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The early bird’s guide to Birmingham—find out what’s open before 7AM
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
A Bham Now favorite—Red Cat is a great place to cozy up with a book or grab a coffee for the road.
- Hours: Pepper Place Mon.-Sat. 7AM-6PM Closed Sun. | Railroad Park Mon.-Sat. 6:30AM-8PM; Closed Sun.
- Locations: Pepper Place | Railroad Park
- Website | Facebook
2. Revelator Coffee
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.
- Hours: 7AM-6PM Mon.-Sat.; Sun. 7AM-3PM
- Location: 1826 3rd Ave N #101, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook
3. O’Henry’s Coffees
Pretty much every student’s fave study spot, O’Henry’s has a tasty selection of specialty coffee and snacks for your morning.
- Hours: Homewood, Brookwood Village, Hoover—Mon.-Sat 6AM-6PM Sun. 7AM-6PM | Highlands—Mon.-Sun. 7AM-7PM
- Locations: Homewood | Brookwood Village | Hoover | Highlands
- Website | Facebook
4. Filter Coffee Parlor
Filter offers plenty of local roasts and a welcoming environment, whether you’re on-the-go or taking a seat for a while.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-4PM; Sat.-Sun. 8AM-2PM
- Location: 1927 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook
5. Domestique Coffee—Panache
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’.
- Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 7AM-4PM; Fri.-Sat. 7AM-6PM
- Location: 1024 20th St S Suite 103, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook
6. Crestwood Coffee Co.
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.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-5PM; Sat.-Sun. 8AM-6PM
- Location: 5512 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
7. Seeds Coffee Co.
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.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-3PM; Sat. 8AM-3PM; Sun. Closed
- Location: 174 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Website | Facebook
8. Church Street Coffee and Books
Forget your coffee shop read at home? No problem. This Mountain Brook staple offers best selling books, coffee and pastries.
- Hours: Daily 6AM-6PM
- Location: 81 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
- Website | Facebook
9. Caveat Coffee
On a time crunch? Caveat has a drive thru window, making it easy to add a quick coffee stop to your morning commute.
- Hours: Closed Monday; Tues.-Fri. 7:30AM-4PM; Sat.-Sun. 9AM-4PM
- Location: 2832 Linden Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
- Website | Facebook
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
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
Move over IHOP. Original Pancake House is a Five Points staple that’s easy on your wallet and full of craveable breakfast options.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30AM-2PM; Sat.-Sun. 7AM-2:30PM
- Location: 1931 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook
3. Bogue’s
Meet Ella, the creator of Bogue’s sweet rolls, and then go fetch some for yourself. You won’t regret it.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6AM-2PM, 5-9PM; Sat. 6AM-12PM; Sun. 7AM-1PM
- Location: 3120 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
4. Fife’s Restaurant
Fife’s has been serving up breakfast for Bham since 1959, so you know you’re in good hands.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6AM-6:30PM; Sat. 6-11AM; Sun. Closed
- Location: 2321 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website
5. Over Easy
For a wake up call with that classic diner feel, head to Over Easy. Omelette lovers, you’ll want to check this place out.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-1PM; Sat.-Sun. 8AM-2PM
- Location: 358 Hollywood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Website | Facebook
6. Pop’s Neighborhood Grill
Pop’s gets rave reviews from locals and just about everything on the menu is under $10.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6AM-3PM; Closed Sat.-Sun.
- Location: 1207 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
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.
- Hours: Daily 7AM-2PM
- Location: 4133 White Oak Dr, Birmingham, AL 35243
- Website | Facebook
8. Ruby Sunshine
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.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-2PM; Sat.-Sun. 7:30AM-3PM
- Locations: Homewood | Brook Highland
- Website | Facebook
9. Flying Biscuit Cafe
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?
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-2PM; Sat.-Sun. 7AM-3PM
- Location: 3419 Colonnade Pkwy #100, Birmingham, AL 35243
- Website
10. Big Bad Breakfast
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
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.
- Hours: Daily 7AM-2PM
- Location: 2418 Montevallo Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
- Website | Facebook
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
Nothing like the great outdoors to get your morning goin’. Hike, bike, run and play with your pups at Red Mountain.
2. Ruffner Mountain
Fit some of the best views of Birmingham into your morning routine.
- Hours: Closed Mon.; Tues.-Sun. 7AM-5PM
- Location: 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Website | Facebook
3. Rotary Trail
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.
- Hours: Daily 7AM-11PM
- Location: 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Website | Facebook
4. High Point Climbing and Fitness
Climb your way through the early hours! High Point offers walls for every level of climber, so go ahead and try something new.
- Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 6AM-10PM; Tues., Thurs, Sat. 10AM-10PM; Sun. 10AM-8PM
- Location: 4766 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Website | Facebook
- Become a member
5. Battle Republic
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.
- Hours: Varies by location; classes start as early as 5:15
- Locations: Homewood | The Summit
- Website | Facebook
- Become a member
6. Orangetheory
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.
- Hours: Varies by location; classes start as early as 5AM
- Locations: Downtown | Vestavia Hills | Trussville | Hoover | Inverness
- Website | Facebook
- Become a member
7. Ignite Cycle
Ignite Cycle will definitely make sure you feel the burn in your morning workout.
- Hours: Check out the class schedule
- Location: 224 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Website | Facebook
- Become a member
8. Iron Tribe Fitness
If one-on-one coaching is your thing, Iron Tribe is the place for you.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5AM-7:30PM; Sat. 7-10AM; Closed Sun.
- Locations: Downtown | Homewood | Mountain Brook | Hwy 280 | Hoover
- Website
- Contact local gym to join
9. Planet Fitness
Memberships start at just $10 and they have massage chairs and tanning beds for the ultimate recovery.
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5AM-10PM; Sat.-Sun. 7AM-7PM
- Locations: Montevallo | Vestavia Hills | Wildwood Parkway
- Website
- Become a member
What’s your morning routine Bham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!