Toast

Toast is downtown Birmingham‘s reigning brunch champion — a from-scratch breakfast-and-lunch spot on Pierce Street that’s been racking up “Best Breakfast” awards for years, with the weekend lines to prove it. The kitchen does progressive American comfort food (the avocado toast and the Toast Benny are the crowd-pleasers) alongside a full bar, craft cocktails, and a cozy patio and open-air “Blue Room” for warm mornings.

Yes, you’ll probably wait on a Saturday; yes, it’s worth it, and downtown’s right there to wander while you do. We have it on our list as the town’s default brunch — the place you bring out-of-towners or nurse a Sunday coffee. Go early to beat the rush, or lean in and people-watch until your table’s ready.