestline Bagel is serving pumpkin in every form this season. Enjoy pumpkin bagels (bagels available Fridays through Sundays), pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin bread and muffins, and pumpkin coffee at each of their locations. What’s more fall than that?!
Enjoy Crestline Bagel’s pumpkin bagels, cream cheese, muffins, bread, and coffee all season long. Image: Crestline Bagel
Butternut Squash Soup at Brick & Tin
Mountain Brook: 2901 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 • (205) 502-7971
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown: 214 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • 205-297-8636
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday
Brick & Tin’s butternut squash soup is the ultimate dose of autumn flavor. Patio size is limited at both locations, but if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot outside, enjoy that just-right seasonal breeze with your warm bowl of fall.
Brick & Tin’s butternut squash soup practically screams fall. Image: @megisbaking and Brick & Tin
Sweet Potato Casserole at Real & Rosemary
Homewood: 1922 29th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35209 • (205) 820-7100
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Monday, closed.
The Summit: 323 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243 • (205) 820-7200
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Monday, closed.
Speaking of a bowl of fall, Real & Rosemary’s sweet potato casserole will have you dreaming of Thanksgiving and favorite family recipes. They suggest pairing it with the Grilled Herb Chicken and Brussel Sprout Slaw for the perfect fall bite.
Real & Rosemary’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try this season. Image: Real & Rosemary
Sweets
Pumpkin Spice Doughnut at Hero Doughnuts & Buns
Homewood: 3027 Central Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 623-1017
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Railroad Park: 1701 1st Ave S Suite 135, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 558-8011
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat, look no further than Hero Doughnuts & Buns. We love the Maple doughnut but can’t seem to resist the classic Pumpkin Spice. It combines pumpkin cake, a coconut glaze, and a spiced coconut crunch topping — and it’s vegan!
Nothing says fall sweet treat quite like Hero Doughnuts’ Pumpkin Spice Doughnut. Image: Hero Doughnuts
Seasonal Gelato at Cannella Gelato
2212 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Monday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday
While gelato may not be the first dessert that comes to mind during fall, Cannella Gelato will change your mind. Head over to historic Morris Avenue and stroll the cobblestone street with delicious, authentic gelato in hand. Flavors change seasonally, so you’ll always find something new, and you can grab a latte or cappuccino to complete the treat.
Grab a scoop (or two) of a seasonal flavor and a cappuccino from Cannella Gelato! Image: Cannella Gelato
Saffron Pear at Hot and Hot Fish Club
2901 2nd Ave S Suite 110, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 933-5474
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday
Hot & Hot’s Saffron Pear dessert is as beautiful as it looks. Crème fraîche, raspberries, and a ginger crumb join cinnamon ice cream for a truly delightful end-of-meal experience.
Hot & Hot’s Saffron Pear dessert is equal parts delicious and beautiful. Image: Hot and Hot Fish Club
Sips
Coffee Negroni at Bottega
2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 939-1000
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Although not listed on the menu, this is a must-try cocktail. Classic negroni flavors like licorice and dark fruit are emphasized with the addition of coffee. Plus, a cocktail on Bottega’s patio is a flawless way to enjoy the fall weather.
Grab Bottega’s off-the-menu Coffee Negroni for a fun, fall sip! Image: Bottega
Espresso Martini at The Essential
2018 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 703-3012
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Monday
Continuing on the coffee kick, the espresso martini at The Essential may just be the best in the city. It features espresso from SEEDS coffee and just the right amount of frothy topping. (SB Tip: Order a decaf for an after-dinner treat!)
There’s just something about a good espresso martini, and The Essential does it right. Image: The Essential
Pumpkin Margarita at Mayawell Bar
2900 4th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 957-4485
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday, 2 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
If you think pumpkin and margaritas don’t mix, think again. Mayawell mixes Reposado tequila, pumpkin spiced syrup, Grand Marnier, lemon, and agave together to create an unexpectedly delicious libation that brings the classic summertime margarita into fall. (SB Tip: All margaritas are $2 off on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.!)
Bring your favorite summer cocktail into fall with Mayawell’s Pumpkin Margarita. Image: Mayawell
Happy fall, Birmingham!
********
Discover more delicious local eats in our monthly installment of New Birmingham Restaurants!
