Nothing beats the comfort of a local bakery. The smell of freshly baked bread greets you at the door while the friendly, familiar faces behind the counter prepare to hand over something to warm your soul. There’s just something about it.
Whether you’re hunting for a morning croissant or a custom cake for a special occasion, the Magic City is chock-full of local bakeries to answer the call. From chic patisseries to community mainstays that have been around for decades, here are 10 of the best bakeries in Birmingham!
Hello Bakery
Neighborhood: Crestline
More Info: Instagram
Pastry Chef Wim Miree worked in some of Birmingham’s top restaurants before opening Hello Bakery in Crestline. The small but mighty shop boasts croissants, muffins, pies, cakes, cookies, and even ice cream, all made in small batches.
While Marie’s Fig Cookies are among the bakery’s most popular treats, don’t miss the ham and cheese croissants, Tiramisu, or homemade lemon chiffon cake ice cream.
Last Call Baking Co.
Location: Downtown
More Info: thelastcallbaking.com
Run, don’t walk, to this quaint downtown bakery! An Emerging Chef James Beard Semifinalist, owner Chanah Willis opened Last Call after learning the baking ropes through YouTube videos and saving up for a storefront. The recognition from the broader culinary community only confirms what locals already know — there are typically lines out the door and it often sells out mere hours after opening.
With a rotating, inventive menu, including crookies (croissant + cookie), maple oatmeal cream pies, and toasted croissant ice cream, you’re in for a serious treat!
K&J’s Elegant Pastries
Neighborhood: Uptown
More Info: kjselegantpastries.com
Chef Kristal Bryant became a Birmingham sensation when her “Kolossal Milkshakes” took the city by storm. The gigantic shakes are piled high with sweet treats, including whole pieces of cake, and are a Magic City must-try.
K&J’s also specializes in elaborate cake designs for special occasions and has a decadent cupcake and sweets menu any time you need a fix. Be sure to keep an eye out for its pink food truck (affectionately called “Pinky”) around town for an impromptu sweet treat.
Continental Bakery
Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
More Info: continental-bakery.com
Wake up to freshly baked breads and pastries from Continental Bakery every day. Using only natural ingredients and traditional methods, every loaf, baguette, and pastry is handcrafted with care seven days a week.
In addition to bread, the bakery also offers a range of sweet treats, including cakes, pies, and cookies. Plus, you can pop next door to Chez Lulu to enjoy Continental’s artisan bread on the café menu — all from Owner, Baker, and Chef, Carole Griffin. Continental Bakery has been a mainstay in Mountain Brook’s English Village for 40 years.
Pastry Art Bake Shoppe
Neighborhood: Homewood & Trussville
More Info: pastryartcakes.com
Pastry Art Bake Shoppe is known around Birmingham for its delectable Baby Bite cakes. Available in over 15 flavors, these decadent bite-sized cakes are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself. The trend has taken off since Pastry Art opened its first shop back in 2006, and it now offers mini cheesecakes, brownie pops, mini cupcakes, cheese coins (a twist on cheese straws), and adorable scone “babies.”
In addition to its mini menu, Pastry Art also makes beautiful cakes for any celebration.
Birmingham Breadworks
Neighborhood: Southside
More Info: birminghambreadworks.com
Birmingham Breadworks is all about fresh-baked bread made with simple ingredients, but its menu goes far beyond its daily loaves. Along with its rotating menu and seasonal specials, it offers delicious breakfast offerings of sweet and savory pastries and, of course, toast topped with fixings like smoked salmon with cream cheese, Nutella, and banana. Even its granola is made in-house!
You’ll want to return for lunch, too. Try the signature sandwiches and daily pizzas, featuring different meat and veggie options, which are available six days a week.
Savage’s Bakery
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: shopsavagesbakery.com
Since 1939, Savage’s Bakery has been a mainstay in Birmingham. It originally opened on Highland Avenue before settling in its current home in Downtown Homewood. Savage’s bakes everything from sweet treats to savory breads and everything in between.
Whether it’s their signature smiley face cookies, butterflake rolls, sweet roll meltaways, or irresistible cakes, Savage’s has been a fixture of special occasions, family gatherings, and sweet, simple moments around the Magic City for the better part of a century.
Rolls. Bakery
Neighborhood: Vestavia Hills
More Info: rollsbakery.com
Rolls. Bakery began as a single mother’s quest to work from home while caring for her kids, the youngest of whom was born with a severe heart defect. Rolls. is now a staple in Vestavia and beyond with its indulgent sweet rolls (including special flavors of the month!), savory items (pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, savory scones, and more!), and sweet treats.
You can enjoy its offerings in the shop or snag a to-go tin of frozen goodies to heat and serve whenever the craving strikes. You can also find the bakery’s frozen rolls in retail shops throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Edgar’s
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Greystone, Homewood, Hoover, Pelham, The Colonnade & Trussville
More Info: edgarsbakery.com
With locations all over Birmingham and beyond, Edgar’s is one of the Magic City’s go-to bakeries. Since opening its first shop in 1998, Edgar’s has frequently been voted Alabama’s best bakery, thanks to the extensive selection of baked goods and pastries. The breakfast and lunch menus are not to be missed, and the round cakes and petit fours draw crowds.
Bandit Pâtisserie
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: banditbham.com
Brought to you by the local chefs behind The Essential and La Fête, Bandit Pâtisserie bakes seasonal small-batch pastries that change daily. You never know what you might discover on the menu — like a honey-lavender Choux au Craquelin (cream puff) or a raspberries-and-cream croissant tart. You can count on a beautiful selection of macarons, croissants, Danishes, scones, and more, and there’s even a full espresso bar.
Treat yourself, Birmingham!
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