Nicki & Courtney
Things To Do
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Learn about Birmingham's integral role in the Civil Rights Movement
16th Street Baptist Church
Birmingham's first African American church, 16th Street served as an important headquarters during the Civil Rights Movement- leading to its 1963 bombing by the KKK.
Kelly Ingram Park
Part of the Civil Rights District, Kelly Ingram Park was the site of local demonstrations. Here, you will find statues commemorating activists and the city's response with police dogs and fire hoses.
The Legacy Museum & National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Founded by the Equal Justice Initiative in 2018, these two sites explore the history of slavery, racial violence, and lynchings throughout the United States.
Negro Southern League Museum
Traces the history and significance of the city and region's dedication to baseball and the Negro Leagues.
McWane Science Center
Hands-on science museum, great for kids!
Vulcan Park and Museum
Cast-iron statue of Roman god Vulcan (god of fire and forge) which became the symbol of the City of Birmingham, honoring the city's industrial history. Park and statue offer views of the city.
Railroad Park
Voted one of the country's best new parks when it opened in 2010, Railroad Park helped in the revitalisation and development of downtown Birmingham. Great venue for different events or casual days at the park.
Green Acres Cafe
Casual to-go wings, fried fish, etc.
Gus's Hot Dogs
A staple in downtown Birmingham since 1947, Gus's has been providing delicious breakfast, lunch, and snacks for those in the heart of the city for generations. They have perfected the simple foods: hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. Now, Gus's is led and owned by close friend Lee Pantazis! Plus, this gem is right next door to the location for Friday's Tea Ceremony!
Niki's West
Traditional southern meat and three cafeteria-style restaurant.
Magic City Grill
Local meat and three restaurant with buffet options.
Bamboo on 2nd
Asian fusion and sushi in downtown Birmingham! Nicki and Courtney's first date in Bham!
Red Pearl Restaurant
Authentic Chinese cuisine and market.
Gordos - Homewood
Authentic Mexican taqueria and panaderia.
SAW’s Soul Kitchen
Local BBQ- known for their wings and white sauce!
Rodney Scott's BBQ - Birmingham
2018 James Beard award winner Rodney Scott opened his second location in Bham the follwoing year. South Carolina "whole hog" style and vinegar-based sauce.
Dreamland BBQ Birmingham
Founded in Tuscaloosa, Dreamland has been serving some of the best ribs in town for years. Eat with the white bread!
Post Office Pies
Hand tossed wood-fire oven baked pizzas!
Bottega Cafe
One of Frank Stitt's Flagship restaurants. The Cafe is the more casual sister of Bottega Restaurant. Both are great. The Cafe has a great patio! Delicious drinks, casual Italian food and Chef Dolester Miles' (James Beard Award Winner) Coconut Cake!
Highlands Bar & Grill
Frank Stitt's first flagship restaurant. One of the longest running white table clot restaurants in the nation. Get the parmesan soufflé's and really anything on this menu! Since Chef Stitt's James Beard Award, reservations are basically a requirement. Reservations don't open until 30 days before!
El Barrio
Great take on Modern Mexican cuisine. Fun for brunch or dinner, cool atmoshere, locate on 2nd Ave N where lots of fun walkable bars nearby.
Hot and Hot Fish Club
Chris Hastings Flagship restaurant. Finalist for James Beard "Best Chef in the South", modern southern take on seafood, his newer restaurant Overbird is also great!
The Pizitz Food Hall
Marketplace with 14 food stalls! Beautifully renovated space downtown. Grab a quick lunch/drink and walk to nearby McWane Center or Linn Park etc.
Guide / To do list created by Southern Living Magazine
https://www.southernliving.com/travel/city-guide/birmingham/things-to-do
TrimTab Brewing Company
Nicki's fav local brewery. Other good ones are BackForty Brewery, Good People, Cahaba Brewing Company, Avondale Brewing (huge outdoor space) and a bunch around town!