What a wonderful lunch spot! I had to get out of the office and figured I'd grab some caffeine and food while out. I loved the whole look of the cafe. A mish mash of decor you'd expect to find in an old lodge or grandmas house. Although the staff offered some great recommendations, and I'm sure to go back and try, I went with that day's specialty pizza and a side salad. It was so yummy and had the perfect crispy, chewy crust. read more

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A Tale of Two Sandwiches: I was introduced this time last year to Bruto by a student. I don't like sandwich shops, because I can make sandwiches at home. But the Il Capitano was not just any sandwich. Perfectly crisp prosciutto, toasted sourdough, Italian mayo and arugula. It was perfect. It was like meeting a man that checked almost every box. Since then, I visit regularly and always order the same sandwich. But honestly, it comes out different every time. Like a bad good boyfriend, the inconsistency wore on me. "maybe they had an off day." "It'll be better next time." Sometimes the prosciutto is on the light side or the mayo on the heavy side. Once I went and they subbed romaine. It did not work. I drove up 20 minutes and they closed early. I came another weekend and they were out of bread. No social media posts. No nothing. They charred my kiddo's pizza. But we kept trying, because I remembered the good times and it would be just good enough to keep me coming back. Then today I decided to break up with Bruto for good. I ordered and paid as usual. My sandwich had no arugula so I asked them to fix it. When I got back to my desk I realized why. The arugula was yellowed and mush. The bread was not toasted and mush. The prosciutto... barely fried and floppy. I love local businesses. I love food. I love giving out food recommendations. I can't recommend Bruto anymore. I hope they grow and are better for the next customer. It's not me. It's you. And it's over. read more

Here's a clean, balanced review you can use: Review: Bruto is a really cute spot with a great ambiance, definitely a place you want to like. The vibe is cozy and inviting, which makes it feel like a perfect casual hangout. That said, the service experience could use some improvement. When I walked in, I wasn't greeted, and when I asked about the pizza of the day, the staff member didn't know and didn't try to check with anyone else. It felt a bit disengaged. I ended up ordering the 2-slice and salad special, which was honestly pretty average, nothing particularly memorable or standout. Overall, it's a nice-looking place with potential, but the food and service didn't quite match the atmosphere. read more

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Came in on a rainy Thursday. It's a big space with plenty of parking. The layout inside was dominated by two very large communal tables (each sat ten people) and some seating for smaller parties. All of the smaller tables were taken when I came in (mostly all folks on laptops), so I sat at the center communal table. Cozy up with some strangers. I ordered a half Italian chicken salad sandwich with a side Caesar salad and a slice of the Boss Pizza with pepperoni and Italian sausage. There was a very anchovy-forward dressing on the Caesar side salad. Croutons were very tough/crunchy. It was smothered in plasticky Parmesan shavings that just added salt but not much flavor. I felt like I would've been better off with the chips that came with the sandwich. The Italian chicken salad was AMAZING! So fresh and light. It was super moist and delicious. The sourdough bread wasn't toasted but was light and soft. An excellent sandwich! Pizza is focaccia style crust. Thin with a good chew. Now, it was very light on the pepperoni and sausage. It's really about the crust. It was also light on the cheese and very light on the sauce sauce. The sauce was barely there and just tasted of fresh tomatoes. Things to know: there are no fountain drinks! $2 for a canned Diet Coke. All in, I had a really delicious sandwich, and it was very quiet and chill. It felt more like a coffee shop than a restaurant. I'll be back to check out their breakfast! read more

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I take back everything positive I ever said. I understand higher prices. But I didn't bargain for a "sandwich"the size of my muffin. $20 for the two. read more

Bruto - "Chicken salad sandwich" and muffin. So sad. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I enjoyed my first time visit to Bruto. I ordered the half Italian with a side Caesar salad. Chips are the standard side. I really enjoyed the sandwich and its quality ingredients & bread. The salad was just ok.... I wish there had been a little bit more dressing. I guess I could have asked for a little more. The portions were just enough and I left satisfied. The vibe here is comfortable & casual. You order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. I love the decor and it kind of felt like I was sitting in someone's dining room. Can't wait to return to try some other menu options.... The pizza looked yummy!!! P.S. There's a private parking lot so don't worry , you'll be able to find parking! read more

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Food first, thoughts after... After finding out mom's basement had a coffee shop, I immediately had to go try it. The cafe was spacious and the decor gave the same vibes as mom's but at the same time had its own splash of color. The breakfast and drink I got was delicious. Easily accessible parking and plenty of seating area! read more

