Hours
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
Related Web Results
Old Bridge Gelateria, 3600 Cedar Ln, Birmingham, AL 35242, US
Get more information for Old Bridge Gelateria in Birmingham, AL. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions.
Villaggio Colafrancesco: Home
Old Bridge Gelato is coming to Shelby County, Alabama and is the only Old Bridge in the United States. Along with gelato, you will be able to experience the …
Gelato shop bans cell phones, profanity, scantily clad patrons …
A re-creation of an Italian gelato shop in Rome has opened on U.S. 280 in Alabama … Villaggio Colafrancesco has three stores: Old Bridge …
Reviews
Jamie Nevarez
My review will not do this place justice! It is an experience which I cannot wait to repeat. We went in the evening and it was beautiful. Next time I will try it in the daytime. First, you park across a tiny road and walk up to a wooden walkway/bridge. The rules are clearly posted. They are a Christian owned business, require modest dress, and cell phones should be left in your car. You are not going to an average rowdy froyo place. You are experiencing beauty like some have never seen before. They have not missed any of your senses, sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. When we first got there I stopped at the restroom to wash my hands. You will not want to miss this! Look up! I was immediately transported to my trip to Italy. It took my breath away. So beautiful. Then, we got to the Gelato area. We were greeted by 2 very sweet young ladies who were very patient with our group. I’ve had Gelato in Italy and wasn’t impressed. Obviously I didn’t go to the correct place. This is the creamiest, most decadent Gelato, authentic from the best place in Italy. I mixed the pistachio and boscotti cookie. Amazing!! While you enjoy your treat, there are several nice areas to explore. It was very romantic in the evening with the lights. The main building is stunning and they have lovely Italian music playing. I cannot wait to come back for coffee. I feel I’ve already shared too much. You must come and experience this for yourself!
… moretinka
We have been several times, 1st time I had on a tank top, wanted me to put on a covering My daughter and her boyfriend stayed and brought me a gelato. The rules are on the sign when you walk up. No cellphone!! How refreshing. You don’t need to talk, text or take pictures, just enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and best gelato ever. We have had the Flatbread sandwich, several of their own roasted coffees, espresso, americano which is modestly priced, why do people go to Starbucks and pay all that $$. The gelato is the best ever, ricotta gelato who would have thought. I have paired it with pistachio and lemon They also have sorbets. Wonderful music playing, beautiful buildings and outside areas. You can also go in the one building if too hot outside. If your offended by not having your cellphone at an establishment just think how many people you offend daily by using your cellphone at restaurants, stores etc. Why should strangers be subjected to your convenience and conversations
… moreTrey Goodwin
Love it. Gelato is 10/10. Tastes authentic to Italian gelato.
The grounds are amazing and the staff is nice. It is a no phone experience which I had to come around to but I get why after being there. It’s a nice place to hang out and I think they’re trying to promote the social aspect of enjoying gelato with friends.
… moreThe grounds are amazing and the staff is nice. It is a no phone experience which I had to come around to but I get why after being there. It’s a nice place to hang out and I think they’re trying to promote the social aspect of enjoying gelato with friends.
Paige B
Knowing the controversy about this place, I had to come check it out for myself. All I can say is that it truly was a 5 star experience. Truly the best sorbet I have had in a long long time (and huge portions, you can easily share 6oz between two adults). The espresso was phenomenal as well. The bathroom was the cleanest public restroom I have ever been in.
If you are vegan/dairy free, they have oatmilk (oatly) for coffee, and several flavors of fruit sorbet. The lovely gentleman serving gelato this morning informed me that the dark chocolate gelato in the case is actually dairy free chocolate sorbet. It is divine. Try mixing the orange and chocolate flavors together 🙂
… moreIf you are vegan/dairy free, they have oatmilk (oatly) for coffee, and several flavors of fruit sorbet. The lovely gentleman serving gelato this morning informed me that the dark chocolate gelato in the case is actually dairy free chocolate sorbet. It is divine. Try mixing the orange and chocolate flavors together 🙂
Russell Greene
Fantastic experience!
This unique business among most is attempting to provide a taste of Rome/Vatican atmosphere, culture and food. They are pulling it off in detailed and delicious ways (a la Epcot). Thoughtful European, architectural elements can be found everywhere. Narrow, automatic sliding entry doors, elegant wood trim, cabinetry & chandeliers, ornate exit signs and bonified, professional Italian espresso machine grace the intimate coffee shop. Hand fitted, wooden beams and pegs support the renovated farm house great room. Even the restroom design is not overlooked in thoughtful detail.
