There’s nothing better than new culinary options on the Birmingham food scene. Luckily for diners in the Magic City, quite a few eateries recently opened their doors. From mouthwatering cinnamon rolls to down-home southern classics and even high-quality spirits and brews, practically any craving can be satisfied with a stop at one of these seven new additions.
rolls. bakery
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: rollsbakery.com
For a while now, Downtown Birmingham has been home to one of the sweetest locally-owned bakeries: rolls. bakery. Now, Vestavia Hills has its very own location! The bakery officially opened on Highway 31 this month, giving locals another opportunity to enjoy the same tasty treats to which they’ve grown accustomed. That means diners can continue to enjoy owner Katie Cornutt’s small-batch cinnamon rolls, a family recipe inspired by her grandmother. Can’t make it to the Vestavia Hills location? Don’t fret, rolls. is also still available at a variety of retail locations throughout Birmingham and beyond.
All of rolls. bakery’s rolls are made from scratch. Image: rolls. bakery
Homewood Gourmet
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info: homewoodgourmet.com
If you were nervous when Homewood Gourmet announced its relocation plans nearly six months ago, fear not. The local institution held its grand reopening earlier this month, but it has been enjoying success since it opened in 1998 — and for a good reason. Whether the gourmet sandwiches, salads, sides, or meals to go, each menu item is as delicious as the next. Guests can expect the same sought-after menu at its new location, including the ever-popular New Orleans-inspired po’boys.
You can’t go wrong with anything at Homewood Gourmet. Still, we’re particularly fond of the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich — an ever-popular daily special the eatery brought back in honor of its grand reopening. Image: Homewood Gourmet
Sweet Home Spirits
Neighborhood: Leeds Historic and Entertainment District
More info: sweethomespirits.com
Sweet Home Spirits officially launched two years ago, but it has reached another significant milestone with its brick-and-mortar tasting room opening. Leeds-based craft distillery produces various high-quality products to enjoy by themselves or in craft cocktails, including Sweet Home Whiskey, Sweet Home Vodka, Sweet Home Limoncello, and Sweet Home Divided Bourbon.
Sweet Home Spirits opened its first-ever tasting room earlier this month, where guests can experience the brand’s passion for small-batch liquors. Image: Sweet Home Spirits
Urban Parc
Neighborhood: Five Points South Entertainment District
More info: urbanparcbham.com
Get ready for the ultimate adult playground in the middle of Five Points South Entertainment District. Part fine dining restaurant, part rooftop bar, and part arcade, Urban Park is the destination for all things fun in an elegant, elevated space. In addition to enjoying vintage arcade games or watching your favorite team, you can also dine on an upscale meal — from whole red snapper to ribeye. The visionary behind this long-awaited addition to Five Points South is Draper Mason, who also owns Urban Smoke Bar & Grill in Fairfield.
Eat, stay, and play at Birmingham’s newest entertainment destination, Urban Parc. Image: Urban Parc
Corbeau Wine Bar
Neighborhood: Trussville Entertainment District
More info: corbeaubar.com
The long-anticipated Corbeau Wine Bar has officially opened its doors in Trussville. The family-owned and operated wine bar offers a wide variety of wines from around the world, along with cocktails, craft beer, and even the state’s first self-serve wine on tap. Along with an eclectic mix of wines, Corbeau boasts a small-plate menu that shouldn’t be overlooked, including salads, flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and even a butter board. Adding to the ideal setup at Corbeau is the wine retail shop, where diners can snag a few bottles to take home.
Corbeau Wine Bar’s wine list is a truly global experience, and many can also be purchased to enjoy at home. Image: Michael Cox
Steele Hall Brewing
Neighborhood: Historic Downtown Trussville
More info: steelehallbrewingco.com
Trussville recently welcomed a new spot for brews and bites. Located downtown, Steele Hall Brewing features five core beers that visitors can always expect to find on tap — Bama Beer (an American lager), Felice Birra (an Italian pilsner), Malachite (a lime wheat beer), Camellia (a juicy orange IPA), and Hyperscale (a sour ale). Other specials rotate in and out, and you can enjoy them amid a welcoming atmosphere that boasts plenty of green space and comfortable tables and chairs. Sounds like a leisurely afternoon with friends is on the horizon!
