Birmingham, AL, August 2, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham has transformed into a must-visit destination for brunch enthusiasts, offering a rich variety of dining experiences from Southern comfort food to international cuisines. Top spots include Yo Mama’s, known for soul food favorites, and Trattoria ZaZa, which serves unique breakfast pasta. Other highlighted restaurants include The Essential and El Barrio, each bringing their unique flair to the brunch scene. With numerous options available each weekend, Birmingham caters to culinary tastes that appeal to all diners.
Birmingham, a city renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, has blossomed into a dynamic brunch destination, offering an array of flavors and unique dining experiences. From Southern staples to global cuisines, food enthusiasts can explore a variety of top spots that serve brunch on weekends.
Top Brunch Spots in Birmingham
Yo Mama’s
Yo Mama’s is celebrated for its soul-soothing brunch favorites, such as chicken & waffles and shrimp & grits, along with crispy salmon croquettes. The restaurant is open for brunch every second and last Saturday of the month from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Trattoria ZaZa
This Italian-themed eatery puts a twist on breakfast with offerings like breakfast pasta and pizza. It’s also known for having some of the best French toast in Birmingham. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The Essential
Known for its relaxed atmosphere, The Essential serves simple yet well-made dishes, including honey butter pancakes and essential hash. Brunch is available from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
El Barrio
El Barrio combines Mexican flavors with Southern hospitality. Standout dishes include the Cuban Madam and chicken chilaquiles, along with a specialty cold brew cocktail called the upper downer. Brunch hours are Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and Sundays at their Homewood location from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Fife Restaurant
Established in 1959, Fife Restaurant is known for hearty Southern breakfasts and a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Big Bad Breakfast
Renowned for its brunch, Big Bad Breakfast suggests trying the Irish coffee and house-made Bloody Mary for a delightful experience.
Hero
Famous for its fluffy doughnuts and savory brunch bites, Hero is a must-visit for brunch lovers.
SoHo Standard
SoHo Standard offers bottomless tapas along with complimentary mimosas for a flat rate of $55. Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.
Social Taco
For a carefree brunch experience, Social Taco features a brunch Crunchwrap that is available on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and all day Sundays.
Jinsei
This unique eatery provides creative brunch options with Asian twists, including chicken & waffles made with mochi waffles.
Demitri’s
Demitri’s offers daily breakfast and a popular Sunday brunch featuring Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp & grits and bananas foster French toast from 9:30 AM to 2 PM.
Rojo
While known for dinner, Rojo also serves a popular brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Alabama Biscuit Co.
Specializing in scratch-made biscuits, this eatery offers delicacies like pecan & honey biscuits, with brunch available on Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Habitat Feed & Social
For an upscale brunch experience, Habitat Feed & Social is open every weekend from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Flying Biscuit Café
Providing a casual brunch spot, Flying Biscuit Café serves comfort foods such as biscuits and grits.
Farrelly’s Southern Bar & Kitchen
With a relaxed atmosphere, Farrelly’s serves Southern dishes and cocktail options during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The Toasted Yolk Café
This new addition to Birmingham’s brunch scene is located at 231 20th Street South, featuring a menu with omelets, pancakes, power bowls, and seasonal offerings. The café celebrated its grand opening week from July 14-18 with various events and a digital raffle.
Metro Diner
Offering brunch all day, Metro Diner is particularly noted for its diverse takes on chicken & waffles, which include various toppings for a custom experience.
Ruby Sunshine
This restaurant specializes in brunch with a New Orleans twist, featuring made-from-scratch biscuits and unique brunch cocktails.
Bricktops
With a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, Bricktops serves brunch on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, including options such as eggs and seafood.
Conclusion
With many of these restaurants catering to various tastes and dining experiences, Birmingham has become a rich destination for brunch enthusiasts. Whether diners prefer classic Southern fare or international cuisines, there are plenty of options to explore each weekend.
FAQ
What are the brunch hours for most Birmingham restaurants?
Brunch typically occurs on Saturdays and Sundays, with many restaurants serving between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Are reservations recommended for popular brunch spots?
It is advisable to make reservations for popular brunch locations, especially during weekends when they tend to be busy.
Can I find vegetarian options at these brunch spots?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options as part of their brunch menu.
What types of cuisines can I expect at Birmingham’s brunch spots?
Brunch spots in Birmingham feature a variety of cuisines, including Southern, Italian, Mexican, Asian, and New Orleans-inspired dishes.
Brunch Spot Summary Chart
| Restaurant | Specialties | Brunch Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Yo Mama’s | Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits | 2nd & Last Sat of Month, 9 AM – 1 PM |
| Trattoria ZaZa | Breakfast Pasta, French Toast | Sat & Sun, 10 AM – 2 PM |
| The Essential | Honey Butter Pancakes, Essential Hash | Sat & Sun, 9 AM – 2 PM |
| El Barrio | Cuban Madam, Chicken Chilaquiles | Sat, 11:30 AM – 3 PM; Sun, 11 AM – 2 PM |
| Fife Restaurant | Hearty Southern Breakfast | N/A |
| Big Bad Breakfast | Irish Coffee, Bloody Mary | N/A |
| Hero | Doughnuts, Savory Bites | N/A |
| SoHo Standard | Bottomless Tapas, Mimosas | Sat & Sun, 10 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Social Taco | Brunch Crunchwrap | Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM; Sun, All Day |
| Jinsei | Asian Twists, Mochi Waffles | N/A |
| Demitri’s | Shrimp & Grits, Bananas Foster French Toast | Sun, 9:30 AM – 2 PM |
| Rojo | N/A | Sat & Sun, 11 AM – 3 PM |
| Alabama Biscuit Co. | Pecan & Honey Biscuits | Sun, 10 AM – 3 PM |
| Habitat Feed & Social | Upscale Brunch | Weekends, 11 AM – 2 PM |
| Flying Biscuit Café | Comfort Foods, Biscuits | N/A |
| Farrelly’s Southern Bar & Kitchen | Southern Dishes, Cocktails | Sat & Sun, 10 AM – 2 PM |
| The Toasted Yolk Café | Omelets, Pancakes, Power Bowls | N/A |
| Metro Diner | Notable Chicken & Waffles | All Day |
| Ruby Sunshine | New Orleans Twist, Brunch Cocktails | N/A |
| Bricktops | Diverse Menu | Sun, 10 AM – 2 PM |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rising Beef Prices Raise Concerns for Consumers
New Lebanese Restaurant Opens in Birmingham
First Watch Restaurant Opens in Prattville, Alabama
New Café Opens in Downtown Birmingham
The Toasted Yolk Café Opens in Birmingham
Birmingham Welcomes New Business Openings in July
Birmingham’s Culinary and Retail Landscape Transforms
Birmingham Welcomes First Dessert Bar with Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts
The Toasted Yolk Cafe Opens in Birmingham
Toasted Yolk Cafe Opens in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: 19 Birmingham-Based Restaurants to Grab Brunch or Breakfast
- Wikipedia: Brunch
- AL.com: Alabama-Based Brunch Concept Announces Birmingham Opening
- Google Search: Birmingham brunch
- MSN: The Best Brunch Spot in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brunch History
- WBRC: New Brunch Restaurant Heads to Magic City
- Google News: Birmingham Restaurants
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.
