Montgomery, Alabama : The Guide to the Capital of Cool, Civil Rights, and Culture || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 10
- 9 min read

Is Montgomery, Alabama a good place to live?
Montgomery is in Montgomery County. Living in Montgomery offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Montgomery there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Montgomery and residents tend to be liberal.
What is the majority race in Montgomery, Alabama?
In 2022, the largest racial or ethnic group in Montgomery County was the Black (non-Hispanic) group, which had a population of 137,012. Between 2010 and 2022, the Black (non-Hispanic) population had the most growth increasing by 11,504 from 125,508 in 2010 to 137,012 in 2022.
What is Montgomery, Alabama known for?
Incorporated December 3, 1819, Montgomery has a long and intriguing history. Once home to the First White House of the Confederacy, Montgomery grew to become the center of the Civil Rights Movement, notably the Montgomery Bus Boycotts.
Why are houses so cheap in Montgomery, Alabama?
The crime rate. Currently, Montgomery, AL, has a crime rate of 55.52 per 1,000 residents on an annual basis. The northwest section of the city generally experiences more crimes than the southeast sector.
Key Takeaway: Montgomery in 2025 is where history, hipster coffee, rooftop bars, and riverfront festivals collide. This is your up-to-date, no-BS, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Alabama’s capital—crafted for young adults who want the real deal, with a side of Southern sass.
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 Montgomery (2025 Edition)
Montgomery’s food scene is as rich as its history—think soul food that’ll make you weep, sushi that rivals the coasts, and pizza that’s a slice of heaven. Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Mrs. B’s Home Cooking | 300+ | 4.6 | Southern breakfast, fried chicken, biscuits | |
Chappy’s Deli (Perry Hill) | 300+ | 4.3 | NY-style deli, omelets, all-day breakfast | |
Farmers Market Cafe | 300+ | 4.1 | “Meat and three” plates, homemade desserts |
Key Finding: Mrs. B’s is the soul food legend, but Chappy’s is the go-to for bagels and brunch with a side of nostalgia.
Asian Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Railroad Thai | 300+ | 4.3 | Thai curries, sushi, Pad Thai | |
Sushi Cafe | 300+ | 4.6 | Creative sushi rolls, bento boxes | |
So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ | 300+ | 4.4 | Korean BBQ, tofu stews | |
VN Pho | 300+ | 4.1 | Pho, spring rolls, vermicelli bowls | |
Asia Bistro & Seafood | 300+ | 4.5 | Chinese, Japanese, Thai fusion |
Middle Eastern Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Jerusalem Restaurant | 300+ | 4.3 | Lebanese, shawarma, falafel | |
NYC Gyro | 300+ | 4.2 | Gyros, kebabs, baklava | |
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe | 300+ | 4.4 | Salads, wraps, grilled meats |
Mexican Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Taqueria “El Campesino” | 300+ | 4.6 | Street tacos, menudo, carne asada | |
Sol Restaurante Mexicano & Taqueria | 300+ | 4.5 | Street tacos, guacamole, fajitas | |
La Coronilla | 300+ | 4.4 | Asada tacos, pastor, fajitas | |
El Taco Shop | 300+ | 4.5 | Street tacos, burritos, salsas |
European / Best Pizza
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Midtown Pizza Kitchen | 300+ | 4.5 | Neapolitan pizza, creative toppings | |
Bibb St Pizza Company | 300+ | 4.4 | NY-style slices, calzones | |
Can A Brotha Get A Slice | 300+ | 4.6 | Specialty pizzas, community vibe | |
Saza Serious Italian | 300+ | 4.3 | Hand-tossed pizza, pasta, wine | |
Throwing Pies and Pints | 300+ | 4.5 | Pizza, craft beer, communal tables |
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 riverwalk, Montgomery’s got you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
Leroy Lounge
Montgomery’s hipster HQ. Craft cocktails, rotating local beers, and a back patio for deep convos. Queer-friendly, artsy, and always welcoming.
KRU on Mt. Meigs
Minimalist, smoke-free, and the city’s most explicitly LGBTQ+ bar. Creative cocktails, themed nights, and a diverse, inclusive crowd.
