Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
15 outdoor patios to wine + dine around the Magic City
ByIrene Richardson
13593 views
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
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.
- Our pick: Grilled Chicken Piri Piri + Zucchini Frites | Menu
- Address: 2215 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Monday-Friday 4PM-10PM | Saturday-Sunday 9AM-2PM, 4PM-10PM
2. Continental Bakery + Chez Lulu
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
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.
- Our pick: The Briar Patch and the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich | Menu
- Address: 2430 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 3—10PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM—Midnight
4. The Pizitz
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.
- Our pick: Anything + everything from Unos Tacos | Menu
- Address: 1821 2nd Ave N #3112, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Varies by the vendor—see each restaurant’s hours
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.
- Our pick: Hummingbird queso and the Al Pastor tacos | Menu
- Address: 4105 Crosshaven Dr, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM | Sunday 11AM-8PM
6. Mayawell
A sunset, good friends and the Birmingham skyline—you really can’t get better vibes than you do on Mayawell’s patio and rooftop.
- Our pick: The Classic Margarita | Menu
- Address: 2900 4th Ave South Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-11:30PM | Friday 4PM-12:30AM | Saturday 2PM-12:30AM
7. Vecchia Pizzeria
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.
- Our pick: Vecchia Carni + a slice of their house-made cakes. | Menu
- Address: 610 Preserve Pkwy Suite 100, Hoover, AL 35226
- Hours: Daily 11AM-9PM
8. Chez Fonfon
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.
- Our pick: Hamburger Fonfon, Salade Fonfon, coconut cake | Menu
- Address: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-9:30PM | Saturday 4-9:30PM
9. The Garage
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.
- Our pick: The Garage BLT or The Fritz | Menu
- Address: 2304 10th Terrace S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 11AM-11PM | Friday-Saturday 11-2AM | Sunday Noon-10PM
10. Bottega Cafe
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.
- Our pick: Vespa sandwich, coconut-pecan cake | Menu
- Address: 2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-9:30PM
11. Vino
Ah, vino. A great spot in the adorable English Village—casual enough to be comfortable, but nice enough to entertain guests.
- Our pick: Bang Bang Caulifower, Penne Rigate | Menu
- Address: 1930 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35223
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-9PM | Friday 4-10PM | Saturday 11AM-10PM
12. 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.
- Our pick: Fall Superfood Salad | Menu
- Address: 922 29th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: Daily 11AM-8PM
13. Avondale Common House
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.
- Our pick: Loaded fries | Menu
- Address: 4100 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 11AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM | Sunday 11AM-3PM
14. 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!
- Our pick: Wing Platter—just in time for football | Menu
- Address: 5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Hours: Daily 11AM-9PM
15. Pizzeria GM
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.
- Our pick: Prosciutto Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza | Menu
- Address: 600 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM | Saturday 11AM-9PM
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.
