Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
20 new businesses that opened in Birmingham in 2024
Reading time: 9 minutes
2024 brought a huge wave of new businesses to The Magic City!
From innovative dining experiences to locally-owned shops, Birmingham continues to grow and evolve, offering something new around every corner. Read on for a roundup of 20 new businesses that opened their doors this year.
1. Luca Lagotto | Homewood
Luca Lagotto and Luca Mercato Lagotto are a new casual Italian restaurant and market concept from Pihakis Restaurant Group, the brand behind several beloved Birmingham restaurants like Little Donkey and Hero Doughnuts.
Nestled near downtown Homewood, Luca offers a robust menu of traditional Italian fare from pizzas and pastas to small plates and seasonal dishes.
2. Little Betty Steak Bar | Lane Parke
Little Betty Steak Bar opened for business in Mountain Brook’s Lane Parke this January. The restaurant is owned by Revival Restaurant Group, an Atlanta-based collective that owns several other brands including Birmingham’s Southern Kitchen + Bar and Uptown Cantina.
From steakhouse classics to hand-cut pasta and a curated cocktail list, this spot has a creative and exciting menu that any good foodie will love.
- Location: 1011 Jemison Ln, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. The Rougaroux | Lane Parke
While we’re talking Lane Parke, The Rougaroux—a beloved Cajun-themed restaurant in Forest Park—officially opened its second location in Mountain Brook!
The restaurant is known for its New Orleans-style decor and authentic Cajun fare like gulf shrimp, bon secour oysters, Alabama catfish and even veggie options like eggplant.
- Location: 2716 Culver Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. The Mayor | Lakeview
The Mayor, named after our own Mayor Randall Woodfin, opened in Lakeview earlier this year. The bar and restaurant, owned by EastWest owner Colby Conklin, offers a unique blend of Asian street food and American sports bar atmosphere.
- Location: 2808 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Instagram | Website
5. Joyland | Avondale
When Rodney Scott’s BBQ closed in Avondale, many residents wondered what would eventually take over the coveted location. This year, Joyland—a popular Nashville fast casual concept inspired by the aesthetics and experience of early fast-food restaurants—added a bright pop of color to the neighborhood.
If you haven’t swung by Joyland for a crustburger and waffle hash brown, you’re majorly missing out.
- Location: 3719 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Instagram | Website
6. Freddy’s Bistro + Bar | Homewood
Freddy’s Wine Bar opened a second location in the former home of Nabeel’s Café on Oxmoor Road, which closed late 2023. This new location, dubbed Freddy’s Bistro & Bar, offers more of a daytime lunch atmosphere featuring burgers, charcuterie boards and salads.
In addition, the restaurant’s neighbors, Tina’s Market and Goody’s Toy Store, are also new to Homewood this year.
- Location: 1706 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
- Website
7. Slice | Edgewood
A “Birmingham original”, Slice Pizza & Brew announced the grand opening of its new pizzeria in Homewood’s Edgewood neighborhood earlier this year.
Formerly the home of New York Pizza, Slice partnered with Homewood residents and entrepreneurs, J.J. and Whitney Thomas to bring an iconic pizza back to the neighborhood.
- Location: 1010 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. The Edge | Homewood
In Spring 2023, The Edge announced its plans to develop 1.5 acres on Green Springs Highway into an outdoor entertainment hub with food, drinks, retail and green space. This year, the highly-anticipated development in Homewood finally opened.
The Edge’s collection of new businesses include:
- Corbeau Wine Bar
- Bham Burger
- Baba Java Coffee + Popbar
- Shin Ramen
- The Cookie Plug
- The Que*bicle
9. Miracle Pizza Co. | Avondale
Earlier this year, Miracle Pizza Co. took over the former Post Office Pies location in the Avondale Business District.
At Miracle Pizza Co., you’ll find 6-8 different Italian-inspired New York pizza options with both meat and vegetable offerings. It also offers several appetizer, salad and sandwich menu items.
- Location: 209 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Website | Instagram
10. Culinary Dropout | The Summit
Culinary Dropout, the highly-anticipated restaurant developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, opened at The Summit earlier this year.
The new eatery offers an eclectic menu, with daily lunch and dinner service as well as weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Plus, it has a stage area to host live music.
