New coffee shop + cocktail bar coming to downtown Birmingham, Summer 2025

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a cocktail lover or just looking for a new favorite hangout, there’s a new spot in Birmingham that should be on your radar. Created by partners Clay Freeman and Danny Le, Pink Lantern is a vibrant new concept bringing something unique (and pink) to the Magic City.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Meet the owners of Pink Lantern, Birmingham’s new coffee shop & cocktail bar

Downtown Birmingham is the place to go for cozy coffee shops and charming cocktail bars, and it’s about to get even more colorful—specifically, pink.

Located at 2400 1st Ave N, Suite #1, Pink Lantern is the brainchild of Clay Freeman and Danny Le, partners who wanted to create a warm, welcoming space that blends the calm coffeehouse atmosphere with the energy of a cocktail bar.

“For years, Danny and I have loved hosting friends and family at our home in Southside. We wanted to take that casual party atmosphere we had curated at home and create something we could share with the greater Birmingham community.”

Clay Freeman, Co-owner, Pink Lantern

The duo received the keys to the space a little over a year ago, and have kept their fans updated via social media and a steadily-growing progress bar on the “coming soon” sign. Now, Pink Lantern is in the final stretch.

Coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night

Your experience at Pink Lantern will largely depend on what time you visit.

By day, you’ll find a cozy, colorful café specializing in Vietnamese coffee—a nod to Danny’s heritage and half of the reason the duo chose the name Pink Lantern.

“Vietnamese coffee is a lot different than your standard American coffee! We brew it with a traditional filter device called a phin into condensed milk to create a smooth, strong cup of coffee—topped off with a very Instagramable foam design on top.”

Danny Le, Co-owner, Pink Lantern

By night, the venue will transform into a charming and elegant cocktail bar. Coffee tables will be moved to make way for chic dance floor, which opens up in front of an elevated stage perfect for themed events, drag brunch shows and other creative events.

“Just like Pink Lantern transforms from day to night, by day, my name is Clay, but at night, I am a drag queen named Flap Jack.

While Danny will be over Pink Lantern’s beverage program, I’ll be the event and show director. We plan to host a variety of events throughout the week, from Studio 54-style parties where guests show up in fashionable costumes to high fashion nights and everything in-between!”

Clay Freeman, Co-owner, Pink Lantern

The change from coffee shop to cocktail bar happens at 4PM, signaled by the interior lanterns’ change from white to pink—the other half of the reason for the name.

“When the lanterns turn pink, you’ll know alcohol sales have begun. It’s kind of like our Krispy Kreme ‘Hot and Ready’ sign!”

Clay Freeman, Co-owner, Pink Lantern

Pink Lantern’s evening menu will include a variety of cocktails with an Asian flair, including the signature Pink Lantern, a vodka-based cocktail flavored with dragonfruit and Lucid Dreams, a seasonal cocktail with a hint of watermelon.

Pink Lantern opens Summer 2025

The countdown is officially on, with Pink Lantern set to open its doors this summer. Want to follow along as Danny and Clay bring their dream to life? Follow @pinklanternbhm on Instagram to keep up with all the behind-the-scenes magic.

Excited to visit Pink Lantern? Tag us @bhamnow let us know!