Birmingham businesses need us now more than ever—show local spots some love

Well folks, we’re pushing 18 months of pandemic life, and our Birmingham businesses need us now more than ever. We’ve lost some of our very favorite hangouts, but have also seen a few new ones pop up along the way. Today, we’re highlighting some of our top Birmingham spots.

Supporting Birmingham businesses

We’re no stranger to supporting local. In addition to our comprehensive directory of 700+ Birmingham businesses, we also love spotlighting specific businesses—like Black-owned businesses, Homewood happy hours or the best place to grab a good bagel.

Staying COVID-safe is also a high priority for our local businesses, which is why so many offer seamless to-go, curbside pick-up and no-contact delivery options.

Today, we asked our 75K Instagram followers to share some of their favorites. And, for good measure, we polled our team too. They gave me the spots and I did some digging. Let’s get into it.

We’ll start with drinks

Birmingham has an impeccable brewery, cocktail and wine scene, which means you really can’t go wrong. Let’s see what locals had to say about their favorite watering holes in town:

• Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussvile has an unmatched selection of sours—don’t miss their Fallen: Plum. Grab your brew of choice and spread out in Ferus’ spacious tap room, complete with outdoor seating. 
• The Lumbar is a Pepper Place hot spot for creative cocktails. Swing by for your next drink and enjoy the outdoor seating!
• The Atomic Lounge is a Bham staple and dangerously convenient to our office. Outdoor seating is available, complete with fans to keep you cool. 
• Harvest Roots Ferments serves up delicious local kombucha. They also serve kombucha slushies and specialty baked goods. Outdoor seating available, as well as booch to-go. 

Getting hungry yet?

The Magic City is foodie paradise, and with many restaurants performing enhanced safety measures, we can stay COVID-safe while eatin’ good. Here’s a sampling of some of our favorite spots to chow down:

• Fat Charles BBQ serves up way more than just BBQ. The food truck also offers crowd favorites like Birria tacos. Check out their Instagram to see where the truck is today.
• Sol y Luna is one of my personal favorites for Mexican fare. Their Chilaquiles are next level! Outdoor seating, to-go and delivery available. 
• Golden Boy Pizza Co. slings the finest Neapolitan-style pies, and lucky customers get to meet the mascot. This food truck makes social distancing easy! Grab your ‘za and enjoy in the great outdoors. 
• The Garage offers delicious sandwiches and salads in a relaxed atmosphere. Keep (socially) distant with plenty of outdoor seating. 
• Slice is always a crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t love good pizza and beer? Outdoor dining, to-go, delivery and curbside available. 

Something Sweet

I’m a firm believer that there is always room for dessert. And Birmingham is NOT letting us down in the sweets department.

• Bendy’s Cookies & Cream serves up fresh ice cream and cookies, with a rotation of fun flavors. 
• Chez Fonfon is delicious for a number of reasons, but their coconut cake is a slam dunk. Outdoor seating is available on their picturesque patio, as well as curbside service. 
• Thirstea brings boba to Inverness. Try their Lavender Milk Boba Tea, it’s sweet and refreshing! 
• Cookie Fix will change your life. Their fresh baked cookies are not to be missed, ESPECIALLY the “White Trash” flavor. Order online for easy pick-up. 

The Birmingham Business Alliance

If there’s an organization that knows a thing or two about supporting local, it’s the Birmingham Business Alliance (The Alliance). They do the work that helps support job creators, typically in the areas of economic development, public policy, research and business advocacy.

I chatted with Victor Brown, Partner at The Alliance, to get his insight on the importance of embracing Birmingham businesses. And before you ask, he could never choose a favorite from our plethora of glorious local businesses. But, his most recent local stops were The Standard at The Pizitz Food Hall and Back Forty Beer Company. A man after my own heart.

“Local businesses build our economy and create cities. A city like Birmingham is founded based on local business, and it will be sustainable if local businesses thrive. The only way they can thrive is if we continue to seek them out, shop with them and make sure we are engaging with the owners.”

Victor Brown, Partner, Birmingham Business Alliance

Birmingham business directory—your guide to supporting local

#ShopLocal Birmingham

Did we introduce you to your new local favorite? Let us know @BhamNow