The Continental Bakery

Carole Griffin has taken her love of French "soul" food to downtown Birmingham. Located on 4th Avenue North and 19th Street, The Continental Bakery Downtown, is guaranteed to enchant visitors and old-time Birminghamians alike. In the tradition of the Parisian cafe, Continental Bakery Downtown's walls are adorned floor to ceiling with quirky and beautiful artwork Ms. Griffin has collected over the years. An antique piano, a beautiful old accordion, and various other instruments are at hand for when musically inclined friends and patrons drop in for a pastry, coffee, or one of CBDT's fabulous lunches made with the freshest ingredients, including produce from local farms. Upstairs, patrons will find spacious table seating in "Lulu's Loft," as Griffin calls it -whose luscious red walls and golden velvet theater curtains, a nod to the surrounding Theater and Arts District, create one of the most dramatic and romantic dining spaces in Birmingham. This elegant space, available for private events, is accented by antique rugs, paper lanterns, a banquette for large parties, a cozy couch, and gorgeous paintings on loan from Birmingham artist, Dori DeCamillis.