Behold! It’s your new favorite spot to enjoy a sunny May day: Steele Hall Brewing. Image: Steele Hall Brewing
SMOKE Bistro
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: eatsmokebistro.com
The Pizitz Food Hall welcomed its latest addition this month with the official opening of SMOKE Bistro. A delicious joint venture from award-winning Chef Raquel Erin, SMOKE Bistro is an authentic smokehouse restaurant dishing out the South’s favorite comfort foods. Prepare to feast on marinated pork loin ribs, hickory smoked sausage, slow-smoked beef brisket, slow-roasted pork shoulder, and more. Of course, none of those main dishes are complete without mouthwatering sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad, cornbread, and cole slaw.
Enjoy Southern comfort food at its finest, thanks to the opening of SMOKE Bistro. Image: SMOKE Bistro
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Published April 2023
Written by Paige Townley
Birmingham has much to brag about, including its ever-delicious AND ever-growing food scene. Whatever culinary fare you’re craving, you can always find a menu (or two) to match. This month, the city welcomes back an old West Homewood favorite, adds a sweet dessert destination in Vestavia Hills, and expands its options for Italian comfort food.
Neighbors
715 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 518-5521
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
One of the sweetest things to come out of the pandemic was the opening of Neighbors ice cream shop. Seventeen local families originally founded the West Homewood shop as a welcoming neighborhood, family-based business, but after just a year and a half, the shop closed its doors. That is, until now.
Another local couple, David and Anne Walker, officially reopened its doors this month. The grand celebration was held on Saturday, April 15, with music, face painting, and a food truck. Longtime fans of the shop will be pleased to see its many ice cream options, including vegan and sugar-free varieties and sorbets. New to Neighbors are milkshake machines and a self-serve candy wall where kids of all ages can build their own candy bags.
Neighbors ice cream shop has long been known as the go-to for all things ice cream in West Homewood. In reopening, the shop has added milkshake machines and a self-serve candy wall to the mix. Image: Neighbors
Little Tomato
2581 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124 • (205) 624-3195
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, the more, the merrier! Little Tomato opened earlier this month with a limited menu of calzones, brick-oven pizzas, and wings. However, the restaurant expects to expand its menu shortly to include a full range of Italian-inspired dishes and desserts. In addition to dine-in and take-out, the Little Tomato also offers a drive-thru window to make ordering and pick-up even easier.
Pelham’s newest addition, Little Tomato, is known for its unique pizzas, fresh pasta, and calzones. Image: Little Tomato
Sunshine Creamery
3390 Morgan Dr, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 601-0230
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunshine Creamery just opened up in Vestavia Hills. The new sweet eatery, located in the Rocky Ridge area of Vestavia, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on April 21, and it has been serving up sweet treats since. Set up as a traditional ice cream parlor; the creamery is housed in what used to be a florist and offers 36 flavors of ice cream, milkshakes, shaved ice, sundaes, floats, and even smoothies.
Sunshine Creamery delivers a delicious experience with every ice cream flavor on its extensive menu. Image: Sunshine Creamery
COMING SOON: Red Bike Coffee
5512 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212 • (205) 847-4431
Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Birmingham community has been able to enjoy the offerings of Irondale-based coffee roaster Red Bike Coffee for a while via various coffee shops and grocery stores. Soon, however, we can enjoy fresh cups of Red Bike’s delicious brews at its first brick-and-mortar. The company is known for small-batch roasted beans — a method to ensure quality control and consistency. Taking over the former Crestwood Coffee space, it’s serving up daily blends, sandwiches, and pastries, all made on-site. The coffee shop is slated to officially open by the end of April.
Red Bike Coffee carefully selects beans from all over the world. Top sellers include Fast Blend Espresso, Finish Line Light Blend, and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. Image: Red Bike Coffee
COMING SOON: SMOKE Bistro
1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday
The Pizitz Food Hall is already rich in restaurants, and soon it will welcome one more: SMOKE Bistro. The restaurant comes from Raquel Erin, the award-winning Birmingham restaurateur and chef. Chef Erin has already given the Magic City Panoptic Catering and SLIDE, and with SMOKE, she’s adding an authentic smokehouse-style eatery. The menu will feature down-home favorites like ribs, smoked chicken, slow-smoked beef brisket and pork, and classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread. No specific opening date has been offered up just yet.
