Giuseppe’s Cafe is OPEN—timed perfectly for The World Games [PHOTOS]

In a feat of phenomenal timing, Glen Iris’ beloved Giuseppe’s Cafe is back and better than ever, right as Birmingham welcomes the world for The World Games 2022 (TWG 2022). With four venues for TWG 2022 right on the restaurant’s doorstep, we know they’ll be busy in the days—and decades—to come. Keep reading for all the details.

4 venues for TWG 2022 are right on Giuseppe’s doorstep

They are:

• UAB PNC Field—host of the Lacrosse competitions, including Birmingham’s own Olivia Mannon
• UAB Track and Field—catch Tug of War here
• UAB Campus Recreation Center—this is where you’ll find Racquetball and Squash
• Bessie Estell Park—pretend like you’re in France and watch Boules, including Lyonnaise + Petanque

The restaurant is also minutes away from all of TWG 2022’s downtown venues.

Check out the newly-renovated Giuseppe’s Cafe

This is making me sooooo hungry. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

On May 20, Giuseppe’s closed for renovations, but reassured their loyal fans on social that they’d be back. Now that they’ve reopened, we went by to check it out.

Giuseppe Cafe’s has been a Birmingham favorite for almost 20 years

According to their website, Giuseppe’s first opened in 2002, just around the corner from UAB and “near the heart of the city.” Founder Joe Williams came from Seattle and made Birmingham home. People come for the food and return for the community and the hospitality.

Fun fact: most of the staff have been around since the restaurant’s early days, and they, and the small dining room, make everyone feel like family.

Giuseppe’s is one of the best places to go in The Magic City for Italian fare, with calzones, pizzas and pastas you’ll remember long after you’ve eaten them. It’s also a regular on our list of restaurants with 95+ food service scores.

Mark your calendar now—they’ll be celebrating their 20th anniversary in September 2022.

Know before you go

Location: 925 8th St S, Birmingham, AL 35206
Phone: 205.324.2626—for to-go orders, catering estimates, reservations (after The World Games) or wait times
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Note: we called to verify and the hours posted above are, in fact, correct. They’re slightly different from what’s listed on the website. Also, online ordering is temporarily paused while they rework their system, so you need to call for takeout.

They have a cozy, intimate space inside, with a small waiting area, plus three outside tables. If you’ve got a long wait, there are two bars next door that will also be happy for your business:

• Club South: 1102 10th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Gable Square Saloon: 803 9th Court South, Birmingham, AL 35205

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