7 openings + reopenings to know about in Birmingham, including OvenBird
Reading time: 5 minutes
It’s a new week which means it’s time for another roundup of new openings and reopenings in Birmingham. We have lots to look forward to, including an award-winning restaurant, a new concept from the owner of Woodlawn Cycle Cafe and so more. Check it out!
1. OvenBird
Wednesday, October 7, join OvenBird for their long-awaited reopening. The Hastings, once again, will be serving up iconic dishes to the Magic City. After months of being closed, reservations are now being taken.
Exactly one week after their reopening, on Wednesday, October 14, the restaurant will be celebrating its 5th birthday. From 5:30 to 7:30PM, you’ll be able to taste Spanish wines and grub on some paella.
Tickets are $60 and all-inclusive. Make sure to call OvenBird to reserve your spot.
Address: 2810 3rd Ave S #200, Birmingham, AL 35233
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Buka
Woodlawn Cycle Cafe closed this summer and we miss it already. Luckily, we can soon get a similar vibe in West Homewood. The owner of Woodlawn Cycle Cafe announced that his team’s newest venture, Buka, will be setting up shop in the newly renovated 186 Building.
Opening in December, Buka will be a neighborhood wine shop, market and takeaway cafe.
If you’re just as excited as me and want to know more about this new venture, check out our latest article.
Address: 186 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
3. Slutty Vegan
If you were in Five Points West on September 30, you probably noticed an extremely long line that led to a food truck. Why all the hype? Popular Atlanta-based vegan restaurant Slutty Vegan was visiting Birmingham.
This is good news for vegans or anyone looking to enjoy “healthier” junk food.
After becoming a hit in Atlanta with two brick and mortar locations, Slutty Vegan is looking to open its first location in Birmingham. The location is unknown, but you can bet as soon as we know, we’ll share the exciting news. If you’re craving more, click here.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. The HIVE
Birmingham’s first taproom from national brewery New Belgium Brewing is coming to Five Points South. The HIVE is taking the space of The Woolworth and it’s going to be a blast. You can enjoy multiple experiences like:
- Rooftop views
- Taproom
- Stand-alone bar
- And more!
We featured The HIVE in one of our recent articles, and so far, it looks like a great addition to the ever-growing Five Points South neighborhood.
Opening date: late October or early November.
Address: 1006 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Website
5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
After reopening its doors to the public on October 1, you can once again stroll through the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute once again—with a few restrictions, of course.
Visitors are asked to purchase tickets in advance online and face coverings will be required for everyone inside. Temperatures will be taken at the door, all public spaces will be sanitized throughout the day and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
- Location: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Temporary Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10AM-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Birmingham Public Library (Downtown)
It took a pandemic for me to realize how much we take our public spaces in Birmingham for granted. The downtown branch of the Birmingham Public Library will be the ONLY one open to the public right now.
Bookworms, students and researchers alike will have access to the East building only. Appointments are required to visit the beautiful Linn-Henley Research Library. Curbside services will be available at the Avondale, Springville Road, Five Points West and downtown Birmingham branches.
7. Negro Southern League Museum
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 6, because the Negro Southern League Museum is reopening. Guests can come on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can always schedule a visit.
Located right next to Regions Field, you can venture through the impressive museum to learn about the Negro Southern League and its history of greats, including:
- Willie Mays
- Leroy Paige
- Members of the Birmingham Black Barons
Location: 120 16th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Other arts, culture + sports organizations
The list doesn’t stop here. Other places that have reopened or plan to reopen their doors include:
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Sloss Furnaces
- Birmingham CrossPlex
- Birmingham Museum of Art
- Southern Museum of Flight
- Arlington House
- Boutwell Auditorium