Chef Raquel Ervin is preparing to serve everyone’s favorite Southern comfort foods at SMOKE Bistro in the Pizitz Food Hall. Image: SMOKE Bistro
To explore more of the Birmingham culinary scene, visit our archives.
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Published March 2023
Written by Paige Townley
The Standard at Vestavia Hills
700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 164, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 490-1143
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Standard came onto the Birmingham food scene in 2017 with its original location in The Pizitz Food Hall. Now, the ever-popular eatery is giving those who live a little further south of town a chance to indulge. Located in the Vestavia Hills City Center, this second brick-and-mortar location offers up the same delicious bites the eatery is known for, including burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches — like the Patty Melt or the Philly Cheese Steak — as well as sides you simply can’t say “no” to, like French fries and tots. New to The Standard? Check out the Birmingham Dog but know that you can’t go wrong with any item on the menu.
New to the Vestavia Hills City Center, The Standard offers crowd favorites like the Double Bacon Cheeseburger, sandwiches, and hot dogs. Image: The Standard
Craft’s on 7th
2118 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 202-6518
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday
Southside has a new spot for fabulous fried chicken: Craft’s. The family-owned restaurant initially set up shop in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village, offering main lunch and dinner options and a variety of salads, bowls, burgers, and even quesadillas. The newest location near UAB brings that southern-fried perfection, including the Simple Chick (a fried chicken sandwich topped with pickles), the Eddie Deluxe (a fried chicken sandwich topped with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauce), and the highlight of the menu for many: the bone-in fried chicken. Not to be outshined by the chicken selections, Craft’s has many delicious sides, including staples like fried okra, mac n’ cheese, squash casserole, and rice n’ gravy.
In addition to its mouthwatering lunch and dinner menu, Craft’s also offers catering. Image: Craft’s
Uproot Brewing Company
2616 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 201-5188
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
Birmingham has been patiently waiting, and Uproot Brewing is officially open! Housed in the former Ghost Train location on 3rd Avenue South, the brewery is the brainchild of Nate Darnell, former head brewer for Ferus Artisan Ales. He now serves up his signature ales Wednesday through Sunday, and the casual spot is an ideal location to grab a drink after work, a night out, or while watching your favorite sports team in action.
Uproot Brewing offers fantastic brews in the former Ghost Train location on 3rd Avenue South. Image: Uproot Brewing
7 Brew Coffee
2206 Moody Parkway, Moody, AL 35004 • (479) 358-9274
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
You can already enjoy 7 Brew Coffee at one Alabama location in Foley, but the new brick-and-mortar in Moody marks its first venture into the Birmingham market. The drive-thru coffee shop focuses on custom, handcrafted coffee, but it’s so much more than a daily caffeine fix. The shop’s mission is to provide delicious drinks while delivering on experience. Birmingham loves its coffee, so residents will surely appreciate a new spot to pick up everything from classic lattes, mochas, and caramel macchiato to unique drinks like the Triple 7, German Chocolate, and Cinnamon Roll. For those seeking a tasty beverage without the caffeine kick, 7 Brew also serves a variety of teas, shakes, sparkling water, and smoothies. The drive-thru even has a kid’s menu with a fizz, cocoa, or smoothie.
7 Brew Coffee brings its unique blends to Birmingham with its first location in the Magic City. In addition to the standard favorites, the drive-thru coffee shop offers sweet twists on coffee like the Smooth 7, featuring white chocolate and Irish cream breve. Image: 7 Brew Coffee
Ladybird Taco
300 Rele Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 • (205) 382-8871
Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ladybird Taco, a popular Nashville fast-casual restaurant, opened its very first location in Alabama. Located in Mountain Brook’s Lane Park, the taco-focused eatery was initially inspired by the taco scene in Austin, TX. You can anticipate house-made tortillas, queso, salsa, salads, and more — all crafted with fresh ingredients. The brick-and-mortar is also open for breakfast, with a variety of tacos served all day in case you miss them in the morning.
