By james art Nothing beats the comfort of a local bakery. The smell of freshly baked bread greets you at the door as the friendly, familiar faces behind the counter prepare to give you something to warm your soul. There’s just something about it.
Whether you’re looking for a morning croissant or a custom cake for a special occasion, the Magic City is full of local bakeries to answer the call. From chic bakeries to community mainstays that have been around for decades, here are 10 of Birmingham’s best bakeries!
Hello bakery
Neighborhood: Crestline
More info: Instagram
Head pastry chef Wim Miree worked in some of Birmingham’s top restaurants before opening Hello Bakery in Crestline. The small but mighty shop boasts small-batch croissants, muffins, pies, cakes, cookies and even ice cream.
While Marie’s fig cookies are among the bakery’s most popular treats, don’t miss the ham and cheese croissants, tiramisu, or homemade lemon chiffon ice cream.
PINLast Call Baking Co.
Location: Center
More info: thelastcallbaking.com
Run, don’t walk, to this vintage bakery downtown! An emerging chef James Beard semifinalist, owner Chana Willis opened Last Call after learning the ropes of baking through YouTube videos and saving money for a storefront. The recognition from the wider culinary community only confirms what locals already know – there are usually lines out the door and it often sells out within hours of opening.
With a rotating, inventive menu including rogues (croissant + cookie), maple oat cream pies and toasted croissant ice cream, you’re in for a serious treat!
PINK&J’s elegant sweets
Neighborhood: Upper Town
More information: kjselegantpastries.com
Chef Crystal Bryant became a Birmingham sensation when her ‘Colossal Milkshakes’ took the city by storm. Giant shakes are loaded with sweet treats, including whole pieces of cake, and are a must for the Magic City experience.
K&J’s also specializes in intricate cake designs for special occasions and has a decadent menu of cupcakes and pastries whenever you need a fix. Be sure to keep an eye out for his pink food truck (affectionately called “Pinky”) around town for an impromptu sweet treat.
PINContinental Bakery
Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
More information: continental-bakery.com
Wake up to freshly baked bread and pastries from Continental Bakery every day. Using only natural ingredients and traditional methods, every bread, bagel and pastry is handcrafted with care seven days a week.
In addition to bread, the bakery also offers a range of sweet delights, including cakes, pies and biscuits. Alternatively, you can head over to Chez Lulu to enjoy artisan Continental bread on the cafe’s menu – all from owner, baker and chef, Carol Griffin. Continental Bakery has been a mainstay in Mountain Brook’s English Village for 40 years.
PINPastry Art Bake Shoppe
Neighborhood: Homewood & Trussville
More information: pastryartcakes.com
Pastry Art Bake Shoppe is famous around Birmingham for their delightful Baby Bite Cakes. Available in over 15 flavors, these decadent bite-sized cakes are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself. The trend has evolved since Pastry Art opened its first store in 2006 and now offers mini cheesecakes, brownie pops, mini cupcakes, cheese coins (a twist on cheese straws) and adorable ‘baby’ buns.
In addition to the mini menu, Pastry Art also makes beautiful cakes for any celebration.
PINBakeries in Birmingham
Neighborhood: Southside
More information: birminghambreadworks.com
Birmingham Breadworks is all about freshly baked bread made with simple ingredients, but its menu goes far beyond everyday breads. Along with its rotating menu and seasonal specials, it offers delicious breakfast offerings of sweet and savory pastries and, of course, toast topped with toppings like smoked salmon with cream cheese, Nutella and banana. Even its granola is made in-house!
You’ll want to come back for lunch, too. Try the signature sandwiches and daily pizzas featuring a variety of meat and vegetable options available six days a week.
PINSavage’s Bakery
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info: shopsavagesbakery.com
Savage’s Bakery has been a Birmingham mainstay since 1939. It originally opened on Highland Avenue before settling into its current home in Downtown Homewood. Savage’s bakes everything from pastries to savory breads and everything in between.
Whether it’s their signature smiley face cookies, butterfly buns, meltingly sweet scones, or irresistible cakes, Savage’s has been a place for special occasions, family gatherings, and sweet, simple moments around the Magic City for the better part of a century.
PINRollers. Bakery
Neighborhood: Vestavia Hills
More information: rollsbakery.com
Rollers. The bakery began as a single mother’s quest to work from home while caring for her children, the youngest of whom was born with a severe heart defect. Rollers. is now a staple in Vestavia and beyond with its indulgent sweet rolls (including special flavors of the month!), savory items (pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, savory buns and more!) and sweet treats.
You can enjoy its offerings in-store or pick up a box of frozen treats to heat up and serve whenever you feel like it. You can also find the bakery’s frozen rolls in retail stores in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
PINto Edgar
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Greystone, Homewood, Hoover, Pelham, The Colonnade & Trussville
More info: edgarsbakery.com
With locations all over Birmingham and beyond, Edgar’s is one of the Magic City’s favorite bakeries. Since opening its first store in 1998, Edgar’s has often been voted the best bakery in Alabama, thanks to its wide selection of baked goods and pastries. The breakfast and lunch menus are not to be missed, and the round cakes and petitfours draw crowds.
PINBandit confectionery
Neighborhood: Center
More information: banditbham.com
Brought to you by the local chefs behind The Essential and La Fête, Bandit Pâtisserie bakes seasonal small-batch pastries that change daily. You never know what you might find on the menu – like Choux au Craquelin with honey and lavender or a croissant tart with raspberries and cream. You can count on a beautiful selection of macarons, croissants, danish pastries, scones and more, and there’s even a full espresso bar.
PINTreat yourself, Birmingham!
**********
To keep up with the best ways to drink and dine across Birmingham, subscribe to StyleBlueprint!