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Montgomery, Alabama : The Guide to the Capital of Cool, Civil Rights, and Culture || Weezle (2025)

  • WZL
  • Nov 10
  • 9 min read
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Go 2 Event

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.

    Leroy Lounge Facebook

  • KRU on Mt. Meigs

    Minimalist, smoke-free, and the city’s most explicitly LGBTQ+ bar. Creative cocktails, themed nights, and a diverse, inclusive crowd.

    KRU on Mt. Meigs Facebook

  • 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.

    Hilltop Public House Facebook

  • Pine Bar

    Mid-century modern, non-smoking, and a favorite for the city’s creative class. Classic cocktails and a quiet, sophisticated vibe.

    Pine Bar Facebook

  • The Sanctuary

    A converted church turned event space. BYOB, live music, drag shows, and a progressive, all-ages crowd.

    The Sanctuary Facebook

  • GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern

    Video games, board games, karaoke, and anime nights. Geeky, playful, and LGBTQ+ friendly.

    GTSouth Facebook

Best for Music

  • 1048 Jazz & Blues

    Live jazz, blues, and late-night dancing in Old Cloverdale. Legendary, intimate, and always a party.

    1048 Jazz & Blues Facebook

  • Riverwalk Amphitheater

    Outdoor concerts, festivals, and movie nights on the river. The city’s live music heart.

    Riverwalk Amphitheater Info

  • 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.

    Aura Lounge Facebook

  • 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.

    commonbondbrewers.com

  • Goat Haus Biergarten

    German-Southern fusion, 14 taps, and a quirky historic building with epic views.

    Goat Haus Biergarten Facebook

  • Tower Taproom

    57 self-serve taps, digital pour cards, and a modern, social vibe.

    Tower Taproom Facebook

  • Red Bluff Bar at the Silos

    Rooftop, river views, live music, and creative cocktails. The sunset spot.

    Red Bluff Bar Facebook

  • Bar Attico

    Hidden rooftop atop Ravello Ristorante. Italian-inspired drinks and city views.

    Bar Attico Facebook

  • The Exchange

    Outdoor bar at the Renaissance Hotel. Live music, riverfront views, and a lively crowd.

    The Exchange Facebook

Best Sports Bar


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

Hotel

Reviews

Stars

Price

Website

Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown

1,100+

4.0

$130–$180

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Montgomery Downtown

4.5

$140–$190


Trilogy Hotel Montgomery

See above—historic buildings, modern luxury.





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

Hotel

Reviews

Stars

Price

Website

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

See above—100,000+ sq ft event space.




Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center

1,500+

8.0/10

$160–$220

Staybridge Suites Montgomery - Downtown by IHG

4.5

$140–$180



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

Best Golf Course

Best Hikes & Trails

  • Lagoon Park Trail

    5 miles of natural surface, forests, meadows, and wetlands. Birdwatcher’s paradise.

    experiencemontgomeryal.org

  • 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.

    homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com

  • Riverfront Park

    Alabama River access, concerts, amphitheater, splash pad, and walking trails.

    experiencemontgomeryal.org

  • Lagoon Park

    176 acres, trails, golf, birdwatching, and a lagoon.

  • Montgomery Whitewater

    Whitewater rafting, kayaking, ropes course, mountain biking, running trails, and live music.

    montgomerywhitewater.com

  • Jackson Lake Island

    Kayaking, paddleboarding, camping with goats, and wildlife viewing.

    jacksonlakeisland.com

Best Fitness Coaches


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.

    montgomeryzoo.com

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.

    montgomerybiscuits.com

  • 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.

    mpaconline.org

  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF)

    World-class theater, Shakespeare, and new works.

    asf.net

  • Cloverdale Playhouse

    Community theater, improv, and youth shows.

    cloverdaleplayhouse.org

  • Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts

    Concerts, ballet, and community performances.

    davis.troy.edu

  • 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.

    mmfa.org

  • Stonehenge Gallery

    Regional artists, First Friday Art Walks, and juried shows.

    stonehengegallery.com

  • Southern Art & Makers Collective

    60+ local artists, workshops, and pop-up markets.

    southernartmakers.com

  • The King’s Canvas Art Gallery

    Empowering underrepresented artists, live painting events.

    thekingscanvas.org

  • SAC’s Gallery

    Annual Waterfront Show, monthly exhibitions.

    sacs.gallery

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.

    museumandmemorial.eji.org

  • Rosa Parks Museum

    At the site of her arrest, chronicling the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

    troy.edu/rosaparks

  • Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church & Parsonage Museum

    Dr. King’s former church and home, National Historic Landmarks.

    dexterkingmemorial.org

  • Alabama State Capitol

    Completed in 1851, site of the Selma to Montgomery March’s end.

    alabama.gov

  • Hank Williams Museum

    The most complete collection of Hank Williams memorabilia.

    thehankwilliamsmuseum.net

  • Old Alabama Town

    Living history museum with 19th and 20th-century homes.

    oldalabamatown.com

  • Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

    The only museum in the world dedicated to the Fitzgeralds.

    thefitzgeraldmuseum.org


Community Shoutouts & Local Legends

  • Top Real Estate Agent: Dustin Ledbetter, DL Realty—local expert, high volume, and rave reviews.

    DL Realty

  • Best Coach: James Pressey, Bedroombody Fitness by Lou—holistic fitness and mental wellness.

    FitBudd Profile

  • Local Music Artist: GumpTown Brass Band—bringing New Orleans-style soul and funk to Montgomery.

    GigSalad

  • 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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