- Location: 241 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Current Charcoal Grill | Downtown Birmingham
Adam Evans, James Beard winner and head chef at Automatic Seafood, launched a new restaurant in Birmingham earlier this year.
Situated near The Fennec and Railroad Park, Current Charcoal Grill celebrates the diverse flavors, ingredients and techniques of Asian cuisine.
12. Magnolia Point | Southside
Magnolia Point is the latest restaurant project from Pihakis Restaurant Group located in a 1930s-era building in Southside. The new restaurant is a casual, full-service establishment focused on, “seafood favorites reminiscent of beach bars and surfside restaurants.”
In addition to historic charm, the interior features custom tables in the 72-seat dining room as well as furnishings and an intricate wood bartop comprised of a giant felled Magnolia tree, created by Alabama Sawyer.
13. Crestwood Pickers | Crestwood
Crestwood Pickers, an antique mall featuring 300+ vendors, opened earlier this Summer in the former home of Burlington Coat Factory in the Crestwood Festival Shopping Center.
This highly-anticipated store is the fourth “pickers” location in the Greater Birmingham Area.
14. Surf Hound | Mountain Brook Village
Abhi Sainju—the chef behind Abhi Eatery + Bar and MARO—opened his newest restaurant in Birmingham. Dubbed Surf Hound, the restaurant is inspired by 1960-1970’s surf culture and coastal towns from around the world.
The menu features classics like burgers and fries, a variety of fresh-caught fish and plenty of delicious cocktails that will make you feel like you’re relaxing by the sea.
15. Salud | Downtown Birmingham
Last year, we reported that a new late-night taco bar was coming to the corner of 20th Street and 2nd Ave N in 2024.
Salud, which opened this Fall, is the newest project of local restauranteur Jesus Mendez, who also co-owns Adiõs, Uno’s Tacos and The Louis Bar. The taqueria offers a variety of street tacos, craft cocktails and taco toppings for the perfect quick lunch or late-night snack.
16. Carver Theatre + Jazz Hall of Fame | Historic Theatre District
After five years and an impressive floor-to-ceiling renovation, the Carver Performing Arts Theatre—home to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame—is now officially open!
Located in Birmingham’s Historic 4th Avenue Black Business District, the Carver Theatre was constructed in 1935 and originally used as a movie theatre. In fact, it was one of few places in town where African-American audiences could see the first runs of recently released films.
After the Carver Theatre closed in 1980, the City of Birmingham purchased and renovated the building as a live performance venue and a permanent home for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
- Location: 1701 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
17. Golden Age Wine Garden | 2nd Ave N
This Fall, James Beard Award-nominated wine shop Golden Age Wine opened an outdoor-only venue on 2nd Ave N.
Located a few doors down from Helen, the concept is an al fresco wine bar where patrons can eat and drink in the cozy alleyway. In addition to menu staples like charcuterie boards, warm olives, almonds and its best butter in the world dish, the bar serves beer, an expanded wine program and even grilled fish dishes.
- Location: 2021 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Instagram
18. Lag’s Eatery | Avondale
After a nearly year-long renovation, the new-and-improved Lag’s Eatery is now open in Avondale.
In the 1970s, Anthony “Lag” Gagliano founded the original Lag’s Eatery in Homewood, which now houses Sorelle Cafe. Over its original four-decade run, Lag’s Eatery was the first job for countless youngsters growing up in The Magic City—including new owners Justin Shubert and Eric Wallace.
Lag’s Eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Location: 4350 3rd Ct S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Website | Instagram
19. Bandido Coffee | Five Points
Birmingham’s newest coffee shop, Bandido Coffee, is now open.
Located in the former home of Panache by Domestique Coffee, the shop is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Raul Chavez of Fade Parlor. The café offers beverages inspired by Latin culture, like horchata and aqua fresca.
20. Pogo Cocktail Bar | Downtown Birmingham
Pogo Cocktail Bar, an era-spanning speakeasy tucked under 1st Avenue North’s Armour House brasserie, opened for business on November 22.
This underground speakeasy serves expert-crafted cocktails and unique wines, among a classy, historic atmosphere. The bar also hosts regular live jazz performances.
Psst…Bham Now got a sneak peek from the owners—take a look!
Check out these new Birmingham businesses:
What was your favorite new business of 2024? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
