What a charming bakery/coffee shop in a super cute almost European nook in town. If you're visiting, I definitely recommend taking a drive to this area. Progressive area - Seems to be... There wasn't line when we got there but the crowd usually follows us for some reason so by the time we left there was standing room only and a line out the door. The bakery items were very fresh and tasty. I loved the Swedish gingerbread cookies - light and crisp. The lemon bar was delicious. They also have sandwiches that liked really good. Coffee - I got a vanilla latte extra sweet (no lavender) and my daughter said it was one of the best. I thought it was pretty good. I would go again when back in Birmingham! read more

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I was excited to learn about a traditional bakery like the ones I grew up around in Jersey. I was also surprised to see pecan pie, which looked good at first sight. The flavor was definitely there, which I appreciated, but the crust was a little tough. I also grabbed a couple of brownies. They were good, but I was disappointed by the presentation, tightly wrapped and squeezed into plastic wrap. I came to Alabama expecting Southern bakery quality, Southern prices, and Southern hospitality. Instead, the brownies gave me a middle of the road presentation at Jersey prices. Would I go back? Now that's the question. I would give the pecan pie another chance, but hopefully with a crust that is a little more cooperative. read more

I love Chez Lu lu, but get no pleasant feelings about the bakery. I love many good things they make, but they seem to get so much pleasure in making us jump through so many hoops Here too early, here too late, minimum orders, maximum orders. You must see the love in my eyes, why not be a little kinder and appreciate that we love what you proffer. We are not the enemy, we celebrate you. I'll keep trying, especially to just acquire a slice or three of coconut cake, I can't eat the whole thing. read more

Any time I head out of town (Huntsville), I try to find a local pastry and/or coffee shop. Visiting Birmingham, I had all lot of options; Continental wound up being the call for pastries. Nestled in the Mountain Brook area, it's a little hard to see but is right next to Chez Lulu, which I think is a sister restaurant. Parking is a little tricky but manageable. I got there fairly late so the selection was a bit picked over, but I still got a good array of treats to bring home. Service was a touch slow but friendly. They were fairly busy. There's no room to eat inside or outside that I could discern; it's exclusively a take and go type of place. I got two pecan sandies to share with my parents, who were along for the ride, and then a cardamom bun and a peanut butter cookie for later. Sadly, I don't feel like any of the pastries really wowed. The pecan sandies were a little too dry (even as sandies go) and the pecans didn't taste toasted nor were they especially plentiful. The peanut butter cookie was the best thing, though it too was a little on the dry side - nice PB flavor though. I straight up didn't like the cardamom bun. The cardamom flavor was completely overwhelming, to the point it wasn't sweet at all, and instead tasted almost medicinal. The texture was nice but I couldn't finish it. Perhaps I arrived too late to order their specialties. I know they specialize in European goodies so if I return I'll make sure to try a croissant or something similar. read more

I have been coming here for years now & it will always be a favorite! Personally I come more for the bread and pastries than the coffee. The raspberry & cream cheese croissant is my absolute fav and I typically buy bulk sourdough bread here (some for now & some saved in my freezer for another day)! If you come on a Saturday morning, be prepared to wait. The line gets pretty long, but it is definitely worth it. One more thing to note- there are outdoor tables scattered around but no indoor seating. Be sure to check out their day old section (50% off 1 day old pastries/bread) for a great deal! read more

The Continental Bakery - Raspberry & cream cheese croissant & ice vanilla matcha! - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Continental Bakery has been around for along time. My husband and I used to stop in on Saturday mornings in the late 80s early 90s, and it was on one our favorite places. We were visiting English village for the spring car show and decided to stop in. It was crowded but we didn't have to wait too long and we were able to find a table outside. If you have never been, the place is small but there is seating outside, and they are known for their bakery items. I like their cookies and their chocolate croissants. They also have sandwiches, and to go meal items. Just FYI, parking can be tricky. read more

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We stopped by a little later in the day, and I wish we had come earlier -- by the time we arrived, they were completely out of any pastries or croissants with meat. The display case still looked tempting, though: everything from Butter Croissants ($4.50) and Cardamom Buns ($4.50) to Pain au Chocolate ($6.50) and Almond Croissants ($7.00). Their bread selection is clearly artisanal, with items like Wild Yeast Sourdough ($7.00), Stuffed Baguette ($8.00), and Jewish Rye ($8.75). That said, I couldn't get past the prices. The bakery is located in a higher-end neighborhood, and it definitely seems to price accordingly. No harm, no foul -- I'd probably do the same if I owned a business here. But ultimately, I walked out without buying anything this time. Maybe next visit I'll go earlier in the morning to snag a Savory Croissant or Queenie ($5.50) while they're still fresh. Overall: Beautiful bakery with quality products and a French-country charm -- just be prepared for boutique pricing and go early if you're hoping for something savory. read more

