12 Best Restaurants in Birmingham, AL

From traditional fine dining establishments to casual soul food eateries, Birmingham, Alabama is a must-visit destination for foodies, known for its welcoming Southern hospitality and a diverse selection of flavors. Here you will find outstanding Southern cuisine, excellent pizza, French-inspired dishes, Californian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish and other delicious creations. Top it all off with one of the local brews and a chocolate pudding dessert. Here are the best restaurants in Birmingham, AL. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.

12 Best Restaurants in Birmingham, AL

• Highlands Bar and Grill, Photo: Highlands Bar and Grill
• Hot and Hot Fish Club, Photo: Hot and Hot Fish Club
• Birmingham, AL Restaurants: Bistro 218, Photo: Bistro 218
• Birmingham, AL Restaurants: Post Office Pies, Photo: Post Office Pies
• Satterfield's, Photo: Satterfield's
• 5 Point Public House, Photo: karepa/stock.adobe.com
• Restaurants in Birmingham, AL: John's City Diner, Photo: John's City Diner
• Eagle's Restaurant, Photo: Eagle's Restaurant
• Restaurants in Birmingham, AL: El Barrio, Photo: El Barrio
• Slice, Photo: Slice
• Restaurants in Birmingham, AL: Chez Fonfon, Photo: Chez Fonfon
• Restaurants in Birmingham, AL: Bottega Restaurant, Photo: Bottega Restaurant
• Cover Photo: Courtesy of Highlands Bar and Grill

More Ideas: Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan is a giant cast iron statue overlooking Birmingham, Alabama. The largest cast-iron statue in the world, the 50-ton sculpture reaches a height of 56 feet, accentuated by its perch atop Red Mountain. The statue is surrounded by Vulcan Park, a 10-acre park that includes the Vulcan Center history museum. Vulcan, the statue, was built in 1904 and is over 100 years old. He stands with his anvil to his left, by his side. In his right hand, he holds a spear high in the air, admiring his finished work. The statue is mounted on a stone base with an inscription describing the connection between Vulcan, the ancient Roman blacksmith, and Birmingham, a city rich in iron, steel and industry. The Vulcan Center Museum offers educational exhibits with a focus on the history of the statue itself and the “Building Birmingham” exhibit on the history of Birmingham. The Linn-Henley Gallery displays temporary exhibits related to the history of Alabama in general. The plaza just outside the museum displays a giant carved stone map of the city of Birmingham. The City Overlook is an observation tower offering expansive views of the Birmingham from high atop the stone base of the statue.

History: Vulcan was the ancient Roman god of forge, of hammering metal into useful items. Legend has it that Vulcan, the son of Jupiter and June, was banished from the realm of the gods as an ugly child, fell to earth, and became a blacksmith, using the volcanic flames of Mount Jupiter to heat his metals. Although ugly, he was peaceful and kind, and married Venus after a lifetime of service creating armor and weapons for gods. The City of Birmingham, founded in 1871, sits atop a vast resource of limestone, iron ore and coal. When city officials were searching for a promotional angle for the St. Louis World’s Fair, Vulcan was chosen as a likely mascot to represent the quickly growing industrial city in Alabama. Giuseppe Moretti, an Italian artist, was chosen to design Vulcan in 1904. The statue was cast by the Birmingham Steel and Iron Company in 21 separate pieces. The statue debuted in 1904 at the World’s Fair in the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy. The statue not only won the fair’s grand prize, but it won the awards for sculpture and foundry. Upon returning from the World’s Fair in 1905, Vulcan was improperly reassembled at the Alabama State Fair Grounds where he remained for nearly 30 years in an awkward state, without his sword. With the help of the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, Vulcan was properly assembled atop Red Mountain, and covered in aluminum paint. For a period of time in the 1940’s, Vulcan’s sword was removed and he carried a lighted beacon, which would switch from green to red on days in which a traffic accident was reported in Birmingham. Further mistakes were made in the 1960’s when Vulcan’s pedestal was covered with a large observation deck, making it difficult to see the statue from the ground. Finally, in 1999, after over 60 years on the mountaintop, the park closed so that much needed repairs to the cracking, damaged statue could be made. In the process of the park’s closure, the Vulcan Park Foundation was formed to raise funds not only for the statue’s restoration, but for the development of the 10 acre educational complex surrounding the sculpture. The statue was reassembled in its original, historic glory in 2004 after an infusion of $15.5 million from public and private donors.

Ongoing Programs and Education: Educational programming at the museum includes workshops for teachers and students, field trips, summer camps and clubs. The Vulcan’s Toolkit is a curriculum guide for teachers so they may relate exhibits at the museum to Alabama core courses. The museum is available for private events and hosts a variety of public events as well. Annual events include a concert series that takes place outdoors in the park. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, chairs and blankets for daylong entertainment. Thunder on the Mountain is the annual July 4th celebration at Vulcan Park. The event has occurred for more than 10 years and is Alabama’s biggest and most extravagant fireworks shows, set to a musical soundtrack.

