35 Best Places to Eat & Drink in Birmingham, Alabama

One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying new foods and local cuisine. Birmingham, Alabama offers a wide variety of delicious food options – from fine dining to BBQ to gourmet pops.  Here are 35 of my favorite places to eat and drink in Birmingham, AL.

BBQ

Saw’s Soul Kitchen

Above Photo Saw’s Facebook

This is one of those hole-in-the-wall restaurants that you decide to try and realize that it is a true treasure. The food here is fantastic and has become a favorite among locals! I recommend the Sweet Tea Chicken Sandwich, the Pork & Greens, the Mac n Cheese, the Chicken and Dumplins, and anything from the BBQ options. (There is also Saw’s Juke Joint and Saw’s BBQ)

Three Locations:

  •  Avondale -Saw’s Soul Kitchen –   //  215 41st St. ,  Birmingham, Alabama  //  205.591.1409
  • SAW’s Juke Joint – Crestline  //  1115 Dunston Ave., Birmingham, AL 35213  // 205-745-3920
  • Homewood -Saw’s BBQ –   //  1008 Oxmoor Road, Homewood AL 35209   //  205-879-1937

WEBSITE for SAW’s

Dreamland

Above photo via Dreamland BBQ Facebook

This is my husband’s favorite restaurant on the planet and it is the perfect restaurant for anyone who likes BBQ or anyone who likes meat, with two sides of meat, piled up on top of more meat. It is a carnivore’s paradise (they do offer salads and nachos, but they are also covered in meat).  Their ribs are one of their most popular items. While you are waiting for your ribs, they bring out fresh loaf bread to dip into their tangy BBQ sauce. My husband highly recommends the ribs. I recommend the Banana Pudding for dessert.

Dreamland Bar-B-Que  //  1427 14th Avenue, South Birmingham, AL 35205  //  205.933.2133

 WEBSITE for Dreamland BBQ

Jim N Nick’s BBQ

Above photo via Jim n Nick’s Facebook

I LOVE Jim N Nicks BBQ! They have fantastic sweet tea. And while you are waiting on your meal, they bring you a basket of sweet cheddar muffins/biscuits …YUM! Everything I have tried has been delicious, but my favorite thing is the Pig in the Garden Salad with Bleu Cheese Dressing (and a generous drizzle of their sweet BBQ sauce on top).

Jim ‘N Nick’s  //  2831 Greystone Commercial Blvd,  Birmingham, Alabama   //205-991-1306

 WEBSITE for Jim & Nick’s BBQ

French

Chez Fon Fon

Above photo via

This is a fantastic French Bistro. From the Burger to the Croque Monsieur to the Daily Fish Special, there is something for everyone and everything is delicious.

Chez Fon Fon  //   2007 Eleventh Avenue South, Birmingham Alabama //  205.939.3221

 WEBSITE for Chez Fon Fon

Galley & Garden

Above photo via

The menu here at Galley & Garden changes seasonally, but the food and service are top-notch. The food is a fusion of American and French cuisine with a Southern twist.

Galley & Garden //  2220 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205-2908  //  205.939.5551

 Galley & Garden WEBSITE

The Wine Loft

Above photo via

Try the Filet Mignon Pistolettes on the Tapas Menu (Homemade rolls with bleu cheese butter filled with sliced Filet Mignon and topped with a cognac marinated sweet onion jam…YUM!).  Or try one of their stone-baked pizzas or gourmet flatbreads. There is a nice variety of food, wines, and beer to choose from.

The Wine Loft  //  2200 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203-4216  //  205.323.8228

The Wine Loft WEBSITE

Meat & Three (Cafeteria Style)

Niki’s West

Niki's West

Above photo via

Niki’s West specializes  in steaks, seafood, and a large variety of vegetables and side. It’s also a great place to stop in for breakfast.

