Little Bird - Fairhope

Little Bird in Fairhope, Alabama, is built around Gulf Coast seafood, craft cocktails, and Southern hospitality. Executive Chef Bill Briand named the restaurant in honor of his mother, Virginia, known to her friends as Ginny. That personal touch runs through everything, from the Ginny Bar to the Virginia Eileen Dining Room to the desserts paired with fortified wines at the end of great meal.

TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours

Little Bird

We love Little Bird and would go back every Sunday for Brunch if we lived in Fairhope. It is worth the drive from Gulf Shores to enjoy their amazing food, unbelievable Southern hospitality, and the chill atmosphere of the Daly Courtyard or Ginny Bar.

One really unique thing about Little Bird is the seven distinct spaces within the restaurant. Each space has its own unique vibe and look while still flowing together perfectly with the other spaces. Dining at Little Bird feels like you are at a large family reunion in a family member's house.

I walked through Little Bird the first time in awe, wishing I had a family member who loved birds and shells as much as I do and could make my house feel as comfortable, elegant, and inviting as Little Bird feels.

Every bite of food is a gift to your taste buds. Make sure you are prepared to want to finish your entire plate and then order a 2nd dish to see how the flavors are. Don't scrimp on dessert; it is unbelievable.

The Spaces at Little Bird Fairhope

One of the things that sets Little Bird apart from most restaurants in the area is the range of spaces available inside and outside the building. Whether you are going for a casual cocktail or booking a private dinner for a group, there is a room that fits the occasion.

The Ginny Bar

The Ginny Bar is the heart of the cocktail experience at Little Bird. Named for Chef Bill's mother Virginia, this is where the signature craft cocktails are made and where the energy of the restaurant comes together. The bar seating puts you close to the action and makes it the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or an evening with friends.

Daly Courtyard

The outdoor Daly Courtyard brings garden views and coastal air into the Little Bird experience. This is where Sunday brunch comes alive with live music and open-air dining. On a beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast day, there is no better seat in downtown Fairhope. The courtyard is available for private events and fills up quickly for weekend brunch, so plan accordingly.

Virginia Eileen Dining Room

The Virginia Eileen Dining Room is the main dining room and the heart of Little Bird. Named for the woman who inspired the restaurant, it carries the warmth and hospitality that Chef Bill Briand built the concept around.

The Blackbird Room

The Blackbird Room is a casual upstairs space with a relaxed vibe separate from the main dining room below. A good option for groups who want a little more breathing room without booking a fully private event space.

Victory Hall

Victory Hall is Little Bird's largest dedicated event space, built for celebrations and larger gatherings. If you are planning a rehearsal dinner, a corporate event, or a milestone birthday, this is the room to ask about when you call or submit an event inquiry.

The Starling Room

The Starling Room is a private dining space designed for smaller gatherings where the focus is on the food, the conversation, and the company. Intimate and well-appointed, it is a great option for a private birthday dinner, a business dinner, or any occasion where you want a table to yourselves with the full Little Bird experience.

The Perch

The Perch is a light-filled, quieter space within the restaurant that offers a different pace from the main dining room and bar. A good choice for those who want a more relaxed setting while still enjoying the full menu.

I didn't grab a photo of The Perch since a family was having a birthday celebration and having the best time.

Little Bird Menu

Little Bird describes its food as Coastal Southern Fare, built around fresh Gulf seafood, responsible sourcing, and the culinary legacy of Executive Chef Bill Briand. The restaurant is named in honor of Chef Bill's mother, Virginia, known as Ginny, a quick-witted gourmet cook who served as a Naval nurse. Every menu reflects that spirit, from the raw bar to the dessert list.

Raw Bar

Available at lunch, dinner, and brunch.

