Java Talk - the Best Local Coffeehouses

Tired of Starbucks? Support your local coffee houses. There are many in the Birmingham area to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Here are a few personal favorites.

The Red Cat

Formerly known as "o'kafes", The Red Cat is located on 2nd Avenue South in downtown Birmingham. Originally wholesale coffee roasters, this unique operation is now a classic coffeehouse, café, and music venue. Local artist display their paintings on the walls. Owners Kirk Summers and Erin Isbell have gone out of their way to create a place where not only can one find the perfect cup of coffee, but can enjoy the finest in local and regional talents. Their colorful music venue can seat up to ninety-three people. Vaulted ceilings and large windows add an airiness to this red brick building. If you prefer something other than coffee with your song, The Red Cat also offers the best in beer and wine. They also offer an assortment of desserts, deli sandwiches, soups and Panini for the day time crowd.

You've heard of green tea? These people do green coffee, by purchasing coffees grown exclusively on environmentally friendly farms and co-ops. The beans are special roasted and flavored, making each cup a sensational java experience. All coffees are Fair Trade certified. Try a Bengal Latte, made of dark chocolate and caramel with steamed milk and chocolate shavings. With music, art, and names like Guatemala Antigua, Moka Java Blend and Calico Blend, how can one not be as curious as a Red Cat to check this place out ?

O'Henry's Coffees

Claiming not to be able to find a "truly great cup of coffee" in Birmingham, retired orthodontist Dr. Henry Bright set out to show the city how it's done. O'Henry's Coffees opened in 1993, and has proven he has a panache for coffee brewing. He sold the business to Randy and Mary Adamy in 1999. These owners have not only been diligent in upholding Dr. Bright's quest for the perfect cup, they've expanded to three locations in Homewood, Brookwood and the Regions/Harbert Tower in downtown Birmingham, as well as several "portable locations" at Samford University and St. Vincent's East Hospital. The stores are exceptionally clean and smell terrific. The menu differs slightly depending on location, but you can rely on an excellent favorites such as flatbread melts and their famous Thai Chicken Salad.

And the coffee - oh, the coffee! Choices range from light, mild and dark roasts to exotic and flavored. The O'Henry's Blend is their best-seller, but for a truly unique experience the Southern Pecan Cream is hard to beat. A Mocha Java will satisfy anyone wanting a full-bodied taste.

Primavera

Nestled in Cahaba Heights, Primavera is quickly becoming the next big thing. Customers relax while wrapped in warm décor in a sunlit room, then melt in bliss from their first sip of latte. Owner Brett Burton insists on having a knowledgeable staff who can help customers with questions. They pick their coffee beans with excruciating care and hand roast them daily in a gas-fired roaster. Primavera hosts a "coffee cupping" at two o'clock every Saturday, where you can sample their blends and ask questions about their roasting process, as well as getting tips for brewing a perfect cup at home.

If you're looking for a full experience, ditch the norm and try a local coffee house. The combination of wonderful aromas, coffee, comfy chairs and wi-fi should be enough to drag anyone out of the house and into the java mood.

www.ohenryscoffees.com
www.okafes.com
www.primaveracoffee.com