5 restaurants to get takeout not in Birmingham’s Southside, the suburbs or downtown

Let’s face it. If you live on Birmingham’s Southside, like I do, you have plenty of restaurants to try within a 3-5 mile radius – and that’s all points south to Hoover and then north toward downtown. 

It is foodie heaven.

But how about restaurants in other parts of our city – Roebuck, Huffman, Five Points West and more? They may not be James Beard Award-winning Highlands Bar and Grill but they all capture the Magic City’s character and culture.

Below is a list of neighborhood restaurants we have discovered on the east, north and west end of the Birmingham. Check them out.

Crab Barrack in Roebuck & Crestwood

Last year, when I was visiting relatives in Chicago, I ate at a Low Country boil restaurant in the city’s Lakeview district. It was legit. We got messy. And as expected, it was very expensive. 

Just a few months later, I was out near Roebuck Parkway after refereeing a soccer game.  It was almost nine, and my fellow Bham Now writer Jon Eastwood (who was also a referee) and I tried Crab Barrack, on Roebuck Parkway. At about a third of the cost, we tried their Low Country boil too. It was fantastic.

Maybe that’s why some patrons were waiting an hour before the restaurant opened at noon last week in Roebuck, according to the manager.  It is a popular place. And, we are told, so is the Crestwood location.

Costa’s Famous Barbeque and Steaks in Huffman 

While you are out in the Eastern part of town, pick up some barbeque and steaks at Costa’s.  Established in 1981, this restaurant maintains its Greek roots.  

Most unusual menu item? Bannie’s Bar-B-Que Sundae – an appetizer which consists of homemade mashed potatoes smothered in chopped pork with BBQ sauce.

Jasmine’s Cafe and Soul Food Kitchen in Pratt City

Located in the heart of the Pratt City neighborhood, make sure to write down Jasmine’s address – 134 Avenue U, Birmingham, AL. 35214 in your GPS so you can find it.  

Open for both lunch and dinner, Jasmine’s is not far from One Pratt Park, a great place to have a picnic.  Looking for real soul food.  You got it at Jasmine’s.

Lena’s East of the Mississippi – Five Points West

If you are over by the Crossplex, I highly recommend Lena’s East of the Mississippi for breakfast.  My favorite has always been the chicken fried steak. 

This special place also serves lunch and has a wonderful catering operation.

Wings Restaurants – Various

Did you know Birmingham is a Mecca for Chicken Wing masters?  A few months ago, Bham Now published a story on chicken wings and the comments were fierce.  Wings are big business in the Magic City and we’ve got some great restaurants.  Check out Wings R King, Exotic Wings and Things, Green Acres Cafe and much more! 

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Who did we miss?  Please drop us a note at hello@bhamnow.com  or insert your favorite restaurant in Birmingham in the comment section of Facebook.  

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