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
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
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
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
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
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
Meat & Three (Cafeteria Style)
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
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
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
Mexican
Taco Mama
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
El Barrio
Babalu Tapas and Tacos
Italian
Trattoria Centrale
Gianmarco’s Restaurant
Post Office Pies
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
Diners & Grills
John’s City Diner
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
The Heavenly Donut Company
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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oh my! Your page is heaven HAHA I love to eat! I am running to our kitchen now! 😀 mouth-watering images you have here
Wow! Such a nice place to dine and base on your photos it looks like they really serve a delicious food. Thanks for sharing this with us.
What a great compilation of some amazing places in Birmingham, Alabama. I am going to check out few on my trip to the city, hard to choose which ones but will depend on my mood and what I want to eat 🙂
I would love to try the bbq with slaw. It looks so delicious. I would be really tempted by the bakeries too.
Thanks for telling us about the 35 best places to eat in Birmingham. It’s helpful to those who visit there and even to locals.
Oh wow what an brilliant list you have provided! I definitely know where to come if I visit Birmingham and need to find a great spot to eat! Great job.
So many choices, and they all look delicious! Definitely saving this for the next time I am driving through!
OMG all these sumptuous food choices! I’m leaning towards the barbecue restaurants and the bakeries, haha!
Yes! You can’t go wrong with some good ol’ BBQ and cupcakes!
I love living in the south. SO many amazing food options. I am only a couple hours away from AL so I have to check these out the next time I head there
I love living in the south too, Adriana! The food is awesome!
It sounds like you’re going to have the best time when you go to Birmingham because of all the good food! This is definitely a foodie’s dream come true!
Wow you really know your stuff! Very in depth…great photos too!!!
Thank you, Amy! I like to eat that’s for sure!
These all look so fantastic! As a foodie, I definitely need to have a solid list of restaurants to check out when travelling to a new place. I’ll have to try these all when I visit Birmingham!
I hope you get the chance, Emily! Birmingham is a great town for a foodie.
OMG so much deliciousness! I wouldn’t know where to start!
Good post, with really good information on where to eat delicious food in Birmingham.
Thank you, Valdas!
Looks delicious. Wow. Birmingham looks worth a trip.
It is, Brad! Hope you get to visit one day. We’all have plenty of BBQ waiting for you!
I hope you get to try a new restaurant the next time you are in Birmingham Margaret!
OOOOooo… it’s fantastic! I hope you get to go Natalie!
I hear ya Elaine! I may be biased, but Southern comfort food is my favorite…And there’s so much good comfort food in Alabama!
Loving all the wonderful variety of places to enjoy delicious meals and drinks. Thanks for all the yummy info.
Thank you for visiting the blog and for your kind comments Hazell!
The food looks amazing…I would have to plan lots of time in this city to try these scrumptious dishes.
I hear ya Elaine! I may be biased, but Southern comfort food is my favorite…And there’s so much good comfort food in Alabama!
Wow it all looks so amazing! This is a great travel guide. I would much rather eat at great local places than chain restaurants.
Me too Wendy!
mmm want to try! )
You’ll just have to visit us in Alabama, Ilya!
I would love to eat at Chez Fon Fon
Oh yes! It’s wonderful Saegan! I hope you get to try it the next time you are in Birmingham!
I would love to eat at Galley & Garden. I love the fusion of American and French cuisine!
Yes! That restaurant is amazing!
OMG, IF I EVER GET TO VISIT, I AM HEADED TO DREAMCAKES FOR THAT HONEY LAVENDAR CUPCAKES!
Yeah you are!!! You know us Southerners put Crisco and butter in everything- that’s what makes everything delicious down here!
I live about 70 miles from Birmingham. Some new places I didnt know about here
You’ll have to go on a food crawl next time you visit Birmingham, Margaret!
What fun! I love discovering great new places to dine.
Me too Nancy! The food is my favorite part of vacationing.