12 Essential Birmingham Dishes to Try This Summer
From barbecue and tomato sandwiches to seasonal ice cream flavors, here are a few of Birmingham's essential warm-weather eats to enjoy before summer ends.
Updated July 2024 by Paige Townley
Birminghamβs vibrant food scene is undeniable, and its culinary landscape constantly evolves. The city boasts an impressive array of first-class restaurants and signature dishes, and weβve curated a list of must-try summer selections that celebrate the seasonβs finest. From fresh salads to indulgent desserts, these gems showcase the best of the Magic Cityβs offerings. Dive in and savor the quintessential flavor of summer!
Heirloom Tomato Panini at Brick & Tin
Neighborhoods: Mountain Brook + Downtown
More info: brickandtin.com
Brick & Tinβs Heirloom Tomato Panini is a delicious way to savor the abundance of summer. Featuring locally sourced heirloom tomatoes, homemade aioli, basil pesto, and slices of pain de mie loaf, the panini is a classic summer indulgence and a satisfying tribute to freshness and flavor.
Marinated Crab Claws at Automatic Seafood & Oysters
Neighborhood: Lakeview
More info: automaticseafood.com
With a menu that reflects the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico, Automatic Seafood & Oysters lends itself to a coastal setting reminiscent of Southern shorelines. The Marinated Crab Claws are served chilled with lime, cilantro, and fish sauce and are best enjoyed outside on the patio alongside a crisp glass of wine.
Original Whole Hog Sandwich at Rodney Scottβs Whole Hog BBQ
Neighborhoods: Homewood + Trussville
More info: rodneyscottsbbq.com
Summer and BBQ go hand in hand, and nothing embodies this delicious tradition better than the Original Whole Hog Sandwich from Rodney Scottβs Whole Hog BBQ. Featuring pit-cooked, Carolina-style whole hog topped with Rodneyβs Sauce and served open-faced with crispy pork skins, this sandwich is a celebration of BBQ at its finest. Accompanied by your choice of classic sides, such as coleslaw or mac and cheese, it evokes the spirit of summer cookouts and festive gatherings.
Birmingham Dog at Carriganβs Beer Garden
Neighborhood: Lakeview
More info: carrigans.com
A summer staple, thereβs just something about a hot dog that tastes best when the weather is warm and the days are long. At Carriganβs Beer Garden, the Birmingham Dog certainly hits the spot. Nathanβs Famous hot dog is served on a Hawaiian roll and dressed in a special sauce with sauerkraut and mustard. Even better, itβs served alongside homemade fries and a choice of house dipping sauce.
Tomato Salad at Hot and Hot Fish Club
Neighborhood: Pepper Place
More info: hotandhotfishclub.com
The tomato salad at Hot and Hot Fish Club became a seasonal sensation when it was first added to the acclaimed restaurantβs menu several decades ago. Simple yet complex in flavor, the salad highlights the best of Alabamaβs summer produce β tomatoes, okra, field peas, and corn, all topped with bacon and drizzled with house-made aioli. The dish is wildly popular amongst locals, and itβs available from late April to early September when the Southβs tomato season comes to an end.
Lemon Blondie from Cookie Fix
Neighborhoods: Brocks Gap + Cahaba Heights+ Greystone + Homewood
More info: cookiefix.com
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Cookie Fixβs irresistible Lemon Blondie. This seasonal treat features a white chocolate cookie infused with zesty lemon, perfectly complemented by a crunchy sugar coating. Available exclusively on the menu throughout June and July, itβs the ultimate indulgence for those seeking a refreshing burst of citrusy flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a midday pick-me-up or an after-dinner dessert, the Lemon Blondie promises to brighten your day with every bite.
Chicken Escabeche at El Barrio
Neighborhood: Druid Hills
More info: elbarriobirmingham.com
βDeliciousβ is an understatement when it comes to the Chicken Escabeche at El Barrio. This culinary delight features crispy, braised chicken thighs paired with grilled fingerling potatoes, fresh green beans, okra, and asparagus, all topped with crunchy pepitas. The smoky chipotle vinaigrette ties everything together, delivering a burst of tangy, smoky goodness. Perfect for a summer evening, this dish satisfies and celebrates the seasonβs freshest ingredients.
Gulf Fish with Ratatouille & AioliΒ at Chez Fonfon
Neighborhood: Five Points South
More info: fonfonbham.com
The Friday special this summer at Chez Fonfon is one of Chef Stittβs favorite summertime dishes, and itβs bound to become one of yours, too. This quintessential French dish perfectly marries the classic combo of sweet peppers, zucchini, eggplant, garlic, basil, and olive oil with freshly grilled Gulf fish. Finished with a dollop of aioli, itβs the ultimate plate for savoring the seasonβs flavors.
Summer Salad at Greenhouse
Neighborhoods: Homewood + Downtown
More info: greenhousebham.com
Greenhouseβs Summer Salad embodies everything we love about the season. Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this summer dish features mixed greens, romaine, arugula, grilled peppers and onions, charred corn, cilantro, and sunflower seeds. What sets it apart is the creamy avocado sauce and zesty roasted red pepper vinaigrette that elevate each bite with a perfect balance of richness and tanginess. Whether youβre looking for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option, this salad captures the essence of summer on a plate.
Sweet Corn Blackberry Sammie at Big Spoon Creamery
Neighborhoods: Avondale + Homewood
More info: bigspooncreamery.com
Big Spoon Creameryβs Sweet Corn Blackberry Sammie epitomizes summer flavors. This delightful treat features sweet corn cookies enveloping sweet corn ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. The addition of fresh blackberries within the ice cream adds a burst of tangy freshness that perfectly complements the rich, creamy texture. Bonus: For those not craving an ice cream sandwich, the Sweet Corn Blackberry ice cream is also available solo.
Pork Dish from The Anvil Pub & Grill
Neighborhood: Lee Branch
More info: theanvilpub.com
Donβt miss your chance to savor this iconic pork dish at The Anvil Pub & Grill, a summer-only menu item that is perfect from the first bite to the last. The dish features a grilled pork tomahawk paired with a McEwen and Sons grits cake, local mushrooms, corn, blueberry mostarda, Cipollini onions, and a zesty habaΓ±ero sauce. This meticulously crafted creation celebrates summerβs flavors, blending savory pork with the sweetness of blueberries and the heat of habaΓ±ero.
Pork & Shiitake Dumplings at Current Charcoal Grill
Neighborhood: Parkside
More info: currentcharcoalgrill.com
The Pork and Shiitake Dumplings from Current Charcoal Grill are the ultimate summer indulgence. Crafted with succulent pork and earthy shiitake mushrooms, these dumplings are elevated by a zesty peanut chili crisp and tangy vinegar. This delightful combination perfectly balances heat and acidity. As a seasonal special, these dumplings capture the essence of summer dining β fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.
Happy summer, Birmingham!
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Discover more delicious local eats in our monthly installment ofΒ New Birmingham Restaurants!
Anne Henley Walker
Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.