What’s better than tacos at lunch? Tacos at breakfast too! Both can be found at Lane Parke’s newest addition, Ladybird Taco. Image: Ladybird Taco
Rodney Scott’s BBQ Homewood
2701 18th Street South, Unit 100, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 922-7733
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ may not be new to Homewood (it originally opened in 2021), but you can expect significant changes! The acclaimed barbecue joint has transitioned from its original fast-casual concept to full table service. Diners can continue enjoying everything they love — from the pit-cooked meats to traditional Southern sides and desserts — only now, in a casual dining setting. While the Homewood location officially shifted service as of March 20, the two other locations in Birmingham and Trussville will be transitioning soon.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is what barbecue dreams are made of, thanks to its tried-and-true menu of pit-cooked meats. Image: Angie Mosier
To explore more of the Birmingham culinary scene, visit our archives.
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Published February 2023
Written by Paige Townley
This month in the Magic City brought us eight new restaurants to fall in love with. Better yet, this lineup of new culinary delights will satisfy just about any craving. From pizza and poké bowls to tacos and top-shelf coffee, the options are as diverse as they are delicious. Check out the new eateries we’re crushing on!
8 New Birmingham Restaurants
Slice Pizza Crestline
1101 Dunston Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35213 • (205) 983-7832
Hour: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
Slice may not be new to Birmingham — there are three other locations in Lakeview, Vestavia, and Montevallo — but that hasn’t curbed our enthusiasm for the newest location in Crestline. One of the city’s longstanding favorite pizzerias, Slice is known for its uber-delicious pies like the Hot Mama (Calabrian peppers, salami, fresh mozzarella, and a hot honey drizzle) and the classic Margherita with house-made mozzarella, fresh basil, and oregano.
The menu offerings at Slice go well beyond pizza. There are also salads, small plates (including the must-try Baked Feta), and sweets. But can a meal at Slice even be considered a real visit without a slice of perfectly-created pizza? Image: Slice
MELT
1011 Jemison Lane, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 917-5000
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
MELT closed its Avondale location late last year, but the eatery has a new spot in Mountain Brook. Lane Parke is now officially home to MELT, where the restaurant continues to serve up comfort food classics like the Classic Melt Grilled Cheese, Fried Pickles, Food Truck Nachos, and the always-amazing Mac Melt. The restaurant’s dessert menu adds to the deliciousness, keeping the indulgence going with Deep Fried Double Stuffed Oreos, Deep Fried Snickers, and combos of Nutella and fruit.
A meal at MELT is the perfect indulgence, especially when it includes the ever-popular Cuban with pork, ham, swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and dill pickles on a Cuban roll. Image: MELT
Cala Coffee
3950 Autumn Ln, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 582-8263
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cahaba Heights’s long-awaited coffee shop, Cala Coffee, has officially opened its doors. The new hotspot is the brainchild of Josh and Melanie Cosio, California transplants who began roasting their own coffee just two years ago. Cala started as a coffee cart before growing into a brick-and-mortar — though the cart is still available to rent for parties and events!
Freshly roasted coffee can be enjoyed at Cala Coffee every day of the week until 4 p.m. Image: Cala Coffee
Aww Shucks
4120 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35222 • (205) 346-1999
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday
The menu at Aww Shucks can please even the pickiest of eaters. Known for its original gourmet fire-roasted corn, the food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar eatery offers something for everyone — vegetarians, those on a plant-based diet, healthy eaters, and anyone simply wanting to enjoy the classic deliciousness of the popular garden vegetable. A few must-tries for your inaugural visit: Mexican Street Corn, Tony’s Teriyaki, and, if you can handle the spice, Takis.
Toppings at Aww Shucks range from Buffalo Ranch to Parmesan Herb and beyond. Image: Facebook
Ono Poké
325 Summit Blvd A, Birmingham, AL 35243 • (205) 538-5566
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Summit just got a tasty addition with the opening of Ono Poké. This is the third Birmingham location (there are others in Edgewood and the Pizitz Food Hall) from Ono Poké’s founder, Vinh Tran, who brings a taste of his native West Coast. He does that in the best way possible with his unique poké bowls, which are available in chef-suggested options or as build-your-own. Plus, every bowl is made better with a side of Ono Fries.
The poké bowl potential at Ono Poké is practically endless. Add to the enjoyment with an order of signature Ono Fries. Image: Ono Poké
Social Taco
1831 28th Ave S 175 N, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 922-0551
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The perfect trifecta is now complete in Homewood: Social Taco is officially open. The new sister restaurant of SoHo Social and Soho Standard, Social Taco offers a menu with items as fresh as they are fabulous — especially the Pastor Tacos, which are cut straight from the Pastor rotisserie and topped with freshly grilled pineapple. Dare we mention that they’re made better with the addition of a pineapple-coconut frozen margarita?