Birmingham’s Niki’s West  //  233 Finley Ave W, Birmingham, Alabama  //  205.252.5751

 WEBSITE for Niki’s West

Johnny’s

Above photo via

Meats include 15 Hour Pot Roast, Fried Catfish, Greek Meatballs, and Conecuh Sausage with Beans and Rice. Sides include Parmesan Grit Cakes and Pureed Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Maple Butter.  Johnny’s menu changes seasonally since the food is local and fresh.

Johnny’s Restaurant  //  2902 18th St South Suite 200 Homewood, AL 35209  //  205.802.2711

Johnny’s Restaurant WEBSITE

Ted’s Restaurant

Above photo via

Ted’s Restaurant offers a huge variety of meats, salads, vegetables/sides, and desserts. They also offer daily specials.

Birmingham Ted’s Restaurant  //  328 12th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233  //  205.324.2911

 WEBSITE for Ted’s Restaurant

Mexican

Taco Mama

Taco Mama - 35 Best Places to Eat in Birmingham, Alabama

Above photo via

Taco Mama’s is a great casual place to stop in for a Corona and some Jorge’s Nachos (piled high with toppings).  They also have wonderful tacos (try the Justice Is Served or the Alabama Redneck), burritos (the Judge is really good!), and margaritas. The food is so fresh here!

Three locations:

  • Mountain Brook Taco Mama // 63 Church Street, Mountain Brook, Alabama  // 205-414-9314
  •  Homewood Taco Mama  //  1014 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209  //  205-414-0441
  • BirminghamTaco Mama  //  327 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243  //  205-977-7792

 WEBSITE for Taco Mama

El Barrio

 
Above photo via
El Barrio is a Mexican Restaurant, bar, and grill that uses locally sourced ingredients. The guacamole and salsa are fresh and so good! I recommend trying either the Grilled Chorizo Meatloaf or the Pork Barbacoa (and a Spicy Margherita!).
El Barrio  //  2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203  //  205.868.3737

 Babalu Tapas and Tacos

Photo of Babalu Tapas & Tacos
Above photo via
You gotta try the tacos. No, wait… you should try the Baba Burger with a side of Mexican Street Corn, or the Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche, the Grilled Scottish Salmon, the Creole Shrimp & Grits, the Tamales, the Guacamole…
Babalu  //  2808 7th Ave S, Suite #117, Birmingham, AL 35233  //  205.297.0200

Italian

Trattoria Centrale

35 Best Places to Eat & Drink in Birmingham, Alabama - USA
Above Photo via
Visit for brunch and try the Frittata or the French Toast. Trattoria Centrale’s pizza is (arguably) the best in Birmingham. The pizza is served by the slice so you can try more than one option. They also serve great salads, pasta, and seafood dishes.
Trattoria Centrale  //  207A 20th Street North Birmingham, Alabama 35203  // 205.202.5612

Gianmarco’s Restaurant 

 
Above photo via
You gotta try their hand-kneaded pasta, made with cake flour imported from Italy…you just gotta.
Gianmarco’s Restaurant  //  721 Broadway St., Birmingham, AL 35209  //  205.871.9622

Post Office Pies

Above Photo Via
Hand-tossed pizza cooked in a wood-fired brick oven? Yes, please and thank you! Create your own pizza or try the Chicken Pesto Pizza or (the very popular) Swine Pizza Pie.  They also have fantastic Lemonade, Roasted Beet Salad,  and Jalapeno Cheese Bread.
Post Office Pies  //  209 41st Street South, Birmingham AL  35242  // 205.599.9900

Fine Dining

Hot and Hot Fish Club

Above photo via Hot and Hot Fish Club Facebook

Located at Pepper Place, Hot & Hot Fish Club offers Southern, French, and California styles of cooking. You can eat creations from Chris Hastings who actually beat Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. This is a James Beard award-winning restaurant that uses the best ingredients and offers top-notch service. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-in guests are accommodated if seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hot and Hot Fish Club  //  2180 11th Ct. S, Birmingham, AL 35205  //  205.933.5474

WEBSITE for Hot and Hot Fish Club

Highland’s Bar & Grill

Above photo via

The menu at Highland’s Bar & Grill is fresh, farm-to-table and it changes seasonally. Their food is considered to be the best prepared southern food in Birmingham, AL.

