For many of us, the day doesnβt begin without that first cup of coffee. Luckily, getting that daily fix here in the Magic City is easy and oh, so satisfying β no matter what part of town you find yourself in. Birmingham is home to a wide variety of local coffee shops, so whether you prefer it hot, iced, decaf, or fully loaded with all the trimmings, you’re sure to find a cup just the way you want it!
Baba Java Coffee
*Listed in alphabetical order
Neighborhood: Hoover
More info:Β babajavacoffee.com
At Baba Java, coffee is so much more than a beverage, and the cafΓ© shares that belief with every cup. In addition to serving delicious blends, the coffeehouse roasts in-house using an innovative brewing system that ensures the perfect brew in every cup. Aside from the must-have coffee standards, Baba Java Coffee offers a rotating seasonal menu. The summer offerings donβt disappoint with options such as a White Chocolate Lemon Latte and a Peach and Honey Espresso Tonic.
Bandit PΓ’tisserie
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Β banditbham.com
When searching for the perfect spot to enjoy coffee and French pastries, Bandit PΓ’tisserie is what dreams are made of. The sister shop of Bar La FΓͺte, Bandit Patisserie is the brainchild of Birmingham chefs Kristen Hall and Victor King. The small-batch patisserie serves a rotating selection of freshly made pastries daily, from delicious croissants, scones, and danishes to hand pies, petite cakes, and macarons. While enjoying any item on the menu βincluding daily sandwiches on freshly made bread β be sure to order a cup of fresh-roasted coffee or tea and take in the shopβs Parisian-inspired decor.
Barking Bee Coffee
Neighborhood: Pinson
More info:Β barkingbeecoffee.com
Barking Bee Coffee founder Heather Manning has enjoyed coffee all around the world. So when she and her husband left the United States Air Force and moved back home to Alabama, the coffee enthusiast knew precisely what she wanted to do: open a coffee shop to bring the best coffee to other coffee lovers. Located in Pinson, Barking Bee Coffee offers a quiet and comfortable space to enjoy a caffeine break, along with an extensive menu featuring both hot and iced drinks and even little nibbles such as blueberry scones, cinnamon rolls, cake, cookies, and bagels.
Cala Coffee
Neighborhood: Cahaba Heights
More info:Β calacoffeeco.com
Cala Coffee owners Josh and Melania Cosio never planned to open a coffee shop. Thankfully for everyone in and around Birmingham, they moved here from California, got into roasting coffee, and never looked back. They first began roasting beans in 2021, starting with a coffee cart. Last year, they opened their first brick-and-mortar location and Cahaba Heightsβ first coffee shop. Did we mention the cart is still available to rent out for parties and events?
In addition to a range of offerings, including lattes, mochas, espresso, cold brews, drip coffee, and more, the welcoming neighborhood shop frequently offers delicious food options, such as pastries from Bandit PΓ’tisserie and breakfast tacos from Ladybird Tacos (get there early because they will sell out!). Cala also recently launched their own sandwich, pizza, and salad options.
Caveat Coffee
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info:Β caveatcoffee.com
New to Homewood on Linden Avenue, Caveat strives to βoffer high-quality coffee in a comfortable environment while creating connections with those you care about most.β Their coffee is sourced from La Colombe roasters in Philadelphia, and we can tell you from experience that it is a great-tasting cup of joe! The coffee is fantastic, but the oat milk vanilla latte is also a StyleBlueprint team favorite.
Church Street Coffee & Books
Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
More info:Β churchstreetshop.com
The only thing better than a good cup of coffee is a good cup of coffee and a new book. Fortunately, both are possible at Church Street Coffee & Books. A Mountain Brook go-to since it opened in 2011, Church Street offers a delectable menu featuring a range of coffee drinks and baked goods like muffins, pastries, cookies, and loaf cakes made in-house. A local favorite is the βFamous Breakup Cookie,β named the βBest Cookie in Alabama.β
Rounding out this full-service coffee shop is its vast variety of books. In addition to shopping in-store, books can be ordered on the website or by emailing the shop, with an option for mail delivery or local pickup.
Continental Bakery
Neighborhood: English Village
More info:Β chezlulu.us
To be transported to the English countryside, head toΒ Continental Bakery on Cahaba Road. This peaceful, quaint bakery is home to some of Birmingham’s most delectable pastries, bread, and baked goods. Prepped each day from scratch, youβll notice the incredible quality of each item prepared in the bakery. All the bread served at Continental Bakery is made using natural ingredients, shaped by hand, and baked on a stone hearth. It truly doesnβt get any better! Pop in, grab a cup of Domestique coffee, pick out your favorite pastry, and enjoy every second spent at this special Birmingham gem.
