http://www.movoto.com/birmingham-al/best-foods-in-birmingham/
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| Kristin Norton |
Source: Yelp
Brick Tin
214 20th St. N (Downtown)
(205) 297-8636
Yelp: 4 stars, 36 reviews
This is no ordinary “wait in line while your sandwich is thrown together and stuffed into wax paper” joint. These are paninis, and they’ll make you wonder why you ever go to those cheap sandwich shops.
The brisket sandwich with homemade white barbecue sauce is superb, but it’s pretty tough to be disappointed in any of the selections. And whatever you get, try the butternut squash soup when it’s available. Trust me, it’ll go with anything.
2. Find The Best Burger In Birmingham At Chez Fonfon
Source: Chez Fonfon Facebook
Chez Fonfon
2007 11th Ave S
(205) 939-3221
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 91 reviews
Located next door to Highlands in Five Points South, Chez Fonfon is the more upscale-casual place to go for a meal. But the quality of food remains just as elegant.
A lot of selections shine on Chez Fonfon, but the burgers here are the best to be found in Birmingham. They even earned Chez Fonfon the title for Birmingham’s Best Burger by the judges of the Birmingham News. But if you’re looking for something with a little more sass, try the escargot along with the moules et frites and you won’t be disappointed.
3. Discover A Love For Corn Dogs At Carrigan’s Public House… No, Really!
Source: Carrigan’s Public House Facebook
Carriagan’s Public House 2430 Morris Ave
(205) 440-2430
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 57 reviews
When you’re in the mood for a night out a lively bar with a great scene but don’t want to compromise your menu options, head to Carrigan’s Public House gastropub. Suggesting that they put a spin on standard bar food is a vast understatement and almost even an insult. If you don’t believe me, just try the corn dog.
You’re probably wondering what a corn dog is even doing on the menu since it’s nothing more than state fair food and maybe you don’t even like corn dogs anyway, but take the challenge and see for yourself. But also remember that you’re in a bar in Birmingham which means there’s no getting out of here without trying their Low Country Boil, loaded with crawfish, sausage, corn and potatoes at an unbelievable price.
4. You Only Need Two Words At Trattoria Centrale: Bacon Pizza
Source:Yelp
Trattoria Centrale207A 20th St N
(205) 202-5612
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 85 reviews
Located just a few steps from the downtown hustle and bustle of Birmingham’s 20th St. North, Trattoria Centrale offers contemporary Italian dishes for hungry diners. But their unique pizza combinations and flavors are what they’ve become best known for.
Top yours with anything from sweet potatoes to pancetta to bacon. Yes, bacon flavored pizza. Plus, the tomatoes, eggplant and basil they use for those famous pizzas of theirs are grown right on their own rooftop. And if you wander in late on a Sunday morning, order the French toast with mascarpone cheese and syrup which is the perfect blend of crispy and spongey and just sweet enough.
5. It’s Always Five O’Clock At FIVE
Source: FIVE Bar Birmingham Facebook
FIVE744 29th St S
(205) 868-3841
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 71 reviews
Amazing food, a cool atmosphere, and superior service – it’s a three way tie at the FIVE bar in Birmingham. As soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll be greeted like you’ve been coming here forever.
Make reservations to come for dinner, because the secret is long-since out on FIVE. Order the crab cakes or go for the blackened cobia, resting on a Gouda cheese grit cake and topped with grilled shrimp. If you opt to come for the very popular Sunday Jazz Brunch, you’ll be overwhelmed with a menu that includes chicken and waffles, breakfast cheeseburgers and caramel apple beignets that will make you feel like you’re on Bourbon St. in New Orleans.
6. Go Al Fresco At Bottega Café
Source: Bottega Café Facebook
Bottega Café2242 Highland Ave South
(205) 933-2001
Yelp: 4 stars, 53 reviews
Bottega Café is adjacent to the slightly more upscale Bottega Restaurant. The Café offers a true trattoria atmosphere where you will feel casual comfortable. Definitely opt to dine on the patio – you’ll get more room and a great view.
The wood-fired brick oven pizzas and flatbreads are very popular, but don’t overlook the rest of the menu. Come here for a light but delicious lunch that won’t leave you feeling sluggish for the rest of the day. Try the Sweet Pea Crostini complete with ricotta, radish and pea tendrils, and top it off with a glass of white wine off of the impressively extensive menu.
7. Become Hip Instantly Just Walking Into Bottletree Café
Source: Bottletree Café Facebook
Bottletree3719 3rd Ave S
(205) 533-6288
Yelp: 4 stars, 91 reviews
Perhaps one of the hippest spots in Birmingham, Bottletree Café will leave you feeling like you’re just not as cool as you want to be. But not because they treat you that way. The service here is beyond friendly and welcoming.
Half vegetarian/vegan restaurant, half music venue, Bottletree is a unique southern gem that never disappoints. Everything here is fresh, healthful and delicious. Order the Real Deal sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries, and wash it down with their $5 craft beers. A hip, vegetarian win for everyone.
