This Bakery Arguably Has the Best Pastries in Alabama

Is there any day that wouldn't be made better with a pastry? If there is, I can't imagine it. I love all of them, from almond croissants to strawberry danishes, and every one in between. Last Call Baking Co. in Birmingham, Alabama, may craft the state's best pastries. Their golden flaky crusts and rich flavors make them equally as beautiful as they are delicious.

Last Call Baking Co. was founded in 2020, when Chanah Willis, the owner and chef, began baking and selling goods out of her home. Willis grew the business over time and purchased a space in downtown Birmingham in 2021. Last Call Baking Co.'s doors opened in November 2022. The bakery has been wildly successful, with hungry customers lining up on the sidewalks to get inside. In 2024, at the age of 27, Willis was named a James Beard Award semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category. The accolades continue, as in 2025, Southern Living named Last Call Baking Co. one of the 40 best restaurants in Birmingham.

Patrons can choose from a selection of stunning pastries at Last Call Baking Co., including croissants, morning buns, and danishes. It serves unique and seasonal beauties like a roasted brie, peach, and candied pecan danish. It's also served an orange and chai coffee cake topped with candied orange peel. Last Call's Olive Oil Coffee Cake is beloved for its airy texture and indulgent flavor. The bakery also produces seasonal baked goods, such as hot cross buns and brioche buns near Easter, and a seasonal cookie box around Christmas.

Last Call is located in a brick building at 213 25^th Street North, Suite A, in northern downtown Birmingham, next to Zephyr Barber and June Coffee. Customers often wait in line to get inside the bakeshop. The business is focuses on quality and minimizing waste, creating a designated amount of pastries for the day, and when they're gone, they're gone. The bakery posts on Instagram stories when it's completely sold out for the day and recommends checking before coming.

Orders can also be placed online. The website offers a five-item Pastry Box, filled with a classic croissant, chocolate croissant, morning bun, seasonal danish, and kouign amann.  The seven-item Pastry Box has all the same goodies plus an almond croissant and a coffee twist. Can you imagine how happy your family would be if you walked into the house with a box to share?

For more details, check out Last Call Baking Co.’s website and Instagram page. 

If Birmingham seems like a place to go for an excellent meal, it’s for good reason. Not only does it offer top-notch baked goods at Last Call Baking Co., but it's also home to Helen, a Southern restaurant with a modern twist that provides a nationally recognized dining experience. There's also Bottega, a Southern and Italian-influenced restaurant that's one of the best dining experiences in Alabama.

There's far more to do in Birmingham than just eat, too. The city has numerous historic buildings, like the Tutwiler Hotel and the 16th Street Baptist Church. There are also many fun things to do in Birmingham with kids, such as visiting the McWane Science Center, the Birmingham Zoo, and the 1,038-acre nature preserve at Ruffner Mountain.

On your next trip to Birmingham, consider staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown at UAB. The hotel offers a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, a Bistro, and a Starbucks location.