New dessert lounge, Nightcap, now open in downtown Birmingham [Photos]

Last night, renowned Birmingham restaurateurs Bernie Smith and Todd Childs quietly opened their new dessert lounge concept, Nightcap. Located across the street from their other business, Bamboo on 2nd, Nightcap features a short (and sweet) menu of locally-made desserts, savory treats and fashionable cocktails—all in a cozy downtown atmosphere.

We tagged along on opening night to try Nightcap’s tastiest desserts and cocktails.

About Nightcap, Birmingham’s new dessert lounge

Have you ever wanted a late-night sweet treat after going out for dinner downtown? While some restaurants have a handful of dessert options, downtown Birmingham severely lacked a dedicated dessert space—until now.

When French-inspired wine bar and retail shop Aviné closed last fall, Bamboo on 2nd owners Bernie Smith and Todd Childs began brainstorming potential uses for the space.

“When [Aviné] closed, Bernie and I put our heads together and said, ‘If we were to do something in the space that complimentary to 2nd Avenue, what would it be?’

It snowballed from there, and the next thing we know, we’re opening a new dessert lounge.”

Todd Childs, Co-Owner, Nightcap

A cozy post-dinner atmosphere in downtown Birmingham

Open from 5PM-Midnight Wednesday through Saturday and 3-10PM on Sunday, Nightcap is a welcome addition to the already-impressive lineup of bars and restaurants along 2nd Avenue North.

“Nightcap was conceptualized as a late-night spot, so many of our drinks and desserts will be evening themed. We offer fortified wines like sherries and Madeiras, dessert wines like ports and late-night cocktails, including classics like the Espresso Martini.”

Todd Childs, Co-Owner, Nightcap

After looking over the cocktail menu and taking recommendations from our server, my lovely date chose the Woodley Park while I opted for the nonalcoholic Phony Negroni. Comprised of Ballarin Cremant de Bordeaux sparkling wine, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao and Passionfruit topped with Creme de Mure drizzle, the Woodley Park is refreshingly fruity but not too sweet—and the fact that it looks like a sunset is the cherry on top!

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying a dessert. Since Nightcap doesn’t have a kitchen, the establishment has teamed up with several local dessert-making partners, including:

• Ivory LeShore’s Gourmet Bread Pudding & Cheesecake
• Greek Kouzina
• Suzie’s Southern Fried Pies
• The Handel
• Sorelle Cafe
• June Coffee Co.
• Rusty’s Bar-B-Q
• Miss Ann’s Famous Chocolate Drizzle Cookies

With options like Sorelle’s Carrot Cake, Miss Ann’s Famous Chocolate Drizzle Cookies and Rusty’s Peanut Butter Pie, it’s hard to choose but impossible to go wrong.

We ended up splitting two:

• Handel’s Honey Cake, an authentic, eight-layered Ukrainian honey cake made with local honey and topped with creamy, buttery icing.
• Ivory LeShore’s Alabama Goat Cheese Cheesecake, an irresistibly rich and creamy cheesecake encased in a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with white chocolate mousse.

If your taste buds lean more savory than sweet, don’t fret—Nightcap offers several appetizing treats.

“We wanted Nightcap to appeal to the service industry. Since they usually get off work close to midnight, there’s nothing open for them to eat. We offer a few savory snacks—such as a grilled cheese and a cup of tomato soup or a basket of French fries—just something simple but satisfying for the post-work crowd.”

Todd Childs, Co-Owner, Nightcap

Nightcap is now open in downtown Birmingham

Making weekend plans? Nightcap is now open, making it the perfect post-dinner treat after eating at one of the fabulous restaurants in downtown Birmingham.

• Nightcap: Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2225 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5PM-Midnight | Sunday 3PM-10PM | Closed Monday-Tuesday

Excited to visit Nightcap in downtown Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know what you order!