Alicia’s is hands-down my favorite coffee shop in Birmingham. The vibe is cozy, homey, and full of history since it’s connected to the AG Gaston Motel. My go-to order is a matcha latte with oat milk + blueberry + white chocolate mocha (trust me on this combo). If you’re feeling adventurous, the bourbon caramel latte is a fan favorite, too. Perfect spot for sipping slow and co-working!

Yo’ Mama’s is exactly what it sounds like: food that tastes like it was made with love in your mama’s kitchen. Everything is cooked fresh and made to order, so it always hits. My go-to is the chicken & waffles with tossed tenders (a must), and please don’t skip the whipped topping—it legit tastes like ice cream. The staff is always so sweet and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better.

Bell Peppers might specialize in low-carb eats, but don’t let that fool you—even a carb lover like me can’t get enough. It’s my go-to breakfast spot, and the breakfast pizza has me in a chokehold. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the sweet cream pancakes are a fan favorite for a reason. Who knew low-carb could taste this good?

If you’ve been on TikTok, I’m sure you’ve seen these beautiful cupcakes at least once—they’re a viral sensation for a reason. This is the spot when you’re craving a SWEET treat. The desserts are not only adorable but also massive. I’m a big fan of their colossal milkshakes (yes, they’re as over-the-top as they sound), but honestly, everything here is fun and delicious. Plus, the staff and owner are (naturally) absolute sweethearts!

Frozen Rooster is tucked inside the Leeds Outlet Malls, which makes it the perfect stop after a little shopping spree. You can browse, then eat good immediately after—sounds like the perfect day. My go-to order is the catfish tossed in hot wing sauce with lemon pepper sprinkles (yes, both) and a side of their Cajun ranch Rooster Fries. Is it messy? Yes, but I promise you won't mind when you get a taste!

Green Acres is a Birmingham staple with deep roots in the city—a family-owned spot that’s been serving the community for decades. It’s cheap, it’s tasty, and it’s stood the test of time for a reason. My go-to is the Manager’s Special “all the way,” with ranch and lemon pepper on top. Trust me, just order it all the way. Some of the best fried chicken in town, hands down.

T-Bones is another Birmingham classic—and if you’re a Philly cheesesteak fan, this is your spot. The menu has plenty of solid options, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any sandwich here. My personal must-try? The Philly cheesesteak eggrolls. They’re a local favorite for a reason, and I truly believe you can’t say you’ve done Birmingham right without tasting them.

Slide Café has quickly become one of my new favorites—the name fits because you’ll want to “slide” right on in. The menu is fun, flavorful, and full of surprises. My go-to is the chicken, egg, and cheese with blackberry habanero jam. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, and honestly, I’m drooling just writing about it. Definitely one of my top picks for brunch in Birmingham!

Burning Tree BBQ is one of the newer spots in Birmingham, but the flavor comes with decades of experience. The owner worked at Jim ’N Nick’s for more than 30 years before opening up this place, and it shows in every bite. Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong here—but the brisket tacos and the brisket burger? Absolutely delicious and worth a stop.

Have you ever had lemon pepper corn? Yeah, me neither—until I tried Aww Shucks. This spot takes corn on the cob to the next level with gourmet flavors. The creamy lemon pepper is my absolute favorite, but they’ve also got Mexican street corn, garlic herb, and plenty of other fun twists. Definitely a must-try if you want something different!

Eugene’s is where you go when you’re craving a little spice in your life. My go-to order is mild tenders with fried pickled okra and a side of chili mayo—this combo hits every single time. You can go wild with how hot you want your chicken (they do not play with the heat!), but the house-made sauces are what really shine.