• Freshly Shucked Oysters - half dozen Gulf oysters, lemon, spicy cocktail sauce, mignonette, horseradish, crackers (market price) - rotating regional oyster selections available
• Roasted Oysters - leek, garlic, and Grana butter, fire cracker crunch, lemon
• Fried Oysters - coleslaw, THF garden herbs, house hot sauce
• Marinated Crab Claws - mustard vinaigrette, mint, THF micro greens
• West Indies Salad - preserved lemon, mint, fire crackers
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail - Louisiana shrimp, lemon, parsley
• Smoked Gulf Fish Dip - house smoked Gulf fish, Tabasco pulp, Creole mustard aïoli, scallion, THF greens, pickled sweet peppers, fire crackers
• Seafood Tower - a dozen oysters, marinated crab claws and jumbo shrimp, West Indies Salad, smoked Gulf fish dip, mignonette, spicy cocktail, horseradish, fire crackers
• Add an ounce of caviar: Kaluga , Golden Osetra

Dinner Menu

Dinner Appetizers

• Gulf Fish Fritters - smoked Gulf fish, jalapeño tartar sauce, charred lemon
• Pork Belly - salsa roja, smashed avocado, sweet potato
• Octopus - green onion sausage crepenette, smoked tomato, pickled red onions
• Tuna Tacos - yellowfin tuna poke, avocado, Hawaiian poke sauce, crispy wonton, wasabi whip, furikake
• Wagyu Carpaccio - horseradish cream, bitter greens, crispy Grana, lemon olive oil, Maldon
• Caramelized Onion Dip - house kettle chips

Dinner Soup and Salad

• South Louisiana Gumbo - dark roux, shrimp stock, okra, Andouille sausage, Gulf shrimp, Louisiana popcorn rice, scallion
• Gem Lettuce - baby gem lettuce, Grana Padano cheese, spiced croutons, creamy garlic dressing
• Oyster Salad - crispy fried Gulf oysters, baby spinach, shaved red onions, warm bacon vinaigrette
• Golden Beets - marinated golden beets, whipped lemon goat cheese, green goddess dressing, THF greens

Dinner Entrees

• Shrimp and Grits - large Gulf shrimp, red eye gravy, shiitake mushrooms, ham, Gruyere grit cake, scallion
• Grilled Pork Chop - Niman Ranch Iberian bone-in pork chop, Louisiana dirty rice, asparagus, satsuma thyme butter
• Scallops - seared U-10 scallops, parsnip purée, sautéed green beans almondine
• Stuffed Quail - boudin stuffed Manchester Farm quail, candied jalapeño, smothered greens
• Peppercorn Crusted Yellowfin Tuna - bacon Brussels sprout hash, citrus chili emulsion
• Swordfish - confit sweet potatoes, sautéed green beans, THF mushroom, sauce au poivre
• Filet Mignon - potato pavé, asparagus, red wine demi-glace, caramelized onions
• Gulf Catch - seasonal preparation, market price

Dinner Sides for the Table

• Crispy Brussels Sprouts - lemon vinaigrette, Grana Padano, bottarga
• Little Bird Fries - house seasoned French fries, jalapeño aïoli, ketchup
• Blistered Shishito Peppers - sesame miso aïoli, chili threads
• Mom's Sweet Cornbread - cooked to order, chive butter, Maldon

Lunch Menu

Raw Bar - same selections as dinner (see above)

Soup and Salad

• South Louisiana Gumbo
• Oyster Salad - crispy fried Gulf oysters, baby spinach, shaved red onions, warm bacon vinaigrette
• Butternut Squash Salad - local greens, blue cheese, spiced pecans, honey-lime vinaigrette
• Gem Lettuce - baby gem lettuce, Grana Padano cheese, spiced croutons, creamy garlic dressing

Lunch Entrees

• Pan Seared Grouper - Hoppin' John, citrus chili emulsion, green beans
• Southern Fried Chicken - buttermilk fried chicken, smothered greens, scallion rice, Alabama white BBQ
• Stuffed Quail - boudin stuffed Manchester Farm quail, candied jalapeño, smothered greens
• Shrimp and Grits - large Gulf shrimp, red eye gravy, shiitake mushrooms, ham, Gruyere grit cake, scallion

Lunch Sandwiches (all served with seasoned fries)

• Steak Sandwich - shaved steak, onions and peppers, pepper jack cheese, horsey sauce, toasted roll
• Grouper Sandwich - fried grouper, lettuce, tomato, onion, lemon tartar sauce, brioche bun
• Shrimp Salad Sandwich - Gulf shrimp salad, greens, sliced tomato, house made sesame bun
• Fried Oyster BLT - crispy fried oysters, house bacon, lettuce, sliced tomato, Tabasco aioli, brioche toast

Lunch Sides - same as dinner sides

Brunch Menu (Sunday)

When you visit Little Bird for Brunch, I NEED you to order the pair of biscuits. My husband said they are the best biscuits he has ever had and that we can't tell his Mom he liked them better than hers.

