THINGS TO DO
June Coffee
June Coffee has some of the best coffee in the area, (I recommend one of their seasonal Latte's, Fig-Orange, Lavender-Pistachio, or Vanilla as they make their own syrup). It is located next to one of our favorite Bakery's called Last Call Baking. (Get their early because Last Call sells out everyday)
Last Call Baking
Last Call Baking is located next to June Coffee Co. and specializes in pastries with a French/ Asian influence. They have a rotating menu, but we personally love their Kimchi Croissants and Breakfast Sandwiches. I've been eyeing the Miso Crumb Cake, but haven't been able to snag it. Get there early because they sell out fast!
The Essential
The Essential has quickly become one of our most frequented Brunch spots and is a short walk from the hotels we've selected. From pastries, to toasts, to hashes and benedict's, they have everything you want out of a brunch including a nice ambiance. Throw a Bloody Mary or Mimosa in the mix and you are good to go.
The Garage
The Garage is our favorite dive bar. It's a local haunt and was originally owned by an antique collector. The courtyard houses several stalls that are filled with antiques (all not for sale), and is completely covered in wisteria vines. This place is cash only, has tubs of beer filled with ice, and pro tip: order a sandwich. They're known for them, and are some of the best in town.
Mom's Basement
Mom's Basement is a reto themed dive bar located in the basement of a stripmall in Birmingham, and is exactly what it sounds like. The basement you grew up in. The walls are covered with photos of Moms, and the furniture is all freshly 70's themed. It's a bit of a hike but definitely worth a visit if you love a dive.
TrimTab Brewing Company
We have some amazing brewery's in Birmingham. If you are staying on Saturday for the Brewery Hop, our first stop will be Trimtab. Trimtab is a craft brewery with rotational brews, that change daily, weekly, monthly? Not even sure. They specialize in IPA's, Experimental Stouts, and our personal favorite the Fruited Sours. If you aren't a beer drinker, as Erica wasn't, this is a good spot to try a beer.
The Collins Bar
Located not very far from the Hotel, the Collins Bar features custom cocktails and innovative bar snacks. The catch, theres no bar menu. Just give them a vibe, a feeling, reference another drink you like, and they'll create a custom cocktail for you. We have a soft spot for the Collins Bar, as its where we went for a drink after we got engaged.
Pizza Grace
One of our newest Pizza Spots in the area. Located on Morris Ave within walking distance from the hotels, this is one of our (so far) favorite Pizza Spots. All of their pies focus on using local ingredients from farms and vendors in the area.
Automatic Seafood and Oysters
Hands down, our favorite restaurant and with good reason. It was just awarded a James Beard award for Best Chef in the South. You can't go wrong here for brunch or dinner. It's one of our favorite spots and we've only had amazing meals. Just want a drink? They have a great oyster happy hour with drink specials daily between 4-5pm.