Hilltop Public House
Coffee shop by day, bar by night. Bohemian, plant-filled, and a hub for art shows and live music. “Gay-adjacent” and always inclusive.
Pine Bar
Mid-century modern, non-smoking, and a favorite for the city’s creative class. Classic cocktails and a quiet, sophisticated vibe.
The Sanctuary
A converted church turned event space. BYOB, live music, drag shows, and a progressive, all-ages crowd.
GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern
Video games, board games, karaoke, and anime nights. Geeky, playful, and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Best for Music
1048 Jazz & Blues
Live jazz, blues, and late-night dancing in Old Cloverdale. Legendary, intimate, and always a party.
Riverwalk Amphitheater
Outdoor concerts, festivals, and movie nights on the river. The city’s live music heart.
The Sanctuary
Live bands, drag shows, and art events in a creative, inclusive space.
Best for Dancing
Aura Lounge
Modern dance club, big floor, DJ nights, and themed parties. The place to go when you want to move.
1048 Jazz & Blues
Small but mighty dance floor, always packed on weekends.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Common Bond Brewers
Montgomery’s flagship craft brewery. Spacious taproom, local art, trivia nights, and a killer IPA.
Goat Haus Biergarten
German-Southern fusion, 14 taps, and a quirky historic building with epic views.
Tower Taproom
57 self-serve taps, digital pour cards, and a modern, social vibe.
Red Bluff Bar at the Silos
Rooftop, river views, live music, and creative cocktails. The sunset spot.
Bar Attico
Hidden rooftop atop Ravello Ristorante. Italian-inspired drinks and city views.
The Exchange
Outdoor bar at the Renaissance Hotel. Live music, riverfront views, and a lively crowd.
Best Sports Bar
Players Sports Pub
Darts, pool, shuffleboard, and wall-to-wall TVs. Classic bar food and a loyal local crowd.
Baumhower’s Victory Grille
Legendary wings, scratch-made classics, and game-day energy.
Wingers Sports Grill
Wings, burgers, and always a game on.
Best Coffee
Coffee Shop | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Prevail Union Montgomery | 163+ | 4.7 | Espresso, pour-overs, pastries | |
Vintage Café | 114+ | 4.2 | Stumptown coffee, breakfast, pastries | |
Hilltop Public House | 39+ | 4.7 | Coffee, craft beer, art shows | |
SweetRice | 40+ | 4.5 | Korean coffee, boba, pastries | |
Cafe Louisa | 50+ | 4.6 | Coffee, milkshakes, pastries |
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Montgomery
From luxury towers to cozy B&Bs, Montgomery has a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center | 1,290+ | 8.8/10 | $187–$250+ | Spa, rooftop pool, dining, event space | |
Trilogy Hotel Montgomery, Autograph Collection | 9.4/10 | $143+ | Rooftop bar, fine dining, fitness, historic | ||
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Montgomery Downtown | 1,000+ | 7.6/10 | $140–$200 | Modern rooms, fitness, dining |
Historical Hotels
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
Drury Inn & Suites Montgomery | 1,000+ | 9.1/10 | $117+ | |
Red Roof Inn Montgomery - Midtown | 4.0 | $60–$90 | ||
Motel 6 Montgomery AL - Coliseum | 4.0 | $55–$80 | ||
Days Inn by Wyndham Coliseum Montgomery AL | 4.0 | $55–$80 |
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
Red Bluff Cottage Bed & Breakfast | 500+ | 4.8 | $150–$200 | |
Hillcrest Manor Bed & Breakfast | 4.7 | $140–$180 |
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Montgomery is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of adrenaline. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Crunch Fitness Montgomery
Modern, inclusive, group classes, HIIT, and a “No Judgments” vibe.
2L2Q Fitness
Functional fitness, group training, and a “no one left behind” mentality.
Orangetheory Fitness Montgomery
Heart-rate-based interval training, group classes, and a strong community.
Bandaloop Yoga and Wellness
Vinyasa, Yin, restorative yoga, and workshops.
HOTWORX – Montgomery (Peppertree)
Infrared hot yoga, Pilates, barre, 24/7 access.
