Dog-Friendly Guide to Birmingham
For those who always have a dog (or two) in tow, Birmingham delights with a host of dog-friendly spots. So, whether it’s the best spot for letting fido frolic or a patio where your pup can join you while sip and snack al fresco, our Dog-Friendly Guide to Birmingham delivers in all tail-wagging areas and more.
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
GENERAL
SCOUTED | 3813 Clairmont Ave | @generalbham | General is a beautiful neighborhood café-meets-general store that makes for a darling (and dog-friendly) lunch spot. Enjoy a delicious light soups, salads, sandwiches, plus an array of delectable pastries and cozy coffee creations. Don’t forget to browse gorgeous gifts and home decor!
BIG SPOON CREAMERY
4000 3rd Ave S | @bigspooncreamery | This contemporary counter-serve creamery is offers small-batch artisanal ice cream highlighting seasonal ingredients. Order up, then enjoy your scoop on their sidewalk seating. Pro Tip: indulge in their unique, seasonal flavors like Goat Cheese Brambleberry Pie. You won’t regret it.
CALA COFFEE
3950 Autumn Ln | @calacoffeeco | The well-appointed Cala Coffee Co. has an equally well-appointed outdoor space fit for furry friends. Pro Tip: opt for a specialty Rosemary Honey Latte or a Lemon Fizz Ginger.
CHURCH STREET COFFEE & BOOKS
81 Church St | @81churchstreet | Home of the famous break-up cookie, Church Street Coffee & Books serves up a bevy of delicious locally roasted brews and scratch-made baked goods. Bonus points as dogs are welcome inside to help you select a coffee or book.
CONTINENTAL BAKERY
1909 Cahaba Rd (Inside Chez Lulu) | @continental_bakery | An ode to French café society, Continental Bakery offers artisan European-style breads, pastries, and a few light bites coupled with delicious coffee beverages. And with dog-friendly outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place for your pup to join you for your caffeine fix.
HERO DOUGHNUTS & BUNS
1701 1st Ave S | @herodoughnuts | Come for the brioche-style yeast doughnuts, stay for the balanced breakfast bites like seasonal yogurt bowls and egg sandwiches. Or, vice versa. And don’t forget Fido.
LADY BIRD TACO
300 Rele St | @ladybirdtaco | A fun, fast-casual concept that brings a taste of Austin, TX to Birmingham, Lady Bird Taco offers a dog-friendly patio ambiance for dining on authentic, out-of-this-world breakfast tacos served on homemade tortillas and loaded with tasty, locally-sourced toppings.
ROUGAROUX
817 39th St S | @therougarouxbhm | Rougaroux is a quirky casual eatery that’s the real New Orleans deal. EnjoyCajun classics including po’boys, gumbo, and more. Opt for the patio to bring your pooch.
TACO MAMA
6801 Cahaba Valley Rd | @eatattacomama | This laidback taco shop and dog-friendly patio hangout has a straight-forward, fuss-free approach to coastal-inspired Tex-Mex food. Expect fan-favorites like tacos, burritos, chips, and queso, plus a long list of house-made margaritas.
DOG-FRIENDLY BREWERIES
AVONDALE BREWING COMPANY
201 41st St S | @avondalebrewing | Whether you come for the live music or just to relax on the laid-back patio with a frosty pint of whatever craft brew they’ve got on tap, this concert venue meets brewery is a favorite hangout for pups and their parents. And while they don’t have a kitchen, outside food is always welcome!
CAHABA BREWING CO.
4500 5th Ave S | @cahababrewing | This massive microbrewery and taproom makes room for pups. Enjoy a dog-friendly outdoor patio (complete with on-site food truck) liquor-based libations, craft brews, and an inviting, low-key atmosphere.
DOG-FRIENDLY SHOPPING
PEPPER PLACE
2829 2nd Ave S | @pepperplacebham | A top spot for shopping with your pup. In addition to being home to a few of our members, you’ll find local-favorite restaurants and boutiques. We recommend stopping in on Saturdays for the farmers market featuring goods from regional farmers, local bakers, and Alabama artisans. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a homemade dog-treat or two.
THE SUMMIT
214 Summit Blvd | @thesummitbirmingham | The Summit is a sophisticated outdoor retail hub that welcomes dogs. Many are dog-friendly, so enjoy the signature taste and style of the South, pup in-tow. Keep an eye out for their dog-friendly programming like Fido Fest and more!
DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS & WALKS
KIWANIS VULCAN TRAIL
On-Leash | 1867 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S | This transformed rail trail offers a two-mile out-and back excursion with views of downtown. Gentle on paws, Kiwanis makes for a perfect place to pick up the pace.
MOSS ROCK PRESERVE
On-Leash | 617 Preserve Way | Moss Rock Preserve offers 349 lush acreage for exploration. In addition, enjoy over 12 miles of footpaths — waterfalls and streams included.
RAILROAD PARK
On-Leash | 600 1st Avenue S | @railroadpark | A massive linear urban greenway located in the heart of downtown, Railroad Park has plenty for pups and their parents to enjoy. Think: trail walks, picnic spots, and outdoor events like movies on the lawn, markets, and festivals.
RED MOUNTAIN PARK
On & Off-Leash | 2011 Frankfurt Dr | @redmountainpark | As if 1,500 wooded acres, fascinating historic sites, and 16 dog-friendly miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails weren’t enough, Red Mountain Park is home to Remy’s Dog Park. And with designated areas for big, small, and even special needs dogs (think: physically challenged, injured, elderly, or shy) all pups will be able to participate in safe, off-leash play!
RUFFNER MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER
On-Leash | 1214 81st St S | @ruffnermt. | Ruffner Mountain Nature Center boasts 1,000+ acres of natural area and 14 miles of interconnected trails. Enjoy old mining sites, fantastic scenic views, and great local wildlife observation. Pro Tip: For the best vantage point overlooking downtown Birmingham, opt for Overlook Trail!
TURKEY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE
On-Leash | 3906 Turkey Creek Rd | Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a favorite for its five-plus miles of paved and unpaved trails, natural beauty, and one of Alabama’s best swimming holes. Just be warned that the water has a slight current so keep careful watch on small dogs!
Peruse our Insider Guides to Birmingham, AL to discover more local-favorites. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
