Birmingham Restaurants You Must Visit!

When it comes to food in the Magic City, we’re known for having incredible cuisine and iconic restaurants. Birmingham is home to some of the world’s most talented chefs; how lucky are we?! That is no surprise, considering that in 2022 alone, two local restaurants were finalists for the prestigious James Beard award, and one even won! Our dining scene embodies everything from fine dining to local staples and casual bites. Most of these restaurants are kid-friendly, but, let’s face it, sometimes moms need alone time too! So, get ready to take a bite into some of our city’s best dishes. You’re bound to get hungry as I share recommendations from the Birmingham restaurants you must visit!

Automatic Seafood and Oysters

2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

If you’re in the mood for the freshest Gulf Seafood in Birmingham, look no further than Automatic Seafood and Oysters! Automaticputs a modern twist on classic seafood dishes, primarily sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, with oysters from the Southern and Eastern shoreline. Chef Adam Evans won the James Beard award for Best Chef in the South in 2022, which is a significant accomplishment! (Bravo!!)

Their menu changes daily, always offering the freshest and most in-season options. On your visit, start with their yeast rolls with Eastaboga cultured honey butter; they will melt in your mouth. Then, of course, grab a dozen oysters, which are incredibly fresh and large, and top them with one of their in-house curated sauces. For seafood lovers, I recommend their fish and chips for a main course. The fish is deliciously tender, crispy, and flavorful; and it goes perfectly with their hand-cut fries. If you’re not a seafood fan, their steak is one of my favorites. Rotating between a Rib-eye and a New York Strip, this dish is always incredibly tender, juicy, and delectable. Be sure to pair your meal with a signature curated cocktail, also award-winning, of course.

Automatic is an excellent place for date night, with its relaxing modern ambiance, and it’s a great option if you want to impress out-of-town guests. This was the first restaurant we went to after my daughter was born. They’re very accommodating to children, with the cleanest high chair I’ve ever seen! You can visit Automatic during the week for dinner or on the weekends for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with dining options available inside and outside. I highly recommend making a reservation, because there’s no doubt it will be a full house.

Ferus Artisan Ales

Trussville: 101 Beech St Suite111, Trussville, AL 35173

Avondale: 430 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

A more casual spot with two locations, Ferus Artisan Ales is an excellent option for families and beer lovers. With spots in Avondale and Trussville, you will likely have an option close to you. Ferushas a seasonally rotating menu; you can always try something new or stick to one of their staples. If you haven’t tried their pickle-brined chicken tenders with white BBQ sauce, that would be at the top of my list for you to try. They have the perfect amount of pickle to provide a unique flavor that makes them a step up from ordinary tenders.

Ferus has a large variety of tasty burgers and sandwiches if that’s more your preference, too. Pair with one of their locally brewed beers or a signature cocktail for a satisfying meal. The Trussville location has a large outdoor area, perfect for kids to play, watch bands, and other events. You can visit the Trussville location seven days a week for lunch or dinner, and the Avondale location is open Wednesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. It offers brunch, lunch, and dinner on Sundays.

Irondale Cafe

1906 1st Ave N, Irondale, AL 35210

Being in Alabama, many locals and tourists crave an authentic southern dish. Irondale Cafe, The original Whistle Stop, is a southern staple and tourist destination. Located in the heart of downtown Irondale, this restaurant has been serving the Birmingham area since 1920. Irondale Cafe is the closest experience to grandma’s wholesome cooking you’ll get outside of nana’s kitchen.

Famous from the movie and book Fried Green Tomatoes, you’ll surely add this dish to your plate when visiting. This cafe is essentially a meat and three (or more), and you’ll leave more than satisfied. You can expect to see all the southern staples, from fried chicken, to fried fish, to mac and cheese, to slow-cooked greens, to cornbread, to sweet tea, to banana pudding. You’ll see memorabilia from the movie throughout the restaurant, which is a fun addition, and it makes for another recommended place to visit with out-of-town guests.

You can visit Irondale Cafe Sunday- Friday for lunch. There’s plenty of seating, but I recommend getting there early since it’s such a popular destination! The restaurant is definitely kid- and family-oriented; I hosted my daughter’s baby dedication lunch here. It even sits adjacent to the train tracks, and we all know children enjoy watching trains!

