It’s National Iced Tea Day—here’s where to find 11 Birmingham favorites
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June 10 is National Iced Tea Day in the US. We asked our followers on Instagram to let us know where one can indulge in the best of that glorious southern staple—sweet iced tea. Here’s what you had to say.
The Great Debate
Confession: I’m a Birmingham transplant. One of the first things I learned after moving here was there are two debates I’ll never be ready to have: where to find the best barbeque and the best sweet tea. Everyone has an answer and I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s less than 100% certain their answer is right.
When I saw that National Iced Tea Day was coming up, I knew just how I wanted to celebrate. I took to social media to stir the pot (or pitcher, in this case) by asking one of the most controversial questions in the Magic City: where can I find the best sweet tea in Birmingham?
The answers came rolling in, as quickly and as passionately as expected. Although this won’t cover them all, here were your top 11 submissions, in no particular order.
1. Milo’s
Ah, the overwhelming favorite. Birmingham (and the rest of the south) loves them some Milo’s tea. Headquartered right here in Birmingham, you can pick it up in the grocery store and in the drive-thru.
Where to find it:
- Find a retail location near you here
- 208 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood
- 401 19th St S #130, Birmingham
- 1449 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills
- 1210 Inverness Highland Dr, Birmingham
- 1530 Montclair Rd, Birmingham
- 2020 Pelham Pkwy, Bluff Park
- Website
2. Piper and Leaf
Tea is the name of the game for Piper and Leaf. They have all kinds of variations—hot and cold, sweet and unsweet, classic and fruity. You can order their blends online, but it’s hard to beat a fresh mason jar full of their refreshing goodness.
Where to find it:
- 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham (in the Pizitz Food Hall)
- Shop online
- Website
3. Golden Rule BBQ
All our Irondale and Hoover people showed out for Golden Rule. This Alabama classic first opened its doors in 1891—yes, you read that right. It’s the oldest continuously running restaurant in the state and clearly has had plenty of time to perfect their sweet tea recipe.
Where to find it:
- 1571 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover
- 2504 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham
- 4290 Co Rd 52, Helena
- 309 Huntley Pkwy, Pelham
- 120 S Chalkville Rd, Trussville
- 151 Industrial Rd, Alabaster
- Website
4. Red Diamond
Headquartered right here in Birmingham and distributed all over the country. We promise not to tell if you polish off the gallon by yourself.
Where to find it:
5. Purple Onion
We got so many submissions for Purple Onion’s Sweet Mint Tea that I’m convinced I need to go try it for myself. Bonus: this Birmingham OG is expanding, so you’ll soon be able to find it in even more locations.
Where to find it:
- 479 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood
- 1551 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover
- 4505 Riverview Pkwy, Birmingham
- 2296 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham
- 3044 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr, Hueytown
- Website
6. Chris Z’s
Chris Z’s is a Birmingham breakfast + lunch classic. Their prices are some of the best you’ll find, and I can personally recommend the Z Omelette. They’re known for giving you some series bang for your buck, so you’ll definitely need a tea to wash down that 1/2 lb cheeseburger.
Where to find it:
- 2808 University Blvd, Birmingham
- Website
7. Saw’s
We know barbecue + sweet tea go hand-in-hand, so pretty much every BBQ joint in Bham made the submission list. However, all of Saw’s locations popped up too much to ignore.
Where to find it:
- 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood
- 1115 Dunston Ave, Birmingham
- 215 41st St S, Birmingham
- 1154 11th Ave S, Birmingham (temporarily closed)
- 1150 11th Ave S, Birmingham (food truck)
- Website
8. Royal Cup
Another southern classic headquartered in our Magic City. Royal Cup has been a favorite from coast to coast since the 1800s. It’s served in restaurants, offices and lodgings all over—plus in plenty of homes.
Where to find it:
- Find the location nearest you with this map
- Order online
- Website
9. Al’s Deli and Grill
This late-night favorite has served up many a loaded potato to the UAB community and locals from all over the Birmingham metro. In their words, “the service is fast and the portions are large.” Al’s is currently closed due to COVID-19, but we’ll be counting down the days until we can pick up our next pita.
Where to find it:
- 1629 10th Ave S, Birmingham
- Website
10. Hamburger Heaven
Hamburgers, hotdogs and sweet tea are about as All-American as it gets. Next time those cravings hit, support a Birmingham company over a big chain—plus, their food is never frozen. Grab a tea while you’re there. It comes highly recommended.
Where to find it:
- 5303 Highway 280 South, Birmingham
- 1703 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale
- 1301 Decatur Highway, Gardendale
- 180 Oxmoor Blvd, Homewood
- Website
11. Jim ‘N Nick’s
Similar to Purple Onion’s Mint Tea, the Peach Tea at Jim ‘N Nick’s was a specific submission that that people seem to love. I’m all about a fruity tea, especially one as sweet and summery as a peach. This made my personal list for sure.
Where to find it:
- 220 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham
- 1908 11th Ave S, Birmingham (temporarily closed)
- 1810 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover
- 1660 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville
- 915 Odum Road, Gardendale
- 2831 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Birmingham
- Website
Did we miss your favorite tea in town? Let us know on social @BhamNow. Bottoms up, Bham!
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