Dawn Patrol by Domestique Coffee
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info:Β domestiquecoffee.com
Domestique Coffee has made a name for itself as a coffee importer and roaster. Sourcing coffee from various countries around the world, the company uses a fluid-bed roaster to maintain the integrity and flavor of the beans. While it sells its products through various other businesses, it also serves up its sustainably-grown coffees in its very own brick-and-mortar. Located in Homewood, Dawn Patrol by Domestique Coffee opened last year, and the cafΓ© provides a unique atmosphere overlooking the bikes from Cahaba Cycles. The two businesses even share an outdoor space ideal for a summer afternoon with a Haitian Nitro cold brew in hand.
Edgarβs
Neighborhood: Downtown, Pelham, Trussville, Stadium Trace, Homewood, Cahaba Heights, and Greystone
More info:Β edgarsbakery.com
Edgarβs is known for its delicious baked goods. Its glass-front cabinet is always full of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. You can also order those tasty offerings with a coffee, cappuccino, latte, or mocha. With multiple locations around Birmingham β there are currently seven Edgarβs within the Birmingham metro area β there are a number of opportunities to drop in and check it out. If youβre looking for more than a dessert with your daily cup of coffee, be sure to check out Edgarβs breakfast and lunch menu.
Filter Coffee Parlor
Neighborhood: Five Points South
More info:Β filtercoffeeparlor.com
Located on 11th Avenue South, Filter Coffee Parlor seeks to βconnect the community by providing a place that allows patrons to engage with each other.β This mission statement is something Filter truly lives up to by hosting gatherings, childrenβs activities, and other programming. The shop even includes a retail section for patrons to shop Alabama-made products such as ceramics, glassware, and paper goods.
Owners James Little and Jill Marlar say, βItβs all about coffee, but itβs more than just coffee. Filter serves some of the best high-quality coffee, teas, specialty drinks, and seasonal foods. With coffee sourced from Alabama roasters, including Birminghamβs own Red Bike Coffee and Montgomeryβs Prevail Union, you know each cup will be consistently smooth, rich, and delicious.
Frothy Monkey
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Β frothymonkey.com
Frothy Monkey is a wonderful neighborhood all-day cafΓ©, and Birmingham got in on the delicious action last year, opening in Urban Standardβs former location downtown. The ever-so-charming cafΓ© has everything you want in a cup of coffee, meal, or cocktail, with welcoming indoor dining spaces and comfortable outdoor seating. In addition to breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, you can snag specialty coffee from the Frothy Monkey Roasting Co., freshly roasted in Nashville, TN. Check out the Rosemary Honey Latte or Golden Monkey Latte on your next visit.
Heritage Coffee
Neighborhood: Ensley Business District
More info:Β heritagecoffee.shop
Josh Brenneman opened Heritage Coffee in November 2019 after falling in love with the community a cup of coffee creates. Located in the historic Cottonβs building, this is the perfect spot to grab a cup of joe while taking in the history of Birminghamβs Ensley Business District β not to mention Heritageβs handful of unique coffee drinks, including Monkeyβs Tail, Sweet Dreams, and Almond Joy. And if you need a light snack, we suggest a cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth.
June Coffee Co.
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Β junecoffee.co
Alabama native Jimmy Truong joined the Birmingham coffee scene with the opening of June Coffee Co. last year. The coffee shop roasts and brews its coffees, which include classic offerings like espresso, macchiato, and cappuccino. Its location in downtown Birmingham is the ideal spot for relishing a hot or cold brew as you people-watch.
The Modern House Coffee Shop
Neighborhood: Titusville
More info:Β coffeeandcommunity.com
Nothing goes better with coffee than community; you can find both in the Titusville neighborhood at the Modern House Coffee Shop. The nonprofit organization provides a menu of coffee, tea, and food along with opportunities for the local homeless population to work and earn a living wage. With every visit to the Modern House Coffee Shop, you not only get a delicious cup of coffee but participate in a loving community that helps financially vulnerable individuals succeed.
OβHenryβs
Neighborhood: Brookwood Village, Dunnavant Valley, Highland Park, Homewood, Patchwork Farms, Samford University, Stadium Trace, and Oxmoor
More info:Β ohenryscoffee.com
With eight locations around the Birmingham metro area, OβHenryβs makes it easy for coffee drinkers to grab a cup whenever and wherever.
OβHenryβs has been serving locally roasted brews for 30 years. Though much has changed, what hasnβt changed is OβHenryβs commitment to quality coffee and providing a relaxed, laid-back environment that encourages patrons to pull up a chair and stay a while. OβHenryβs also offers a subscription service, so you can have it delivered straight to your front door.
Prevail Coffee
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Β prevailcoffee.co
Prevail Coffee is relatively new to the Birmingham coffee scene, opening its first location in the Shipt Tower last year. However, Co-founders Megan and Wade started in Auburn in 2013, later opening up spots in Montgomery and Atlanta. As Prevail Coffee has grown, theyβve continued its mission of offering quality coffee while becoming βa quality connector for authentic community.β
There are enough menu options to try something new every day of the week. Still, the Alabama Stinger, Wildflower Latte, and Lavender Latte continue to be a few of our favorites. For something different, try the Matcha Lemonade.
