Alfresco dining: a guide to 13 of our favorite restaurant patios in Birmingham

Summer has arrived! It’s the perfect time to check out these delicious Birmingham restaurants that have a strong patio game.

We’ve listed some old favorites and added a couple of newbies for your outdoor dining enjoyment.

Bottega Cafe

Bottega Cafe is a classic in Birmingham, owned by none other than Frank Stitt. It’s great for date night (hint hint, husband of mine), a nice business lunch or Saturday lunch with friends. Enjoy some delicious pizza or chicken scaloppine. YUM. The patio gets really popular in warm weather, so get there early to grab a table.

Where: 2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reservations: No

Vino

Ah, vino. It’s one of my favorite things. It also happens to be a great spot in adorable English Village. Casual enough to be comfortable, but nice enough to entertain guests (or impress a date!).

Where: 1930 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35223
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Reservations: Yes

Chez Lulu

Chez Lulu is located right across the street from Vino in English Village. It has off-street casual dining–part of it covered–with water bowls for fido, too. Continental Bakery adjoins the restaurant, and according to some reliable sources, boasts the best brownies and chocolate croissants in Birmingham. Pretend you’re in France! (Chez Lulu’s owner, Carole Griffin, trained there, you know).

Where: 1911 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Reservations: No

Chez Fonfon

This patio might be small, but it’s lovely. Think casual, chic French bistro right in Five Points South. You can’t go wrong with a Frank Stitt restaurant, and their award-winning coconut cake is amazing.

Where: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Reservations: We wish!

El ZunZun

El ZunZun opened up last year in Cahaba Heights. They get their name from a Cuban name for a hummingbird–and they’re known for their fresh Latin American food.

Where: 4105 Crosshaven Dr., Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Reservations: No

Real and Rosemary

Real and Rosemary is one of my go-tos in Homewood. They have some of the best salads around–and their patio is so pleasant!

Where: 922 29th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35209
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day
Reservations: No

The Essential

Located on cobblestoned Morris Avenue, The Essential has been serving up yummy food since last year. Homemade pop tarts, anyone?

Where: 2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Reservations: No

Avondale Common House

Avondale Common House has a chill atmosphere and great food. It’s located in the heart of Avondale.

Where: 4100 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Reservations: No

Delta Blues Tamales

In addition to a great patio, Delta Blues has something for everyone. Their menu is gluten-free, and they have a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Where: 41318 Cobb Ln, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Monday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Reservations: No

The Filling Station

A bustling restaurant in the former home of a gas station?  Check this one off your list at The Filling Station in Crestwood.  You’ll find a diverse offering on their menu–pizza, pasta, sandwiches… the list goes on!

Where: 5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reservations: No

Pizzeria GM

I’m a huge fan of Gianmarco’s, so naturally I had to try Pizzeria GM when it opened last year in West Homewood. The pizza is delicious, but they have small plates, salads and pasta, too.

Where: 600 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reservations: No

Ash

Down the street from Pizzeria GM, Ash was started by chef Mark Driskill (formerly of Highland’s Bar and Grill and Brick & Tin). Ash serves wood-fired southern dishes right across from Patriot Park in West Homewood.

Where: 705 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Reservations: Yes

Brät Brot

It’s back! And it’s now called a Gartenbar. The name comes from German words for meat and bread, so expect to find a lot of both of those here. They have a full bar, too!

Where: 2910 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Reservations: No

We’re lucky to have some amazing outdoor dining spots in Birmingham. Which of your favorites did we miss? Tag us on social @bhamnow!