Where to Eat in Birmingham, Alabama: A Foodie's Guide

Introduction

Birmingham, Alabama, is a city that's well-known for its vibrant food scene. From barbecue joints to upscale dining establishments, there's no shortage of delicious food to be found in the Magic City. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best places to eat in Birmingham, whether you're looking for classic Southern fare or international cuisine.

Best Places for Southern Food

Saw's BBQ

If you're in the mood for some barbecue, Saw's BBQ is the place to go. This local favorite has been serving up mouth-watering ribs, pulled pork, and chicken since 2009. Be sure to try their signature dish, the "pork and greens," which is a heaping plate of pulled pork, greens, and white sauce.

Niki's West

Niki's West is a classic cafeteria-style restaurant that's been a Birmingham institution since 1957. The restaurant serves up Southern staples like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens, as well as seafood and Greek specialties.

Highlands Bar and Grill

For upscale Southern cuisine, look no further than Highlands Bar and Grill. This award-winning restaurant has been a fixture in the Birmingham dining scene for over 30 years. The menu changes daily, but you can expect to find dishes like roasted quail, braised lamb shank, and Gulf shrimp and grits.

Best Places for International Cuisine

El Barrio

El Barrio is a lively Mexican restaurant located in downtown Birmingham. The menu features creative takes on classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and ceviche, as well as a wide selection of tequila and mezcal.

Bottega Cafe

Bottega Cafe is an Italian-inspired restaurant that's been a staple in the Birmingham food scene since 1988. The menu features handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood dishes. Be sure to save room for dessert - their chocolate mousse cake is a must-try.

Shu Shop

If you're in the mood for Japanese food, Shu Shop is the place to go. This cozy restaurant serves up creative sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties. Be sure to try their "Hobo Dinner," which is a combination of pork belly, chicken thigh, and grilled vegetables served on a sizzling hot plate.

Best Places for Brunch

The Essential

The Essential is a popular spot for brunch in Birmingham. The restaurant serves up classic Southern brunch dishes like biscuits and gravy, as well as more creative options like avocado toast and breakfast tacos. Be sure to try their homemade Bloody Mary mix - it's the perfect accompaniment to brunch.

Ocean

If you're in the mood for seafood, Ocean is the place to go for brunch. The restaurant serves up dishes like crab cake benedict, smoked salmon hash, and shrimp and grits. Be sure to try their signature cocktail, the "Ocean Mary," which is a Bloody Mary with a shrimp garnish.

Roots and Revelry

Roots and Revelry is a chic restaurant located in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower. The brunch menu features dishes like fried chicken and waffles, a breakfast burger, and a build-your-own omelet option. Be sure to try their mimosa flights, which allow you to sample a variety of flavors.

Best Places for Dessert

Big Spoon Creamery

Big Spoon Creamery is a gourmet ice cream shop that's been serving up delicious desserts in Birmingham since 2014. The shop uses local ingredients to create unique flavors like strawberry buttermilk, salted caramel, and blackberry sweet corn. Be sure to try their "ice cream sandwich flight," which allows you to sample four different ice cream sandwich flavors.

Doodle's Homemade Sorbets

If you're in the mood for something lighter, Doodle's Homemade Sorbets is the place to go. The shop serves up a variety of homemade sorbets in flavors like raspberry lemonade, pineapple ginger, and grapefruit mint. Be sure to try their "sorbet flight," which allows you to sample four different flavors.

Edgar's Bakery

For baked goods and sweet treats, Edgar's Bakery is the place to go. The bakery has been a Birmingham institution since 1998 and serves up a variety of cakes, cookies, pastries, and more. Be sure to try their famous "strawberry cake" - it's a favorite among locals.

Conclusion

Birmingham, Alabama, has a diverse and delicious food scene that's sure to please any foodie. Whether you're in the mood for classic Southern fare or international cuisine, there's a restaurant in Birmingham that will satisfy your cravings. From barbecue to brunch to dessert, the Magic City has it all. So, the next time you're in Birmingham, be sure to check out some of these amazing restaurants and taste what the city has to offer.