Raw Bar and Soup and Salad - same selections as lunch and dinner with seasonal variations

Brunch Entrees

• Thick Cut French Toast - challah bread soaked in anglaise, Chantilly cream, local berries (DELICIOUS!!!)
• Boudin Sandwich - buttermilk biscuit, fried egg, pepper jack cheese, house jam
• BLT - Chef Bill's house smoked bacon, lettuce, sliced tomato, Tabasco aïoli, toast, Little Bird fries
• Oyster Benedict - fried oysters, biscuit, spinach, bacon, poached eggs, herb hollandaise
• Shrimp and Grits - Gulf shrimp, red eye gravy, shiitake mushrooms, ham, sunny egg, Gruyere grit cake (SO GOOD!)
• Southern Breakfast - grilled pork belly, grit cake, poached eggs, Tabasco hollandaise
• Ginny's Breakfast Casserole - baked eggs, butter toasted baguette, Gruyere, honey baked ham
• Blue Crab Omelet - classic omelet, jumbo lump crab, Gruyere béchamel, chive, housemade focaccia

Brunch Sides

• Little Bird Fries
• Blistered Shishito Peppers
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts
• Pair of Biscuits - buttermilk biscuits, chive, butter, jam - MUST ORDER!
• Mom's Sweet Cornbread

Desserts

• Strawberry Shortcake - sour cream poundcake, whipped mascarpone, strawberry, balsamic gel
• Crème Brûlée - vanilla bean, pecan shortbread cookie
• Lemon Buttermilk Pie - lemon curd, local berry gelée, Chantilly cream (the answer is YES!!!!)
• Chocolate Caramel Cake - rum crème anglaise, cacao nib tuile
• Ice Cream and Sorbet - satsuma, rosemary, vanilla bean, brown butter

Kids Menu - Check with the restaurant for kids options.

Gluten-Free - Little Bird accommodates dietary restrictions when possible. Inform your server of any dietary needs. Several menu items are naturally gluten-free. We suggest calling a day or two before your reservation to let the kitchen know you need a gluten-free menu option

Vegan/vegetarian - Little Bird is fantastic with dietary restrictions. We suggest calling a day or two before your reservation to let the kitchen know you need a vegan/vegetarian menu option so the chefs can make sure they have something ready for you especially for lunch and dinner. The Sunday brunch menu tends to have a few more vegetarian options.

Signature Cocktails

• The Ginny - gin, house-made brine, vermouth, orange bitters
• Sun Conure - toasted coconut, honey, falernum, orange juice, silver rum, dark rum
• Scenic 98 - Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, lemon, hibiscus, Cocchi Americano, sparkling wine
• Mourning Dove - reposado tequila, allspice, jalapeño, agave, lime, grapefruit
• Draft G&T - gin, house-made tonic, seasonal flavors
• Summer Tanager - strawberry-infused Campari, lemon verbena infused gin, sweet vermouth
• Pear Pressure - milk-washed pear infused Maker's Mark Bourbon, vanilla, lemon, mole bitters
• Little Bird Fashioned - bacon fat-washed whiskey, turbinado, Angostura bitters

Wine

Extensive wine list with sparkling, white, red, rosé, and orange wine options from Italy, France, Oregon, California, Slovenia, Portugal, Germany, and Australia. Prosecco by glass and bottle, Laurent-Perrier Champagne, and a non-alcoholic Leitz Riesling available.

