Back again to enjoy the summer menu and I must say the Banana Foam Latte is great. I hate it's just…read moreseasonal because I would love it year round. As always the service was great.

Every time I go to a new coffee shop in Birmingham I think: "wow! This is my favorite coffee shop…read moreyet!" Grounds did NOT disappoint and I have no idea why it took me so long to come here. It's located right along 2nd Ave amongst all of the restaurant hubbub. Street parking, but if you're willing to take a stroll for a couple blocks, it's easy. This is one of the busier coffee shops in town, I would advise against seeking silence here. It's a shared space with "basic," a vintage clothing and art retailer which has awesome things made by local people. The people that worked there were so friendly. I came because I had to get that crème brûlée latte. It did not disappoint. One of the most delicious coffee drinks I've had in a long time. It tasted like a hug, perfectly caramel sweet, and fun to drink. It's not often that coffee gets turned into an interactive experience. The pastries looks great. The couch in the front window looked like an awesome spot to post up with some buddies. There were plenty of tables and chairs to work at. I will most certainly be back.

Delicious and special handmade chocolates would be wonderful as gifts for special occasionsread more

The ONLY place to buy homemade chocolate in Birmingham! They've been at it since 2020 (and you know…read morewhat that means!)!!! Starting out a block east of Sidewalk Film Festival theater and Pizitz food hall, they have settled for now across the street from Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center on the soft corner of Forrest Park, Avondale, Lakeview, and Highland Park. My favorites are the raspberry truffle or the Venus bar which is basically the same thing but flattened into bar form. I can only eat half a square at a time. Because it is SOOOO GOOD. Satisfying. I mean, it's the best. I'll guarantee your money back personally;) Follow your heart. Go with your gut. Is it milk, dark, or buttery white that calls to you? Do yourself a favor and indulge in the sipping chocolate while you shop. Available Thursday thru Sat, this delectable desire you didn't know you had FULL FILLED. Again, I'll pay you back if it doesn't work out. This melty supreme divine sauce just might change your life. And you deserve it.

Baby bites are delicious little treasures! You never know what varieties will be in the case, but…read moreyou can't go wrong no matter what you choose.

I popped in to Pastry Art as I wanted to try their confections. They have the cutest little petit…read morefours in a variety of flavors. Customers may pick and choose their flavors of six, 12, 24 and so forth. The shop is small with a small parking lot available. This is great as the surrounding area is crowded on the weekends. The dessert was tasty but the staff were dry. They were so dry it was like they all had a long Friday night so it was a struggle to have to work on Saturday. I would have rated higher as the dessert was good but the experience not so much.

The flavor and texture of the coffee were immaculate! The cold foam was especially rich and tasty…read more I'll definitely be coming back for a morning coffee after a long hike. :)

I tried the berry foam honey iced latte, which was good and the coffee was strong. As is totally…read morefair from the ingredients it was very sweet, so I'd probably try something else next time. I'd go somewhere else for food--there were a few options in a small display case, but they looked more mass produced than fresh, and I'd only get them in a pinch. The staff was friendly and took time preparing drinks but greeted everyone and took orders quickly. The space is fairly small but comfortable, with comfy chairs looking out on the street.

I've been to El Barrio several times now--once with my cousin, another time with my dad, and most…read morerecently with my husband--and every single time I've loved it! The jalapeño cornbread with the butter is probably one of my favorite things on the menu. Oh my goodness, it is SO good! I'm pretty sure I've even placed a to-go order before just because I wanted the jalapeño cornbread . I also love the potato tortillas they have as an appetizer. They are really, really good, and the birria tacos are great as well. I can't remember exactly what my dad ordered when we went together, but I do remember that he loved his food too. I've had a great experience every time I've been, and it's definitely a place I would recommend!

This is a great spot for dinner, especially if you're planning to enjoy the nightlife afterward. I…read moredo wish they stayed open a little later given the location, but it still works well as a place to grab a meal before heading to nearby bars. I haven't tried an entrée yet because my group usually orders a few dips to share, and they've always been a hit. That said, the dishes I've seen at other tables have looked delicious. The outdoor patio is one of my favorite features--it's a great place for people-watching, enjoying the atmosphere, and having a daytime drink. The service has been solid on every visit. Nothing extraordinary, but friendly, efficient, and with no complaints. Overall, it's a place I'd happily come back to.

