One of Birmingham's only true creameries, where they're making all the ice cream in house. I am a…read moreself proclaimed Ice Cream Snob, but Big Spoon checks all my boxes. Unique flavors, classic flavors, the smell of fresh waffle cones inside. Big Spoon does a ton of business, as they should. The location here in Avondale is great, but not super walkable from any really good restaurants. I would love to see them open another spot on 2nd Ave. I had the strawberry tres leches in a waffle cone and it was delicious. I appreciate the care and craft that went into making sure every bit down to the bottom of the cone had ice cream in it. 10/10.

The Sweet and the Absurd: A Birmingham Creamery's Baffling Economics…read moreTo step into Big Spoon Creamery in Birmingham is to subject oneself to a masterclass in both artisanal delight and bureaucratic absurdity. On my visits--a pilgrimage undertaken reliably every month and a half--the front-line staff have never been anything short of exemplary. They are the cheerful stewards of a deeply baffling system, executing their duties with a warmth that almost distracts you from the institutional quirks around them. I say "institutional" because the management themselves are entirely phantom. They are never seen on the floor. Perhaps this is a calculated evasion; if they were ever present, they would surely have to field a relentless, exasperated inquisition regarding the tragic and ongoing absence of their finest creation: the "Magic City." Why an ice cream parlor would willingly suppress its undisputed masterpiece remains an enduring mystery. Even if the economics of its ingredients demanded a premium surcharge, "Magic City" ought to be enshrined as an immovable staple on the menu. Instead, the menu is a restless, ever-shifting carousel. I concede that a relentless churn of novelty is a virtue to a certain type of customer, but the soul of a great neighborhood institution relies on the comforting reliability of a few anchor flavors. At Big Spoon, just as you develop an affection for a flavor, it vanishes into the ether. Then, we must examine the rewards program, an endeavor so poorly conceived it borders on the avant-garde. The mathematics are punishingly flat: one point per order, regardless of whether the patron spends a single dollar or one hundred. The rational response to such a broken incentive structure is, naturally, to weaponize the system. To extract any genuine value, the savvy customer is forced into a theatrical display of micro-transactions, paying for each scoop separately. It is a loophole that needlessly punishes the very staff who make the establishment shine, forcing them to run the register three or four times for a single family's dessert. Finally, there is the creamery's bizarre pricing taxonomy. A close study of the board reveals an accidental arbitrage opportunity: the customer is objectively better off purchasing two distinct pints of ice cream and two empty waffle cones to assemble on their own time, rather than engaging in the straightforward, intended transaction of ordering ice cream scooped directly into a cone. Whoever is pulling the levers behind the curtain at Big Spoon clearly fancies themselves a clever operator, disrupting the traditional ice cream parlor model with dynamic menus and gamified loyalty. But in their pursuit of perpetual novelty and labyrinthine economics, they have embodied the old proverb perfectly: they are entirely too clever by half.

What a charming bakery/coffee shop in a super cute almost European nook in town. If you're…read morevisiting, 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!

I often enjoy getting a pastry and a coffee here. I had a not so good experience last time but…read morewanted 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.

The donuts were pretty good, but nothing crazy. No wait when we went. The staff seemed like they…read morewould rather be anywhere else than working. I wish they had donuts on display or pictures in the store. I don't think we will be back.

Great donuts. I was relieved the inside wasn't busy, as we had just come from Ladybird Taco's and I…read morewas becoming overwhelmed by the crowd. I got the eight-pack, with four cinnaglazes and four of the seasonal strawberry ones. Both were incredibly warm and sweet, absolutely delightful!

We had a fabulous High Tea today! Service was superb! And the food was divine! Highly recommend!read more

Chez Lulu just gets fall dining. The light is softer, the air a little cooler, and the whole place…read morefeels like it's exhaling after summer. Between the glow from the string lights and the smell of bread coming from Continental Bakery next door, it's impossible not to relax here. I ordered the Meyer's Ranch Beef Stew (La Doba à la Nissarda) and it might be one of the best comfort dishes in Birmingham right now. Deep, rich flavor. Tender beef. The kind of meal that makes conversation slow down because everyone keeps taking one more bite. The vibe lands somewhere between a Parisian café and your favorite neighborhood spot. If you haven't been in a while, go now. Order the stew, grab a seat near the window, and let the evening stretch.

Seriously the best cake I've ever had. Was a little hesitant because it was pricey and the person…read morein the goin eh ordered the cake with was new and sounded not confident in getting my order in, but it was great! I got a 5in gf chocolate and it was seriously so moist, crunch of chocolate chips inside the layers, thick ici bf layer which was my fav, and the crumble ontop was a great added touch! I would definitely want to come back here in the future! They also were able to make me a cake less than 24 hours prior which was great!

Parking is difficult but I saw a spot right out front an grabbed it. Very small store with one…read moretable and a few chairs. Got some samplers to try out, pricy but very tasty. Good flavors with the right amount of sweetness, not overpowering with sugar like most cakes in this style. Great place to get a cake for special events, but a little pricy for an everyday treat.

Storybook interior! Perfect for brunch/lunch. My bridal tea was hosted here, and the service was…read morelovely. I enjoyed my quiche Lorraine. Also their cake is not to miss!!

Greek treats and cupcakes! I loved the baklava from this spot. The best one I have had in a while…read more Super thick baklava bites and baked to perfection x The decor on the cupcakes are so pretty, I almost don't want to eat them. I forgot the name of the white powder treat & the brown bite next to the baklava but both are 10/10. Super sweet client service too!

I first had churro station at pepper place farmers market. I immediately fell in love. When I found…read moreout they were going to have a storefront I was so excited! Their churros are delicious, fresh, and so funny. They also have gelato and coffee!

Great dessert spot! Honestly no complaints. They have a great amount of seating, good selection of…read moredesserts, and it's a unique offering. I love how they have so many sauces to put on or in the churros. It was $9 total for a churro with Dulce de leche and a single scoop of ice cream, which doesn't sound like a lot of dessert but it actually was. The service was great. Would come back

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.

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

Haven't been here in years and it did not disappoint. A pretty traditional ice cream shop that has…read moreall the common flavors but some added flavors that are a more of new but oldies. My ice cream was a vanilla base with chocolate waffle cone and graham crackers. Clever name. Very busy in a Friday night! Great service. Clean shop and eating areas inside and outside.

Great ice cream! There were so many flavors to choose from. The location was a little hidden, but…read moreit is a very cute atmosphere. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was because the waffle cone was not my favorite. However, the ice cream was still great and it's a lovely place to take families!

I'm a fan. Service was really nice and I liked the array of flavors. No complaints!!!!read more

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!