Past and Future Exhibits: Temporary exhibits at the museum have included “Southern Thunder: The Legacy of Alabama Auto Racing” and “5 Point South: Patience, People, and the Plan,” an exhibit on a historic neighborhood’s revival as an artist’s community.

1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209, Phone: 205-933-1409

More Things to Do in Alabama, Things to Do in Birmingham

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More Ideas: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

At the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa located in Birmingham, Alabama, guests can experience a truly sophisticated vacation retreat, complete with a world-class golf course, Alabama theatre and breathtaking vistas of Alabama scenery. Guests can take full advantage of the luxurious, modern suites and rooms, the resort’s tasty Clubhouse Restaurant and dazzling indoor and outdoor pools.

Guest Room – In this guest room, guests can choose either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. A private balcony allows guests to escape the indoors for a moment while enjoying the great Alabama hills. With wood features, bright white premium bedding and decorative pops of neutrals, blues and greens, guests will find true rest and relaxation while lodging in their guest room. Additionally, this room is 408sf, air-conditioned and non-smoking. Windows are soundproof, floor-to-ceiling and may be opened. This room is available as a mobility accessible room.

Guest Room Pool View – Similar in design, décor and amenities offered in the Guest Room, guests who choose to stay in the Guest Room Pool View room can enjoy a view of the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge’s resort pool below. In addition, this room is available as mobility and hearing accessible room, complete with roll-in shower, visual alarms and visual notifications for both the phone and door.

Tower Suite – For a more spacious option, guests can choose to stay in the resort’s exclusive Tower Suite, complete with one king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, 1.5 baths, view of pool, and separate corner room. This room is an impressive 976sf, air-conditioned, and non-smoking. There is also an outdoor balcony space, living area, and separate dining area. The bedroom features a walk-in closet and the floor-to-ceiling windows are soundproof and can be opened. This room is available as mobility accessible.

One Bedroom Smaller Suite – For a smaller version of the Tower Suite, guests can choose to stay in the One Bedroom Smaller Suite. This suite includes a king-size bed, view of resort, outdoor private balcony and corner room. In addition, this room is 625sf, air-conditioned, and non-smoking. Connecting rooms in the One Bedroom Smaller Suite are not available. There is a spacious living area that is separated from the bedroom by a privacy wall. This room is not offered as mobility or hearing accessible.

One Bedroom Larger Suite – This suite has a king-size bed, 1.5 baths, view of golf course, and a corner room. In addition, this suite is located on the top floor of the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Resort. The One Bedroom Larger Suite is 1389sf, air-conditioned and non-smoking. The living and dining room areas are separated, and there is an amply sized walk-in closet in the bedroom. This suite comes with a complimentary evening turndown hospitality service. This suite is not available as mobility and hearing accessible.

Dining

Brock’s – For a Mediterranean style cuisine, along with entrées prepared specifically with farm-to-table produce and ingredients, guests can choose to dine at Brock’s. Brock’s is open for breakfast and dinner, with a casual dress code. This well-known Birmingham dining spot offers its guests an elegant-casual atmosphere, with an assortment of favorite small plates, and a wide variety of wines.

The Clubhouse Restaurant – This restaurant has long been a family-favorite spot for families, known for its friendly, casual environment and fresh salads, classis burgers, and American style appetizers. The Clubhouse Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

The Coffee Shop – Located in the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort, guests can stop by for a quick bite to eat or their morning cup of coffee before heading out on a Birmingham adventure.

JT’s Lounge – After a long day on the town, guests can cool off and wind down with a martini or other specialized adult beverage at JT’s Lounge. At night, JT’s Lounge offers its guests an upbeat, social environment with live music and entertainment.

Golf

Known for being one of the longest golf courses in the world at 8,191 ft., the Ross Bridge Golf Course in Hoover, Alabama has been testing golf enthusiasts’ abilities for many years. Designed specifically for the beautiful rolling, natural terrain in the Shannon Valley, golfers can make their way through 18 holes of pure green. At the Ross Bridge, golfers don’t play for one challenging hole, but rather 18 signature ones. The first ten holes are played alongside two lakes that are later connected to a massive waterfall that drops 80 feet. Additional golf amenities and accommodations include:

-Clubhouse and Golf Shop

-Clubhouse Restaurant

-Rentals and lessons

-Golf program for juniors

-Driving range and putting greens

Spa

Located in the Ross Bridge hotel, guests can indulge themselves in a number of spa and salon treatments. Reservations are required. Some of the amenities, services and treatments are the following:

