9 Top-Notch Local Coffee Shops to Try

Birmingham’s coffee shop scene is next level. Support local businesses & stop by these fun, unique coffee shops to determine which has the best vibe and the best coffee in town.

1. June Coffee
   213 25th St. N., Suite C, Birmingham
   I’ve had several people earnestly argue that June makes the best coffee in Birmingham. Perhaps it’s because they only serve coffee… with a few loose-leaf tea drink options for non-coffee drinkers and specialty seasonal drinks. Regardless, it’s worth checking out.

   

2. Caveat Coffee2832 Linden Ave., Homewood
   This cozy coffee shop is situated in a house, so it makes for a homey space to work or meet up with a friend. Try one of their seasonal specialty drinks, they’re delish!

   

3. Cala Coffee
   3950 Autumn Ln., Vestavia Hills
   1826 3rd Ave. N. #101, Birmingham
   Locally roasted coffee nestled in a vibey, bohemian-style cafe, the original Cala is a go-to and one of the most popular coffee shops in Vestavia. It has a great outdoor space as well as a mix of long shareable tables and small tables.

   

4. Whammy Coffee
   1143 1st Ave. S., Suite 103, Birmingham
   This brick-and-mortar coffee shop is new to the scene, but Whammy’s been making waves in the coffee industry for a while as a pop-up shop. For exotic coffee-lovers, they offer Costa Rica La Chumeca, Ethiopia Guji, Mexico Cesmach, and more. You’ll eat it up… or should we say sip it up? You’ll even get a fun, whimsical little toy dino with every coffee bag purchase.

   

5. Church St. Coffee & Books
   81 Church St., Mountain Brook
   Snag a book to read while you work upstairs, downstairs, or outside on the patio. Of course, they’re famous for their breakup cookies, so if you’re hungry… you know what to do.

   

6. O’Henry’s Coffee
   Multiple locations across Birmingham
   Personally, I think O’Henry’s is the best-smelling coffee shop in all of Birmingham (maybe ever). The dark wood booths and chairs (depending on the location) make for a private, intimate setting. Plus, all of their coffee is made from locally roasted beans.

   

7. Seeds Coffee Co.
   174 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham
   Once upon a time, Seeds was a gas station, and you can still sit in the now-converted canopy where people used to pump gas. Just a heads up: They close at 3 p.m., so if you’re planning on sticking around awhile, go earlier rather than later.

   

8. Red Cat Coffee House
   Multiple locations
   Whether you’re looking for a quality coffee, a yummy lunch, or an afternoon baked good, Red Cat has you covered. Plus, they have shaded outside options for those (albeit rare) sunny-but-not-too-hot kind of days. And rest assured, they roast their own coffee fresh in-house daily at their sister restaurant Birmingham Breadworks.

   

9. Baba Java
   Multiple locations
   Baba Java is the perfect place to settle in for a good, long conversation with a friend; it’s casual but comfy. Their decor reflects their emphasis on internationally grown and ethically sourced specialty-grade coffee, with burlap coffee bags and maps littering the walls. If you’re wanting to learn more about the coffee you drink, check out one of their educational classes, their podcast, or their blog.

A Few Bonus

Anyone who’s been in Birmingham for all of five seconds knows that there are far more than nine coffee shops… So it feels unfair to not at least mention a few others. If you’re a cat lover, Gato & Beans is a must. (If you’re allergic, steer clear!) Other coffee shops to visit include Filter Coffee Parlor, Domestique Coffee (there’s a bike shop attached too!), Punch Love Coffee, Little Professor (they serve June coffee), Santos Coffee (multiple locations), Frothy Monkey, and Grounds. And you certainly cannot leave out General, which is an absolutely darling neighborhood cafe and general store.