In much the same way as other businesses may require a gentleman to wear a sport coat, a cathedral may request tourists to cover bare shoulders or a theater may request viewers to refrain from using cellphones, this establishment politely expresses the atmosphere they want to uphold at the boardwalk entrance to pull off the overall Vatican experience. I found it effective in creating an out of the ordinary, refreshing and even “foreign” experience that encourages customers to enter a pre-21st century world where they can interact with each other, the barista or the gelato purveyor, smartphone free.
Coffee is sourced by a top tier producer and roasted on site. Multiple, Italian trained, barista-made coffee options are available and lattes are served in either a classic mug with a gratis, salt-shortbread cookie or in a takeaway paper cup with a unique, aficionado lid allowing the coffee aroma to reach your nose while you sip.
The adjacent gelato shop doesn’t disappoint, offering free samples and HUGE portions of a couple of dozen classic flavors from the only franchise in North America of Vatican based, Old Bridge Gelato shop.
Also on site is a cured meat shoppe. On the menu are sandwiches, charcuterie boards and combos meals including the afore mentioned gelato, Italian soda a main and a side.
The pleasantly landscaped grounds have plenty of outdoor seating at picnic tables and indoor cafe tables in the renovated farm house.
Family friendly elements are part of the package including a Tonka truck pebble box, multiple outdoor fire pits, indoor fireplace and conversation areas.
In summary, if you appreciate quality and thoughtfulness in product, service and atmosphere, are open minded to play along you might just get to enjoy a glimpse and a taste of the Vatican/Rome in your own backyard.
… moreThis unique business among most is attempting to provide a taste of Rome/Vatican atmosphere, culture and food. They are pulling it off in detailed and delicious ways (a la Epcot). Thoughtful European, architectural elements can be found everywhere. Narrow, automatic sliding entry doors, elegant wood trim, cabinetry & chandeliers, ornate exit signs and bonified, professional Italian espresso machine grace the intimate coffee shop. Hand fitted, wooden beams and pegs support the renovated farm house great room. Even the restroom design is not overlooked in thoughtful detail.
In much the same way as other businesses may require a gentleman to wear a sport coat, a cathedral may request tourists to cover bare shoulders or a theater may request viewers to refrain from using cellphones, this establishment politely expresses the atmosphere they want to uphold at the boardwalk entrance to pull off the overall Vatican experience. I found it effective in creating an out of the ordinary, refreshing and even “foreign” experience that encourages customers to enter a pre-21st century world where they can interact with each other, the barista or the gelato purveyor, smartphone free.
Coffee is sourced by a top tier producer and roasted on site. Multiple, Italian trained, barista-made coffee options are available and lattes are served in either a classic mug with a gratis, salt-shortbread cookie or in a takeaway paper cup with a unique, aficionado lid allowing the coffee aroma to reach your nose while you sip.
The adjacent gelato shop doesn’t disappoint, offering free samples and HUGE portions of a couple of dozen classic flavors from the only franchise in North America of Vatican based, Old Bridge Gelato shop.
Also on site is a cured meat shoppe. On the menu are sandwiches, charcuterie boards and combos meals including the afore mentioned gelato, Italian soda a main and a side.
The pleasantly landscaped grounds have plenty of outdoor seating at picnic tables and indoor cafe tables in the renovated farm house.
Family friendly elements are part of the package including a Tonka truck pebble box, multiple outdoor fire pits, indoor fireplace and conversation areas.
In summary, if you appreciate quality and thoughtfulness in product, service and atmosphere, are open minded to play along you might just get to enjoy a glimpse and a taste of the Vatican/Rome in your own backyard.
MATTHEW ROSE
Best gelato this side of Italy! Nice, relaxing atmosphere too. This is THE place to go if you want real espresso drinks or gelato made the Italian way.
… moreEnrique Duprat
Good gelato, I had visit in many occasion the original place on the Vatican and the one on the Trastevere. The flavors and quality are the same. The only issue is that is hard to find the first time. And parking can be and issue because is not close to the place.
… moreBryan Meadows
No better gelato in Birmingham. Yes they have a refreshing policy of no cell phones and conservative attire… if you want to eat ice cream on your cell phone in a bikini go to Dairy Queen. Highly recommend this place…
… moreV Dorrough
Their rules are strict, but the gelato is very good. They also have gluten and dairy free options, and a little sand pit for kids to play in.
… moreJordan Larson (DrJDL)
This gelateria does not seem to have old bridges, though it does have some newer walkways and a new wood lodge. Other interesting quirks would probably have made a better name. I also would like to see and hear more Italian music, art, dance, literature, and religion.
… more