If a visit to a Paleteria is not on your quarterly rotation of little treats, you're doing it…read morewrong. That said, I am a Paleteria FAN! For those of you unaware, a Paleteria is a Mexican snack shop, typically featuring a menu of colorful drinks, homemade ice cream flavors, fruit concoctions, traditional elote, esquite, and "walking taco" style chips covered in an assortment of ingredients. La Michoacana on Decatur's Hwy is the quintessential Paleteria EXPERIENCE! I recently visited and got the horchata (a smooth, cinnamon rice milk drink) and the #9 hot cheetos option with nacho cheese, sour cream, cotija cheese, and fresh lime. Not only was my food DELICIOUS, it was cheap! I paid maybe $10 total with tax! The service was also wonderful and quick. The ambiance was also true to the Paleteria-experience, sticky booths, bright, colorful flooring, amazing smells, and someone doing their homework in the back. You seriously can't get better than this one guys! Totally recommend.

Ok. Every time somebody comes into town, I take them here. It's almost a requirement that I take…read morethem here. It is SO good and I have not been disappointed every time I've come here. They have such creative flavors, and I appreciate the acknowledgment to people coming in with different diet restrictions. They have some flavors that are staples like chocolate, vanilla and a few others (I always get the chocolate flavor with something else) but the others can rotate. But seriously, go here and just just enjoy the flavors here. The flavors just pop in your mouth. I just had the coconut lime sea salt paired with chocolate, and the chocolate was just as creamy and smooth as always, and the coconut was so sooo unique and bursting with flavor and so refreshing. The people behind the counter were so nice and allowed me to try as many flavors as I wanted. This is very kid friendly - they have a small table at the back so kids can sit there very family friendly. Clean place and loved the vibe here!

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.

Bruster's has become our go to ice cream shop locally…read more We have been getting it almost weekly on Saturday nights for a treat and love many of the seasonal options. It is pretty easy to order ahead of time on the app. The only issue we have run into is sometimes they can't find our order if we arrive later than planned. Invariably it is always ready just can't always quickly find where they put it in the freezer. My favorite flavor is the Caramel Apple Crunch featured on the fall menu.

Stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon to grab a sweet treat. Well, I didn't but my mom did. She…read morelooooovess ice cream!!! When we arrived, it was already pretty busy and remained that way the entire time we were here. People love ice cream; especially one a nice sunny day! My interaction with the staff was pleasant. The owner was on sight working. She was awesome and so kind. (Thank you for taking time to take the photo of the lovely wall art for me). Man, the menu has lots of sweet offerings!! I was super impressed because I really don't recall the other location in Vestavia having Italian ice or sorbet. Don't quote me on this. This is a great addition to the Trussville area. It's located on the end space of a busy strip mall. This is a perfect location!!! It can get kind of tight when the location is busy. There is a red bench out front while you wait. There is also additional seating available not far from the building. My mom enjoyed her turtle sundae( sorry no pics). The outside decor really will make it hard to decide what to order. The menu is well displayed, so that is helpful. First time coming here but not last. I will be sure to grab myself something the next time I'm in the mood for some ice cream or a sweet treat!

I mean, it's fantastic ice cream. I am a major fan of the Brambleberry Crisp. It's well-known for a…read morereason. This is a great location, too. I came on a Monday afternoon with a couple friends and I believe there was only one person working, she was so nice. The outdoor seating and lights along the road at Pepper Place make this a perfect spot for summer nights.

Jeni's is always a comfort. The staff is always nice, letting you try the flavors. The best part is…read morethat they are open late, who doesn't love a late note sweet treat! See you soon!

This is my very first time trying yogurt mountain! I love…read morehow you can try so many different flavors and they all taste so amazing. I got the espresso and caramel pretzel and it was the most delicious things I've ever had! The lady working out the counter was also super nice and helpful. The price was definitely more than I expected but worth it for how good the ice cream was! I will definitely come here for special occasions or just when I have a really big sweet tooth.

So delicious!! It was so fun getting to build my own yogurt bowl and pick which flavors and…read moretoppings I wanted on it. The employees were super friendly and made it a great experience. The flavor options were absolutely delicious and I appreciated their rewards app that gives you deals on various visits! The outdoor seating option was also a fun touch I enjoyed. My favorite flavors were espresso and cookie & cream - both which I'd recommend! Go try Yogurt Mountain today - You'll be glad you did!!

