Things to Do in Birmingham (2025)

Chef Adam Evans’s Gulf-forward showstopper pairs pristine seafood with warm Southern hospitality. Frequently cited by Eater and praised by Garden & Gun, it’s a polished but lively taste of modern Birmingham—especially at the raw bar and weekend brunch.

Chris and Idie Hastings’s longtime flagship blends Southern, French, and California influences in a graceful Pepper Place setting. A consistent “don’t-miss” in regional roundups, it’s celebrated for peak-season produce, thoughtful service, and a spirited chef’s counter.

Live‑fire cooking inspired by Spain, Portugal, and the Americas anchors this Pepper Place favorite from the Hastings team. Editors highlight its inventive small plates and smoky, convivial energy—ideal for sharing and exploring the wine list.

Chef Rob McDaniel’s downtown stunner celebrates wood‑kissed steaks, elegant vegetables, and those beloved angel biscuits. Routinely included in Eater’s essential lists, it’s a refined yet welcoming snapshot of Birmingham’s current culinary confidence.

Kristen Hall and Victor King’s all‑day charmer balances handmade pastas, seasonal plates, and standout brunch bakes. Regularly praised by Southern Living and local critics, it’s a light‑filled downtown pause with serious culinary chops.

Birmingham’s year‑round farmers market connects Alabama growers, makers, and chefs. Featured by travel editors and beloved by locals, its 2025 calendar packs seasonal demos, music, and community events—prime Saturday people‑watching and snacking.

Roasting on Morris Avenue since 1907, this tiny shop keeps a Birmingham tradition crackling with antique roasters, inventive boiled flavors, and local pride. A favorite stop near the cobblestones—history you can snack on.

The nonprofit home base for Birmingham’s acclaimed Sidewalk Film Festival screens indies year‑round, hosts filmmaker talks, and energizes the historic theater district. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine and national press, it’s culture with community roots.

Avondale’s beloved venue blends touring acts, themed dance nights, and arcade‑bar whimsy. It’s where locals catch breakthrough bands in an intimate room that national tour schedules and music sites keep circling.

A fixture on Eater’s essential bar lists, TrimTab showcases fruited sours and creative collaborations, plus a busy calendar of art, comedy, and live music in its taproom and B‑Side venue. Pure Magic City vibes.

An independent record store with serious community cred. Celebrated by music editors and Vinyl Me, Please, Seasick hosts signings, special drops, and Record Store Day lines that double as a scene survey.