At StyleBlueprint, we partnered with only the best businesses in town to create our SB Guide. It’s filled with everything you’d like to know as a local or as a tourist. From the best hair salons to the best antique stores to the best interior designers, boutiques and restaurants, we’ve got you covered. Because there are so many delicious restaurants in Birmingham, we’ve broken it down by neighborhood so that you can experience it all. Here, we’re sharing our favorite spots to have a meal in the heart of downtown.
The Best Restaurants in Birmingham: Downtown
Bettola
2930 3nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 731-6499
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A casual-upscale Italian restaurant serving authentic, delicious dishes in a farm-to-table setting. Their charcuterie selection and hand-tossed pizzas are consistent customer favorites with their rich, savory flavors. In addition, you’ll find house-made pastas and gnocchi and notable craft cocktails that shouldn’t be missed! Our advice: go with a group and share it all!
Café Dupont
113 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 322-1282
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Café Dupont is a beautiful, brick-walled bistro in downtown Birmingham serving fresh and local food to its customers. Chef Dupont is a big believer in the slow food movement, which seeks to encourage the enjoyment of regional produce and traditional foods, which are often grown organically. Here, you’ll enjoy a menu that changes daily and features fresh ingredients with a Southern twist.
Carrigan’s
2430 Morris Ave., Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 777-4925
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
Carrigan’s Public House is a well-known watering hole in Birmingham. This craft cocktail bar serves elevated bar food and is always a happening place to be! We love their take on the corn dog, their kale salad and the street tacos.
Shu Shop
1830 3rd Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 291-6660
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
This bar-restaurant on 3rd Ave. boasts a casual, comfortable atmosphere serving some incredible food. Their ramen and small plates menu features some of Japan’s most popular bar foods, providing the perfect refuge after a long day at work. Chef Templin takes pride in serving dishes that are always up to standard which ensures you’ll always leave happy!
The Yard
1928 1st Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 226-9298
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At the Yard, you’ll encounter Southern progressive cuisine in an approachable, welcoming haven for those who simply want to enjoy Southern hospitality. Their food is derived from only the best and freshest ingredients, so they take pride in sourcing products daily and serving them in inventive ways to their customers.
Roots & Revelry
1623 2nd Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 730-1907
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Roots & Revelry describes itself as a “fun, energetic tribute to American cuisine.” We love the ever-changing menu and the playful, inventive dishes as much as we love the inviting and warm atmosphere. Located on the second story of the Thomas Jefferson Tower and filled with historic details from the original building, the reverent nod to the building’s storied past is not lost on its diners!
Bamboo on 2nd
2212 2nd Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 703-0551
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Bamboo is an Asian-inspired bar and restaurant in downtown Birmingham. The Pan-Asian influenced spot serves everything from sushi rolls and small plates to noodle bowls and skewers in a sleek, modern atmosphere. Don’t miss the momos!
Ovenbird
2810 3rd Ave. South, #200, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 957-6686
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
OvenBird is Chris and Idie Hastings live fire, casual restaurant. Their menu focuses on seasonal, southern ingredients served in a small plate format that takes inspiration from the live fire traditions of Spain. Go for a birthday or a celebration with your girlfriends as its the best way to get a taste of everything on the menu!
El Barrio
2211 2nd Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 868-3737
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Set on downtown’s quickly emerging 2nd Avenue, El Barrio brings an exciting, different flavor to the Birmingham restaurant scene. Inspired by multi-regional Mexican cuisine, urban design and locally sourced ingredients, El Barrio bridges the gap between the typical Mexican restaurant and a bustling bar and grill. Their fresh, inventive menu is filled with the Mexican dishes you love elevated with a welcomed twist!
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