7 Birmingham restaurants to try for a change of scenery, including rooftops

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Moon Shine Birmingham
Talk about a view! Photo via Moon Shine Birmingham’s Facebook

It’s no secret that we Birminghamians love to eat. Can you blame us though? The Magic City is full of award-winning, finger-licking restaurants—some that come with a great view too. If you’re looking for a change of scenery for your next meal, check out these restaurants around Birmingham.

1. Tip Top Grill

Tip Top Grill is a 600-sq foot gas station turned into a casual American restaurant. Their specialty? Delicious, quick bites with an even better view. Let’s just say that the hot dogs and burgers are worth the visit, but the panoramic views are what’ll make you stay.

It’s been a Bluff Park staple since 2003 and is known for its panoramas of Shades Valley. It’s one of the highest mountain views in Birmingham and the outdoor seating makes for the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

2. Michael’s Restaurant

This past August, Birmingham welcomed its newest rooftop restaurant, but it wasn’t a stranger to the city. Michael’s Restaurant that was originally in Homewood made the move to Parkside. Now they offer not only top-notch food, but also stunning views of the city and Regions Field. We got a little sneak peek inside before their grand opening. Take a look for yourself!

I recently went here for my birthday. The food? A-1. It’s the great views that kept us an extra 30 minutes after we finished eating.

  • Location: 1525 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram
  • Reservations are required for dine-in only + takeaway available

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3. Moon Shine Birmingham at Elyton Hotel

One or two pictures couldn’t do this place justice. Atop the Elyton Hotel sits one of the prettiest rooftop bars and restaurants in the city—Moon Shine. It’s hard to compete with views of Railroad Park, Red Mountain and Downtown Birmingham.

Moon Shine makes global cuisines with a minimalist approach. They offer small plates, pizzas straight from their hearth oven, desserts and of course, signature cocktails.

4. Carrigan’s Public House

After halting service due to COVID, Carrigan’s Public House in Downtown Birmingham is finally back open. I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that this location is an iconic Birmingham landmark. Sounds a bit extreme? Honestly, nothing compares to sitting on their rooftop patio, under the twinkly lights, sharing a bottle of wine and enjoying one of the best burgers in town.

Carrigan’s sits at the end of Morris Avenue—one of the most picturesque streets in Birmingham. From their patio, you can enjoy views of Vulcan and Downtown Birmingham.

5. Paramount

Paramount made the list because where else are you going to find an arcade and restaurant in Birmingham? Well, maybe Dave and Buster’s, but this is a whole other vibe. Located in the heart of downtown, Paramount serves drinks, good eats and vintage arcade games.

Slowly falling into a food coma after grubbing on their burger and fries? No worries. You can go work it off with a game or two of pinball, skeeball, Pac-Man and more.

6. The Filling Station

The Filling Station was once the spot to fuel up your car. Now it’s the spot to fuel up your body. This old gas station in Crestwood serves up some of the most impressive pizzas in town. Whether it’s beer, food or live bands, they got it!

I was surprised to learn that the idea of putting a gas station here in the 1950s caused a lot of controversy among Crestwood residents. It was such a hot debate that they took their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. We obviously know how that decision turned out and now it’s the perfect neighborhood hangout spot.

7. Irondale Cafe

This may be the oldest restaurant to change up the scenery on our list. Irondale Cafe first opened in 1928. You may know it as the Original Whistle Stop which comes from the famous Fannie Flagg novel, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” which was later turned into a movie.

This little cafe has kept its charm through the years. It’s not called the Whistle Stop for nothing. Visitors come for the food, but often hang around to get a close-up view of the passing trains across the street at the watching platform.

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What’s your go-to restaurants for a change in scenery? Share them with us on social @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.

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Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
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