Red Bike Coffee
Neighborhood: Crestwood
Neighborhood:Β redbikecoffee.com
Whatever caffeine variation youβre looking for, youβll find it at Irondale-based coffee roaster Red Bike Coffee. The company scours the globe for the best coffee beans for its deliciously unique blends, all roasted in Alabama. Red Bike roasts its beans in small batches to maintain quality, consistency, and flavor.
While Birmingham residents have long enjoyed the brandβs beans via various coffee shops and grocery stores around town, Red Bike will soon open its very own brick-and-mortar in the former Crestwood Coffee on Crestwood Boulevard. The coffee shop plans to serve up its proprietary blends along with a variety of sandwiches and pastries, all made fresh every day.
The Red Cat Coffee House
Neighborhood: Pepper Place + Railroad Park
More info:Β theredcatcoffeehouse.com
When owners Mike and Aileen McElwain opened the Red Cat Coffee House, they aimed to offer customers specialty-grade coffees in a welcoming ambiance. They did just that. Red Cat Coffee House opened its Pepper Place location in 2008. Thereβs now a Railroad Park shop, too.
The shop serves breakfast daily from 7 a.m. until noon (the Avocado Toast featuring bread from Birmingham Breadworks and the Granola Bowl are two must-tries). It also serves salads and sandwiches for lunch from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Revelator Coffee Company
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Β revelatorcoffee.com
Revelator opened in downtown Birminghamβs historic theater district in 2014 and has been an essential part of the city ever since. As both a coffee roaster and cafΓ© operator, the Revelator team has built strong relationships with everyone who plays a role in producing its high-quality coffee, which includes a number of unique blends and single-origin beans from around the world.
Founders Josh Owen, Emma Chevalier, and Elizabeth Pogue started roasting beans in New Orleans before eventually opening their own 15,000-square-foot roasting facility in Birmingham. The cafΓ© continues to be a welcoming and friendly space where you can enjoy delicious roasts sourced seasonally.
Santos Coffee
Neighborhood: Uptown, Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Acton Road
More info:Β facebook.com
Santos Coffee is a Guatemalan coffee shop that has been brewing blends for decades. It now offers three locations around Birmingham: Homewood, downtown Birmingham in Upton, and its newest location on the corner of Cahaba River Road and Acton Road (featuring a drive-thru to make getting that daily cup of joe even easier!).
The establishment is a crop-to-cup coffee shop, bringing the best single-origin beans from Guatemalan farmers to its patrons. In addition to premium blends in more than a dozen varieties, Santos offers the ideal food selection to accompany your beverage choice, including crepes, assorted pastries, muffins, and even a variety of lunch options.
Satellite in Saturn
Neighborhood: Avondale
More info:Β saturnbirmingham.com
Satellite is located inside Saturn, an Avondale music venue. The coffee bar serves up some of Birminghamβs most delicious freshly brewed Domestique coffee, a brand known for its sustainably-grown coffees. It also offers a laidback environment for enjoying a caffeinated beverage of choice, but even after the coffee shop closes, the fun doesnβt end. Be sure to head back to the bar for a handcrafted cocktail or catch one of the scheduled acts.
Seeds Coffee Co.
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info: facebook.com
When the owners of Seeds Coffee Co. set out to establish the coffee shop years ago, they wanted to create a comfortable spot where people could happily spend their time, whether itβs to meet up with friends, get a little work done, or simply relax with a favorite hot beverage. Thatβs precisely what Seeds Coffee Co. has been doing since it opened in Homewood. The quaint coffee shop has an inviting feel that encourages patrons of all ages to relax and drink good coffee β ethically sourced and mindfully roasted.
The breakfast options are also enticing, including biscuits and gravy and a variety of biscuit sandwiches. Seeds also offers yogurt and granola or chia bowls for those seeking healthier options.
SmoothRock CafΓ©
Neighborhood: Liberty Park
More info:Β smoothrockcenter.com
Tucked away in the Liberty Park area of Vestavia Hills, SmoothRock CafΓ© offers a quiet, convenient spot to start the day or take a much-needed mid-day coffee break. Though indoor seating is available, the outdoor courtyard provides a scenic locale to take in nature while you sip. Some of our favorite beverages include the Snickerdoodle Latte, Maple Brown Sugar Latte, and Nutella Mocha. Breakfast is also served all day, and SmoothRock CafΓ© offers a lunch menu as well.
7 Brew Coffee
Neighborhood: Moody
More info:Β 7brew.com
7 Brew Coffee opened its first Birmingham location in Moody earlier this year. The drive-thru menu includes all the classics, including lattes, mochas, breves, cappuccinos, and some of the most unique handcrafted coffees around. True to its name, the coffee shop offers seven original favorites β Blondie, Brunette, Smooth 7, Cinnamon Roll, White Chocolate Mocha, German Chocolate, and Triple 7 β as well as teas, sparkling water, smoothies, and even shakes for those who want a caffeine fix without the coffee.
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