The entire menu at Social Taco can be described in one word: mouthwatering. From nachos to tacos and everything in between, any selection is destined to be delicious. Image: Social Taco
Kemp’s Kitchen & Bakery/Golden Rule BBQ
120 S. Chalkville Road, Trussville, AL 35173 • (205) 577-5977
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two popular Trussville restaurants are now back in action at one location: Kemp’s Kitchen & Bakery and Golden Rule BBQ & Grill. Both eateries can be found in one newly-remodeled space, which features an updated dining area, kitchen, bakery, and drive-thru. The combined location means it’s easier than ever to enjoy the classic Golden Rule barbecue and the classics for which Kemp’s Kitchen is known, including the hamburger steak, patty melt, fried green tomatoes, and, of course, all of the mouthwatering pies.
Any item on the Kemp’s Kitchen & Bakery menu is sure to please, particularly the Gabe the Babe Burger. It’s a definite crowd favorite. Image: Kemp’s Kitchen & Bakery
Baja California Irondale
7701 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35210 • (205) 202-6226
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
All your favorite Mexican dishes are available at the latest restaurant to open in Irondale: Baja California Grill. The eatery’s menu is extensive, offering so much more than the standard tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. Mixing it up and trying something new with each visit is easy.
When the craving for Mexican food hits, Baja California Grill is ready to answer the call. The eatery’s menu offers any type of South-of-the-border dish you’re looking for. Image: Paige Townley
Keep scrolling for more recent Birmingham restaurant openings. And, to stay in the know on more ways to drink and dine your way through Birmingham, subscribe to StyleBlueprint’s daily emails!
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Published January 2023
Written by Paige Townley
Birmingham ushered in the new year with a host of new additions to the restaurant scene. From pasta, pizza, and sushi to practically any type of sweet indulgence you can dream up, this month’s culinary newcomers are not to be ignored. Add these eight new spots to your must-try list!
8 New Birmingham Restaurants + Concepts
Capella Pizzeria
4700 US-280 Suite 13, Birmingham, AL 35242 • (205) 438-6108
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Get your Italian fix at Capella Pizzeria, now open in Inverness on Highway 280. This is Capella Italian’s first Alabama location, and it doesn’t disappoint with its authenticity. The menu features a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, salads, and delicious desserts, including classics like cannolis and gelato.
The family-friendly restaurant imports many ingredients straight from Italy — from olive oil to pepperoni. Adding to the ambiance are community-style tables, traditional Italian music, and European football games that can typically be viewed on TV screens around the restaurant.
Feast on authentic Italian at Capella Pizzeria. Image: Capella Pizzeria
K&J Elegant Pastries
3601 Market St Suite 101, Hoover, AL 35226 • (205) 842-8357
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Earlier this year, K&J Elegant Pastries relocated its Alabaster location to Uptown in Birmingham, and now it’s already opening its second sweet location in Hoover. Located in Ross Bridge, the new K&J location is serving up the fresh-baked cupcake goodness for which it’s known, along with custom cakes and the ever-popular Kollosal Milkshakes.
K&J Elegant Pastries now offers two Birmingham locations to enjoy decadent cupcakes and milkshakes. Image: K & J Elegant Pastries
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
238 Summit Blvd Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35243 • (205) 922-0880
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
The long-awaited Blue Sushi Sake Grill has officially opened its doors at The Summit. The elevated restaurant and cocktail bar concept brings a new sushi wave to Birmingham thanks to its sustainably sourced seafood program, Conscious Earth. Along with its incredibly varied list of specialty sushi options, including one of the broadest vegan sushi menus in the country, Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers a range of starters and shareable plates, such as Coconut Crab Soup and the brand’s signature Tuna Tower.
Those looking to enjoy an adult beverage with their meal can choose from various creative cocktails, such as the Sake Sangria or Far East Mary. There are also mocktails and a unique selection of sake and Japanese Whisky. Adding to the bold flavors experienced with each dish is the Asian-inspired aesthetic, highlighted by murals from local artist Andrew Tynes of Mammoth Murals.