Johnny’s Restaurant

2902 18th St South Suite 200, Homewood, AL 35209

When it comes to classic “meat & three” comfort plates or Greek specialties, look no further than Johnny’s Restaurant. Situated in the heart of Homewood, Johnny’s comes from a family of successful chefs, and that’s reflected in the delectable dishes. Chef Tim Hontzas has been nominated multiple times for James Beard awards, and was a finalist in 2022. That is a huge accomplishment, considering this award is generally reserved for fine-dining chefs.

Attention to detail and freshness are experienced in every bite, here. It wouldn’t be a Johnny’s visit without starting with a round of the house-made yeast rolls, his grandmother’s recipe. For the main course, a Greek recommendation is the traditional Souvlaki with Lemon Tahini, which has the perfect amount of garlic, oregano, and EVOO. It will transport you to Greece! On the other hand, Johnny’s meatloaf, containing 32 ingredients, sneaks in a fun twist with a hint of Chipotle BBQ sauce, putting an elevated spin on a southern classic. It is paired with veggies sourced from Alabama, creating an ideally refined meat and three. Being a family restaurant, you can bet your kids will enjoy Johnny’s Restaurant as much as you do! You can visit Johnny’s for lunch Sunday-Friday. It’s usually a packed house, and it’s completely worth the wait! 

Saw’s BBQ

Homewood: 1008 Oxmoor Rd Homewood, AL 35209

Southside: 1154 11th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35205

Crestline: 1115 Dunston Ave Birmingham, AL 35213

Avondale: 215 41st St S Birmingham, AL 35222

Leeds: 6200 Grand River Blvd. E. Suite 510 Leeds, AL 35094

Hoover: 3780 Riverchase Village Hoover, AL 35244 Suite #100

Could this list be complete without mentioning the iconic, Alabama staple that is BBQ? Saw’s BBQ is one of my favorites, with six locations throughout the Birmingham area. Named “Best Barbecue in America” by Men’s Journal, Saw’s always delivers on its well-deserved reputation. I recommend the pork & greens plate, where you receive the best selections on one dish. Containing slow-cooked greens, cheese grits, pulled pork, red sauce, and onion rings, this plate is a unique combination I can’t get enough of. (Pro-tip: add Saw’s famous white BBQ sauce on top; you can thank me later.) Regardless of your selection of meat, Saw’s signature white BBQ sauce will compliment your smoky choice. Kids are always welcome, as each location offers a kids’ menu, and family meals are available! Many locations host various events and live artists, so stay updated on their social media for some family fun. Most locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, but you should try to arrive early, since they often sell out of household favorites. 

Alabama Peanut Company

2016 Morris Avenue Birmingham, AL 35203

While it’s technically not considered a restaurant, the Alabama Peanut Company has served Birmingham for over 100 years. It’s located in the historic Peanut District in the heart of Birmingham, on Morris Avenue. Offering their popular boiled peanuts and antique barrel-roasted peanuts, you will surely experience the best of this unique Southern art, here. Alabama Peanut Co. is one of America’s last prevailing peanut vendors, and they are very experienced in their mastered recipes.

Alabama Peanut Co. boiled peanut selections change daily, but they always have household staples like Alabama Cajun and Classic Salt. Keep an eye out for when Milo’s, Buffalo Ranch, and Dill Pickle Ranch hit the menu, as they are some of my favorites. Alabama Peanut Co. peanuts are my secret surprise for guests. It’s the first thing my cousin requests when visiting! No worries for non-Birminghamians; they now offer delivery on their staple flavors. You can visit Alabama Peanut Co. Monday- Saturday during lunch and early dinner hours. I recommend placing an online order to avoid the line, but they have a beautiful historic building to admire while you wait.

There you have it, five uniquely vibrant restaurants and a bonus snack to ensure your cravings will be completely satisfied in Birmingham. Whether you plan on dining with or without kids, you’re bound to enjoy yourself at one of these innovative, local establishments. I still have some favorite places to cover, so stay tuned for part two of this list. While I’ve provided some great recommendations, I am confident you can’t go wrong with any selection in this foodie city.

Do you agree that these are all Birmingham restaurants you must visit? Let me know your favorite local Birmingham restaurants in the comments and if you’ve dined at any on this list or if you plan to! You’ll probably see me at one of them very soon!

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Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Birmingham