News Summary
Birmingham’s culinary scene is thriving with several new restaurant openings including Epice, City Bowls, Tasty China, and Climaxx, which cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The new Lebanon bistro, LGBTQ+ bar, and health-conscious options are enhancing the dining landscape. However, the city also faces a bittersweet closure with Bitty & Beau’s Coffee shutting down. Despite this, upcoming restaurants like Bayonet and Johin’na offer promising additions to the vibrant food culture in Birmingham.
New Dining Options Abound in Birmingham with Multiple Restaurant Openings and One Closure
Birmingham has welcomed several new dining establishments recently, adding a variety of culinary experiences for residents and visitors. Among the new openings is the Lebanese bistro Epice, which has launched its latest location along the scenic Rotary Trail downtown. Besides Epice, Birmingham has also seen the opening of City Bowls, Tasty China, and Climaxx, an LGBTQ+ friendly bar and lounge, expanding the city’s food and nightlife options significantly.
Epice, a Nashville-based bistro, features an inviting menu that highlights fresh dishes imbued with bright, aromatic flavors. This dining spot boasts three menus: lunch, brunch, and dinner, catering to diverse tastes. Menu highlights include traditional items such as hummus, al raheb, falafel, lahmajin, sayadeya, and tawook, all of which aim to deliver an authentic Lebanese dining experience.
In Homewood’s Edgewood neighborhood, City Bowls has opened, offering a selection of smoothie bowls crafted from high-quality açaà and fresh fruits. Alongside their signature bowls, City Bowls provides beverages from Tennessee-based Honest Coffee, catering to health-conscious customers hoping for quick yet nutritious options.
Tasty China has set up shop at the Cahaba Crossing Shopping Center in Irondale, providing a taste of Asian cuisine with classic favorites like sesame chicken and lo mein. Attractive lunch specials, starting at $9.25, are available, making it an appealing option for those seeking a delicious meal on a budget.
Another addition to the downtown scene is Climaxx, a new bar and lounge designed to be a luxurious, welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike. Its opening contributes to Birmingham’s goal of enhancing inclusivity in its nightlife.
In recent news, Buck Creek Coffee in Pelham has reopened its doors indefinitely following a temporary closure that began on March 15. Meanwhile, Sweet Treats by Hayley, a bake shop specializing in custom cakes and candies, is scheduled to open in mid-May in Pelham.
Additionally, Wingstop plans to launch a new location at the Shops on Montevallo, marking its seventh spot in the Birmingham Metro area, further solidifying the chain’s presence in the region.
Unfortunately, not all news is positive, as Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Homewood has announced that it will close for good on April 30. The coffee shop has communicated its heartfelt message to the community as it prepares to shut its doors.
Looking ahead, the vibrant dining scene will be enhanced by the upcoming launch of Bayonet, a raw bar and seafood restaurant led by chef Rob McDaniel. Set to open lunch service on May 1, Bayonet’s menu will feature frequently changing offerings, designed to highlight fresh, local seafood. It will be located at 2015 Second Ave. North in a lively atmosphere encouraging communal dining experiences.
In municipal matters, the Birmingham City Council has approved liquor licenses for two exciting future dining establishments. Johin’na, a Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant, is set to open in 2025 at 201 20th St N. The restaurant promises a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Meanwhile, Lapeer Steak & Seafood will be established at 2308 1st Ave S within The Hardwick, a historic building currently being redeveloped. This restaurant aims to bring a sophisticated dining experience to the area.
The recent surge of new restaurant openings, alongside the bittersweet news of a closure, reflects Birmingham’s dynamic culinary landscape, continuously evolving to cater to the tastes and needs of its community.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Celebrated Alabama Chef’s New Restaurant Opening
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Bham Now: Two New Fine Dining Restaurants
- Google Search: New Restaurants in Birmingham
- CBS 42: Team Behind Popular Helen Restaurant Opening New Seafood Raw Bar
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Trends
- Bham Now: Armour House Birmingham’s New Dining Gem
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants
- Eater Detroit: Biggest Anticipated Restaurant Openings
- Google News: Restaurant Openings 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
