6 outrageous foods in Birmingham you need to try

Jack Browns
Photo via @jack_browns_bham on Instagram.

Birmingham’s food scene is off the charts. We all know that, but what about those menu items you just aren’t sure about. Here are 6 not-so-typical Magic City meals to add to your foodie bucket list.

Jack Brown’s Showalter Burger

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint has been serving up some of the tastiest burgers in Birmingham for almost a decade. If you’ve been here on a Sunday, you’ve probably marveled at the sight of their Showalter Burger.

What’s a Showalter Burger you ask? It’s a beef patty, fried egg, bacon, and cheddar cheese stacked between two glazed donut buns. It sounds like the cure to the Sunday scaries if you ask me.

K & J’s Milkshakes

K & J’s Elegant Pastries has become a go-to for anything outrageous. Outrageously DELICIOUS that is. We couldn’t think of a better way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

What sets them apart? Well, just take a look for yourself. Where else can you find a local milkshake oozing with chocolate, caramel, whip cream, and topped with an entire s’ more?

True Story Brewing Pickle Sandwich

True Story 5 6 outrageous foods in Birmingham you need to try
The Pickle Sandwich at True Story Brewing. No bread and gluten-free! Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now.

We recently wrote a story about Birmingham’s very own Pickle Sandwich from True Story Brewing. It’s a Magic City original and I’ve heard it’s actually pretty good.

The creator, Brewmaster Craig, hollows out a pickle then slaps on cold cuts, cheese, tomato, and lettuce. He’s even taken the time to assure it’s not as messy as it sounds. It’s a crunchy spin on a timeless sandwich…and gluten-free!

Anthony’s Peanut Butter Burger at Mugshots Grill & Bar

I don’t know who Anthony is, but it seems like he really loves peanut butter. So much so that he wanted it on a burger. If you’re in the mood to try something out of the usual, head down to Mugshots in Uptown. Let me know how it is.

Let’s make it clear that I’m a HUGE fan of peanut butter. However, when you put it on a burger, I’m not sure how to feel.

P.S. Jack Brown’s has a similar creation called the “Elvis” which features a burger topped with peanut butter, mayo, bacon, and cheese. Have you tried it yet?

Alabama Peanut Company’s Array of Flavors

Alabama Peanut Company— Birmingham’s spot to satisfy all your peanut cravings since 1907. They’re serving up to 15 different flavors made fresh daily using antique roasters. You can get your peanut fix on Morris Ave, Bluff Park, and Ore in Avondale.

Here are some of the flavors that stood out to me:

  • Dirty Martini
  • Dreamland
  • Ghost Pepper Pickle
  • Pineapple Lava
  • Chicken Noodle
  • Peppered Milo’s Sweet Tea
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup

KFC’s Donut Chicken Sandwich

I know! Kentucky Fried Chicken is a major chain, but hear me out. I honestly thought the commercials were a joke when I first saw them. From now until March 16, you can get your hands on a fried chicken fillet placed between two glazed donuts.

Will this be the sandwich that squashes the chicken sandwich debate? If you’re not counting calories, maybe this will give Chick-fil-A and Popeyes a run for their money.


Let’s hear it, Birmingham. What are some wacky, offbeat, or just downright weird local foods that you’ve tried? Let us know on social @BhamNow.

Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
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