If you’ve ever spent time in Birmingham, Alabama, you probably understand what I mean when I say this city has a way of pulling you back in.
I believe I was first introduced to Birmingham through my mom. She lived here for a period of time with my brothers, but by then I was old enough to make my own trips to the city. Some of my earliest Birmingham memories include attending Chris Brown concerts with friends and finding reasons to make the drive north whenever I could.
However, I would say I truly started exploring Birmingham during my senior year of college when one of my closest friends, Mya Lucky, moved to the city. Mya is a Senior Personal Banker and the owner of Mya’s Meal Preppy, and she has always had a knack for finding the best places to eat, drink, and explore.
From post-Magic City Classic adventures to random weekend trips just to spend time together, Birmingham quickly became more than a city I occasionally visited. It became a place I genuinely enjoyed discovering.
Sometimes I think about moving to Birmingham. Until that day comes, I’ll continue doing what I love most … visiting often, making memories with friends, and finding new reasons to fall in love with the city.
My Favorite Birmingham Restaurants, Bars, and Hangout Spots
Adios
We visited Adios the night these photos were taken, and let me tell you, a time was had.
The $6 shots, energetic atmosphere, and electric dance floor kept us coming back throughout the night. You know you’re having a good time when you’re sweating on the dance floor and don’t even care what’s playing. Whether it’s Cardi B or not, the vibes were there.
Rating: 10/10
Cassanova Restaurant and Bar
I have only been here once, but the moment I walked through the door, I knew it was going to become one of my favorite spots. The atmosphere and customer service are what really sold me. Even on a packed night, the staff made sure my aunt had a section and drinks to enjoy while celebrating her birthday. I do think the seating arrangements could be improved, but I will definitely be back because the DJ was amazing.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Pop Bar
The Pop Bar was where we ended the night.
One thing I appreciated was that it wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded. The DJ was excellent, and the crowd stayed engaged all night. There were line dances, TikTok dances, plenty of dancing, and an overall fun atmosphere.
This was my second visit, and while I’d describe it as somewhat hit-or-miss depending on the night, I genuinely enjoyed myself.
Rating: 8.5/10
Salute
My taco lovers, this one is for you.
While Salute can be a little pricey, the portions, quality, and atmosphere make it worth the visit. The aesthetics are beautiful, making it the perfect spot for brunch, dinner, or catching up with friends.
Rating: 9/10
The Mayor
I go to The Mayor for one reason: the noodles.
In my opinion, they serve some of the best noodles in Birmingham. Every visit, I tell myself I’ll try something new, and every visit, I end up ordering the noodles again.
Rating: 10/10
Umami
If you’re looking for a good pregame spot, Umami never disappoints.
The drinks are strong, the atmosphere is fun, and it’s become one of my go-to stops whenever I’m in town. Bonus points for the restaurant across the street, which also serves incredible drinks and food.
Rating: 8/10
Pink Lantern
Any place with a dance floor and good drinks is always going to be a favorite of mine. I’ll be honest and say I wish the music selection had a little more variety, but that wasn’t enough to stop me from having a good time. The energy in the room, the friendly staff, and the crowd made up for it. Sometimes it’s not just about the playlist, it’s about the overall experience. I had a great time celebrating with Mya, and that’s why I’ll definitely be back. If you’re looking for a spot to grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and enjoy a night out in Birmingham, I’d say it’s worth checking out for yourself.
Rating: 7.5/10
Johin’na
I could probably write an entire article about Johin’na alone.
The sushi is outstanding, especially the California rolls, and the Brussels sprouts are so good they might have you reconsidering your budget for the week. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the quality of the food makes it worth every dollar.
Another reason I love supporting Juniper is that it’s Black-owned, which makes every visit feel even more meaningful.
Rating: 10/10
What I Love Most About Birmingham
As I sat down to write this list, I realized something.
I can’t create a definitive list of my favorite Birmingham spots because every time I visit, I discover something new.
That’s what makes Birmingham special.
Whether it’s a new restaurant, a hidden cocktail bar, a community event, or a local business I’ve never heard of before, the city is constantly evolving. Every trip feels different from the last, and that’s why I keep coming back.
Any city that continues to surprise me is a city I’ll always make time to explore.
So, if you’re from Birmingham, tell me: What do you love most about your city?
And if you’ve visited Birmingham before, what was your favorite place?
If you’ve never been, what’s stopping you?
I’d love to hear your recommendations because something tells me my Birmingham bucket list is about to get even longer.
You can also see places that didn’t make the list here.
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