5 new openings in Birmingham + 3 businesses coming later this year
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It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town.
From a new pop up bar on Morris Avenue to a soul food joint in Pleasant Grove, here are five openings you need to know about. Plus, three new spots coming later this summer.
Now Open
1. Pop Up Bar Bham | Morris Ave
Pop Up Bar is a national entertainment brand that creates pop-up beverage experiences across the Southeast. This month, the brand’s local concept—Pop Up Bar Bham—has opened at Canvas on Morris, an event venue near Wooden City on Morris Avenue.
Inside, the venue has been transformed into an immersive, tropical escape called The Jungle. Pop Up Bar Bham’s inaugural theme features lush décor, an electric atmosphere and fun drinks like The Tarzan, a spin on a lemon drop, and a Hennessy margarita.
- Location: 2335 Morris Ave Suite 104, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 4PM to 12AM; Friday–Saturday, 4PM to 2AM; Sunday, 4PM to 11PM; closed Monday
- Pop Up Bar Bham: Website | Instagram
2. Waldo’s Chicken & Beer | Vestavia Hills
On May 12, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer opened its second Birmingham-area location in Vestavia Hills. Founded by Homewood native Mark Waldo, this neighborhood spot serves (you guessed it) chicken tenders, plus 12 different kinds of cocktails and a variety of local beers.
- Location: 1463 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-9PM | Saturday-Sunday 10:30AM-9PM
3. Thelma’s Place | Pleasant Grove
Thelma’s Place, a new soul food cafe, opened in Pleasant Grove this month.
Formerly known as The Back Porch in Bessemer, Thelma’s Place is a meat and two restaurant that offers a variety of southern style comfort food. Owned by Chef Ron Cook, who has been featured on WBRC FOX 6, this new spot offers a different menu for each day of the week with the same homemade sides available daily.
- Location: 27 Park Road, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday | 10AM-7PM
- Website
4. Mark’s Mart | Vestavia Hills
Mark’s Mart—a popular grocery, butcher, and specialty market with locations in Northport and Selma—recently opened a third location in the former Twisted Root Burger Co. space along Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills.
Founded in Selma, Alabama, Mark’s Mart is a speciality grocery store known for its pre-made grilled meats like ribs, pork shops and its original “chicken swirl”. Owner Brian King and his family have operated the Selma location since 1978, and recently opened a Mark’s Mart in Northport in 2019.
- Location: 2501 Rocky Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
- Hours: 9AM-7PM Monday-Saturday
5. Guthrie’s | Vestavia Hills
Guthrie’s, the self proclaimed “original chicken finger restaurant”, opened its newest location last week on Montgomery Highway, making it the brand’s 31st location in the state of Alabama. They’re open until 10PM, so you can stop by for a box to satisfy your late-night cravings.
- Location: 1437 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Hours: 10AM-10PM Daily
Coming Soon
6. Curry Up Now | UAB
A new Indian street food fast-casual restaurant is coming to Birmingham near UAB. Founded as a food truck in 2009 by husband-and-wife duo, Akash and Rana Kapoor, Curry Up Now, the California-based eatery offers an innovative spin on traditional Indian cuisine.
- Location: 2001 5th Ave S #425, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Opening: Late 2025
7. Velvet & Vine | Downtown Birmingham
According to recent social media posts, a new event venue is opening in downtown Birmingham.
Located in the Thomas Jefferson Tower, Velvet & Vine will be a new hot spot for fine dining, luxury weddings, upscale events and live entertainment.
- Location: Thomas Jefferson Tower, 1623 2nd Ave N, 2nd Floor #2B (Complimentary Valet Parking), Birmingham, Alabama 35203
- Now booking for 2025-2027
8. Saffron & Silk | Five Points South
Another new restaurant, bar and venue is coming soon to Birmingham!
Located in the former home of Urban Parc and Woolworth, Saffron & Silk is Birmingham’s newest supper club, music hall and private event venue. Slated to open summer 2025, Saffron & Silk will feature brunch and dinner, curated cocktails and a rooftop bar for cigars and hookah.
- Location: 1006 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Opening: Summer 2025
What are you looking forward to? Let us know @bhamnow!