Bendy's Cookies and Cream never disappoints! The first time my wife and I visited, it was just the…read moretwo of us on a date night. We were looking for a sweet treat to wrap up the evening and stumbled on this gem. The snickerdoodle cookies were soft, warm, and packed with cinnamon-sugar flavor. Paired with their creamy, rich ice cream--it was an instant win. We said right then and there that we'd be back. This time around, we brought the whole family to celebrate Father's Day, and we had a great time. Our son came in making a big fuss about wanting Teddy Grahams (of all things ), but we had something better planned--and Bendy's delivered. Once he got his ice cream in a waffle cone, he was all smiles and forgot all about the Teddy Grahams. Great ice cream, fresh-baked cookies, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it's date night or family night, Bendy's is officially our go-to dessert spot. We had a great Father's Day, and Bendy's made it even sweeter.

Popped in around 8ish and they were low on cookies. The staff explained to me the best times to…read morecome in for a better selection......they stop baking cookies around 7pm. I really wanted to try their ice cream sandwich but I just got 1 chocolate chip cookie and 1 banana pudding cookie. Yummm!! This was my first time trying the banana pudding cookie & I loved it so much! The.choc chip is always a solid choice. I like this location because it's so easy to get in and out of. The store is clean and has nice inside and out seating available.

Stopped by Yummy's on a recent Friday night. The restaurant was somewhat busy but also seemed short…read morestaffed. It took an extended amount of time for food and drinks. Once we finally received our order, the food and drinks were good. My husband had the fried pork chop plate. The pork chops were seasoned and fried to perfection. I had the yummy baker with shrimp. The shrimp were seasoned well and there was sautéed onions and peppers added to the potato. There was also a pickle on the plate which I thought was interesting. For drinks we tried the henny punch. It had good flavor and lots of fresh fruit mixed in. The owner was very apologetic about the long wait. Would I return...yes.

Everything was so good!! I stopped by in here during a conference at The Link with the Fombys. They…read morewanted to sow into this business and I will say very well worth it! They were so accommodating with our huge group and hefty orders. I had the lobster tail (which was huge) with asparagus, grits and eggs. I don't know what they put in them eggs but CHILE it was so good. Will be back to support! Real chill bar and grill type of vibe.

K & J's Elegant Pastries NEVER disappoints! Every single time we come to Birmingham, my son and I…read moremake sure we stop by and show them some love. The menu is ALWAYS so full of delicious options that, honestly, it's a little overwhelming for us because we want to try EVERYTHING! And let me tell y'all... that pound cake is TO DIE FOR! It is SO good! My son's personal favorite is anything Cookie Monster, so you already know we have to grab something Cookie Monster every time. The quality, the variety, the taste! EVERYTHING is 10/10. If you're in Birmingham and haven't tried K & J's yet, what are you waiting on?! Go show them some love! You will NOT be disappointed!

Not only is it in a great location, with ample parking spots, but it also has whimsical decor that…read moremakes it a fun spot to meet up with friends to sit and chat over sweet treats. I like how the selections are offered at different levels, from great to premium. I tried their signature treats, and one of the many caught my eye. I definitely recommend this bakery for the great flavors and moist cakes.

Bathrooms are amazing. Crowds can be high some times, but there is quality service, insanely clean…read morebathrooms and overall whole store, and large varieties of food and beverages. (There are also sometimes free samples, which every kid loves ) Highly recommend stopping here is you pass by!

I have been to Buc-ee's a few times now and each time I keep finding something new…read more This place is huge. They easily have over 100 gas pumps that serve all types of gas (ethanol free, diesel, unleaded). All the gas pumps were full but it doesn't take long for someone to leave. I finally tried the fudge which was buy 4 and get 2 free. The fudge is delicious. On the inside, they sell everything. Jerky walls, fresh fudge, sandwiches, BBQ, breakfast, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, clothes, etc. I love the Beaver nuggets and they are very similar to popcorn. You can buy a can or bottle soft drink but the fountains are much cheaper. The brisket sandwich was huge and tasty. They have enough cashiers to keep the crowd moving. I will return. The bathrooms are huge and really clean.

OMG! Sonic is awful. I was craving a chili cheese dog. So of course I got the footlong. I don't…read morethink the hotdog was ever on the bun. The wiener was out of bun and chili was everywhere, try and stick to the bun like it's been microwave. Don't do that. Try to do people right. Fries cold, tots cold and we bought 2meals. New refresher is yuck. What's up with this? Y'all already know. SMH, I'm not coming back for this.

I go here with my friends because it stays open late and I like the food. However the service is…read moretrash, the warrior one is way better. The people have attitudes like crazy and half the speakers outside don't work (or they're just not answering). The attitude the workers have when u ask questions is just ridiculous. The lady with the accent was rude and honestly it just makes us not want to eat there.