Top 10 Best Brunch Places in Birmingham AL

If there’s one thing Birmingham does right, it’s brunch. This city takes its biscuits, bacon, and bottomless coffee seriously. Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh comfort food, an indulgent biscuit sandwich, or a stylish patio where you can linger for hours, Birmingham’s brunch scene has something for every craving.

I’ve rounded up my top 10 best brunch places in Birmingham AL, from cozy local joints to community-favorite cafes. Each has its own flavor, personality, and loyal following—so come hungry and ready to discover why Birmingham might just be one of the South’s most underrated brunch cities.

If you’re only in town for a short visit, check out my 24 Hours in Birmingham: This Is the Essentials post for a quick itinerary packed with can’t-miss eats and sights.

1. Alabama Biscuit Company: Farm-Fresh Flavor Meets Southern Comfort

The Alabama Biscuit Company is one of those brunch spots that just feels right the second you walk in. This is a fabulous breakfast and brunch spot that combines simple food, honest ingredients, and good old-fashioned hospitality.

If you show up right when they open, it’s pretty chill, but those hours between 8–10 a.m. can get busy. We’re not exactly early risers, so we’ve had great luck skipping the rush and arriving anytime after 10.

The crew that works there is always warm and helpful—the kind of Southern hospitality that feels genuine, not forced. They have two locations, but I’m partial to the Cahaba Heights one. The owners, Jonathan and Meredith, have five kids, and what started as a quest to nourish their own family turned into a Birmingham brunch favorite.

Armed with sprouted and stone-milled ancient grains, organic and pasture-based fats, and as many local ingredients as they can source, they’ve built a menu that feels both rustic and refined. You can even buy their biscuit mix to take home—which I highly recommend because once you’ve had these biscuits, there’s no going back.

Every time we go, we always check the daily specials. My order this time: the Bacon du Jour, a masterpiece with house-made apple jelly, sliced local apples, Conecuh bacon, a farm egg, grass-fed cheddar, grain mustard, and shaved fennel. It’s sweet, savory, and the kind of combination that makes you pause mid-bite to appreciate your life choices.

Of course, we also needed something on the sweeter side, so we got the Apple Bis-Cake—spiced house local apple jelly, sliced local apples, vanilla mascarpone cream, and lemon marmalade. Perfection.

To drink, I tried their blueberry spiced latte (yes, blueberry—and it works), and we couldn’t leave without a plate of their famous biscuits and gravy. This isn’t your typical white gravy. It’s a brown black pepper gravy that’s deeply flavorful and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Honestly, anything you order here is going to be delicious.

2. Maple Street Biscuit Company: Community, Coffee, and Comfort Food

Next up is Maple Street Biscuit Company, one of the most popular Birmingham brunch spots—and for good reason.

Located in Five Points South at 2801 18th Street South, this place is the definition of comfort food done right. The smell of fresh biscuits and coffee hits you before you even step inside, and it’s the kind of aroma that makes you instantly forgive yourself for ordering something smothered in gravy.

The menu is centered around made-from-scratch biscuits piled high with creative toppings that go way beyond the basics. Their signature favorites include:

• The Squawking Goat—a flaky biscuit with fried chicken, a fried goat cheese medallion, and house-made pepper jelly

• The Sticky Maple—fried chicken and bacon drizzled with maple syrup

• The Five and Dime—fried chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, fried egg, and sausage gravy

• Asiago-Bacon Waffle—crispy, cheesy, and just the right mix of sweet and savory (my favorite pick!)

Each dish is cooked fresh to order, and the portions are generous enough to make brunch feel like a full-on celebration.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with farmhouse-style decor, big wooden tables, and friendly staff. One of my favorite quirks: instead of calling out order numbers, they ask you a fun “question of the day.” It’s the kind of small-town charm that makes you feel part of the community, even if you’re just visiting.

Beyond biscuits, they also serve waffles, hash brown cakes, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s perfect whether you’re fueling up before exploring downtown or just looking for a laid-back brunch with friends.

3. The Front Porch: Southern Comfort in Crestline Village

If you’re craving that relaxed, sit-and-stay-awhile vibe, The Front Porch in Crestline Village is your spot.

True to its name, it feels exactly like gathering on a friend’s front porch—relaxed, inviting, and full of Southern comfort. The space has a casual yet stylish atmosphere, with both indoor seating and a large outdoor patio that’s perfect for brunch on a sunny day.

The menu focuses on modern Southern cuisine—think hearty favorites with a fresh twist. Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, burgers, and crisp salads, along with seasonal specials that showcase local ingredients. They also have a great cocktail list and a family-friendly vibe, so it’s the kind of place that works just as well for Sunday brunch as it does for a casual date night.

We loved The Front Porch for its friendly service and consistently good food. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy good company, and soak up that signature Mountain Brook charm—where the food is comforting, the drinks are cold, and everyone really does seem to know your name.

If you’re staying at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, this one’s just a short drive away. (And if you haven’t booked your stay yet, check out my Best Places to Stay in Birmingham post for hotel recommendations near every neighborhood.)

4. Big Bad Breakfast: Breakfast Done Bold

You can’t talk about the best brunch in Birmingham AL without mentioning Big Bad Breakfast, located in Homewood. Created by award-winning chef John Currence, this spot lives up to its name—big, bold, and unapologetically Southern.

