A little over thirty years ago, Café Dupont opened in Springville, AL; however, in 2003, the restaurant relocated to Birmingham, settling into a historic building in the downtown North End district (113 20th St. N., Birmingham). The café has remained in that same spot ever since (with a few expansions!), making it a timeless staple of the Birmingham food scene. What makes Café Dupont special, though, isn’t just its history: It’s a combination of the ageless elegance that permeates the space and the over-the-top service they provide their guests.
Unexpected Touches That Elevate the Experience
“We like to give more than people are expecting,” explains Chris Evans, longtime sous-chef and now current owner of Café Dupont, alongside his wife, Angela. “I think people like to gate-keep this place. We let what we do shine through, old school.” Evans recalls story after story of iconic life moments that have happened within the café’s walls—momentous anniversaries, wedding proposals, birthdays, and more. And why do people keep coming to Café Dupont for such special occasions? Something that sets Café Dupont apart from the crowd is the “bonus” treats the restaurant brings to your table. From sourdough bread and flower-shaped pomegranate chocolates to palate cleansers like scoops of mango sorbet and small but flavorful Caprese bites, these unexpected delights elevate the meal to the next level.
Seasonal Southern Cuisine with French Technique
Not to mention the high-quality food: The menu is printed daily, with an ever-changing selection of farm-to-table options. “Keep the food good, provide a good experience, and people will keep coming back,” Evans states. “We keep it a romantic vibe, a classic vibe… [It’s what] sets us apart.” They offer Southern foods with a French technical flair, all locally sourced. So basically, you can enjoy your favorite classic dishes, but with a fresh twist. For example, the Buttermilk-Fried Joyce Farms Chicken Breast is genuinely the best fried chicken I have ever had in my life, served over a bed of green beans and truffled creamed potatoes. (There’s a reason it’s been on the menu for forever!)
If you enjoy seafood, the Cast Iron Seared Sea Scallops are unmatched, served atop a butternut squash purée with a black garlic browned butter vinaigrette alongside a rich bacon and leek gratin and micro greens. The Maple-Glazed Pork Belly is dreamy—the flavor is bold, the fat is rich and juicy, and the sweet potato cornbread it comes with is the perfect complement. Plus, the fig chutney—aka bacon jam—and the crispy fried onions are also great additions to the dish. Talk about a great way to start the meal! Another appetizer to look out for is the Baked La Bonne Vie Brie En Croute, a soft cheese doused in apricot chutney, Eastaboga honey, and organic microgreens.
For those who enjoy celebrating with great “spirits,” the restaurant offers fun drinks like the light, fruity Raspberry Beret and refreshing French Gimlet that are perfect for savoring with dinner, as well as a plethora of wines. They also have several “dessert” cocktails like the Chocolate Martini, La Banane Crème Martini, and their take on the Espresso Martini—made with locally roasted coffee beans from Barking Bee Coffee in Pinson.
Make Your Celebration Sweet
Another reason to check out Café Dupont for those special celebrations is they are constantly bringing new, innovative dishes to their menu. For example, the Strawberry Crème Brûlée is Angela Evans’ creation. It’s its own unique spin on the classic French dessert and worth a try, topped with a chantilly crème and sugared berries. Chris and Angela Evans have been part of the Café Dupont family since almost the very beginning, and bought Chris Dupont out about five years ago. Of course, when it comes to desserts, they also have their go-to Café Dupont Beignets, loaded up with as much powdered sugar as possible.
Plan Your Visit
You can find the restaurant on 20th Street between 1st and 2nd Ave. N. at 113 20th St. N., Birmingham—they’re open 5–9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Swing by, visit their website, or give them a call at (205) 718-0648 to make your reservation. Valet parking is available.