-Body scrub

-Therapy baths

-Couple’s massage

-Separate men and women’s lounges

-Facials

-Men’s services

-Lip treatments

-Manicures and pedicures

-Massages

-Hair and scalp treatments

-Paraffin hand treatments

-Eye treatments

-Steam room

-Body wrap

-Waxing

Fitness

Guests who stay at the Ross Bridge Resort have complimentary access to the 24 hour-7 days a week Fitness Center. There are cardio equipment, machines, and free weights, along with complimentary towels and water provided to guests. Patrons can also take a dip in the unique Saltwater Indoor Pool or Saltwater Outdoor Pool with Slide. Guests must be at least 36” to ride on the water slide. Towels are provided to guests. Other fitness activities available to guests are the following:

-Jogging/running/walking trail

-Outdoor tennis courts

-Biking train

-Lighted outdoor tennis courts

-Bike rentals

4000 Grande Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35226, Phone: 205-916-7677

Back to: Romantic Weekend Getaways in Alabama

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More Ideas: Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is an official state museum displaying more than 5,000 objects related to Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductees such as Willie Mays, Jesse Owens, Hank Aaron, and Carl Lewis. The Alabama State Hall of Fame and Museum was created in August of 1967, as the result of the Alabama State Legislature’s Legislative Act 225.

History

For more than 35 years, the Alabama State Hall of Fame has inducted exemplary Alabama-born athletes or athletes competing for or representing Alabama positively into its annual membership, which has reached more than 300 members as of 2017. Membership includes a number of internationally-known athletes, including five of ESPN’s Top Athletes of the Century: Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays.

As an official state museum, the Alabama State Hall of Fame and Museum is operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, receiving government funding and private donations from individual and corporate contributors. In 1992, under the guidance and campaigning of executive director William Legg, the Museum moved to a newly-renovated 33,000-square-foot permanent facility in downtown Birmingham. As of 2017, the museum’s executive director is Alabama Steeldogs football team managing partner Scott Myers, and the current museum curator is Avalee Willoughby, recipient of the 2007 Frank “Pig” House Award.

Permanent Exhibits and Collections

Today, the Alabama State Hall of Fame and Museum holds a collection of more than 5,000 sports artifacts connected to the careers and personal lives of former ASHOF inductees. The 33,000-square-foot museum building is located in downtown Birmingham near the Southeastern Conference Headquarters building and the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Museum gallery collections cover three floors and include a number of dioramas, plaques, and informational panels detailing the significance of holdings and the career achievements of ASHOF members. Notable items within the museum’s collections include the Super Bowl XXV Trophy, two Heisman Trophies won by Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan, and the iconic houndstooth hat of former University of Alabama football coach Paul William “Bear” Bryant. A complete set of plaques for all former ASHOF inductees is displayed, along with a variety of sports equipment, jerseys, and memorabilia, including uniforms worn by famous athletes such as Joe Namath and Charles Barkley.

A 75-seat theater, the Bryant-Jordan Theater, is also housed at the museum, used for film showings, educational groups, and special events. A gift shop also sells a variety of sports-related memorabilia and official ASHOF-branded apparel and merchandise. The museum is open to the public from Monday through Saturday, with discounted admission tickets available for students, senior citizens, and groups of more than 10 people.

Ongoing Programs and Education

Guided tours for small groups and organizations may be booked online via the museum’s website or by calling the facility directly. A curriculum-incorporated educational tour program is offered for elementary and secondary student groups in grades 3-8, offering showings of an educational video in the Bryant-Jordan Theater and an interactive trivia hunt throughout the museum’s exhibits. Activities emphasize STEM and history principles, reading comprehension, and team-building research skills. To date, more than 99,000 students have participated in museum-led educational tours. The museum may also be rented for private special events, including business meetings, conferences, and banquets, and an approved catering list for event catering is provided.

Established in 2002, the museum’s Birmingham Athletic Partnership initiative is operated as an independent nonprofit organization and serves as an assistive resource for Birmingham Public Schools athletic, band, and cheerleading programs. The museum’s Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program, co-sponsored by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, serves as a junior-level parallel to the ASHOF and recognizes outstanding high school athletes who have demonstrated success on the field and in the classroom. Volunteers are also accepted at the museum on an ongoing basis, assisting with tours, programming, and administrative duties.

The museum’s main annual public special event is its Hall of Fame induction banquet, during which six to eight new outstanding Alabama athletes are inducted into the ASHOF. At least two of each year’s inductees must be nominated within the Seniors category, honoring athletes who competed before the present-day sports era. A Distinguished Sportsman inductee is also chosen, either as a notable Alabama sportsman or an American sportsman displaying great service to the country in athletic or civic capacities. Annual induction ceremonies are held at the Birmingham Ballroom of the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and may be purchased via phone, email, or through the museum’s website. A Great Sports Getaway and VIP Reception event is also presented annually, serving as the museum’s main benefit evening and offering a chance to win one of 10 all-expenses-paid trips to prestigious national and international sporting events.

2150 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, Phone: 205-323-6665

More Things to Do in Birmingham

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