You wouldn't exactly expect to find a high-end, "industrial-chic" coffee pub tucked away in a town of 2,300 people in rural Alabama. But Greensboro is full of surprises. If you find yourself driving through the historic streets of the Black Belt, you’ll eventually hit Main Street. Look for the red metal tables on the sidewalk. That's The Stable Greensboro AL.
Honestly, it’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a trendy corner of Birmingham or Nashville, yet it’s perfectly at home in a building that dates back to 1884. It’s a coffee shop. It’s a bar. It’s a community living room.
What Exactly is The Stable Greensboro AL?
Most people call it a coffee shop, but that's a bit of an undersell. Officially known as The Stable, A Southern Coffee Pub, it functions as the town's primary social hub. The vibe is heavy on exposed brick, rough-hewn wooden beams, and those Edison-style light fixtures that everyone loves.
It was founded by Monique Kitchen, along with partners Sheri, Leah, and some local vision. Monique moved from Birmingham decades ago and realized Greensboro was missing something—a place to just be. Not a fast-food joint, not a formal dining room, but a space where you can grab a latte, sit on a leather sofa, and watch a toddler flip through books while you work on a laptop.
The Food is Legit
Don't let the "coffee pub" name fool you into thinking the menu is just pastries. They serve a full range of sandwiches, wraps, and pizzas. Locals swear by the Stable Sampler. It’s basically a plate of Southern comfort: a scoop of chicken salad, a scoop of pimento cheese, and cream cheese topped with spicy-sweet pepper jelly. You get crackers. You shovel it in. It’s great.
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- The Little Big Town: Turkey, avocado, and chipotle sauce on wheat.
- The Shug: A nod to local flavor with turkey and honey mayo.
- The Bear: Ham, cheddar, and dijon on wheat.
- Pizza: They serve 7-inch and 12-inch pies with a crust that’s surprisingly good for a non-pizzeria.
One of the coolest things about the menu is how it supports the neighbors. The pork is smoked by a local friend. The sourdough comes from Abadir’s, an Egyptian-influenced bakery down the street that has gained national attention.
The Legend of the Pie
If you know anything about Greensboro history, you’ve heard of the Pie Lab. It was a famous social enterprise that unfortunately closed its doors, but the recipes didn't die. They were bought by a local man who operates Greensboro Pie, and those exact pies—Bourbon Pecan, Chocolate Chess, Lemon Icebox—are served right here at The Stable.
Eating a slice of that pie with a cup of Revival Coffee (roasted in nearby Selma) is basically the quintessential Greensboro experience.
Why It Matters for the Black Belt
Greensboro is the "Catfish Capital of Alabama," but it's also a hub for the Auburn University Rural Studio. This brings in architecture students from all over the world who are building innovative, low-cost housing in the area. The Stable acts as the unofficial headquarters for these students, artists, and locals to mingle.
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It’s a "third space." You know, that place that isn't home and isn't work. In a small town, having a third space that feels modern and welcoming is a big deal for economic survival.
Trivia and Nightlife
While it closes at 3:00 PM most days, Thursday is the exception. They reopen at 5:00 PM for Trivia or Bingo. It’s one of the few places in town where the energy stays high after dark. They also host live music, often featuring artsy band posters that look like they were ripped off a wall in a much larger city.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re coming from Tuscaloosa or Selma, it’s a straight shot, but keep an eye on the clock. Small-town hours are real.
Location: 1120 Main St, Greensboro, AL 36744
Phone: (334) 218-2109
Typical Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Sundays).
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Check their Facebook or Instagram before you go. They are active there and will post if they’re hosting a special event or if the hours change for a holiday.
Practical Advice for Newcomers
- Order the Chicken Salad: It’s a best-seller for a reason. It’s basic, but the seasoning is spot on.
- Look Up: The building itself is a piece of history. Monique is constantly working on restoring the 1884 structure, which has served as everything from a general store to an auction house.
- Buy a Bag of Beans: The Revival Coffee they serve supports anti-human trafficking efforts. It’s good coffee that does good.
- Explore the Area: After your coffee, walk to the Greensboro Depot for antiques or the Safe House Black History Museum to see where Martin Luther King Jr. once sought refuge.
The Stable Greensboro AL isn't just a place to get caffeine. It's proof that you don't need a million people to have a cool, culturally rich community space. It’s the heart of Main Street, and it’s well worth the drive.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
To get the most out of your visit to Greensboro, you should plan to arrive around 10:00 AM. Start with a coffee at The Stable to soak in the morning vibe, then take a 10-minute walk down Main Street to see the historic homes and the Magnolia Grove plantation house. If it’s a Saturday, make sure to grab a whole pie to take home—they sell out faster than you’d think.