If you just moved, are visiting, or are a local looking for the best coffee in Birmingham, AL, this post is for you.
In the last five years of extraordinary growth, Birmingham has earned its recognition as a hub for great food, great brews, and best of all…
Great coffee!
A year of pandemic living has encouraged us all to support local as best as we can. Our local coffee shops need support now more than ever.
If you are lucky enough to call Birmingham home, you probably have already found the best coffee shops in the area..
Let this be your gentle nudge of encouragement to branch out, spread the love, and try something new.
Coffee isn’t just about the beans – so much of your experience has to do with whom and where you sip it.
These Birmingham coffee shops are not only recommended for their delicious coffee but for the unique environments they each offer.
These are some of the best spots to find a good cup of coffee, tested by myself-a local.
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1. Please Your Taste Buds at Church Street Coffee and Books
Let’s start your journey of finding the best coffee in Birmingham, AL with Church Street Coffee…
One of Birmingham’s best spots for excellent coffee, this cozy little shop is committed to supporting local by serving Octane Coffee, a local coffee roaster located in Homewood.
They serve espresso drinks, freshly brewed coffee, and even pour-over coffee upon request, but their most famous treat might be their famous breakup cookie.
This ooey, gooey chocolate chip cookie is freshly baked and pairs perfectly with coffee.
Part of the unique offerings of this laid-back shop is that it has a collection of popular reads and unique literature. All of which are available for purchase.
If good reads, good vibes (and friendly staff), and excellent coffee are your thing, check out a place local coffee drinkers love next time you are in Crestline Village…
Church Street Coffee and Books.
2. Get a Great Cup of Coffee at Red Cat Coffee House
Photo from @redcat_bham on Instagram
With two locations in the Magic City: one in the heart of Pepper Place and the other near Railroad Park, Red Cat Coffee House has established itself as an inclusive coffeehouse that makes the coffee experience enjoyable for all people and preferences.
Food and drink are both on the menu, but it definitely has all the unique coffee shop vibes.
It is a funky spot with an artistic ambiance, which is reflected in the latte art atop many of their specialty espresso drinks.
We recommend stopping in for breakfast and getting the whole experience because Red Cat offers so much more than just exceptional coffee.
3. A New Experience at Filter Coffee Parlor
Photo from @filterbham on Instagram.
Slightly newer to the Birmingham coffee scene is FILTER Coffee Parlor.
The owners are Birmingham business owners who desired to create a space that all ages and walks of life could enjoy. They’ve created an oasis inside their chic space complete with plants delicately placed throughout the restaurant and local art available for purchase displayed on the walls.
Their focus is on providing high-quality coffee, teas, and food in a community-centered space.
You might be looking for the best coffee in Birmingham, AL, but you should definitely stop in and try a chai latte (or an herbal tea) next time you get the itch for a dreamy coffee shop experience.
4. Incredible Atmosphere at O’Henry’s Coffees
Photo from @ohenrys on Instagram
O’Henry’s is a Birmingham favorite for their specialty coffee beans and amazing holiday blends.
If you’re looking for a quality roast, you really can’t beat the quality of a cup of O’Henry’s Coffee. A local treasure through and through, O’Henry’s local roastery is in the heart of Birmingham.
Buying their beans means buying some of the most freshly roasted coffee in Birmingham.
Their website brags that it is not uncommon for the team to roast, package, and send out coffee for delivery all on the same day. Similar to Church Street Coffee, the atmosphere in O’Henry’s Coffee House is warm and inviting.
It’s a perfect study or remote employee work spot.
Samford University students love the Brookwood Village location, and you will likely see the coffee shop teeming with students looking for a comfortable place to study during exam week.
5. Try the Unique Latte System at Caveat Coffee
Caveat Coffee offers many menu items you would typically expect from a coffee house – tea, coffee, and espresso specialties.
What makes Caveat such a unique contribution to the Birmingham coffee scene is their draft latte system. This nitro-infused drink is a smooth and strong treat for coffee lovers. We’ve heard that a fan favorite is the Black & Tan, a unique blend of their draft latte and cold brew.
In addition to their unique coffee selections, the atmosphere in Caveat is one-of-a-kind. When you walk inside, you are greeted with stucco walls, minimalist decor, and an organic feel.
You can tell that no detail was overlooked when considering not only their menu but their design as well.
6. Farm-to-Mug at Seeds Coffee Company
Photo from @seedscoffee on Instagram
Nestled away in West Homewood, Seeds Coffee Company is a cozy little spot with a whole lot of soul.
The dream for their business is an intimate farm-to-mug experience – which inspires the owners to visit every farm from which they source their beans.
Their coffee beans are roasted in-house, which only adds to the cozy and personalized feel of this sweet local coffee shop. Specializing in quality espresso and pour-over drinks,
Seeds Coffee Co. is an excellent place to get a comforting cup of coffee. It’s a must-try for any coffee lover in Birmingham.
7. Crestwood Coffee Company
Photo from Yelp
For the more eclectic soul, Crestwood Coffee Co is a local gem in Crestwood North. It has been described as a no-nonsense coffee shop focused on a great brew, friendly service, and a local feel. They offer a delicious assortment of coffees and lattes, but it’s also common to see a few friendly faces sitting at the coffee bar drinking a beer. And if you’re stopping in but need a little something to fill you up in addition to your caffeine kick – their quiches are one of the neighborhood favorites.
If you want a unique atmosphere, good food, and a gathering place where you can relax, any one of these places is top-notch! Each of them is hand-picked as a favorite Birmingham coffee shop chosen by the locals.
Try one of these coffee experiences when you’re in town, or if you’re in Birmingham permanently.
About the Author
Kristen Woodall is a freelance writer based in the United States offering copywriting and blogging services to companies worldwide. She provides captivating content to drive traffic and visibility to businesses in need of a digital presence. When she is not hunched behind her laptop, you can find her boating with friends or helping her husband renovate their 1920’s bungalow.