Why you will love Little Bird

• One of the most talked-about restaurants in Fairhope, blending upscale Gulf Coast cuisine with genuine Southern warmth
• Named in honor of Executive Chef Bill Briand's mother Virginia, known as Ginny, whose spirit shapes everything from the menu to the spaces
• Seven distinct dining spaces each with their own atmosphere, from the intimate Starling Room to the open Daly Courtyard
• The Ginny Bar is one of the best cocktail bars in Fairhope with beautifully crafted signature drinks
• A raw bar with rotating Gulf oysters, marinated crab claws, West Indies Salad, and the full Seafood Tower anchors every menu
• Everything sourced with intention through partnerships with local purveyors and sustainable fisheries
• Sunday brunch with live music in the Daly Courtyard is a Fairhope institution
• The Blue Crab Omelet and Oyster Benedict at brunch are two of the best brunch dishes on the Alabama Gulf Coast
• Dessert pairings with fortified wines and an espresso martini make a strong case for staying through the full meal

Things to know when planning a visit to Little Bird

Address - 404 Oak Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532

Phone - 251-301-5234

Hours - Sunday 10:00am to 9:00pm | Monday through Thursday 11:00am to 10:00pm | Friday and Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

Accessibility -There is accessible parking near the entrance to the restaurant. There is a ramp leading to the main entrance.

Plus Size Seating - The chairs do not have arms and are comfortable.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, date night

Pets - Pets are not allowed inside the restaurant.

Parking  - There is street parking near the restaurant.

Fairhope Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Nini Squares Fairhope - A casual, beloved Fairhope pizza restaurant serving square pies, great pasta, and salads for lunch. The Square Meal Deal with two slices and a balsamic salad is a great value.

Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe Fairhope - A Fairhope and Mobile institution with 47 flavors of house-made ice cream. The perfect dessert stop after dinner at Little Bird.

Kind Cafe Fairhope - A charming Fairhope coffee shop built around kindness and community. House-made New York style bagels, seasonal lattes, and a great iced apple cider chai.

Warehouse Bakery and Donuts Fairhope - A beloved Fairhope breakfast and lunch spot in the warehouse district with made-from-scratch baked goods, great coffee from Fairhope Roasting Company, and a menu that earns a line out the door.

Fairhope Chocolate - Gourmet chocolates, Neuhaus of Belgium bonbons, gelato, pastries, espresso, hot chocolate, wine, and champagne all in one downtown Fairhope shop. A perfect pre-dinner or post-dinner stop.

Fairhope Pier - The 1,448-foot Fairhope Municipal Pier stretching into Mobile Bay, with stunning sunset views, birdwatching, fishing, a rose garden and fountain, picnic tables, and the Blind Tiger Restaurant on-site.

Additional Alabama Gulf Coast Articles

 Things to Do in Fairhope, AL - The best restaurants, art galleries, shopping, the pier, nature preserves, and things to see and do in Fairhope.

Best Coffee Shops in Fairhope, AL - The best local coffee shops in Fairhope for lattes, espresso, bagels, and a great morning start.

 Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for Couples - Date nights, romantic activities, and the best couple-friendly experiences along the coast. Fairhope and Little Bird make a great day trip for a special evening out.

Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Beyond the beach, our favorite one-of-a-kind experiences on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

What's New in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - New restaurants, attractions, and things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast, updated regularly.

Fairhope Tours and Nearby Attractions

Walking Food Tour of Fairhope - Enjoy six different foodie stops in Fairhope, learn about the local area, and taste great food.

Downtown Mobile Food Tour - Explore Mobile's LoDa neighborhood on a gourmet food tour.

USS Alabama Battleship Tickets - Take a self-guided tour of the USS Alabama and the USS Drum Submarine, National Historic Monuments.

Perdido Queen Riverboat Dinner Cruise - Cruise on a historic riverboat along the scenic Mobile River.

Fairhope, Alabama Lodging

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. 

Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa - Gorgeous Marriott property with exceptional amenities.

Hampton Inn Fairhope - Located right downtown Fairhope, making it easy to walk from your hotel to excellent restaurants and shopping.

Holiday Inn Express Fairhope -Stay at the centrally located Holiday Inn Express Fairhope, an IHG Hotel, and enjoy complimentary breakfast, a terrace, and convenient dry cleaning/laundry services. The hotel offers a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center, as well as free in-room Wi-Fi for guest convenience.

Comfort Suites Mobile East Bay- You can enjoy your stay at Comfort Suites Mobile East Bay with complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, and access to a fitness center. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and additional amenities, including a business center, are also available to guests.

Key West Inn Fairhope- Located in the business district, Key West Inn Fairhope Al offers a range of amenities, including free continental breakfast, convenient laundry facilities, and a well-equipped business center. Guests can stay connected with complimentary in-room Wi-Fi during their stay.

The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.