Your Guide to Mountain Brook’s Villages

Mountain Brook, one of Birmingham’s most desirable neighborhoods, is an idyllic enclave known for its tree-lined winding roads, impressive homes, and picturesque family neighborhoods. The town is separated into three “villages,” each boasting its own selection of boutiques and eateries. Today, we’re diving deeper into each village to share our favorite hidden gems and must-try shops, restaurants, and parks.

Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke

Each village has its own perk, and for Mountain Brook Village, that’s accessibility. Named after the neighborhood it’s based in, Mountain Brook Village is conveniently located and the most walkable of the villages. Adjacent to Mountain Brook Village sits Lane Parke, the newest shopping destination in the area and home to several local haunts loved by the community.

Where to Eat

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night destination or a quick lunch, Mountain Brook Village offers a selection of eateries for any occasion. Grab breakfast with the family at Another Broken Egg or a healthy, delicious lunch at Blueroot or Brick & Tin. For dinner, head to Abhi for sushi, Daniel George for elegant yet unpretentious American cuisine, or Davenports for pizza. Taste a bite of history at Mountain Brook Creamery or Gilchrist, which have existed since 1957 and 1928, respectively. If you’re in the market for catering needs, stop by Olexa’s (they also serve lunch and takeout) or grab a custom cake at Daughters Baking.

Venture to Lane Parke for dinner at CharBar No. 7, LadyBird Taco, Sol Y Luna, or Post Office Pies. ChopNFresh and MELT are fantastic lunch options, or if you’re on the go, snag pressed juice at Clean Juice and your marketplace needs from GreenWise Market. And satisfy your sweet tooth with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream or Sons Doughnuts. Ousler Sandwiches, one of Birmingham’s oldest family-owned sandwich shops, open since 1908, has relocated to Lane Parke and is set to open in late April 2023.

Where to Shop

Both Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke are a shopper’s paradise. In Lane Parke, shop luxury giftables at a’mano, handmade soaps at Buff City Soap, and women’s fashion at B. Prince and Tulipano. Onward Reserve is the spot for men’s fashion and gifts, Tasc offers high-quality activewear, and Swoop is your one-stop shop for children’s clothing and accessories. Carriage House Weddings features over 200 designers and provides an easy, elegant shopping experience if you’re on the quest for a wedding gown.

Over at Mountain Brook Village, shop fine jewelry at Bromberg’s, Avani Rupa, Ex Voto, Barton Clay, and Etc. Tom Beckbe and Harrison Ltd., Inc. offer luxury men’s fashion and Village Sportswear, The Lingerie Shoppe, and milla meet (and exceed!) women’s fashion and lingerie needs. For home decor, furnishings, and kitchen needs, stop by The Cook Store, Table Matters, Circa Interiors and Antiques, Paige Albright Orientals, Patina, Marguerite’s Conceits, Leaf N’ Petal, and Suite Dreams. The White Room is Mountain Brook Village’s premier wedding shop, and for impressive hostess gifts, grab flowers from Mountain Brook Flower Shop, cigars from Vitola’s Fine Cigars, and wine from Golden Age Wine.

What to Explore

There are multiple salons and fitness studios to explore in Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke, including MPower Pilates & Cycle Studio, Ignite Cycle, X4 Fitness, Treadwell Barber Shop, Trocadero Salon, Basecoat on Fifth, and Massage Envy. On the other side of Lane Parke sits The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, a gorgeous hotel for dinner or a staycation. They also offer fun wine-making and cooking classes! And just down the street, spend the day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens or Birmingham Zoo.

Crestline Village

If Mountain Brook Village’s perk is accessibility, Crestline Village’s perk is its family-friendly atmosphere. With a life-size chess board, “tot lot” playground, and the Emmet O’Neal Library, there’s plenty to excite the kiddos.

Where to Eat

Restaurants abound in Crestline Village, including Church Street Coffee and Books and Crestline Bagel, two of the local’s favorite spots for breakfast and coffee. Don’t stop by Church Street without indulging in their famous “Break Up” cookie! For a casual eat, go for Gus’s Hot Dogs, Taco Mama, LaPaz, Surin of Thailand, Otey’s Tavern, Bongiorno Italian Restaurant, or Real & Rosemary. And for something a bit fancier, opt for Dyron’s Lowcountry or Slim’s Pizzeria.

Where to Shop

As Crestline Village is the most family-friendly village, it only makes sense that it’s home to the beloved family shopping option, The Pants Store. If you run into a Mountain Brook native, chances are they’ve frequented this spot throughout the years. Additional retail shops include Shalla Wista Studio, Elle, Little Lavender, and Town & Country for women’s fashion, Ivory & White for the bride, Mobley and Sons for men’s fashion, and Please Reply for any stationery or monogrammed gift needs. Mon Ami, Once Upon A Time, and Snoozy’s round out the children’s clothing, toys, and accessories boutiques roster. We’d be remiss not to mention Smith’s and Crestline Pharmacy, which have been staples in Crestline Village for everyday needs for years.

English Village

English Village’s perk is undoubtedly its style. Although this is the smallest of the three villages, it packs a big punch with unique eats and fashionable finds.

Where to Eat

Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu are at the top of our must-visit restaurants in English Village. The French bakery and bistro serves up artisanal bread, pastries, and cafe favorites, including the to-die-for Tarte du Jour. Additionally, Vino is an excellent spot for fresh lunch and dinner options, made even better by patio dining and an extensive wine list. Chester’s serves up drool-worthy fried chicken, and Civitas is a tasty choice for local, seasonal bites.

Where to Shop

If you’re in the market for unique, fashion-forward clothing, English Village is your spot. Head to Brogue & Cuff for custom men’s suits, Le Weekend Studio, The Atelier, and Monkee’s of Mountain Brook for women’s fashion, The Travel Studio for beautiful hand-selected travel accessories and resort wear,  The Scribbler for beautiful, one-of-a-kind stationery, and Henhouse Antiques and Prints Charming Soho for gorgeous, luxury antiques and art. Lastly, unwind and pamper yourself at Tonya Jones SalonSpa or PM Method Physical Therapy and Pilates.

Happy exploring!

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