Birmingham Restaurants Worth Trying

Over the last decade or so, Birmingham has earned a reputation for being one the best burgeoning foodie cities not only in the South but in the entire country. We have scores of unique restaurants serving up delicious bites day and night, so there’s always something new to try! Treat yourself to a take-out order or seat on the patio at any of these Bham restaurants this week!

Shu Shop

Located in the Theatre District downtown, Shu Shop is Birmingham’s own izakaya and ramen-ya, serving up ramen bowls and small plates such as tuna tataki, fried crab claws with yuzu mayo, and soy butter scallops. They have several different varieties of ramen, including seafood ramen, vegetarian ramen, and spicy miso ramen.

The Essential

The Essential is situated on Morris Avenue in the heart of downtown and offers New American cuisine in a European-style cafe. The owners, Kristen Farmer Hall and Victor King, also own Bandit Patisserie next door, where they serve housemade sourdough loaves, croissants, mini tarts, scones, and a variety of other delicious pastries.

Cayo Coco

Another downtown gem, Cayo Coco offers “Latin-inspired, Southern-infused” dishes in a Havana-inspired setting. Their menu regularly features expertly prepared seafood dishes, new takes on beans and rice, and fresh veggies prepared fresh ways.

Automatic Seafood And Oysters

One of the newest kids on the block, Automatic delights diners with a myriad of seafood fresh from the gulf day in and day out. In addition to a curated oyster menu, they also offer unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in town like the fried fish collar, octopus a la plancha, and duck fat-poached fish.

Blue Pacific

If you haven’t heard of Birmingham’s infamous Thai restaurant in a Hoover gas station – you have now! Though the gas station itself has been gutted and transformed entirely into a restaurant, Blue Pacific still has many of the original features of the gas station and they still serve up authentic Thai dishes and curries.

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SAW’s

There are multiple SAW’s locations throughout the city and all of them serve up some of the best barbeque in town. Do yourself a favor and try the smoked chicken sandwich, the sweet tea fried chicken sandwich, or one of their classic plates.