15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City

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ThePizitzTNL 6 15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City
Pizitz is one of the coolest patios in town. (The Pizitz)

Patio sitting and sipping wine over a delicious dinner is what warm, spring weather was made for. Birmingham is kind of a pro when it comes to outdoor dining and we’ve gathered a few local spots that go above and beyond to bring you a dreamy experience.

This guide was originally created in June 2020 and was last updated in March 2024.

1. The Essential

TheEssential 9 15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City
You can’t beat The Essential’s patio located on 1st Ave. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

The Essential recently swapped places with Bar La Fete. Now, you can sit in the beautiful Mercantile on Morris while you try some of The Essential’s, well, essentials.

2. Continental Bakery + Chez Lulu

Mountain Brook
Continental Bakery at English Village could become part of a new entertainment district. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Can you hear the accordions in the background? This little nook in English Village is parallel to a cafe on a side street in Paris. You’ll feel like you transported to Europe as you dip your croissant into a cappuccino or split a bottle of wine.

  • Our pick: Almond croissant from Continental Bakery, Tarragon Chicken Salad from Chez Lulu | Menus
  • Address: 1911 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
  • Continental Bakery: Daily 7AM-7PM | Chez Lulu: Thursday-Sunday 5-9PM

3. Carrigan’s Public House

Screen Shot 2023 06 09 at 9.57.00 AM 15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City
Happy hour sippin’ with coworkers at Carrigan’s Public House. (Bham Now)

Carrigan’s on Morris Avenue is the ultimate happy hour hangout. The casual vibe completely embodies what a spring night after work should feel like.

4. The Pizitz

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Patios and cheese boards go together like fall evenings and Prosecco. (Bham Now)

Pizitz food hall is always filled with events featuring music, poetry and lots of cute dogs. You can catch us with a drink from The Louis under the twinkle lights of the Pizitz’s courtyard.

5. El ZunZún

Being a restaurant named after a hummingbird, it makes sense why you’d gravitate toward the patio at El ZunZún. Tucked away in a colorful little garden, the margaritas taste even better outside.

6. Mayawell

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A night on this patio is *chef’s kiss* (Bham Now)

A sunset, good friends and the Birmingham skyline—you really can’t get better vibes than you do on Mayawell’s patio and rooftop.

7. Vecchia Pizzeria

vecchia 15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City
Plenty of room for the whole friend group to share conversation. (Vecchia / Facebook)

Nestled right beside Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, Vecchia’s cozy seating and proximity to nature make you want to stay forever. Stretch out across long tables with a hot slice of pizza.

8. Chez Fonfon

Chez Fonfon
Chez Fonfon. (Bham Now)

Everything about Chez Fon Fon’s patio is could be straight out of a book for “how to create the perfect patio.” Seriously, you’ll want to move in and start dreaming up your European vacay.

9. The Garage

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Enjoy a Garage sandwich in their outdoor space. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

The Garage probably has one of the most eclectic patios in Birmingham. Surrounded by Magnolias and garden ornaments, it’s the ideal amount of hodgepodge that only a few can achieve.

10. Bottega Cafe

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Chat with old friends or new business partners at Bottega. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Bottega Cafe is a classic in Birmingham, owned by none other than Frank Stitt. It’s great for date night, a nice business lunch or a Saturday lunch with friends.

11. Vino

Ah, vino. A great spot in the adorable English Village—casual enough to be comfortable, but nice enough to entertain guests.

12. Real & Rosemary

Real Rosemary 3 15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City
One spring salad coming up. (Real & Rosemary)

Real and Rosemary’s in Homewood is one of my go-tos. They have some of the best salads around. Plus, their outdoor seating is 10/10.

13. Avondale Common House

Avondale Common House
In the heart of Avondale. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Avondale Common House has a chill atmosphere and great food. It’s located in the heart of Avondale and serves up appetizers, salads, burgers + more. Pretty much everything you could ask for.

14. The Filling Station

The Filling Station pizza
Grab a slice, or three. (Beth Cunningham / Bham Now)

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!

15. Pizzeria GM

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Watch the sunset with good friends, conversation and pizza at Pizzeria GM (Jada Hunter)

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

Headed to Huntsville anytime soon? Check out our guide to outdoor patios around the Rocket City.

Where are your favorite outdoor patios around Birmingham? Share it with us on social @bhamnow!

Contributors to this guide include Irene Richardson, Lauren Perry + Nicole Gibson.

Irene Richardson
Irene Richardson
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