How to celebrate your grad in Birmingham—eat, drink, gifts + more

It’s graduation season in Birmingham! If you’re looking for ways to honor your special grad, we’ve created the perfect guide. Read on for hot spots to eat, shop for gifts, take amazing cap and gown photos and more.

Memorable photo ops for Birmingham graduates

After years of hard work, capturing graduation day photos is a must! Trust me, you’ll be glad you have them to relive one of the most exciting and important days of your life.

There are many great photo ops around Birmingham to pose in your cap and gown and with family and friends at your side. Here are some to consider:

• Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Rotary Trail, 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209

Don’t forget! Some of the best photo spots can be taken on your college campus. A few that will showcase grads for years to come include:

• UAB: The UAB Green + Blaze statue
• Samford University: Mr. Beeson statue + Harwell Goodwin Davis Library steps
• University of Montevallo: Becoming sculpture + Flower Hill

Toast your Birmingham grad with great food + drinks

Good food and a champagne or cocktail toast is essential when celebrating a new graduate. With Birmingham’s hot food and drink scene, it’s the perfect place to mark the occasion. 

Here are some top choices around The Magic City, whether you need a reservation in a private room for a large group or prefer a smaller gathering space like a quaint and lovely patio:

Current Charcoal Grill

• Why dine here:
  • Delicious Asian-American Southern cuisine, including spear-caught Gulf seafood + local produce + tasty cocktails.
  • Indoor + outdoor seating available. 
  • Main dining room for parties with up to 10 guests. Online reservations.
  • Semi-private dining area + patio for parties with 10+ guests. Contact jimmy@currentcharcoalgrill.com for information/reservations.

• Address: 1625 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Contact: (205) 829-1625
• Happy Hour: Nightly, 4-6PM
• Website | Reservations

For gatherings on gorgeous rooftops + perfect patios

The Roof at Redmont Hotel

• What to expect
  • Stunning city views day or night
  • Seasonal, locally-inspired cocktails—some of the best in The Magic City

BONUS: It’s another perfect spot to capture festive photos.

• Address: 2101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4-11PM | Friday-Saturday 4PM-2AM
• Website

Juniper

• What to expect:
  • Chic atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in the pages of a magazine. 
  • Creative cocktails like a Banana Daiquiri + Pear Collins
  • Enjoyable menu with a variety of choices from lasagna to burgers to crab cakes, plus vegan options. 
  • Indoor + outdoor seating available for smaller parties

• Address: 2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: 
  • Monday-Friday 4-10PM
  • Saturday + Sunday 10AM-2PM, 4-10PM
• Website

Where grads can party with friends in Birmingham

(L) Up-Down Arcade Bar; (R) House of Found Objects (Bham Now)

Up-Down Arcade Bar

• Why you’ll have a blast:
  • The atmosphere is pure laid-back fun.
  • The bar will offer cocktails, craft beer (including options from local breweries) + pizza by the slice.
  • There are 60 different arcade games, pinball machines, skeeball alleys + more.

• Address: 113 13th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: Monday-Friday 3PM-2AM | Saturday-Sunday 11AM-2AM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

House of Found Objects

• Why you’ll have a blast:
  • It’s the perfect place to knock back a drink with an excellent cocktail menu with unique and popular options like the Legendary Sex Panther.
  • It offers an eclectic experience with uniquely themed seating areas and fun things to do, like board games.
  • It’s a fun way to bide your time if you’re waiting on a table at restaurants right next door like El Barrio and Bamboo.

• Address: 2205 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4PM-12AM | Friday-Saturday 4PM-2AM
• Instagram

Where to get graduation gifts in Birmingham

Little Professor Bookshop

• What you’ll find:
  • Locally-made cards
  • Books for new graduates starting their next chapter
  • Gift cards

• Address:
  • Homewood: 2738 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
  • Pepper Place: 2807 2nd Ave S, Ste B, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Contact: (205) 703-9010
• Hours:
  • Homewood: Monday-Saturday 8:30AM-6PM | Sunday 10AM-5PM
  • Pepper Place: Tuesday-Thursday 9AM-5PM | Friday 8AM-5PM | Saturday 8AM-1PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Norton’s Florist

• What you’ll find:
  • Beautiful flower arrangements in a variety of sizes. Special requests are available!
  • Gifts like cute stuffed animals, balloon bouquets + baskets filled with tasty snacks.

• Address: 401 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Contact: (205) 226-6701
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7AM-4PM | Saturday 7AM-1PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Smith’s Variety

• What you’ll find:
  • An assortment of party decorations, like streamers + table decorations.
  • Gift bags featuring college logos + mascots like Samford University’s mighty Bulldog Sam.
  • Collegiate-inspired trinkets like magnets + keychains.
  • Locally-made cards, some with money holders for that perfect grad gift.

INSIDE TIP: Smith’s Variety is having an indoor sale on Saturday, May 3 in celebration of its 65th anniversary. This is a great time to acknowledge the store and visit for deals on graduation items. 

• Address: 45 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
• Contact: (205) 871-0841
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM | Saturday 9AM-5PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

How will you be celebrating your college grad around Birmingham? Let us know on social @bham.