Say Aloha to the Hawaiian roll at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. Image: Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Santos Coffee
4700 Cahaba River Rd suite b, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 438-6237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A couple of months ago, we announced the new Mountain Brook location of Santos Coffee. Now, they have graciously given Birmingham another convenient location in Altadena Square in Vestavia! The coffee shop features coffee beans from Guatemala family farms, which you can enjoy practically any way you wish. The shop offers a subscription service for those who desire a little caffeine boost at home. Even better, for every bag sold through the subscription program, $2 is donated to purchasing Eco-Filters — a system helping those in need to access clean water.
Delicious and pretty to look at! Santos Coffee offers various caffeine options at its new Altadena Square location. Image: Santos Coffee
Teenie’s Take-Home Market
2822a Petticoat Ln, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; closed Saturday through Monday
One of the newest additions to Mountain Brook is Teenie’s Take-Home Market, the new go-to for take-and-bake meals. The female-owned company was founded by Tina Liollio, who practically grew up in the kitchen. Today, she’s using that knowledge — supported by her Sicilian and Greek heritage — to dish out a delicious menu of big flavors and made-from-scratch offerings like spanakopita, Greek chicken and rice, and meat lasagna.
Mountain Brook welcomes Teenie’s Take-Home Market. Image: Teenies Take Home Market
Sons Donuts
351 Rele St, Birmingham, AL 35223
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
World traveling led to the deliciousness that is Sons Donuts. Located in Lane Parke, the family-owned eatery was inspired by the universal love of donuts. After spending a few years perfecting their creations, the family set up shop to share that love with Birmingham. The mini donuts are available in several flavors (including maple brown butter and bourbon caramel pecan), and all are made in-house and served hot to order. Pair the mini treats with one of Sons’ coffee or espresso offerings, and you’re all set!
From Cinnaglazed donuts to seasonal flavors like Banana Cream Pie, Sons Donuts delivers the goods. Image: Sons Donuts
Barbeque & Biryani
401 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 202-5846
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday
Transport your tastebuds to India with a visit to Barbeque & Biryani. Located in Southside Station, the family-owned restaurant serves Halal Indian Hyderabadi cuisine inspired by several other types of cooking, including Turkish and Arabic. The menu includes a variety of traditional offerings as well as some modern updates, including kabobs, biryani, a variety of curries, and wraps.
Head to Southside Station to broaden your palate at Barbeque & Biryani. Image: Barbeque & Biryani
Magic Milkshakes and More
2801 John Hawkins Pkwy Suite 157-O, Hoover, AL 35244 • (205) 761-1008
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There may be no better way to satisfy a sweet tooth than to visit Magic Milkshakes and More. The latest addition to Hoover, Magic Milkshakes and More is the ultimate destination for desserts of all types. The eatery’s menu includes 15 signature milkshakes. A must-try is The G.O.A.T., which comes with butter crunch and Dutch chocolate in a chocolate swirl cup. It’s topped with Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Cups, sprinkles, and chocolate drizzle. You can also get waffle sundaes (served on a Belgian waffle), brownie sundaes, waffle sticks, and build-your-own milkshakes.
Talk about satisfying your sweet tooth! Image: Magic Milkshakes and More
To stay in the know on more ways to drink and dine your way through Birmingham, subscribe to StyleBlueprint!
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Published December 2022
Written by Paige Townley
As holiday festivities gained momentum this month, so did the Birmingham culinary scene. Welcoming mouthwatering menus featuring everything from biscuits and mac and cheese to boba tea, the Magic City is the food enthusiast’s gift that keeps on giving. Here are five new Birmingham restaurants you’ll want to add to your must-try list!
5 New Birmingham Restaurants + Concepts to Check Out
Back Open: Bottega
2240 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 939-1000
Hours: Dining Room — Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday; Café — Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday through Monday
Note: Reservations are recommended for the dining room.
Residents across the city are overjoyed that longstanding favorite Bottega has reopened its dining room for the first time since it closed for an interior refresh back in March. You can expect to enjoy the same exquisite Italian-inspired menu, including new additions from renowned Chef Frank Stitt and the entire Bottega team. But now, you can do so while enjoying the delightfully updated interior, which features new white tile flooring, an ironwork railing on the staircase leading to the mezzanine, and new tables and chairs in place of the banquettes that were in the center of the room. The upstairs restrooms were updated as well. As always, reservations are recommended for the dining room.
