5 Birmingham restaurant openings you may have missed
The dining scene is alive and well in Birmingham. From a slew of new coffee shops to additions to old favorites, here are five restaurants to add to your radar in the Birmingham area.
Red Bike Coffee
In case you missed it, Red Bike Coffee is now open in the former Crestwood Coffee location. The Irondale-based coffee roaster opened the doors to its coffee shop and café in late spring. Shop manager Jon Robles considers the first few weeks a “soft” opening — he wanted to give the new staff time to train and take on their new roles as baristas in the neighborhood coffee shop. Now, Red Bike is officially up and running offering its famous coffee and well as breakfast food — including McEwan & Sons blue grits.
Red Bike Coffee | 5512 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, 35212
East Pole Coffee Co.
Two years after a 2021 announcement, Atlanta-based East Pole Coffee Co. is open in Birmingham. In June, the coffee roaster’s third location opened in Parkside inside the Denham Building. East Pole boasts a menu of specialty coffees, teas, and a small selection of pastries.
East Pole Coffee Co. | 1143 1st Ave S #103 Birmingham, 35233
Cantina Tortilla Grill
Four years after closing its doors in Pepper Place, Cantina Tortilla Grill has a second life. Earlier this year, the Castro family — the proprietors behind the upscale Mexican and Tapas restaurant Sol Y Luna — announced they would revive Cantina in a new location, the former home of the Little London Pub. The restaurant is now open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Cantina Tortilla Grill | 162 Oxmoor Rd Homewood, 35209
The private room at Sol Y Luna
In addition to reopening Cantina Tortilla Grill, the Castro family has expanded Sol Y Luna, their upscale tapas-style Mexican restaurant. Sol Y Luna now has a private dining room for large parties and special events.
READ: Our top 5 breakfast spots in Birmingham, including brunch at Sol Y Luna
Sol Y Luna | 920 Lane Parke Court, Mountain Brook, 35223
The expansion of Nori Thai and Sushi
After four months of renovations, the expanded bar and sushi menu is open at Nori Thai and Sushi on Cahaba River Road. To helm the new sushi menu, Nori owner Putu Arsana brought on noted sushi chef Young Yi, whose 30-year career includes a tenure at Nobu. New offerings include sushi and sashimi prepared from the Wonderbox, a selection of fresh fish delivered every Friday.
Nori Thai and Sushi | 4704 Cahaba River Rd, Birmingham, 35243
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