Birmingham, Alabama : The Guide to the Magic City’s Most Epic Eats, Drinks, Sleeps, Sweats, and Scenes || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 10
- 9 min read
Hungry?
Thirsty?
Sleepy?
Be Active
Go 2 Event
What are 5 facts about Birmingham, Alabama?
Vulcan statue is the largest cast-iron statue in the world. ...
Rickwood Field is the oldest baseball park in the U.S. ...
Oak Mountain State Park, located just south of Birmingham, is Alabama's largest state park. ...
Birmingham's nickname, the “Magic City” originated from its rapid growth.
What is Birmingham, Alabama famous for?
Birmingham is home to world-class medical research, a celebrated food and arts scene, and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
What are 10 interesting facts about Alabama?
Nickname: The Heart of Dixie.
Statehood: 1819; 22nd state.
Population (as of July 2015): 4,858,979.
Capital: Montgomery.
Biggest City: Birmingham.
Abbreviation: AL.
State bird: yellowhammer.
State flower: camellia.
What to know before moving to Birmingham?
Cost of Living in Birmingham. One of the biggest draws is affordability. ...
The Job Market Is Growing. ...
Best Neighborhoods for Relocators. ...
Schools and Education. ...
Housing Market Snapshot (2025) ...
Transportation and Commute. ...
Things to Do in Birmingham. ...
Climate and Weather.
Key Takeaway: Birmingham in 2025 is a city where you can brunch on scratch-made biscuits, sip a science-themed cocktail in a speakeasy, hike a mountain before noon, and catch a Grammy-nominated band at a retro-futuristic club—all before you even check your DMs. This is your up-to-date, no-BS, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Alabama’s Magic City. Ready to spin the wheel for your next adventure? Let’s go!
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
Hungry? The Top Places to Eat in Birmingham (2025 Edition)
Birmingham’s food scene is a glorious mashup of Southern comfort, global flavors, and pizza that’ll make you question your life choices (in a good way). Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
The Essential | 1,000+ | 4.7 | Scratch-made brunch, pastries, pasta | |
Yo’ Mama’s | 1,200+ | 4.6 | Chicken & waffles, Southern comfort | |
Big Bad Breakfast | 1,000+ | 4.5 | Biscuits, breakfast plates, bacon | |
Trattoria Zaza | 900+ | 4.6 | Italian breakfast, pizza, espresso | |
Fife’s Restaurant | 1,000+ | 4.4 | “Meat and three,” classic breakfast |
Key Finding: The Essential is the brunch GOAT, but Yo’ Mama’s is where you go when you want to eat your feelings (and then some).
Asian Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Red Pearl Restaurant | 1,200+ | 4.6 | Dim sum, Chinese classics | |
Surin West | 1,000+ | 4.5 | Thai curries, sushi, noodles | |
EastWest | 800+ | 4.7 | Asian fusion, bao, ramen | |
Saigon Noodle House | 700+ | 4.5 | Pho, banh mi, Vietnamese | |
Yummefy | 600+ | 4.6 | Indian, Thai, Chinese fusion |
Middle Eastern Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Makarios Kabob and Grill | 1,000+ | 4.6 | Kabobs, shawarma, pita | |
Eli’s Jerusalem Grill | 900+ | 4.7 | Falafel, shawarma, hummus | |
Taboon Noon O Kabab | 700+ | 4.5 | Wood-fired bread, kabobs | |
The Olive Branch | 600+ | 4.6 | Gyro, kafta, salads | |
Naji’s Pita Gourmet | 500+ | 4.5 | Lebanese, vegetarian options |
Mexican Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
El Barrio | 1,000+ | 4.7 | Street tacos, enchiladas | |
Salud Taqueria | 800+ | 4.6 | Authentic tacos, burritos | |
Maya Mexican Restaurant | 700+ | 4.5 | Guac, fajitas, street tacos | |
Rojo | 600+ | 4.4 | Tacos, burritos, Latin fusion | |
Casa Fiesta Mexican Grill | 500+ | 4.3 | Enchiladas, fajitas, margaritas |
European / Best Pizza
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Capella Pizzeria | 1,000+ | 4.8 | Neapolitan pizza, wood-fired | |
Pizza Grace | 900+ | 4.7 | Creative pies, local ingredients | |
Miracle Pizza | 800+ | 4.6 | NY-style, whole pies & slices | |
Salvatore’s Pizza and Pasta | 700+ | 4.5 | Sicilian pizza, Italian classics | |
Trattoria Zaza | 900+ | 4.6 | Italian breakfast, pizza |
Thirsty? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails, and Coffee
Whether you want to sip a craft IPA, dance at a drag show, or caffeinate for your next mountain hike, Birmingham’s got you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
Mom’s Basement
Retro dive, pool, karaoke, and the “gayest non-gay bar in town.”
Saturn
Space-themed, vintage arcade, LGBTQ+ safe, live music.