Bruto - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch during the Mom's Basement vintage market, which was bustling. The set-up of Bruto is purely like a coffee shop. Order at the counter, tables and some comfier seating for people to work longer stretches. The staff was nice, menu design very of-the-neighborhood. This place fits right in with the Avondale crowd. I wasn't very hungry, but had a half caesar salad and a chocolate chip cookie. The salad was very good, and a great deal for it's size. I'd love to have the option to add chicken or steak and make that a full meal. My buddy got the meatball sub. I will totally be back to order this, it looked so good. Next time I'm super hungry, you'll know where to find me. I would definitely do work here, too. It's nice and quiet, easy parking, cool (temperature and vibe) space. I love what they're doing with this strip of Avondale/Crestwood! I'll certainly be back to try out the restaurant that replaced Tropicaelo (I miss you), and on the edge of my seat to see what those renovations in the old Seasick Records space are going to become! read more

Bruto - Meatball sub - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Just had a light, refreshing lunch at this place and am happy to report that it was amazing. To start, everything was super fresh. I had the daily special sandwich. I can't remember everything that was on it but it had burrata, prosciutto and basil on their house-made bread and it was fantastic. So fresh, so crisp, so flavorful. Exactly what you need when you're hungry on a hot day and are looking for something light but full of flavor. Truly legit. After that I had their affogato and it hit the spot. Would definitely order either again. The space is open, inviting and airy with tall ceilings and thoughtful decorations that add character without cluttering the space. There is lots of seating and it appears to be good for individuals or groups. Seems like an excellent place to get some work done if that's your thing. They've got pizza by the slice, (which looked great), scones and other pastries and some vegan options as well. There is a selection of canned sodas and bottled drinks that includes things like Topo Chico and those old school, glass-bottle cokes that you don't always see. There is a full coffee menu as well and the brew I had was delicious. So whether it's coffee and scones, or pizza and a soft drink, or a light sandwich or salad for lunch they've got you covered. Overall they've done really well in creating a nice space and in serving up a solid menu of high quality things. They're baking their own bread and making their own pizza dough, they're brewing up high quality espresso, they're making prosciutto sandwiches with basil so fresh it'll light up your taste buds. Would definitely recommend. read more

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What a very welcomed and unexpected surprise! Some friends and I were looking for a last minute place for lunch. We had all heard good things about this place and decided to see for ourselves. You can smell the fresh baked bread soon as you enter. The food portions are large in comparison to the price you pay. Perfect for sharing or taking some back home. Don't forget to try their cookies and scones. I have to go back and try their weekend french toast options soon. read more

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New business in town. Literally the best scone I've ever had in my life. Most are dry and boring. The rosemary chive scone is so perfectly crumbly and moist. Delicious flavor! They made me a decaf french press, also delightful. There's a large community table in the middle of the room, a couch and comfy chairs in the front corner by the windows. Tons of daylight pours in through the front window walls. All the food looks amazing. I want to go back for the margherita pizza! And if the cookies are as good as the scones, I'm in trouble. The crew taking care of us were pros. I would have never known this was their first day! Excited to support a new, local business! Always! read more

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This place is so great! The pizza is already made and then they warm it up, and I went with the margherita pizza. The crust was so crunchy and the dough was light. The topping were great, and I loved the balsamic glaze on it. I also got half of the TMP sandwich, and it was really good. One thing though I didn't realize until halfway through my sandwich- there were supposed to be sun-dried tomatoes on it and there were just regular tomatoes, but no big deal. The pesto tasted fresh and it was such a yummy sandwich. Also, I loved the vibe of the place. The touches of art and local pieces were so cool. This is definitely a place to try! read more

Bruto - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Bruto is the perfect laidback hangout spot! With well-priced, delicious food, you really can't beat it! We tried the salad and pizza today and would highly recommend this deal (2 slices and salad for $10), but we definitely had our eyes on the sandwiches too and can't wait to get back to try those. It was popular when we were there and seating was somewhat limited. However, all-around a great new spot for Bham and we can't wait to work our way through the menu! read more

Bruto - Pizza - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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This seems to a very popular Internet cafe. Vibe was great with a great coffee and danish menu which I think changes on a daily basis. Great pizza menu for lunch. Service is prompt for lunch hrs. read more

Bruto is a cute little coffee shop with good food, friendly staff and chill ambiance!

Food was good . Nice work on the build-out . The staff does not exude hospitality. They should work on their customer service skills . So much competition around and business's that seem to appreciate those of us who want to spend $$ with them . read more