The Continental Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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ONE OF MY FAVORITE BAKERIES!!! I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS PLACE!!!! If I lived closer it would be dangerous for me because I would eat croissants and cookies everyday. read more

Food first, thoughts after... Overall a really good option for baked goods and coffee. I've been here twice for coffee dates with friends. The bakery items are delicious. Strawberry croissant and Conecuh sausage biscuit are my goto. They usually have a wait on weekends but overall I haven't had trouble finding a seat outside. read more

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Cute bakery located in English Village. Small shop with tons of baked goods including croissants, cookies, and artisan breads (and much much more). I've tried two types of cookies and their soup from the refrigerated section. It was a great treat after my lagree session across the street. Lattes are great and the service was fast! As others have mention, cost is a bit steep. It hasn't stopped me from enjoying a sweet treat and latte from here, but something to keep in mind. There is no seating indoors and despite saying they had wifi, it was not working outside. Not a big deal, just wouldn't recommend this as somewhere reliable to work/study. read more

Yum! I get what all the hype is about. I was overwhelmed when I came in and asked a staff member what I should order and she was very informative. I got some bread and a few cookies and some coffee and I enjoyed everything!! read more

I often enjoy getting a pastry and a coffee here. I had a not so good experience last time but wanted to try again. I was never greeted. More customers came in. The young girl making the coffee was loudly talking about someone who messed up their coffee order this morning and how frustrated she was. The only other employee was occupied with what seemed a large order of bread etc. When she finished what she was doing she looked at the now five customers, claustrophobically waiting, and said I'll be right back and disappeared. Leaving the one guy serving the one customer. It was 11:30 am on a rainy day. Figured I could do without a cream cheese croissant and coffee and left. Had already waited 5 as the only other person in there and did not want to wait another undetermined amount of time. I know one of the bakers. It's a shame the front has been so bad these last two times. read more

Great vibes and atmosphere but staff was a bit rushed with us, even though there wasn't a line. The almond croissant and ham and cheese croissants were just okay and overpriced for small size. Matcha was ok. The orange blossom latte iced was delicious though. read more

The Continental Bakery - Ham and cheese crossiant - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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My family loves the pastries at Continental. My husband enjoy the coffee that it sold there.

I went here on a Sunday and I ordered an almond croissant and a strawberry matcha, waited about 29 minutes and paid $16.50. The croissant was stale and cold. The matcha latte had huge chunks of matcha powder and was undrinkable. Way overpriced, back of house looked dirty, and the latte was so bad. I also noticed that they had a 86/100 food score, which is understandable looking at the mess. Waste of money and time. read more

The Continental Bakery - Matcha latte - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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escape to Europe with this gem full of yummy goods! u cant go wrong with anything! even the coffee was good!

I love this bakery and really need to come here more often! I got a tarragon chicken salad sandwich this weekend for lunch here and it was made on a delicious foccacia bread! read more

The Continental Bakery - Chicken salad tarragon sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

A charming little bakery found in the heart of Mountain Brook. Continental offers a variety of fresh pastries and coffee/teas. I ordered a Nutella croissant which they so kindly warmed up! It's very small in the inside- the only seating is outdoors. Nothing in particular stood out to me pastry wise, but I believe that they hold such high-regards because of their charm and their long-standing business. read more

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Stopped by here one Saturday morning. Immediately saw the line out the door. However, it moved pretty fast so we didn't mind the wait. I was looking for some sort of apple or cheese danish, but settled upon the lemon blueberry muffin for myself. I can honestly say it was one of the best muffins I've ever eaten! Moist in every bite, the flavors were very pronounced and real. No fake stuff here. This is the real deal. I saw many customers leave out with sliced sourdough, so that must be a big seller. The staff were very pleasant and helpful with guiding the customers with their choices. Outdoor seating is available and gives off a classic "Let's me for coffee and catch up" vibe. From pastries, to cookies, to chicken salads and croissants, there's something for everyone, if you're not afraid of carbs. I enjoyed my visit here and highly recommend trying them out. Pro Tip: Get here early to get the choices you want because they will sell out! They are also at Pepper Place on Saturday mornings during their outdoor market season. Tip still applies-Go early! read more

