The Ginas & Gallow Wedding
Things To Do In Birmingham!
Highlands Bar & Grill
This restaurant was named “Most Outstanding Restaurant in America” at the James Beard Awards, we think that probably says enough. (Yes, we are being completely serious. You can Google it.) It’s definitely pricey, definitely upscale, and we’re sure it is definitely worth it. If you want to try “the best of the best” you should make a reservation here— but if you do that you should probably do so months ahead of time. They get booked up insanely quickly, we know because we’ve tried to get in a few weeks before a set date to no avail.
Gianmarco's Restaurant
Upscale Italian place—if you’re into fine dining you should try it! Reservation ahead of time is recommended.
Chez Fonfon
If you want some good, albeit fairly pricey French meets American food for a romantic or relaxing night out. This is a fantastic place. It may be difficult to just walk in to this restaurant particularly during lunch or dinner, but if you go in before or after peak lunch or dinnertime hours you’ll probably be able to find a seat. ... and you have to try the cheeseburger! Note: They do not take reservations.
Chez Lulu
A less expensive version of Chez Fonfon! .. Not really, it has more variety, but it is French-ish too! Really neat place, located in Mountainbrook’s (yes. still technically Birmingham) English Village, beautifully decorated and very cozy! There’s also a great bakery (Continental Bakery) next door, in case you want to bring some extra treats home with you.
The Pizitz Food Hall
The name reminds us of a mall food court, which is not exactly off as The Pizitz used to be a clothing store! However, the food is certainly not mall food court quality. Some of our personal favorites there are: Piper + Leaf tea shop (a must), Eli's Jerusalem Grill, MO:MO:, The Alabama Biscuit Company, Lichita's Ice Cream, Busy Corner Cheese and Provisions, and Silver Kati: Indian Street Food. Parking Info: The Pizitz parking deck entrance is located on the corner of 1st Avenue North & 18th Street North. The parking deck opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 12:30 a.m. If your vehicle is left after the parking deck closes, you will not be able to obtain it until the deck re-opens the next morning.
SAW’s Soul Kitchen
Birmingham and Alabama in general have lots of amazing BBQ places. If you want to try some REAL Southern BBQ, this is one of many places to do so! Don't be afraid to try the stuff that seems "out there" or "heavy" it's usually the best!
SAW’s Juke Joint
We have not been to this BBQ joint— but apparently the chicken wings (pictured) and chicken n’ waffles are amazing (don’t knock it until you try it!) You should go!
Dreamland BBQ Birmingham
A Southern BBQ chain based out of Alabama! You will only find these restaurants in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Georgia. Sounds like a good opportunity if you’re far away from these states, right? Trust us, it’s a GREAT opportunity.
Nabeel's Cafe and Market
If you like Greek/Mediterranean food you should try Nabeel's! The Feta Theologos, Horiatiki (Greek Peasant salad), and their Moussaka are delicious! They also have a market in the restaurant that has some pretty good imports, including cheese!
The Pita Stop
If you like Middle Eastern food, you HAVE to try this place! The lamb kebab is our favorite! Note: Most of the kebabs come out in BIG Pyrex plates.
Good People Brewing Company
Birmingham has a ton of breweries! So if you like beer and a lively atmosphere you are in luck! Good People definitely seems to be a favorite amongst many Birmingham residents!
Avondale Brewing Company
Another brewery! (We’ll list a few more just to keep it varied for those of you who like beer.)
The Sour Room at Avondale
Sour beers only! (We could be wrong in this, but what do we know? We don’t drink beer 😂)
TrimTab Brewing Company
Last brewery, we swear! We just like to give people plenty of options!
Carrigan's Public House
This is a good pub that also happens to have amazing food! The corn dog is unlike any you have ever tried before, promise. Note: You do have to be 21+ to get into the building.
The Collins Bar
While we have never been here, this place seems to be a crowd favorite. If you like a bar scene with extremely knowledgeable bartenders then you would probably enjoy this place!
Octane Uptown
A really good coffee place, a little pricier than Starbucks, but better tasting coffee with “latte art” and a bar. You pay for the experience sometimes, am I right? The Uptown area is also nice with lots of restaurants and things-to-do in close proximity.
Books Beans & Candles MS
For those who like a truly unique coffee and tea experience? It is referred to as “Birmingham Alabama’s Largest Metaphysical and Coffee Shoppe.” We wouldn’t recommend going here if you are easily uncomfortable with “the metaphysical” or if you have small children. However, if you’re open minded and are generally unfazed by anything that’s a little otherworldly, then you’ll be fine. Note: Many of their coffees and lattes can be very sweet. We recommend the Wildflower latte. It’s different, but delicious!
The Red Cat
A cat themed coffee house close to a very popular park that happens to be very special to us! So drink your cat coffee and watch people walk their dogs nearby! It’s a win-win!
Woodlawn Cycle Cafe
A coffee AND food place. Be sure to check their hours before you plan on visiting though, as lunch ends at a certain time.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
It may be wintertime while you are visiting, but in Alabama that can still mean fairly warm weather! If this is the case and you like visiting really pretty gardens then a trip to The Botanical gardens would be nice! You could also stop in at Chez Lulu (restaurant we mentioned) while you’re in the area.
Railroad Park
If you'd like to see the place where we got engaged, here it is! Also, if you're a person who likes to take leisurely strolls, this is a very nice little park to do that. It has a playground for kids and The Red Cat cafe we mentioned before is in very close proximity!
Vulcan Park and Museum
As you're driving around Birmingham, you pretty much can't miss this guy! He looms over us at all times. If you like parks and scenic views (especially at nighttime, if the weather isn't too cold) try visiting the Vulcan!
Birmingham Museum of Art
General Admission for this museum is free! It's a really beautiful museum and a good place to go in any kind of weather! It's also a good place to bring children as they have a special play area for them.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
If you're interested in History and The Civil Rights Movement, this is a great place to visit while you're in the area where so many of these events took place.
McWane Science Center
For those of you who are into Science-- especially those of you whose children are into Science! This would be a fun and kid friendly outing!
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
For those of you who are into cars, motorcycles, etc.. and don't mind driving a little bit outside of the Metro-Birmingham area.
Topgolf
New York City friends— We’re adding this mostly for you (for the kids and anyone who golfs). I’m pretty sure the closest TopGolf to you guys is in New Jersey... and we all know it’s better to go to Alabama than New Jersey, right? 😂 Okay, so we know what you’re thinking “Why Golf? Are they out of their minds?” We have our reasons. TopGolf is very close to the coffee place mentioned called Octane which happens to be in an area with lots of restaurants. So, play some golf on a sprawling venue (seriously these things are huge), work up an appetite, eat and drink coffee! ... but only if you want to. Either way, it could be a fun way to kill some time or get away from the wedding madness.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
If you like historical monuments, history, or... "haunted" places then Sloss Furnaces might be fun to you!
The Summit Birmingham
For those of you who like to shop, or for any last minute shopping needs.