The Garage
Historic dive, legendary courtyard, deli sandwiches, antiques.
Al’s on 7th
Birmingham’s best-known gay bar, drag shows, dance floor.
Lumbar
Science-themed, nerdy cocktails, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Marty’s PM
Late-night dive, live music, legendary burgers, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Elysian Gardens
Outdoor bar, art installations, food trucks, queer events.
Best for Music
Saturn
National and local acts, themed dance parties, movie nights.
Iron City
Large concert venue, full bar, restaurant, industrial-chic.
Avondale Brewing Company
Outdoor concerts, craft beer, food trucks, big patio.
The Fennec
Southern cuisine, craft cocktails, dedicated music hall.
Workplay
Concerts, comedy, private events, versatile space.
Best for Dancing
Aura Lounge
Modern dance club, DJ nights, bottle service, themed events.
Saturn
Themed dance parties, silent discos, live DJ sets.
Nana Funks
Dance club, late-night bar, wild weekends.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Pogo Cocktail Bar
Era-spanning speakeasy, hidden entrance, live jazz.
Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar
Hidden entrance, inventive cocktails, moody underground vibe.
The Marble Ring
1920s-themed, phone booth entrance, glam cocktails.
The House of Found Objects
Eclectic, artistic, mysterious, top pick for cocktail lovers.
TrimTab Brewing Company
Sours, IPAs, small-batch beers, modern taproom.
Cahaba Brewing Company
Large taproom, outdoor markets, comedy nights.
Hop City Craft Beer & Wine
Massive beer selection, Detroit-style pizza, chill bar area.
Best Sports Bar
Paramount
Arcade games, Southern entrees, creative cocktails, lively sports-watching.
The Battery
Sports bar, craft beer, modern, energetic vibe.
The Refinery
Rooftop bar, sports viewing, upscale bar food.
Good People Brewing Company
Classic craft beers, large taproom, pre/post-game crowds.
Best Coffee
Coffee Shop | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
June Coffee | 800+ | 4.8 | Third-wave, pour-overs, pastries | |
House Eleven | 200+ | 4.8 | Specialty drinks, plant-filled interior | |
Cala Coffee | 300+ | 4.8 | Single-origin, creative lattes | |
Seeds Coffee Co. | 400+ | 4.7 | House-roasted, pour-overs, community | |
Red Cat Coffee House | 1,000+ | 4.6 | Espresso, breakfast, industrial space | |
Domestique Coffee | 300+ | 4.7 | Ethically sourced, cold brew | |
Gatos and Beans | 300+ | 4.8 | Cat café, specialty drinks |
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Birmingham
From luxury towers to cozy B&Bs, Birmingham has a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection | 381+ | 9.0/10 | $189–$225 | Upscale dining, rooftop, gym | |
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa | 1,000+ | 4.5/5 | $250–$350 | Spa, golf, pools, dining | |
Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook | 393+ | 4.5/5 | $280–$400 | Art gallery, rooftop bar, spa | |
The Westin Birmingham | 638+ | 4.0/5 | $210–$300 | Rooftop pool, fitness, BJCC access |
Historical Hotels
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
Drury Inn & Suites Grandview | 1,017+ | 9.1/10 | $117–$140 | |
Hampton Inn & Suites 280 East-Eagle Point | 400+ | 4.5/5 | $110–$140 | |
Red Roof Inn Birmingham South | 300+ | 4.0/5 | $69–$99 | |
La Quinta Inn & Suites Homewood | 500+ | 4.0/5 | $85–$120 |
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
Hassinger Daniels Mansion B&B | 110+ | 4.9/5 | $150–$200 | |
Birmingham Tree House | 83+ | 4.9/5 | $160–$220 | |
The Painted Lady | 60+ | 4.7/5 | $180–$250 |
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Birmingham is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of adrenaline. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Sculpt B’ham – Group fitness, HIIT, strength, sculptbham.com
Life Time Fitness – Full-service, pools, spa, lifetime.life
High Point Climbing and Fitness – Indoor climbing, bouldering, highpointclimbing.com/birmingham
Armor Gym – Powerlifting, bodybuilding, 24/7, armorgymbham.com
24e Health Clubs – 24/7, group classes,ehealthclubs.com](https://www.24ehealthclubs.com)
True40 Fitness Studio – Barre, Pilates, TRX,udio.com](https://true40studio.com)
Ignite Cycle – Indoor cycling, rhythm rides, ignitecycle.com
Best Golf Courses
Highland Park Golf Course – Public, city views, highlandparkgolf.com
RTJ Golf Trail at Ross Bridge – Resort, championship, rtjgolf.com/rossbridge
RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley – 54 holes, mountain views, rtjgolf.com/oxmoorvalley
Bent Brook Golf Course – Player-friendly, bentbrook.com
Ballantrae Golf Club – Semi-private, ballantraegolf.com
Best Hikes & Trails
Red Mountain Park – 15 miles of trails, overlooks, redmountainpark.org
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve – 14 miles, wildlife, ruffnermountain.org
