What’s open + closed on New Year’s Day 2026 in Birmingham

Reading time: 4 minutes

fun 1 scaled e1721850781672 What’s open + closed on New Year’s Day 2026 in Birmingham
Raise a toast to the new year, Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Whether you’re easing into the new year or heading out for food, drinks or errands, plenty of spots around Birmingham will be open on New Year’s Day.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Restaurants

1. El Barrio

El Barrio
A peek inside El Barrio (Bham Now)

With a colorful dining room and a menu built around tacos, burritos and margaritas—El Barrio offers a relaxed place to gather over food and drinks.

2. Luca Lagotto

Luca Lagotto offers Italian comfort food with a focus on pizza, pasta and simple, familiar flavors.

3. SoHo Social

Homewood
SoHo Social in Homewood is a great spot to grab a bite—and a drink. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

SoHo Social is a neighborhood-focused spot built around food, drinks and a welcoming atmosphere, with a menu that features their own twists on Southern staples.

4. The Essential

The Essential
The Essential offers a relaxed setting in downtown Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

The Essential serves everything from baked goods and lunch plates to a full dinner menu, along with an extensive wine list.

5. Culinary Dropout

The Summit
Culinary Dropout located at The Summit. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Culinary Dropout offers a casual dining experience with a wide-ranging menu of familiar comfort food and a full bar.

6. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Vestavia serves traditional barbecue, featuring whole hog pork, smoked meats and Southern favorites.

7. IKKO

Birmingham
Swing by IKKO for Japanese favorites and boba tea. (Bham Now)

IKKO offers a laid-back spot for sushi, poke bowls, ramen and other Japanese-inspired dishes.

8. Slice

pizza
Yummy slices at Slice in Birmingham. (Madison Croxson / Bham Now)

A longtime favorite in Birmingham, Slice serves speciality pizzas by the slice or pie, making it an easy stop for a quick meal.

Bars

1. Crestwood Tavern

FullSizeRender 441 What’s open + closed on New Year’s Day 2026 in Birmingham
Crestwood Tavern, a neighborhood bar in Birmingham. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Crestwood Tavern offers beer and cocktails in a casual, neighborhood setting.

2. Cahaba Brewing Company

beer
A round of beers at Cahaba Brewing Company. (Beth Cunningham / Bham Now)

Cahaba Brewing Company offers locally brewed beer with a taproom setting that’s great for casual gatherings.

3. Dave’s Pub

Dave's Pub Sneak Peek 7/9/2024
Dave’s Pub offers a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Dave’s Pub brings a classic local bar feel, with a casual crowd, good music and strong drinks.

Convenience + grocery stores

The following convenience stores and grocery stores plan to be open on New Year’s Day, with hours varying by location.

  • CVS
  • Walgreens
  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Publix

Here are some places that are closed in Birmingham on New Year’s Day:

  • Banks are closed but ATM’s will be open 
  • The United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed
  • Jefferson County offices will be closed
  • Public + private schools are closed for the holiday

Did we miss a spot that’s open? Let us know on Instagram + Facebook!

Makenzi Fultz
Makenzi Fultz
Articles: 36