Birmingham is known for its vast array of fine eateries that cater to all types of tastes. One aspect of the Iron City I appreciate is our choices of coffee shops. We have a plethora of cafes that are all incredibly different from each other, which makes finding your perfect coffee shop spot all the more enjoyable. Even if you're not much of a coffee drinker, you can always find a tea, chai latte, or a sweet, iced drink to energize your taste buds!
The Magic City's local coffee companies offer different themes and specialities, with no two the same. Whether you're looking for a simple iced caramel macchiato, or a bold steamed lavender latte, you're sure to find one to shake up your brew routine on our list of the five best Coffee Shops in Birmingham!
FILTER-Coffee Parlor
via @filterbham on Instagram
1927 11th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205
To no one’s surprise, Filter Coffee Parlor was a finalist in our survey of Birmingham’s best coffee shops. The Southside establishment is filled with a comforting ambiance that fills you with the vibes reminiscent of a smoky french cafe. The first time I went to Filter, I couldn’t stop looking at all of the plants and decor. I immediately felt comfortably at home and wanted to stay a while. I got an Iced Chai Latte, which is arguably my favorite drink. The Iced Chai was unlike others I’ve had, thanks to the extra kick of cinnamon and spice. Filter also sells local art pieces in their shop for you to peruse while you sip.
Panache by Domestique Coffee
via @domestiquepanache on Instagram
1024 20th S., Suite 103, Birmingham, AL 35205
I try not to pick favorites, but Panache by Domestique recently took the cake. Domestique is well known for its coffee because they use a fluid-bed roaster, which maintains the integrity (and flavor!) of the coffee beans. I absolutely fell in love with the unique blend of delicious and beautiful beverages, a wonderful array of art and music. It’s the kind of place you could spend hours working or studying or catching up with a friend. Grab your drink to go and take a stroll to see all the interesting sights of Five Points!
Red Cat Coffeeshop
via @redcat_bham on Instagram
Railroad Park: 1701 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Pepper Place: 2901 2nd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233
Red Cat Coffee Shop tops the list with so many amazing options to try. As convenient for a quiet study spot as it is a great place for a small brunch on the patio, the unique and tasty menu has a bit of something for every occasion. The owners set out to create a coffeehouse that's welcoming to all people and all tastes in the community, with the motto "Coffee for Everyone". You'll find great coffee treated with care and wholesome food options in a a gathering place built for connecting. Pro tip: get your drinks to go and enjoy a walk in beautiful Railroad Park just across the street or visit the original Pepper Place location and sit outside under the light canopy.
Seeds Coffee Company
via @seedscoffee on Instagram
174 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209
Seeds Coffee Company is not your typical brew shop. The passionate coffee-loving owners set out to create a unique farm to cup local experience in the heart of revitalized West Homewood. They know - and visit - every farmer's land around the world where the beans originate and even roast their own on site. The result is some of the most flavorful coffee you'll find in town and a perfectly appointed setting. Not only does Seeds Coffee Company have a customizable monthly coffee subscription, the company invests 25% of its profit into a fund that goes directly to the farmers and communities with whom they partner!
Church Street Coffee & Books
via @81churchstreet on Instagram
81 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
As the name suggests, this shop caters to the caffeine-craving bookworm that lives in each of us. Church Street Coffee encompasses everything you could possibly love about the experience of comfort, combining great locally-roasted coffee, scratch-made baked goods and shelves filled with unique popular literature titles into a fun laid-back niche. A fan-favorite would be the Breakup Cookie, which is a classic chocolate-chip cookie with a perfectly gooey center and a bit of salt sprinkled on top. A stop for coffee provides a great reason to visit the neighboring shops of Mountain Brook's quaint Crestline Village, or grab a cup to go before you take the kids to Tot Lot up the street!
