The early bird’s guide to Birmingham—find out what’s open before 7AM

Hero Doughnuts 3 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Who doesn’t love starting their day with a doughnut? (Bham Now)

You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm! Some of us are not morning people and others are up and at em’ before the sun is. For the latter, we’ve got your guide to places in Bham that open at 7AM or earlier. Keep reading to find out where you can start your day.

But first, coffee ☕

Looking for that pre-work coffee fix? Here are 9 local coffee shops to start your morning with the right cup.

1. Red Cat Coffeehouse

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Up and at ’em. (Terri Roberson/Bham Now)

A Bham Now favorite—Red Cat is a great place to cozy up with a book or grab a coffee for the road.

2. Revelator Coffee

downtown w drink The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Eye see some delicious coffee. (Bham Now)

If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a modern atmosphere, Revelator is your stop. Their iced matcha latte with added vanilla is my go-to.

3. O’Henry’s Coffees

ohenry 5 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Take some beans to-go. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Pretty much every student’s fave study spot, O’Henry’s has a tasty selection of specialty coffee and snacks for your morning.

4. Filter Coffee Parlor

Filter Iced Coffee The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
A latte of deliciousness. (Bham Now)

Filter offers plenty of local roasts and a welcoming environment, whether you’re on-the-go or taking a seat for a while.

5. Domestique Coffee—Panache

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Your morning caffeine fix. (Kristina O’Quinn/Bham Now)

If you love the coffee at Saturn, you have to check out Panache by Domestique in Five Points. Grab their nitro cold brew to really get your morning goin’.

6. Crestwood Coffee Co.

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The Crestwood Coffee storefront. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

Crestwood Coffee is one of my favorites in town. They have unique decor, friendly staff and out-of-this-world eats. Their coffee creations are the cherry on top.

7. Seeds Coffee Co.

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Seeds Coffee Co. offers yummy breakfast options too. (Holly Moore/Bham Now)

Inspired by the coffee-loving community, Seeds provides a place to savor a carefully crafted cup of joe either in store or on the run.

8. Church Street Coffee and Books

Church Street Coffee and Books The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Grab your next read with your morning coffee. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Forget your coffee shop read at home? No problem. This Mountain Brook staple offers best selling books, coffee and pastries.

9. Caveat Coffee

Caveat Coffee Alabama Magazine 2 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Bham Nower Cecilia at Caveat Coffee. (Bham Now)

On a time crunch? Caveat has a drive thru window, making it easy to add a quick coffee stop to your morning commute.

Early morning eats 🍽️

Early risers shouldn’t miss out on the most important meal of the day. Here are 11 places to grab a bite to eat bright and early.

1. Hero Doughnuts + Buns

Hero Doughnuts 3 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
My mouth is watering already. (Bham Now)

If you haven’t tried Hero’s breakfast sandwich, consider this an invitation. It’s a tasty, sweet and savory way to kick off your morning.

2. The Original Pancake House

original pancake house The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
A classic breakfast choice. (Bham Now)

Move over IHOP. Original Pancake House is a Five Points staple that’s easy on your wallet and full of craveable breakfast options.

3. Bogue’s

DSCN2319 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
You’ve got to try their famous sweet rolls. (Nathan Watson/Bham Now)

Meet Ella, the creator of Bogue’s sweet rolls, and then go fetch some for yourself. You won’t regret it.

4. Fife’s Restaurant

fife's meat and threes
Check out the mural outside of Fife’s. (Chaise Sanders/Bham Now)

Fife’s has been serving up breakfast for Bham since 1959, so you know you’re in good hands.

5. Over Easy

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How do you like your eggs? (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

For a wake up call with that classic diner feel, head to Over Easy. Omelette lovers, you’ll want to check this place out.

6. Pop’s Neighborhood Grill

Pop’s gets rave reviews from locals and just about everything on the menu is under $10.

7. The Alabama Biscuit Co.

What would the south be without biscuits? Using a good old fashioned recipe, Alabama Biscuit Co. is serving up biscuits your grandma would approve of.

8. Ruby Sunshine

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Start your day with some sunshine. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Click your heels together three times and you’ll end up at Ruby Sunshine. There’s no place like this breakfast spot for Benedicts and mimosas.

9. Flying Biscuit Cafe

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Heaven on a plate. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Now this is a breakfast worth waking up early for. They’ve even got vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, so what are you waiting for?

10. Big Bad Breakfast

Birmingham, Big Bad Breakfast, breakfast, pancakes, brunch
Trust me, these pancakes are to die for. (Big Bad Breakfast (Highway 280) on Facebook)

Big Bad Breakfast definitely lives up to their name—in a good way. I recommend the “Redneck” Benny with red-eye gravy.

11. Another Broken Egg Cafe

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Delicious toppings galore. (Another Broken Egg on Facebook)

Does “Cinnamon Roll French Toast” strike your fancy? If yes, you’ll want to check out Another Broken Egg. While you’re at it, add a little sparkle to your breakfast with the lemon blueberry mimosa.

Get movin’ 🏃

Get your blood pumpin’ and maybe even catch a beautiful sunrise at these nine spots to get active in the AM.

1. Red Mountain Park

Trail 6 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Add a breath of fresh air to your morning. (Matthew Niblett/Bham Now)

Nothing like the great outdoors to get your morning goin’. Hike, bike, run and play with your pups at Red Mountain.

  • Hours: Daily 7AM-5PM
  • Location: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
  • Website | Facebook

2. Ruffner Mountain

Ruffner Mountain 6 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Feel like you’re on top of the world…or at least Birmingham. (Matthew Niblett/Bham Now)

Fit some of the best views of Birmingham into your morning routine.

3. Rotary Trail

rotary trail flowers 1 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Walk from Railroad Park to Sloss Furnaces. (Matthew Niblett/Bham Now)

You’ve def seen this sign, but have you checked out the trail? We can’t wait for the upcoming addition of The Sunrise Plaza to make the Rotary Trail even brighter.

4. High Point Climbing and Fitness

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Turn your mornings upside-down. (High Point Climbing and Fitness on Facebook)

Climb your way through the early hours! High Point offers walls for every level of climber, so go ahead and try something new.

5. Battle Republic

Battle Republic Team1 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Nothing like a Battle workout to start your day. (Bham Now)

Show up for yourself and punch it out at Battle Republic. Bring your game face and some workout clothes and they’ll provide the rest.

6. Orangetheory

Orange.Theory 14 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Orangetheory can fit perfectly into your morning routine. (Bham Now)

If you’re looking for a motivating community and a killer workout to start your day, consider joining Orangetheory. Plus, if you enroll in their Transformation Challenge by Jan. 31, you could earn yourself some cash.

7. Ignite Cycle

Ignite Cycle 32 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Not your average morning workout. (Matthew Niblett/Bham Now)

Ignite Cycle will definitely make sure you feel the burn in your morning workout.

8. Iron Tribe Fitness

If one-on-one coaching is your thing, Iron Tribe is the place for you.

9. Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness 2 The early bird's guide to Birmingham—find out what's open before 7AM
Workout in a judgement free environment. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Memberships start at just $10 and they have massage chairs and tanning beds for the ultimate recovery.

What’s your morning routine Bham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!

Gabby Gervais
Gabby Gervais
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