Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
13 places we were crushed to see close in 2023 in The Magic City
The Birmingham area had lots to celebrate in 2023, but some local businesses shocked us by announcing they’d be closing for business. Grab the tissues—here are 13 places we were heartbroken to see close this year.
1. John’s City Diner
One of the most shocking closings of 2023 was John’s City Diner when it was announced back in April. The beloved spot in the heart of downtown Birmingham was known for its local charm, iconic “It’s nice to have you in Birmingham” mural and wide range of Southern comfort food.
Locals rallied around John’s sharing their favorite memories of the cherished spot.
2. Magic City Grille
After 25 years of serving authentic Southern food in downtown Birmingham, Magic City Grille shut its doors on September 3. The plan? To relocate to a new space at 1901 2nd Avenue North in Bessemer.
Missing Magic City Grille’s mashed potatoes, collards and cornbread? The new Bessemer location is just a 20-minute drive from The Magic City original.
3. Bizarre: The Coffee Bar
No, don’t take our coffee! If Bizarre: The Coffee Bar’s closure had you teary-eyed, you weren’t alone. The beloved downtown coffee bar shut its doors on September 3 after five years of service.
The space doubled as a morning study spot and place to hang, serving a menu of coffee, soups, sandwiches, salads and more.
Bizarre was a go-to for many during the pandemic, managing to stay open despite many area businesses closing. In 2020, the shop even got a shoutout on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
4. Lloyd’s Restaurant
Lloyd’s Restaurant is another legendary spot that closed this year. Opened in 1937 in the City of Chelsea on Highway 280, followed by an opening in Inverness, Lloyd’s was best known for its hamburger steak with gravy and onions.
On September 25, Lloyd’s released a Facebook post informing customers the last day for the Inverness location would be October 15. The bright spot—Lloyd’s on Highway 280 in Sylacauga will reopen next year.
5. Hickory Tavern in Brookwood
Hickory Tavern in Brookwood Village joins our list of November 2023 closings.
Originally opening in 2015, the tavern was known for its full bar and selection of 40 different wines and 100 beers.
It may come as no surprise considering Brookwood Village was acquired by Birmingham-based Fairway Investments and Atlanta-based Pope & Land Real Estate in 2022. But, it’s hard not to be bummed a new location doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
6. Honeycreeper Chocolate
Saying goodbye to chocolate is tough, so there were many broken hearts when Honeycreeper Chocolate announced it’d be closing at the end of September.
The Birmingham Chocolate store was a favorite of many during its 6.5 years on 2nd Avenue North.
7. Yellowhammer Creative
The best local T-shirts. (Yellowhammer Creative)
Your creative spirit likely took a bit of a nose dive with this one. Back in October, beloved print shop Yellowhammer Creative in Pepper Place announced it will stop all retail operations by the end of 2023.
For 15 years, Yellowhammer Creative combined the art of screen printing with locally-inspired T-shirts, postcards, posters, stickers and more designs for those in Birmingham and beyond.
Owners Brandon Watkins and Brett Forsyth hinted in an Instagram post that there may be more ahead from the talented duo, stating:
“Brandon and I will be returning to our roots and focus our efforts on design services and flatstock printing as we explore other opportunities. While it might be the end of an era, it’s not the end of the bird.”
Yellowhammer Creative via Instagram
Whether you owned one or a dozen of their must-have tees, be sure to treasure them all.
8. Birmingham Oddities
On November 19, the city said farewell to Birmingham Oddities, one of its most unique and quirky shops. Located on 23rd Street North, the store was a haven for Magic City creatives.
Psst—Birmingham Oddities lives on in its sister shop, Wantfull Things–Tattoos and Cultural Artifacts. Check it out in the Five Points South District and see some of your favorite things from Birmingham Oddities.
9. Left Hand Soap Company
This December, small local business Left Hand Soap Company announced the closing of its Pepper Place storefront. The shop, which opened in Birmingham in 2021 became a popular place to get Alabama-made natural skincare products like bar soap, cuticle butter and under-eye cream.
As of December 11, the store transitioned to online-only sales.
10. Rodney Scott’s Avondale location
Barbecue fans got quite a shock when the always tasty barbecue joint Rodney Scott’s permanently closed on November 26.
While we’ll miss running to Third Ave South for a quick bite, there is good news. The restaurant announced the Avondale location will be merging with the one in Homewood. Four more locations are also in the works for Rodney Scott’s in 2024, including one in Hoover.
11. Smokehouse Steak & Seafood
Smokehouse Steak & Seafood closed in Birmingham. (Bham Now)
After 63 years in business, Smokehouse Steak & Seafood will close its doors on December 22.
Located next to Niki’s West and the Alabama Farmers Market, owner Theo Hontzas opened the restaurant in 1960. The cafeteria-style restaurant became a local favorite for its meats, Southern sides and Greek fare.
What led to the closure? Currently in his 90s, after putting his heart and soul into Smokehouse for several decades, Hontzas decided it was time to retire.
12. Club Duquette
Squeeze some last-minute visits in—Club Duquette’s Woodlawn storefront will close this year on December 31.
One of The Magic City’s coolest and most well-loved retail stores, Club Duquette is so rad it was featured in the New York Times, Washington Post and Southern Living.
There is a bright spot in this sad news, though. While the brick-and-mortar may be shutting down, the Club Duquette brand plans to continue with its regular Friday Five newsletters and playlists. A selection of products will also be available on their website and at local popups.
13. What’s on 2nd
After the passing of Steve Gilmore, owner of What’s on 2nd, the beloved collectibles store is reportedly closing at the end of the year. Read on for all the details.
More openings + closings in 2023
- 18 Birmingham-area openings we were excited to see in 2023
- 21 of Huntsville’s biggest openings of the year–restaurants, retail + more
- 9 special places Huntsville will miss: which local businesses closed their doors in 2023
Which places that closed in 2023 broke your heart? Let us know @BhamNow on Facebook + Instagram.