8. Every Day Is Cinco De Mayo At El Barrio
Source: El Barrio Facebook
El Barrio2211 2nd Ave N
(205) 868-3737
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 92 reviews
Offering some of the best Mexican food in Birmingham, El Barrio’s does everything right. From the salsa to the tequila, after giving what El Barrio has to offer a try, you’ll never find yourself at another chain again. With a place this cool, why would you even want to?
Stay light with a strawberry margarita or pull out the big guns for tequila-infused peppers, which are not for the meek. The entrée menu changes frequently because of their use of local, fresh ingredients, so be sure to ask your server for the best recommendations. The tacos and enchiladas are obviously always on order, though, and can’t be beat. Make sure to get the chunky guacamole with your chips, too.
9. Dunking Your Donuts Will Never Be The Same Because Of Urban Standard
Source: Urban Standard Facebook
Urban Standard2320 2nd Ave N
(205) 250-8200
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 95 reviews
Forget those chain drive-thru’s. Once you come to Urban Standard, the rest won’t even be on your radar anymore. Whether you’re coming here for a quick breakfast, lunch, or for a great cup of coffee, you’ll always be beyond satisfied.
The donuts here are really something special, all homemade and as piping fresh as they come and are perfect any time of the day. But Urban Standard also offers a lunch menu and tables so you can dine in or sit with friends while you nibble at your pastries and sip your cappuccino. They also offer craft ground coffee for sale along with mugs made by local artists.
10. Ollie Irene’s Raises The Bar For Seafood in Birmingham
Source: Ollie Irene Facebook
Ollie Irene 2713 Culver Rd
(205) 769-6034
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 40 reviews
Sure, it’s easy to find good crabs in Birmingham, and that’s why Ollie Irene’s is so great – because it manages to stand out among the crowd with its unique take on common dishes. If you don’t believe it, just see if you can find stuffed soft shell crab paired with a fermented black bean sauce and bok choy anywhere else.
Ollie Irene’s is another restaurant which changes menus frequently, but that’s just a sign that they’re doing things right and keeping it as fresh as possible. But a little-known tip of Ollie’s is that they always have their Blue Cheese Butter Burger available, but it’s not always on the menu, so you have to ask for it. Definitely worth it.
11. A Meal Full Of Amore At Gianmarco’s
Source: Jan Walsh Facebook
Gianmarco’s Restaurant 721 Broadway St
(205) 871-9622
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 80 reviews
A traditional Italian meal is waiting for you at GianMarco’s, where you will immediately be greeted by the smell of your delicious meal waiting for you as you walk through the bar before you even reach the dining room. When you reach the room, candle lit tables await you along with your friendly server and a fresh bowl of bread.
Owned by Italian brothers Giani and Marco Respinto, the menu at GianMarco’s is what you would expect from traditional Northern Italian selections: lots of pastas, lots of veal. The handmade pasta makes all the difference in these dishes, and shines through each bite making you wonder if you could ever eat it from a box ever again.
12. Eat Straight From The Ocean
Source: Ocean Restaurant Facebook
Ocean1218 20th St S
(205) 933-0999
Yelp: 4 stars, 48 reviews
If you want it tasting like it came straight from the ocean, then head to… well, Ocean. With one of the best seafood menus in Birmingham, you will definitely have your work cut out for you when it comes time to order.
The bread is out of this world and will have you wondering if you even need a starter, but you should still get the smoked duck rolls, lobster tail or scallops. Sushi is also available (and highly coveted). For your entrée, don’t miss out on the lobster pot pie, the perfect combination of delicate seafood and creamy comfort food in a flaky crust.
13. Elegance At Its Best At Café Dupont
Source: Café Dupont Facebook
Café Dupont113 20th St North
(205) 322-1282
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 30 reviews
You’ll be treated with valet service from the moment you pull up at Café Dupont until the moment you leave. White table cloths and white walls – everything here is crisp and elegant, including the food and wine menus.
Start with the fried oysters and okra before moving onto the Colorado Lamb Rack and Smoked Pork Belly Duet, served with spinach, zucchini, squash gratin, cherry chutney and port poached apples. If you’re unsure what you’d like, you can always choose the 5-course tasting menu which will give you the ability to fill up on a good portion of the menu.
14. Pack The Perfect Picnic Courtesy Green Central Station
Source: Green Central Station Facebook
Green Central Station2608 Highland Ave S
(205) 715-0012
Yelp: 5 stars, 29 reviews
Owner of Green Central Station, Nancy Tran, has a passion for picnics. It’s a cherished tradition from her childhood memories. As an adult, Tran has taken that passion and turned it into something that everyone in Birmingham can enjoy.
Don’t expect a soggy peanut butter and jelly for your picnic, either. Green Central Station will hook you up with French Vietnamese banh mi, spicy picnic noodles, and cane sugar ginger ale – all for under $12. And don’t worry, they’ve got your dessert covered, too. Get the brownies… if they’re still left, of course, since they fly off the shelves.
Feature Image Source: Ocean Restaurant Facebook
What's your go-to for grub in Birmingham? Tell us in the comments below!
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