Highland’s Bar & Grill  //  2011 11th Ave S, Birmingham,  AL 35205  //  205-939-1400

Highland’s Bar & Grill WEBSITE

OvenBird

Above photo via

Ovenbird offers a tapas-like menu with a variety of options. You must try the Deviled Eggs, the Bone Marrow, or the Octopus and Pork Belly Salad. It doesn’t really matter what you order, it will be fantastic!

OvenBird  // 2810 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233  // 205.957.6686

WEBSITE for Ovenbird

Diners & Grills

John’s City Diner

JCD-pork-web-op.png

Above photo via

John’s City Diner offers an exceptional menu of locally sourced ingredients. They serve some fantastic classics (with their own fantastic twist of course) such as Chicken & Waffles (four different ways!),  Pork Chops in a Bourbon-Maple glaze, Collard Greens, Sweet Potatoes,  Pimento Cheese, and Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding…you gotta check out their full menu!

John’s City Diner  //  112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL  //  205.322.6014

WEBSITE for John’s City Diner

Pop’s Neighborhood Grill

Pop’s Neighborhood Grill is a locals’ favorite spot for both lunch and breakfast. They offer great burgers and sandwiches and the full menu is served all day!

Pop’s Neighborhood Grill // 1207 20th Street South, Five Points  //  Birmingham, Alabama

WEBSITE for Pop’s Neighborhood Grill

Bakeries

Edgar’s Bakery

Above photo via

Oh my….what to choose, what to choose??  Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars?  Cheese Danish? A Cookie Sandwich? Caramel Pecan Pound Cake? Peanut Butter Cookie? A Slice of Strawberry Cake?  Or stop in for lunch and take home a whole pie or cake or some of their fresh-baked bread.

Edgar’s Bakery  //   6801 Cahaba Valley Road #128, Birmingham, Alabama 35242  //   205.408.0897

Edgar’s Bakery WEBSITE

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe

Above photo via

The Pastry Art Bake Shoppe is known for its baby bites, scone babies, mini cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownie pops. They also have savory Cheese Coins, their special version of Cheese Straws.

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe WEBSITE

Chez Lulu and Continental Bakery

Above photo via

You’ll love the welcoming atmosphere at Continental Bakery as well as all of the French pastries and baked goods. Locals rave about (and return for) the baked bread, cookies, and homemade pies.

Chez Lulu and Continental Bakery  //  1909 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223  //  205-870-5584

Continental Bakery WEBSITE

Savages

Above photo via

Enjoy some Orange Rolls, Cupcakes, Cookies, or a slice of their simply delicious White Cake with white frosting.

Savage’s Bakery in Homewood  //  2916 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209   //  205.871.4901     

Savage’s Bakery WEBSITE

Cafés

Olexa’s Cafe

Above photo via

Olexa’s is located in Mountain Brook Village (near the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens). Everything I have tried there has been exceptional. Their paninis, tomato soup, any Quiche of the Day, or any one of their salads are wonderful.  I could drink their house-made balsamic dressing with a McDonald’s straw (those puppies are huge). Their French Vanilla Buttercreme Cake and Chocolate Buttercream Cake are served warm and they are magically delicious.

Olexa’s Café  //  2838 Culver Road, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35233  //  205.871.2060

Olexa’s WEBSITE

Urban Standard

Above photo Urban Standard Facebook

I had a hard time deciding where to place Urban Standard. They have wonderful soups and sandwiches (and HUMMUS!). This rustic cafe also serves fantastic coffee. And they make some of the best cupcakes in Birmingham. So… I ended up placing it in the café category, but it is also a great place to go for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Everything I have tried here has been delicious and the café itself has really cool decor and a laid-back atmosphere.

