Walk down Morris Avenue in the middle of a Birmingham "golden hour" and you’ll feel it. The way the light hits the red brick warehouses. That specific, rhythmic thud-thud of tires rolling over the cobblestones. It feels like you’ve stepped into a 19th-century time capsule, or maybe a movie set.
But here’s the thing: most of what you think you know about this street is a bit of a myth.
Honestly, I used to think those famous cobblestones were original. I figured they’d been there since the Elyton Land Company first started selling lots in 1871. Most locals believe that. We treat those stones like sacred relics of the Victorian era.
They aren't. Not even close.
The Secret History of Those "Cobblestones"
If you want to talk about Morris Avenue Birmingham AL, you have to start with the floor. Those stones weren't laid by 19th-century laborers trying to pave a path for horse-drawn produce wagons. They were actually installed in the mid-1970s.
It was part of a "reimagining" project. At the time, Birmingham leaders looked at "Underground Atlanta" and thought, Hey, we can do that. They wanted to save the street from the wrecking ball, so they gave it a makeover to make it look "more historic" than it actually was.
And those aren't even real cobblestones.
Technically, they are Belgian blocks. They’re larger, flatter, and rectangular—unlike the rounded river stones that make up true cobblestones. Local legend (and records from designers like Bob Moody) suggests these blocks actually came from Savannah, Georgia. They were likely used as ballast in old sailing ships before being hauled to Alabama to give our warehouse district some instant "antique" street cred.
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It worked. Today, it’s the most photographed street in the city.
Why "Wholesale Row" Almost Vanished
In the late 1800s, this was the gut of Birmingham’s economy. If you ate food in the Magic City, it probably passed through Morris Avenue first. It was known as "Wholesale Row." Grocers, produce dealers, and dry goods suppliers lined the tracks. The rail lines are still right there, just a few feet away, serving as a constant reminder that this was once a gritty, loud, industrial hub.
But by the 1950s, the trucks took over.
Trains weren't the kings of transport anymore. The narrow, cramped Morris Avenue was a nightmare for semi-trucks. One by one, the wholesalers left for bigger, uglier warehouses on the outskirts of town. By the 1960s, the avenue was basically a ghost town.
We almost lost it. There were serious plans to just tear the whole thing down.
Preservationists fought back, and in 1973, it became the state’s first historic district. It was a turning point. Instead of demolition, we got a slow-burn revival that took decades to really catch fire.
The Modern Revival: Where to Actually Go
If you’re visiting today, the vibe is a weirdly perfect mix of high-end lofts and old-school grit. It’s not a polished tourist trap. It still feels real.
Alabama Peanut Company
You’ll smell it before you see it. This is a "must-do," and I don't use that phrase lightly. They roast peanuts in vintage equipment that’s been on the street for forever. Seriously, they’re using roasters from 1907. Grab a bag of the "Cajun" or the "Salty" and just walk. It’s the quintessential Morris Avenue experience.
The Essential & Founders Station
Founders Station was one of the big "dominoes" that fell and changed the street. The Essential is the anchor here. Kristin Farmer Hall and Victor King have created a neighborhood cafe that feels like it belongs in Paris, but the menu is pure Alabama seasonality. Their handmade pasta is widely considered some of the best in the South.
Mercantile on Morris
This is the new kid on the block, relatively speaking. It’s a mixed-use development that connects First Avenue North to Morris through a pedestrian plaza.
- Pizza Grace: Ryan Westover is doing sourdough pizza here that’s won national acclaim.
- Cannella Gelato: Authentic Italian-style gelato that usually has a line out the door on Friday nights.
- Bridge & Root: A high-end menswear boutique that proves Morris Avenue isn't just about food.
The "Onewheel Jesus" Mural
Don't miss the art. There’s a mural dedicated to the late Mark Lindsey, a beloved local figure known for riding his Onewheel around downtown. It’s a colorful, soulful tribute that captures the community spirit that keeps this area alive.
The Changing Landscape of 2026
Things are shifting. As of early 2026, we’ve seen some major moves. Carrigan's Public House, a longtime staple with that famous Land Rover bar, recently moved its primary operation to a new development called The William nearby.
While some people were worried about the "soul" of the street leaving, new spots like Wooden City Birmingham have stepped in to fill the gap. Located at 2335 Morris Avenue, it’s brought a fresh energy with American comfort food and a killer cocktail program.
The lofts are also a huge part of the story now. Buildings like Armour & Co. (a former meatpacking plant) have been gutted and turned into high-end residences. People actually live here now. It’s no longer just a place people go for dinner; it’s a neighborhood.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re heading down to Morris Avenue Birmingham AL, don't just drive through. The street is one-way (heading east) and the parking can be a headache if you aren't prepared.
- Park on First Avenue North. It’s usually easier to find a spot there, and you can walk through the Mercantile plaza to get to Morris.
- Golden Hour is real. If you want the "Birmingham" photo, show up about 45 minutes before sunset. The way the light bounces off the brick is unbeatable.
- Watch your step. Those Belgian blocks are uneven. If you wear stilettos, you’re going to have a bad time. Wear boots or sneakers.
- Check the train schedule. Actually, you can’t—CSX doesn't share that. But if a train stops and blocks the crossings, just relax. It’s part of the charm.
What’s Next?
To truly experience the area, start your morning with a coffee at The Kinetic Cup, then spend an hour wandering the boutiques in the Mercantile plaza. Make sure to look up at the architecture; you can still see the faded "ghost signs" of the old wholesalers on the sides of the buildings. If you're looking for a deeper dive into the city's roots, the historical marker at 20th Street is the literal spot where the city was founded.
Take a bag of boiled peanuts for the walk. It’s the only way to do it right.