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The Essential

4.7 stars based on 672 ratings Today's hours: 9 am-2 pm, 4-9 pm Add a review

$$ Restaurant

About

Experiencing The Essential is like stepping into a cozy, trendy retreat in Birmingham's Mercantile on Morris. This charming spot excels in breakfast and dinner, offering a diverse menu that celebrates comfort food with a modern twist. Diners rave about the eggs Benedict and matcha tea, while enjoying a remarkable selection of cocktails and organic dishes. Service is fast and friendly, making it great for solo dining or family outings. With wheelchair accessibility and a welcoming vibe, The Essential is not just a meal; it's a delightful moment waiting to be savored.

Best in Birmingham

Contact Info

  • Location: 2215 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Located in: Mercantile on Morris
  • Phone: (205) 718-7612
  • Price range: $$

Opening hours

  • Monday: 4-10 pm
  • Tuesday: 4-10 pm
  • Wednesday: 4-10 pm
  • Thursday: 4-10 pm
  • Friday: 4-10 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am-2 pm, 4-10 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am-2 pm, 4-9 pm

Other Business Hours

Brunch hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 9 am-2 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am-2 pm

Food and drink

Food & drink
Food & drink
The vibe at The Essential
Vibe
Cappuccino
Cappuccino
Juice
Juice
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict
Avocado toast
Avocado toast
Club sandwich
Club sandwich
Chimichurri
Chimichurri
Image by owner
By owner

Menus and Prices

The Essential menu and prices
Menu #2
Menu #3
Menu #4
Menu #5
Menu #6

Services

  • Outdoor seating
  • Kerbside pickup
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Organic dishes
  • Small plates
  • Spirits
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Bar on site
  • Toilets
  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Tourists
  • University students
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Usually a wait
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Good for kids
  • Has changing table(s)
  • High chairs
  • Free of charge street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Add Your Review

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Recent Reviews

Review by Barry Homenick

September 21, 2024

I had an amazing experience at The Essential! 🌟 The vibe is trendy yet cozy, perfect for a casual brunch. I ordered the eggs Benedict, and they were just splendid - flavorful and beautifully presented. Although my pancakes were a bit too lemony for my taste, the awesome atmosphere and fast service more than made up for it!

The staff was friendly, especially Brittany, who gave fantastic recommendations. The selection of cocktails and beers is impressive too! Don’t miss their matcha tea; it’s the best in town. Can’t wait to return! 🍽️✨


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