Small restaurants you love in Birmingham others might not know about.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Small restaurants you love in Birmingham others might not know about.

Posted: 12/3/2018 3:00:24 PM EDT

http://www.giuseppescafe.com/

Giuseppe's Cafe

Awesome food. I don't care for their salads but the rest of it is great.

I discovered this place by accident. We went to Dreamland and traffic issues we drove by this place.

There was several cars outside, so I said we are coming back to try this place. Glad I did.

Posted: 12/3/2018 7:44:52 PM EDT

[#1]

All below are in Hoover, near the Galleria, in case you hadn't noticed, I like Asian food.....

Shonos Japanese on US-31 near the Galleria in Hoover, just south of Lorna/150 next to Dales in the Hobby Lobby shopping strip.
Family owned/run.
Eddie is the owner/cook, and it's Teppanyaki fare (cooked diner style, without the show) at a fraction of the chain price.
Ask him about his HAM hobby if you want to make a friend.
Flavors are unique, like eating home cooked food.

Just around the corner is Formosa Chinese on Lorna, by the old Carmike 10 and hidden behind Costas Italian/Greek, another good one.

Go a bit further down Lorna and there's the Blue Pacific, the best Gas Station Thai food you'll find.

(they converted an old gas station into a Thai Joint/food mart, come off peak, if you don't want a wait....)

Posted: 12/4/2018 1:46:16 PM EDT

[#2]

I'll second Blue Pacific in Hoover. Looks sketchy from the outside; awesome food.

Raymond's Hot Dogs across from the Post Office in 5 Points South

Posted: 12/4/2018 4:18:12 PM EDT

[#3]

T Bones cheese steaks on 20th street south. He serves real cheesesteaks. Real good . https://www.tbonescheesesteaks.com

Posted: 12/4/2018 6:59:00 PM EDT

[#4]

Chris Z’s on University (8th ave South) across from St. Vincent’s hospital has some excellent flat top burgers and deep fried hot dogs.

Posted: 12/4/2018 9:10:36 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
All below are in Hoover, near the Galleria, in case you hadn't noticed, I like Asian food.....

Shonos Japanese on US-31 near the Galleria in Hoover, just south of Lorna/150 next to Dales in the Hobby Lobby shopping strip.
Family owned/run.
Eddie is the owner/cook, and it's Teppanyaki fare (cooked diner style, without the show) at a fraction of the chain price.
Ask him about his HAM hobby if you want to make a friend.
Flavors are unique, like eating home cooked food.

Just around the corner is Formosa Chinese on Lorna, by the old Carmike 10 and hidden behind Costas Italian/Greek, another good one.

Go a bit further down Lorna and there's the Blue Pacific, the best Gas Station Thai food you'll find.

(they converted an old gas station into a Thai Joint/food mart, come off peak, if you don't want a wait....)

View Quote

I’ll third Blue Pacific. Used to work a stones throw from there.
Cedar House in Tarrant.

Posted: 12/5/2018 12:00:16 PM EDT

[#6]

I'm not a huge fan of pretentious or glitzy, so most of the spots I go are low-key and tucked away.

Crestline Bagel in Crestline Village (Mtn. Brook) has been a staple since forever.

My wife and I like to eat at the Pita Stop in Cahaba Heights, Surin (Crestline) and Daniel George in Mtn. Brook village. When we do eat out, I try to support the local community places.

Also, Red Pearl Chinese in Homewood, Ming's on 280, and Shangrila Chinese restaurant on Montevallo Road.

Occasionally we will go to the Whistle Stop in Irondale, and Saris Cafe out on 31 near Alabaster.

If we are in the mood for fancy-schmancy, make your wallet cry, formal dinner, we go to Perrys on 280 (near the Colonnade).

Posted: 12/11/2018 12:06:20 AM EDT

[#7]

There are a couple of places in McCalla that are off the beaten path but great.

Smokin' Hot Sports Grill - BBQ

J&J's Grocery - Burgers

I stopped going to Formosa after finding a fingernail in my food. Never really got over that.

Posted: 12/12/2018 12:40:42 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
There are a couple of places in McCalla that are off the beaten path but great.

Smokin' Hot Sports Grill - BBQ

J&J's Grocery - Burgers

I stopped going to Formosa after finding a fingernail in my food. Never really got over that.

View Quote

I forgot about J and J. I used to play/work at Paintball Quest and had J and J many times.

Posted: 12/22/2018 7:12:04 AM EDT

[#9]

Giuseppe's Cafe was a favorite of mine when I was at UAB. It was a three minute walk, so it was handy too.