Oak Mountain State Park – 100+ miles, mountain biking, alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park
Moss Rock Preserve – Waterfalls, bouldering,ral.org/214/Moss-Rock-Preserve](https://hooveral.org/214/Moss-Rock-Preserve)
Jemison Park Nature Trail – Urban greenway, mtnbrook.org
Best Parks, Lakes, and Rivers
Railroad Park – Urban green, events, railroadpark.org
Birmingham Botanical Gardens – 67.5 acres, free, bbgardens.org
Vulcan Park and Museum – City views, trails, visitvulcan.com
Avondale Park – Lake, amphitheater, birminghamal.gov
Blue Water Park – Scuba, kayaking, divebwp.com
Lake Purdy – Fishing, kayaking, lakepurdyfishing.com
Cahaba River – Kayaking, canoeing, cahabariversociety.org
Best Fitness Coaches
Phase Gym / Phase Performance – phasegym.com
Live Well with Stacy – livewellwithstacy.com
Wheelhouse Academy – wheelhouseacademy.com
EZ Fitness Training (Eric Ziegler) – EZ Fitness Training Facebook
Forge Fitness Powered by Crossfit Shades – forgefitnessbham.com
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, History & More
Birmingham’s event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
Birmingham Zoo
700+ animals, Trails of Africa, giraffe feedings, events year-round.
McWane Science Center
Live animal exhibits, IMAX, hands-on science.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Wildlife, hiking, environmental education.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
UAB Blazers (Protective Stadium)
College football, high-energy games, uabsports.com
Birmingham Stallions (UFL)
Pro football, division champs, theufl.com/tickets
Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League, Legacy Arena)
Pro basketball, birmingham.gleague.nba.com
Rickwood Field
Oldest pro baseball park, tours, special events, rickwood.com
Barber Motorsports Park
Major motorsports, barberracingevents.com
Best Plays or Music Venues
Alabama Theatre
1927 movie palace, concerts, films, alabamatheatre.com
Lyric Theatre
Historic, Broadway, live music, lyricbham.com
BJCC Concert Hall & Arena
National acts, Broadway, bjcc.org
Alys Stephens Center
Classical, jazz, dance, alysstephens.org
Iron City
Concerts, local showcases, ironcitybham.com
Saturn
Indie, rock, alternative, saturnbirmingham.com
Carver Theatre (Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame)
Jazz, festivals, carvertheatre.com
Best Art Events or Locations
Birmingham Museum of Art
27,000+ works, free admission, artsbma.org
Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA)
Contemporary art, uab.edu/cas/aeiva
Magic City Art Connection (Sloss Furnaces, April 25–27, 2025)
Contemporary art festival, magiccityart.com
Birmingham ArtWalk (Sept 5–6, 2025)
Downtown festival, birminghamartwalk.org
Liz Lane Gallery, Vinegar Contemporary
Local art, regular exhibitions.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
Birmingham is the “Magic City” for a reason. Born from iron, coal, and steel, it exploded from a railroad crossroads in 1871 to the “Pittsburgh of the South.” But it’s the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement that changed the world:
16th Street Baptist Church – Site of the 1963 bombing, now a National Historic Landmark.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – Immersive exhibits, bcri.org
Kelly Ingram Park – Sculptures, monuments, and the heart of the 1963 protests.
Sloss Furnaces – National Historic Landmark, industrial tours, slossfurnaces.com
Vulcan Park and Museum – World’s largest cast iron statue, city views, visitvulcan.com
Birmingham is also a city of festivals (Magic City Classic, Central Alabama Pride, Fiesta Birmingham), culinary legends (James Beard-winning Highlands Bar & Grill), and a creative spirit that’s as strong as its steel.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Gusty Gulas Group, eXp Realty—Birmingham’s most reviewed and trusted agent for young buyers and investors.
Best Coach: Phase Gym—personalized training, group fitness, and a supportive community.
Local Music Artist: Early James—Americana singer-songwriter, Birmingham’s soulful voice.
Unique Businesses:
Revival (vintage boutique)
Bandido Coffee (Latin-inspired café)
Ebike Oasis (electric bike rentals)
Wild Birds Unlimited (birdwatching supplies)
Stone Hollow Farmstead (farm-to-table goods)
The Chaat Room (Indian-fusion, opening 2025)
Encore Rouge (women’s fashion, downtown)
Nightcap (new nightlife spot)
Board in Birmingham (charcuterie restaurant)
Space Cadets (organizing/retail, expanding in 2025)
Call to Action
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Key Finding: Birmingham is the rare city where you can hike a mountain, eat world-class pizza, catch a drag show, and sip a science-themed cocktail—all in one day. The only thing missing is you.
Disclaimer Redux:
This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
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