Urban Standard  //  2320 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, Alabama  //  205.250.8200

Urban Standard WEBSITE

Café Dupont

Above photo via

Café Dupont is a more up-scale café and tends to be on the pricier side. That being said the food and service here are fantastic. From the Duck Breast to the Beef Carpaccio to the Cranberry Bread Pudding, the food is fantastic.

Café Dupont  //  Located in downtown Birmingham on 20th Street Between 1st & 2nd Avenue North   //   205.322.1282

Café Dupont WEBSITE

Chez Lulu and Continental Bakery

Above photo via

Sit outside and have a French-inspired meal and a glass of wine (they also offer beer and cocktails). They offer sandwiches, soups and salads, and pizza.

Chez Lulu and Continental Bakery //  1909 and 1911 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, AL   //  205.870.7011

Chez Lulu and Continental Bakery WEBSITE

Coffee Shops

Octane

Above photo via

Octane is one of those rare places where you can get good whiskey (great whiskey sour), ice cold beer, and/or a great cup of coffee (the bar is open later in the day).

Octane  //  2821 Central Av Ste 105, Homewood, AL 35209  //  205.969.1177

Octane Website

Red Cat Coffee House and Gourmet Coffee Roasters

Above photo via

Red Cat Coffee offers a great selection of coffees, specialty coffee drinks, and teas. They also offer a nice selection of food for breakfast and lunch (Crepes are available on weekends. You gotta try the one with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and balsamic glaze YUM!!).

Red Cat Coffee House and Gourmet Coffee Roasters – Railroad Park  //  1701 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233  //  205.518.0779

Red Cat Coffee House and Gourmet Coffee Roasters – Pepper Place //  2901 Second Ave. S., Pepper Place, Birmingham  //  205.616.8450

Red Cat Coffee House WEBSITE

Church Street Coffee & Books

Above photo via Church Street Coffee & Books Facebook

Grab a cup of coffee and a Break-up Cookie. Then find a nice, cozy spot to sit and start a book.

Church Street Coffee & Books  //  81 Church Street, Suite 106  //  Birmingham, AL

Church Street Coffee & Books Website

Desserts & Treats

Dreamcakes

Above photo (Hunka Cupcake) via

Dreamcakes  // 960 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama   //   205.871.9377

Try the Caramel Sea Salt Mocha Cupcake, Honey Lavender Cupcake (drizzled with lavender infused honey YUM!), Maple Bacon (BACON!!!), or the Banana’s Foster Cupcake.

Dreamcakes WEBSITE

Steel City Pops

Above photo via

Steel City Pops is a huge favorite with locals and visitors alike. My personal favorite is the Buttermilk Pop (don’t be turned off by its name, it is so good!). The Peanut Butter and Coffee Pops are also big hits with the locals (and visitors too!).

Birmingham Steel City Pops  //  2821 Central Avenue, Suite 109, Homewood  //  205.803.6502

 WEBSITE for Steel City Pops

Doodle’s Homemade Sorbets and Ices 

Above photo via

Located in Cahaba Heights, Doodle’s is the perfect place to get homemade Italian ice and sorbet. Try the Cookies and Cream Sorbet or the Peanut Butter Sorbet (you can combine PB with chocolate) or add a fruit sorbet with the Cheesecake Sorbet YUM!! They also offer sugar-free Italian Ice options.

Doodle’s Homemade Sorbets and Ices  //  3238 Cahaba Heights Rd  //  Birmingham, Alabama

The Heavenly Donut Company

Above photo via
The Maple Bacon Doughnut and Apple Fritters are just a few of the local favorites at The Heavenly Donut Company. These Doughnuts as well as the glazes are fantastic.
The Heavenly Donut Co.  //  4911 Cahaba River Road, Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35243  //   205. 536.7200
Do you have any recommendations for great restaurants in Birmingham, AL?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
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