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The staff here is so friendly and that's mainly the reason I go back! It's not quite what it used to be but everything is still on par with what you'd expect from a good bakery. I ordered a white cheddar conecuh sausage scone and the white cheddar made the whole thing flavorful! It was a little dry. After I finished I went back to try a cardomom pastry and it was a little sweet, a little bitter, a little savory all in one bite. It was so good and I'd suggest it to anyone who liked cardomom! read more

The Continental Bakery - White cheddar and conecuh sausage scone - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The Croissant I had was pretty good, latte was okay. The staff were nice but with how long the line was coming out the door it would have been nice if they were a little quicker at the register...otherwise it's a cute bakery. read more

Great bakery tucked away in the hills surrounding Birmingham. The staff was well informed regarding their selections and the croissants were delectable! Looking forward to visiting again soon read more

In town to see family who recommended checking this spot out. As soon as we pulled up, I loved the look of the storefront. The beautiful flowered vines hanging over the entrance, with the antique wooden doors were so neat! They have a large selection of fresh baked goods. I only got a poppy seed bagel with cream cheese. While I saw some of the prices of the cakes to be a bit pricey, the bagel complete with cream cheese was less than a 1.50! Lots of other items for sale there in addition to their baked goods. There are no tables inside but you can find a few of them outside. read more

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The service was great and I was greeted right away! I got a caramel latte, which was pretty good, along with a ham and cheese croissant. They also have a nice selection of pastries, sandwiches ect which all looked really good. There are a few tables outside to sit, and while it is a little on the pricey side, it's still a really nice spot to treat yourself. :) read more

The Continental Bakery - Caramel Latte - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Customer service here is prompt and accommodating. I chatted up with the woman behind the counter about my love for almond croissants! Unfortunately the ALMOND CROISSANTS here taste days-old-stale and are just not up to par with French style patisseries I've been to elsewhere. Albeit, I have to confess I do love the cozy ambience of the place! They have coolers along the wall with chicken salad, various cheeses, and other deli items which looked delicious. Parking around the bakery is limited to 4 hours. read more

No real organization when you walk in, workers just calling out "whos next" and you have to kinda awkwardly look at other customers and decide what order we came in the door. I ordered a couple things, the lemon bar was very good, but everything else was down hill from there. The ham and cheese croissant came out flat like it had been smashed, and there was one very thin slice of ham on it and a small dash of cheese. The pear galette had maybe a tenth of a pear on it and the crust was super dry. The almond croissant tasted old, and was skimpy on the almond. You can pass on this place if you are in the area. read more

I love this place so much and it's one of my new go-tos. It's in a cozy area of mountainbrook, very serene and quiet in the morning. The line on weekends is out the door but it's worth it. Ordering is a little confusing, you have to make sure you know what you want as soon as you walk in. They have good coffee, pastries, even takeaway lunch items, coffee beans and local honey to take home, and amazing bread. I always get a quarter loaf of wild yeast sourdough and it's the best bread EVER. read more

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No ideas how this place has 4.5 stars!! The case was 90% empty and what was available was try and tasted more than a few days old. Not just left over from this morning. But amongst all was the almond croissant. It's like card board and styrofoam had a baby and they put a tsp of almond cream inside. I've been to over 20 states had over 300 almond croissants and I've never NEVER had something so dry with said texture. Maybe had they put some almond cream it would have eased the blow but they didn't. I should have known a bakery with almond croissants past mid morning couldn't have been with the powdered sugar on top. The other items they had were all piled on top each other on one tray so it was hard to tell what anything looked like with the dungeon lighting. I'm not sure how you mess up a shortbread cookie but when a 5yr old won't eat half of it that's really saying something. Maybe the location keeps this place open or low local standards. I don't know but if today was a representation of what they sell time is not going to be their friend. If anything after a certain time discount what's left knowing it's past its prime and anything positive. Edit 5/27/2025 Reached out per owners request on social media and they refused to respond. They offered an "olive branch" just to hit me over the head and make me waste my time reaching out. And the experience wasn't bad enough already they made sure to send it further downhill read more

We were enticed by the reviews of the continental bakery and headed over to get any after dinner treat. Located in a small business area street parking can be a little tight. While there is some outdoor seating that can be utilized during nice weather, there's absolutely no indoor seating at this particular location. We were pleasantly greeted, and had an opportunity to look around at some of the beautiful pastries and light fare available for take. Was honestly a little startled by some of the pricing, but expect that everything has gone up lately. We ordered a lemon bar, a couple of oatmeal cookies, and an almond croissant. The gal behind the counter was kind enough to offer us a cup of milk at no cost. While beautiful in appearance, we found the pastries a little dry, and not sure if it's because we were there, so so late in the day. For the cost of the few items that we did get, was expecting a little bit better flavor and quality. I would give them another chance, and hopefully expect a little bit better on a return visit. read more

