A Guide to Birmingham Coffee Shops

Revelator Coffee

Near and dear to the heart of downtown, Revelator is an aesthetically gifted hallmark among Birmingham coffee shops, given its warm earthy tones set against cool grey walls, chic furnishings, vibrant plants, natural sunlight, and amenities for a productive day. The picturesque industrial decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious coffee beverages made with gourmet beans that have been roasted in-house, as well as scrumptious pastries and more lite bites.

The Red Cat Coffeehouse

Located in the Pepper Place district, The Red Cat serves house-roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, and breakfast fare (vegan options available) amidst dreamy digs accentuated by great big windows, colorful tapestry strung across clotheslines overhead, exposed brick walls, cute seating arrangements, and poster riddled bulletin boards. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this beloved abode with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.

Seeds Coffee Co.

If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, search no further than Seeds, which is a nonprofit passionate about intentionally roasting the world’s finest fair-trade beans in-house. Furthermore, they do have an expansive lounge area featuring bright bohemian vibes, ample wooden tabletops, touches of greenery, and should you need some fresh air, a nice outdoor patio.

Filter Coffee Parlor

Nestled in the Five Points South district – a walkable neighborhood known for its award-winning James Beard restaurants, historically significant architecture, busy pubs, live music spots, and proximity to the University of Alabama at Birmingham – Filter offers guests a multi-level space underscored by an abundance of seating arrangements, vibrant verdure, and accommodations for remote work. In addition to delectable signature drinks like the Vanilla Cardamom and Lavender Blossom, the menu has a wide range of loose-leaf teas, frittatas, and breakfast sandwiches.

Domestique Coffee

Just down the road from Avondale Park – which has a century-old rose garden, a duck pond, and an outdoor amphitheater used for concerts and festivals – Domestique treats galactic wayfarers to a space-themed environment complete with replica rockets, international orange tables and chairs, futuristic light fixtures, vintage pinball machines, and one seemingly infinite collection of board games. The house-roasted coffee is out of this world too, on that note, they source sustainably-grown beans and ensure a fair-wage supply chain from production to distribution; and should you meander on in at the tail end of an exhaustive workday, take a load off with a crisp beer, glass of fine wine, or craft cocktail.

June Coffee

This recent addition to the ever-budding index of Birmingham coffee shops is a hidden gem that can be found tucked inside a beautiful brick building on 25th Street, close to the highway entrance. Upon venturing through the front door, a visually satisfying scene will unfold before you, one graced with a red brick-wrapped front counter, wooden pallet walls, high-exposed ceilings, a steady background hum of local creatives sharing ideas, and last but certainly not least, the tantalizing aroma of artisan coffee that’s been diligently roasted in-house.

Innova Coffee

Whether you’d like to settle into an armchair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a soul-stirring cup of joe or peacefully work amidst the familiar comforts of a reliable neighborhood gathering place, whatever the case may be, Innova has got you covered.

Punch Love Coffee

Punch Love boasts an intimate common area where guests can mingle with friends while sipping on delicious seasonal coffee drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Caramel Latte and Toasted Cinnamon and Date Brown Sugar Latte. This adorable little cafe is a complementary part of MAKEbhm, which is a trendy mixed-use development featuring artist studios, coworking areas, creative classes, and retail spaces.

Santos Coffee & Bar

Strolling past the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex and through the front door of Santos reveals a bright, modern environment with rustic elements, exposed brick walls, and elegant tin ceiling tiles. The shop specializes in crop-to-cup coffee sourced from Guatemalan farms, as well as carries a well-curated selection of scrumptious pastries, sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches, beer, and wine.

Bizarre: The Coffee Bar

Situated down at the end of an unassuming strip mall on 22nd Street, this hidden treasure is a relaxed hangout with comfy furnishings, art-adorned walls, and a shout-out from the Kelly Clarkson show. The staff maintains a tempting selection of coffee beverages, breakfast and lunch foods, beers, wines, cocktails, and Hookahs.

OHenry’s Coffees

Considering they operate a few coffee shops in Birmingham, and have been roasting in the area since 1993, you’ve probably already spotted an OHenry’s near you, the stores provide guests a reliable work and gathering atmosphere with tables to sit down at and stay awhile. Along with mochas, lattes, and O’Frappes, they’ve got a range of grab & go snacks.

If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Birmingham, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Huntsville!

I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page or Google account.