Bottega is back, and so are these fantastic fried oysters with caper aioli. Image: Bottega
Biscuit Love
4317 Dolly Ridge Road, Suite 101, Vestavia, AL 35243 • (205) 407-1186
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Birmingham reached another milestone this year, welcoming the very first Alabama location of Biscuit Love. Located in Vestavia’s Cahaba Heights neighborhood, Biscuit Love is an ever-popular Nashville-based brunch concept founded in 2012 by Karl and Sarah Worley.
The eatery’s menu serves a wide range of made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch dishes. You can look forward to dishes like Bill Neal’s Shrimp & Grits, an egg plate, and cheesy grits, but the real star of the show is the biscuit. This family business is known for making some good ones, and the menu shows them off in several ways. Popular options include bonuts (fried biscuit dough tossed in sugar and topped with lemon mascarpone, served with blueberry compote) and the East Nasty (a buttermilk biscuit topped with fried boneless chicken thigh, aged cheddar, and sausage gravy — once named the best sandwich in the country by Bon Appetit).
Other standouts include the B-Roll (a biscuit cinnamon roll topped with pecan sticky bun sauce and cream cheese icing) and the Southern Benny (an open-faced buttermilk biscuit topped with shaved country ham, two over-easy eggs, and sausage gravy). Biscuit-less options are also available, such as the Hungry Hash Bowl, which comes with fried potatoes, sausage gravy, bacon, two over-easy eggs, and a garnish of green onion. Rounding out the menu are options for the kids, coffee and tea, and brunch cocktails.
Bonuts, anyone? It’s Biscuit Love to the breakfast rescue. Image: Biscuit Love
Teaspoon
325 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243 • (205) 200-2229
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Teaspoon, a long-awaited boba tea location, opened at The Summit on December 1. Teaspoon was founded in Los Altos, California, by Amy Lai, who sees beyond the basics in every specially-crafted cup. To Amy, taking time for tea means slowing down and enjoying the experience, which is what every menu option encourages.
The menu features classic drinks like House Milk Tea and Liquid Gold, as well as several signature drinks like Caramel Cream, which features organic milk and iconic honey boba swirled with handcrafted brown sugar syrup. You can also enjoy the Strawberry Colada, a Hawaiian-inspired drink that includes a swirl of pineapple, coconut, and strawberry.
Not to be overlooked, the menu also offers rotating seasonal favorites like the Cocoa Lover, a salted Nutella dark chocolate latte with peppermint crumble. (It should be one of your first orders!)
Birmingham’s newest Boba tea hotspot boasts fun seasonal flavors like Caramel Cream. Image: TeaSpoon
A-Train Station
1515 Pearson Avenue SW, Birmingham 35211 • (205) 521-4871
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
A-Train Station had been a popular food truck on the move around Birmingham, and it just debuted its first brick-and-mortar location. A-Train Station is known for its mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks, wings, and loaded fries, and the new location will continue to welcome new items to the menu.
As a nod to its West End location, the eatery had a mural painted on the building by well-known local muralist Dewon Moton, featuring a train and the neighborhood’s renowned historic house and gardens, Arlington House.
The French Fry Philly is a mound of deliciousness. Image: A-Train Station
I Heart Mac & Cheese
2503 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244 • (205) 438-6011
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
New to the Alabama culinary scene is the latest establishment to open in Hoover: I Heart Mac & Cheese. Officially open as of December 21, the new addition is a Florida-based chain focusing on all things cheese and some of the most unique mac and cheese offerings you’ll find.
The menu features dishes like Buffalo Blue Mac and Cheese, Lobster and White Truffle Mac and Cheese, and of course, the Classic Mac and Cheese. You can also enjoy grilled cheese sandwich options like the Bacon, Love, Tomato Grilled Cheese and The Best of Both Worlds, a baked mac and cheese sandwich starring slow-cooked short rib, white cheddar cheese, yellow cheddar cheese, and B.B.Q. sauce.
If you think the menu couldn’t get any more creative, think again: There’s also the Tacoroni, a build-your-own mac and cheese taco, plus an unexpected selection of vegan options. Finish up a meal at I Heart Mac & Cheese with dessert offerings like the Cheesecake Bites.
Talk about the perfect comfort food! Check out the I Heart Mac & Cheese Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese. Image: I Heart Mac & Cheese
Enjoy your dining adventures, Birmingham!
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