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Really lovely bakery! Seems to be a pillar of the community and was very busy on a Sunday morning. We ordered a variety of pastries to try from their HUGE selection and enjoyed all of them, particularly the scones. Very fresh. Great drinks as well! I would love to give five stars, but won't for the following reasons: (1) the inside is rather small and cramped when busy. It's not totally clear where/how you order upon entering, as there is no queue and customers standing about along the counter. (1.5) There is a sign noting where the register is, and customers must recite the items they ordered at the counter to the cashier (somewhat bothersome if you had a large order, but ultimately nbd). (2) Ordering multiple items as we did seemed to be an annoyance to the person behind the counter; a disgruntled "anything else?" with each item we listed off from the case. Oh well! (3) limited outdoor seating along the sidewalk -- we got lucky and snagged a table just as others were leaving, but note that there is no indoor seating. read more

Ridiculously expensive for non-organic sourdough. At least they have day old goodies. But man... the prices are truly meant for Brookies!

The Continental Bakery is a Birmingham icon. Locals gather every morning around the quaint tables of this charming sidewalk cafe to enjoy a cappuccino and a sweet treat. Located in English Village, this bakery is a little slice of Europe! The cookies are not only delicious, but beautiful. Cakes, pies and pastries are elegant and exceptional. The Continental Bakery is a treat for all the senses! read more

Ambiance is great, but the macaroons tasted several days old. Very stale. I've gone several times and tried multiple things and generally the bakes taste old. For the price of the bakes, everything should be fresh! read more

Great place to sit outside- traffic not loud, beautiful trees and architecture all around. $8 for decaf drip coffee and chocolate croissant. You can get a full or a half baguette. They are delicious. Everything else I've had I find a bit greasy, full of fat. The staff is super nice and they will go out of your way to help you. Best time during the week is to come before one. That's usually parking on street. I've never experienced a line there. On Saturdays, it's the meeting place for people to go after their run in the morning. Beautiful historic part of town. read more

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I stopped by for a coffee and a pastry after my sister told me how wonderful their croissants were. I wasn't disappointed. It was so buttery and light. My coffee was on point as well. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much they still had left even though it was in the after when I came by. There were plenty of people that came in and out while I was there, so this must be a pretty popular place for the area. Overall, it was a nice experience. read more

The Continental Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I love this bakery! The best cheesecake and I love their handmade danishes and decorated cookies. And...the bread! Do t miss this place in Birmingham...I never drive thru this town without stopping here. read more

Best bakery in town! Feels like you have transported to France for the morning. Recommend going on a Sunday & getting the special. Something topped with an amazing apricot glaze. The ham and cheese croissant is maybe the best we've had! The line can move slow and can be long but worth it! There's a nice outdoor seating area but no space inside. read more

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Delicious fresh, bit of a quick line on Sunday morning. Def a neighborhood spot. Prices $3 to $6 per breakfast pastry takeaway. Scone was the real winner of the morning. read more

The Continental Bakery - Outside sign - Bakeries Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

As a French person, reviewing a French bakery is always a challenge. If I could have my breakfast here every day, I absolutely would! However, the pricing in recent years has become outrageous, and that's why multiple new bakeries have popped up in town--they're taking advantage of the fact that Continental Bakery isn't quite hitting the mark anymore. Visit Pepper Market Place on a Saturday morning, and you'll see what I mean. The ambiance is good, but I do wish they offered more authentic French products, like cheese and other specialties. read more

One of my favorite bakeries in Birmingham! I'm not kidding when I say that I come here at least 2-3 times a week! It is a great spot to grab a quick coffee before work or sit and enjoy a pastry with a friend on their patio. The wild yeast sourdough is a must-try! I recently tried the chocolate cherry sourdough and it is my new favorite. Honorable mentions go to their cherry almond scones, cardamom buns, and cinnamon rolls. They always have beautifully decorated sugar cookies reflecting each holiday or season. I rarely see this store empty, and the service is always quick. The shop also serves croissants, danishes, cheesecakes, cakes, and the occasional cupcake. You are guaranteed to find something you'll like. You can also find some of their soups and sandwiches from their sister restaurant in their to-go fridges. read more