It is most definitely small. Great food, but I am partial to Italian food.

BTW, if you like Middle Eastern food or just want to try it, there is a Lebanese Christian Maronite Church just across from the park near there. Not a restaurant, but once a year they have a ME food festival. I never missed it when it rolled around.

Posted: 12/22/2018 8:19:32 AM EDT

[#10]

Has anybody been to Bob Syke’s BBQ in Bessemer lately? I heard that they had good bbq but when I went several years ago it wasn’t anything special.

Posted: 12/24/2018 9:29:20 PM EDT

[#11]

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Has anybody been to Bob Syke’s BBQ in Bessemer lately? I heard that they had good bbq but when I went several years ago it wasn’t anything special.

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Not lately, but the last time I went the pulled pork was the best I've had in the area.

Posted: 12/25/2018 2:08:51 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
Has anybody been to Bob Syke’s BBQ in Bessemer lately? I heard that they had good bbq but when I went several years ago it wasn’t anything special.

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I grew up eating Bob Sykes...I used to have dozens of their cups as my primary drink ware. It was my favorite years ago, but the last time I went (couple of years ago) it wasn’t that good. I need to try it again for nostalgia’s sake.

Posted: 12/27/2018 1:19:48 AM EDT

[#13]

Joel's in Trussville
Cedar House in Tarrant
Faye's Famous Frank's in Fultondale

Posted: 1/2/2019 9:52:54 AM EDT

[#14]

Amore out 280 East, great Italian with excellent service, a bit pricey but good

Posted: 1/3/2019 5:20:26 PM EDT

[#15]

East West on 2nd ave no down town is good.

Posted: 1/3/2019 9:31:30 PM EDT

[#16]

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T Bones cheese steaks on 20th street south. He serves real cheesesteaks. Real good . https://www.tbonescheesesteaks.com

View Quote

He’s a flaming Obama supporter, fwiw.

Posted: 1/9/2019 3:50:42 PM EDT

[#17]

https://hattieb.com/

Went there today. Good.

Posted: 1/11/2019 10:12:25 PM EDT

[#18]

Bama Hotdogs in Tarrant

1613 Pinson Valley Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35217

Best handmade burger I've had in a long while. Hand pressed. reminded me of way mom made them in the skillet.

Posted: 1/13/2019 3:18:17 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
There are a couple of places in McCalla that are off the beaten path but great.

Smokin' Hot Sports Grill - BBQ

J&J's Grocery - Burgers

I stopped going to Formosa after finding a fingernail in my food. Never really got over that.

View Quote

Went to both last week

J&J's burgers and onion rings are so good, I've never tried anything else for lunch. Their breakfast is great as well.

Posted: 1/15/2019 12:01:55 AM EDT

[#20]

De Vinci’s Pizza in Homewood.

Posted: 1/16/2019 10:51:12 AM EDT

[#21]

If anyone is looking for a tasty burger place, Paramount on 2nd and 20th is fantastic.

Posted: 1/16/2019 8:14:13 PM EDT

[#22]

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Quoted:
If anyone is looking for a tasty burger place, Paramount on 2nd and 20th is fantastic.

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I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

Posted: 1/17/2019 1:30:06 PM EDT

[#23]

Marilyn’s Deli on 17th, across from the power company building.

Posted: 1/17/2019 3:49:15 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
If anyone is looking for a tasty burger place, Paramount on 2nd and 20th is fantastic.

I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

I third this, Great cheese burger and tater tots

Posted: 1/17/2019 5:07:30 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
If anyone is looking for a tasty burger place, Paramount on 2nd and 20th is fantastic.

I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

No kidding? My office is half a block from there.

Posted: 1/18/2019 1:32:37 AM EDT

[#26]

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No kidding? My office is half a block from there.

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I work for Southern Company and we walk a couple of blocks from the APC building....

Posted: 1/18/2019 11:03:14 AM EDT

[#27]

Sammy's Sandwich shop.. it's in the "hooood" off Messer Arpt.Hwy..in a hole-in-the wall..but damn awesome burgers. Blue collar lunch crowd that gets crowded quick.

4921 Messer Airport Highway

Posted: 1/18/2019 12:48:44 PM EDT

[#28]

I miss Fat Sam’s.

Posted: 1/18/2019 7:52:48 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

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I work for Southern Company and we walk a couple of blocks from the APC building....

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Quoted:

Quoted:

No kidding? My office is half a block from there.

