Birmingham guide
The best patio dining in Birmingham
Birmingham has 20 standout patios & outdoor dining worth your time — these are the ones locals actually send people to, ranked by how well-loved each spot is and checked by hand. Chez Fonfon, La Fête and Juniper lead the list. No chains, nobody pays to rank.
Chez Fonfon
The burger, and the bocce court. French bistro in Five Points South from the Stitts. Steak frites, a zinc bar, and a bocce court out back.
Michelin RecommendedJames Beard Best Chef: Southeast · Frank Stitt
La Fête
Roast chicken & potato gratin. Kristen Hall's French bistro on Morris Avenue. Marble bar, tiled floors and a patio, with bread and pastry from its sister bakery, Bandit. Michelin gave it a Bib Gourmand in 2025.
Michelin Bib GourmandJames Beard semifinalist, Best Chef: South · Kristen Hall
Juniper
Gin cocktails. Restaurant and cocktail bar in Forest Park inspired by Victorian gin palaces, so gin runs the menu. Weekend brunch, and one of the best patios in town.
The Garage
Courtyard beer garden. Beer garden off Highland Avenue in a row of 1930s garages, with a courtyard full of antiques and statues. Sandwiches, cold beer, cash only.
Mayawell
Tequila, mezcal & a rooftop. Neill Crook's agave bar in Lakeview, with Mexican-inspired food and a rooftop that looks back at the skyline. Order downstairs and carry it up.
Avondale Brewing Co.
Backyard stage & Miss Fancy's Tripel. Brewery in an old brick building with a huge backyard where they hold concerts.
Good People Brewing
Alabama's oldest brewery. Alabama's oldest brewery, across the street from Regions Field. Get a beer before a Barons game.
Little Donkey
Smoked meats & fresh-pressed tortillas. Mexican food with some Southern in it. Smoked meats, tortillas made in house, long margarita list. A local group took it over in May 2026.
TrimTab Brewing
Fruited sours & hazy IPAs. Lakeview brewery known for sours and IPAs. Big patio, dogs welcome.
Slice Pizza & Brew
Specialty pies & craft beer. Lakeview pizza and beer, the original of a small local group with spots in Vestavia Hills, Crestline and Homewood.
Rojo
Patio tacos facing Rhodes Park. Latin and American food in Highland Park, with a dog-friendly patio across from Rhodes Park.
Freddy's Wine Bar
Tuesday bottle specials. Wine bar on the ground floor of the Highland Towers, with a patio for sunsets. Bottles are $20, $30 or $40 on Tuesdays.
CharBar No. 7
Burgers and steaks. Lane Parke grill that can go either way: a burger at the bar or a steak dinner.
Surin West
Thai curries & sushi. Thai food and a sushi bar in Five Points, with tables out on the patio.
Vino
Wine-list dinners on the patio. Mediterranean plates built around the wine list. The patio has string lights.
Brick & Tin (Cahaba Heights)
The brisket panini. Opened March 2026 in Market Square. Bar, patio and a bakery case, same seasonal menu as downtown.
The Local Bourbon House & Eatery
Bourbon list & Wagyu smash burgers. Bourbon bar on Highway 31 in the old Hillside Music & Que space, under new owner Kiran Sunkavalli. Smash burgers, tacos and Southern comfort food.
Carrigan's Public House
Patio pints & pub food. Pub food and a long bar on Morris Avenue. The patio fills up when it's nice out.
El Zunzún
Latin plates & a heated patio. Latin American food, a busy bar, and a patio they heat in the winter.
SoHo Social
Patio drinks on SoHo Square. Where Homewood goes after work. Busy patio, plates to share.
Good to know
What is the best patios & outdoor dining in Birmingham?
Chez Fonfon — the burger, and the bocce court. La Fête and Juniper round out the top of the list. Every place is locally owned and checked by hand.
How many patios & outdoor dining are on this list?
20, all locally owned and ranked by how well-loved they are. None of them paid to be included.
Which have a Michelin or James Beard honor?
Chez Fonfon and La Fête.