I've been here multiple times with friends or before a haircut, and I love it every time!read more

Coffee snobs, look no further. Your search is over. Go here now…read more I had the privilege of staying in Birmingham nearby this place and checked it out after looking at the photos. And I'd love to qualify this five-star review by saying I've been traveling the United States for over 10 years and I've been to countless coffee shops from Alaska to Boston to Florida to San Diego and everything in between. I can easily say this has been a top 10 experience and if you're in Birmingham you are very fortunate that this place is here. I had a hot vanilla latte and one of the finest pastries of all time but I'm not reviewing the pastries. Both days I went in here there were two different baristas some quiet dude and then some alternative tattoo girl both of them made an absolutely exceptional hot latte. Everything I look for is here: The espresso itself is a medium-dark profile with dark chocolate, toasted almond, and brown-sugar sweetness, low bitterness, and a rounded, low-acid finish that holds its shape in milk instead of washing out. The vanilla stays clean and floral on top of that, while the milk is steamed to glossy microfoam that integrates with the shot, leaving a silky body and a long caramel-cocoa aftertaste. Perfection. Some of the best in the USA. Hats off to you.

Do I think they're pricy? Maybe just a little but I also think they're super delicious and such a…read moreworthy snack. If they were closer, I'd stock up on them daily. Every time I go there's a cheerful person ready to watch me indulge in all the carbs. I really enjoy their pop tarts. They're kinda hidden if you didn't know what to look for. Definitely a local gem. Very chill.

Really enjoyed this moment with coffee and a piece of quiche. Was greeted as soon as I came in an…read moreinformed what they had left. Good place. The coffee was hot, fresh and very flavorful.

Great place to buy unique chocolates. They have all types of chocolates- truffles, bars, chocolate…read morewith fruit, chocolate with cbd, chocolate with liquor, anything you want! And the staff will take your interests and point out suggestions! I spent a lot of money here

From the owner: We have the largest selection of fine chocolates and fudge in Birmingham. read more

Came in for brunch on a Sunday. Got there just before 11 and there was a bit of a wait, but it…read moremoved pretty fast. Service was friendly and quick, even though it was busy. Portions were generous and prices were decent. They were also great about accommodating gluten-free. I ordered the Farm Breakfast with bacon and gluten-free bread, it was filling and really tasty.

Worst dining experience I've had in Birmingham. Came in for a late breakfast with one person and…read moresat by the window. It was filthy - ants on the table, hairs all over the place - it clearly hadn't even been wiped down. I chose to ignore it as I was starving. I ordered a drink and waited for 15 min. No one came by to see if I wanted to order food. However they did go to other tables right by me. After finishing my drink, I left some money on the counter and went elsewhere. Go someplace else. Most places in Birmingham have great food and service. If I could give no stars I would.

One last stop before heading home from Bham! I'd had this spot bookmarked and it was a short drive…read morefrom where we ate, so we headed on over to get some dessert. This gelateria is tucked away in a cute area. The road is like...cobblestone? Or very uneven and narrow at least. Wasn't super friendly for our car. Probably better to walk from somewhere else nearby. The inside was super weirdly hot, which was unexpected. Fortunately we were getting our goodies to go. There's very limited seating inside but you could maybe grab a spot if you wanted to. I ordered a scoop of hazelnut gelato and husband got chocolate. The flavor selection is somewhat simple and limited but that's not necessarily a bad thing - product seems very high quality. Service was acceptable, quiet and matter of fact. The serving size was generous. Both gelatos were good, but my hazelnut was great! It was so pleasantly nutty and sweet, and the texture was amazing. I'd definitely order this treat again! Give them a try if you're a gelato fan. Yum!

Cannella is my favorite gelato (or ice cream for that matter) in Birmingham! The flavors they have…read moreare hard to come anywhere else. My personal favorite pistachio is always available which I love. I also really enjoy the pineapple habanero which is uniquely sweet and spicy. The gelato consistency is dense and silky and reminds me of Europe. The staff here is friendly and will let you try multiple flavors to help you decide. It has limited seating inside but there's more outside which is nice on a cool day. They also have a full coffee menu which is a plus. If you're more of an espresso or pourover person they make it really well!