Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Inside the new Lee’s Coffee at Workplay
Reading time: 3 minutes
Looking for a new space to work, take a date or meet friends before a concert? We paid a visit to Lee’s Coffee at Workplay and spoke with owner Lee Beall to learn all about the new coffee & cocktail spot.
Lee’s Coffee is the newest addition to Workplay
In 2023, a group of musicians, promoters, sound engineers and businessmen purchased the popular Workplay venue and began a comprehensive modernization project of the entire facility. Inside the new Workplay, you’ll find:
- Three distinct music halls named Theatre at Workplay, the Soundstage and the Canteen
- Two state-of-the-art recording studios
- Modern office spaces
- A new bar, Harmonic at Workplay
Recently, the Workplay team opened a new neighborhood hangout with a cozy atmosphere: Lee’s Coffee.
About Lee’s Coffee
Located inside Workplay at 500 23rd St S, Lee’s Coffee officially opened its doors in May and has become a popular addition to the multifunctional venue. The new coffee shop uses locally-owned Non-Fiction Coffee to craft tasty, refreshing beverages like the Sweet Potato Casserole Latte—a sweet potato latte with cinnamon brown sugar cold foam and a marshmallow on top.
“Jeff Daniels of Non-Fiction Coffee approached Johnny [Grimes] about partnering on our coffee offerings. [Non-Fiction Coffee] roasts family-farmed beans from all over the world.
What started out as a tasting at their headquarters in Pelham turned into a great working partnership with great coffee.”
Lee Beall, Owner, Lee’s Coffee
According to Lee, the “Build Your Own 16oz. Latte” menu is a unique and beloved beverage option; simply grab a sheet, fill out the temperature, milk and sweeteners/syrups you’d like and hand it to the barista.
In addition to Non-Fiction Coffee, Lee’s serves up domestic + local beers and a wide range of coffee-based cocktails and classic cocktails.
“Being a coffee shop and bar means our Espresso Martini is very popular, but our Bourbon Cold Brew has recently taken over as our most popular order. If we are open, the bar is open and cocktails are available—even before noon!”
Lee Beall, Owner, Lee’s Coffee
Inside the coffee shop + cocktail bar, you’ll find several unique seating areas, including:
- A cozy reading nook
- A main floor seating area
- A lounge and workspace on the upstairs mezzanine
My favorite has to be the vinyl listening room. Lined with posters for important local events like Furnace Fest and chock-full of vinyl records, the listening room can be reserved ahead of time for private events.
- Lee’s Coffee: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
- Address: 500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 7:30AM to 3PM; Thursday, 7:30AM to 8PM; Friday, 7:30AM to 10PM; Saturday, 12PM to 12AM
In addition to normal hours, Lee’s Coffee hosts several events throughout the week:
- Songwriter Sessions — Thursdays from 6PM to 10PM
- Trivia — Fridays from 7PM to 10PM
- Karaoke — Saturday from 8PM to Midnight
Have you visited the new Lee’s Coffee at Workplay? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know your favorite coffee or cocktail to order!