Best Golf Course
Lagoon Park Golf Course
18 holes, lighted driving range, and affordable rates.
Gateway Park Golf Course
9 holes, large practice facility, and a fun, welcoming vibe.
Best Hikes & Trails
Lagoon Park Trail
5 miles of natural surface, forests, meadows, and wetlands. Birdwatcher’s paradise.
Blount Cultural Park Trails
Ponds, sculpture gardens, and shaded paths for peaceful walks or runs.
Auburn University Montgomery Trails
Forested, well-marked, and perfect for a quick run or meditative walk.
Best Parks, Lakes, and Rivers
Blount Cultural Park
290 acres, walking trails, ponds, art, and dog park.
Riverfront Park
Alabama River access, concerts, amphitheater, splash pad, and walking trails.
Lagoon Park
176 acres, trails, golf, birdwatching, and a lagoon.
Montgomery Whitewater
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, ropes course, mountain biking, running trails, and live music.
Jackson Lake Island
Kayaking, paddleboarding, camping with goats, and wildlife viewing.
Best Fitness Coaches
James Pressey – Bedroombody Fitness by Lou
Bodybuilding, calisthenics, Pilates, HIIT, and mental wellness.
Now Total Fitness
Personal training, group classes, nutrition coaching.
2A Fitness Gym
Personal training, group fitness, weight loss, and strength training.
Center Personal Training
One-on-one coaching, small group training, sports performance.
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, History & More
Montgomery’s event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
700+ animals, giraffe feeding, train rides, and annual events like ZooBrews and Christmas Lights Festival.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
Montgomery Biscuits (Minor League Baseball)
Riverwalk Stadium, Fireworks Fridays, Bark in the Park, and the best biscuits in baseball.
Cramton Bowl
Camellia Bowl, FCS Kickoff, and high school championships.
Best Plays or Music Venues
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre (MPAC)
Touring musicians, Broadway shows, and symphony concerts.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF)
World-class theater, Shakespeare, and new works.
Cloverdale Playhouse
Community theater, improv, and youth shows.
Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts
Concerts, ballet, and community performances.
1048 Jazz & Blues
Live jazz, blues, and late-night dancing.
Best Art Events or Locations
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)
American art, Southern works, interactive gallery, and free admission.
Stonehenge Gallery
Regional artists, First Friday Art Walks, and juried shows.
Southern Art & Makers Collective
60+ local artists, workshops, and pop-up markets.
The King’s Canvas Art Gallery
Empowering underrepresented artists, live painting events.
SAC’s Gallery
Annual Waterfront Show, monthly exhibitions.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
The Legacy Museum & National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Immersive, unflinching exploration of racial injustice. A must-visit for understanding America’s story.
Rosa Parks Museum
At the site of her arrest, chronicling the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church & Parsonage Museum
Dr. King’s former church and home, National Historic Landmarks.
Alabama State Capitol
Completed in 1851, site of the Selma to Montgomery March’s end.
Hank Williams Museum
The most complete collection of Hank Williams memorabilia.
Old Alabama Town
Living history museum with 19th and 20th-century homes.
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
The only museum in the world dedicated to the Fitzgeralds.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Dustin Ledbetter, DL Realty—local expert, high volume, and rave reviews.
Best Coach: James Pressey, Bedroombody Fitness by Lou—holistic fitness and mental wellness.
Local Music Artist: GumpTown Brass Band—bringing New Orleans-style soul and funk to Montgomery.
Unique Businesses:
Prevail Union Montgomery (coffee, community)
Red Bluff Bar at the Silos (rooftop, live music)
Hilltop Public House (coffee/bar/art)
Goat Haus Biergarten (German-Southern fusion)
The Sanctuary (arts, drag, BYOB)
Leroy Lounge (craft cocktails, inclusive)
The Tipping Point (bar/restaurant, outdoor seating)
SweetRice (Korean coffee/bakery)
Restoration Coffee House (community café)
Call to Action
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Key Finding:Montgomery is the rare city where you can walk in the footsteps of history, catch a jazz show, sip a craft cocktail on a rooftop, and be welcomed as part of a community that’s proud of its past and excited for its future. 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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