Expect classic breakfast staples with a gourmet twist. The Big Bad Breakfast Plate (with eggs, meat, grits, and biscuits) is a favorite for a reason—everything on it tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Other menu standouts include the Fried Oyster Scramble, the Creole Omelet, and their Chicken and Waffles, which hit the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and sweet. Don’t miss their homemade jellies and the bacon that’s practically famous in its own right.

It’s lively, fun, and ideal for groups—especially if you like a hearty start to your day.

5. Ruby Sunshine: New Orleans Brunch Vibes in Birmingham

For a little Louisiana flair, Ruby Sunshine brings the Big Easy to Birmingham’s Five Points South. This popular spot, from the team behind Ruby Slipper Café in New Orleans, serves up a menu full of Southern comfort with Creole inspiration.

Their Bananas Foster French Toast and Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites are pure brunch perfection. If you love eggs benedict, this place has an entire section dedicated to them—from the Peacemaker (half one style, half another) to the Fried Green Tomato Benedict with grilled shrimp.

If you’re more of a savory brunch fan, the Loaded Tots are a must—crispy tots piled high with apple-braised pork debris, pork tasso cream sauce, and chives (and yes, you can add bacon, which you absolutely should).

And if you’re just here for the snacks and sides, the Pig-Candy Bacon Bites are the move. These applewood-smoked bacon bites are coated in a candy glaze that’s dangerously addictive—the kind of thing you tell yourself you’ll “just try one,” and then suddenly they’re gone. I get this every single time!

I don't drink, but I'm told their cocktail menu is also a standout, featuring the Mimosa Flight and Bloody Marys that are basically brunch in a glass. Pair it all with friendly service and bright, airy decor, and you’ve got one of the most vibrant brunch restaurants in Birmingham.

6. Frothy Monkey: Coffeehouse Meets Brunch Spot

Rounding out the list is Frothy Monkey, located downtown on 3rd Avenue North. It’s part coffeehouse, part restaurant, and all-around cozy.

This Nashville-based chain found a perfect home in Birmingham, offering artisan coffee, creative lattes, and a full breakfast and brunch menu that works for both early birds and late risers.

The Avocado Toast is one of the best in town—topped with balsamic glaze, pickled onions, and a perfectly poached egg. For something heartier, try the Bob’s Breakfast Bowl (with potatoes, cheese, bacon, and eggs) or their Loaded Biscuits and Gravy.

Their coffee program is top-notch, and the space has that creative, slightly industrial vibe that makes you want to sit with your laptop—or a mimosa—for a few hours.

If you love this kind of atmosphere, explore more local flavor in my Birmingham Farmers Markets You Have to Visit post for great weekend finds and local eats.

7. The Essential: Chic and Creative Downtown Brunch

Right on Birmingham’s iconic Morris Avenue, The Essential is where Southern charm meets big-city brunch energy. This bright, minimalist café is a local favorite for its stylish atmosphere, friendly staff, and inventive menu that rotates seasonally. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a beautiful plate and even better coffee.

What to order: The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are absolute showstoppers—fluffy, tangy, and just sweet enough. Their Croque Madame and Smoked Salmon Toast are other standouts, and if you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without one of their in-house pastries. Every bite here feels thoughtful and fresh, the kind of brunch you linger over while people-watching through the big windows.

8. Roots & Revelry: Glamorous Downtown Brunch with a View

If you want your brunch with a side of elegance, head to Roots & Revelry, located in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower downtown. With its soaring ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and retro-modern decor, it’s one of Birmingham’s most beautiful dining rooms—the kind that makes you feel like you’ve walked into a 1920s movie set.

The menu is upscale Southern, and it’s as good as it looks. Chicken and Waffles are a house favorite, but don’t skip the Crème Brûlée French Toast—it’s rich, buttery, and perfect with a mimosa (or two). Service is polished but welcoming, and brunch on their open-air terrace is one of the best ways to spend a Sunday in the city.

9. Hero Doughnuts & Buns: Fun, Casual, and Perfect for Families

For a lighter or more casual start to your day, Hero Doughnuts & Buns at Pepper Place is a Birmingham staple. It started as a pop-up and became a full-blown local obsession thanks to its creative menu, friendly vibe, and those incredible doughnuts.

You can keep it simple with a box of mixed doughnuts (the Cinnamon Sugar and Maple Bacon are perfection), or go savory with the Fried Chicken Sandwich on a house brioche bun. Their coffee and breakfast sandwiches are great for grab-and-go brunches, and the sunny patio is perfect if you’re hitting the Pepper Place Farmers Market afterward.

10. First Watch: Reliable and Fresh for Any Morning

Sometimes you just need a classic—and First Watch delivers. With locations around Birmingham, it’s the perfect go-to when you want a consistently good, wholesome brunch. The menu leans toward healthy but still satisfying, with seasonal options and plenty of fresh juice blends.

What to order: The Avocado Toast here is massive (and delicious), but the Million Dollar Bacon and Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos are what I come back for. Everything feels bright, fresh, and just the right amount of indulgent for a late morning meal.

Final Thoughts: The Best Brunch in Birmingham AL

From locally sourced biscuits at Alabama Biscuit Company to Creole-inspired dishes at Ruby Sunshine and the Southern charm of The Front Porch, Birmingham’s brunch scene is as warm and welcoming as the city itself.

Whether you’re craving sweet, savory, or a little of both, you’ll find something here worth waking up for—even if you’re not a morning person.