The Avondale, Woodlawn, and Crestwood neighborhoods are so close to the city center, you can almost reach out and touch it. And yet they feel like a world away. There’s a laid-back vibe to these sister 'hoods that sets them apart — the perfect blend of urb and suburb. Some mark them as ground zero for the Magic City’s recent renaissance, and much of what’s going on here frequently lands Birmingham on the national stage. Jam-packed with great places to grab a bite or a beer, catch a gig by local and national touring bands, and shop! New and used vinyl, funky antiques and furniture, vintage clothes, art and objets d’art can all be found a hop, skip, or five-minute car ride away. Slowing down more your speed? There’s family-friendly parks a plenty, coffee shops, and even a speakeasy-style bar to wet your whistle.
A small brewery with a big story, crafting beer with unique style and character.
The perfect place to chill after enjoying the sights of tastes of downtown Avondale.
This small batch, artisan ice cream maker sources local ingredients, highlighting the best the region has to offer.
A modern twist on the general store offering clothing, supplies, and good vibes.
Cozy, unique store in Crestwood that sales contemporary apparel alongside a touch of vintage and local made goods.
Avondale's comfy, casual, neighborhood burger bar and oyster dive bar.
Airstream trailer kitchen serving up a seasonally inspired Asian-fusion street eats.
Wildly inventive, delicious riffs on the humble hot dog.
Birmingham’s original makerspace/creative business incubator. If you can dream it, you can make it here.
Travel back to the ‘20s at this quirky and intimate speakeasy, where some of the best (and prettiest) drinks are made in Birmingham.
One of the first spots on the scene to spur the revitalization of Avondale, Parkside Café is a charming venue where patrons can choose from a variety of places to enjoy their drinks.
Trust the locals, this wood-fired pizza is THE best around.
Satellite is a coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night, space-age MCM gem connected to renowned live music venue Saturn.
Set your coordinates for Saturn — the heart of Birmingham's indie music scene and one of the Southeast's premier live venues.
One of four unique Saw’s barbecue joints, the Soul Kitchen packs a lot of flavor, and a lot of soul into its tight quarters.
Beginning as a taco truck, Taco Morro Loco now also has a brick & mortar location inside of the Munchie’s gas station. Both locations serve authentic Mexican food.
Urban Suburban — where you can pick up a few things on your trip down memory lane.
Wasabi Juan’s is a mash-up of Asian/Mexican cuisine — offering sushi ingredients rolled into their specialty burrito-style nori and soy wraps, deemed “sushi burritos.”
Winslet & Rhys offers ethically manufactured products in a contemporary mercantile shoppe.
A record store! A live music venue! A barber shop!
Cahaba Brewing Company serves up clean, consistent craft beers with a broad variety of flavors and styles in their expansive taproom.
Local pharmacy and soda fountain located right in the heart of Crestwood. Make sure to grab a lime rickey or ice cream soda while waiting for your medicine!
Manitou Supply sells nearly everything vintage: clothes, books, kitchen items, you name it.
This specialty shop offers an eclectic mix of skincare products, candles, journals, and thoughtfully designed items.
We ride for coffee.
Traditional Puerto Rican fare served in a fresh, casual setting. A taste of the island in the Magic City!
House-crafted spirits and beer, creatives takes on classic pub-grub, a cool space to boot! This is how Avondale does the neighborhood bar and grill.
European-style tasting room dedicated to the art of tart.
Bestowing the title of “best barbecue” in a town like Birmingham is just asking for it; but we’re willing to go out on a limb with Saw’s Soul Kitchen. It’s a sturdy limb, though, as the likes of Garden & Gun, GQ, and Southern Living have already given props to Saw's (Men's Journal declared it “Best Barbecue in America”). Be ready to get your hands dirty. Carolina-style smoked pulled pork is served with plain white bread, and you’ll get your choice of sauces — including white barbecue sauce — to drench it in. On the side? Macaroni, beans, fried green tomatoes, grits, onion rings, cole slaw, or banana pudding, naturally. The Soul Kitchen packs a lot of flavor, and a lot of soul into into its tight quarters — and it’s not unusual to find patrons lined up around the side of the building waiting their turn to order. Not into barbecue? Saw’s sweet tea fried chicken, burger, and baked potatoes are as spectacular as anything on the Q-side.
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