I work for Southern Company and we walk a couple of blocks from the APC building....

Cool, my firm is across the street from the old Bromberg building.

Posted: 1/18/2019 8:23:54 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sammy's Sandwich shop.. it's in the "hooood" off Messer Arpt.Hwy..in a hole-in-the wall..but damn awesome burgers. Blue collar lunch crowd that gets crowded quick.

4921 Messer Airport Highway

View Quote

I've had this placed mentioned a couple of times in conversation so I guess I'm going to have to venture over and try it out.

Posted: 1/18/2019 8:26:24 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
https://hattieb.com/

Went there today. Good.

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Been there, forgot about that place... Was pretty good ..

Posted: 1/19/2019 1:38:30 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sammy's Sandwich shop.. it's in the "hooood" off Messer Arpt.Hwy..in a hole-in-the wall..but damn awesome burgers. Blue collar lunch crowd that gets crowded quick.

4921 Messer Airport Highway

View Quote

I drive by it one or twice a week.. I need to check it out.

Posted: 1/19/2019 5:18:32 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
No kidding? My office is half a block from there.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
If anyone is looking for a tasty burger place, Paramount on 2nd and 20th is fantastic.

I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

No kidding? My office is half a block from there.

Two blocks here.

Paramount is my go-to beer and burger/wing joint.

Posted: 1/19/2019 6:20:48 PM EDT

[#34]

If you like Indian food, this place is excellent. If you don't know if you like Indian food, their lunch buffet is a great opportunity to find out if there are elements of it you like. We go at least once a month.

Bay Leaf US 280

Posted: 1/26/2019 9:09:13 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you like Indian food, this place is excellent. If you don't know if you like Indian food, their lunch buffet is a great opportunity to find out if there are elements of it you like. We go at least once a month.

Bay Leaf US 280

View Quote

Thank you.

We've been looking for an Indian Place closer than downtown that's decent.

Posted: 1/26/2019 9:11:38 PM EDT

[#36]

Metro Diner at Valleydale and 280 in Hoover.

There are also a couple other locations, one in Tuscaloosa across from the University Mall.

Great diner food, they started out in Jax, FL, where we lived for many years.
Not a small mom and pop place, but always packed and pretty consistent food.

Posted: 1/27/2019 12:30:13 AM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
Two blocks here.

Paramount is my go-to beer and burger/wing joint.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
If anyone is looking for a tasty burger place, Paramount on 2nd and 20th is fantastic.

I will 2nd this one! Work downtown and this is one we hit weekly. Smoked wings are pretty dang good as well.

No kidding? My office is half a block from there.

Two blocks here.

Paramount is my go-to beer and burger/wing joint.

Posted: 1/27/2019 4:20:56 PM EDT

[#38]

Saws in Avondale. Went there for the first time yesterday. I’ll definitely be going back.

Posted: 1/28/2019 8:06:58 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:

I'll third Blue Pacific. Used to work a stones throw from there.
Cedar House in Tarrant.

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Man, I had forgotten about the Cedar House! The Smokehouse off Finley was a go to for me for years.

I still enjoy the Bright Star in Bessemer, but its not really a small joint (or cheap!).

Posted: 1/31/2019 9:18:20 PM EDT

[#40]

Tortugas Chicago Style Pizza

Mr Wangs Chinese Buffet

Posted: 2/1/2019 1:54:04 AM EDT

[#41]

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Thank you.

We've been looking for an Indian Place closer than downtown that's decent.

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There's a new place in Hoover (Walmart shopping center on 150) called Bawarchi. It's another great option. A couple of my Indian friends have given it a positive review as well.

Bawarchi (Yelp)

Posted: 2/1/2019 3:37:21 AM EDT

[#42]

I’m looking for a reference on a good sub sandwich place.. prosciutto, capacola, etc... if anybody knows a good place I’d love to find a honey hole

Posted: 2/1/2019 7:11:03 AM EDT

[#43]

Chubfathers in Alabaster. Great burgers and such.
Main St Tavern in Montevallo. Nice sit down place, built in an old bus depot.
The Depot in Helena. Good hole in the wall burger place.

Posted: 2/9/2019 9:58:20 PM EDT

[#44]

Post Office Pies in the downtown area

Posted: 2/12/2019 1:58:38 AM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
I’m looking for a reference on a good sub sandwich place.. prosciutto, capacola, etc... if anybody knows a good place I’d love to find a honey hole

View Quote

Diplomat Deli in Vestavia was always a favorite of ours when it was more convenient.

The Embassy sub is amazing!