5 of the hottest lunch spots in Birmingham + what to order

Whether you’re sitting down to enjoy soup and salad or you’re grabbing a quick sandwich and coffee to go, lunch is the most important meal of the day—right? We think so. Share this with your favorite coworker and start making plans to visit these local lunch hotspots.

1. brick & tin

If you’re into locally-sourced food and sustainable ingredients (not to mention delicious food), brick & tin is your place. While their downtown location is currently closed, their Mountain Brook location is open for dine in, curbside and delivery.

Don’t miss:
–Thomasville Panini with Butternut Squash Soup ($10) | sweetgrass dairy griffin Tomme, petals from the past Asian pears on rosemary potato loaf
–Farro & Orzo Salad ($8) | Tuscaloosa sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, kale, pickled red onion and almonds with chia seed and red wine vinaigrette

• Address: 2901 Cahaba Road, Birmingham
• Phone: (205) 502-7971
• Website

2. Ashley Mac’s

Ashley Mac’s is a local favorite for a reason. With five locations across the Birmingham metro, there’s always one nearby to satisfy your healthy and homemade lunch cravings. Plus, you can grab an easy dinner to bring home while you’re there.

Don’t miss:
–Apple Havarti Sandwich with Mac and Cheese ($9) | smoked turkey, Havarti, gala apples, balsamic drizzle, mixed greens, honey mustard, toasted wheatberry bread
–Baby Bleu Salad ($8) | mixed greens, strawberries, mandarin oranges, bleu cheese, sugared almonds, poppyseed vinaigrette

• See locations, hours and phone numbers here
• Website

3. Olivia’s Transit Cafe

The commuter’s dream. Olivia’s Transit Cafe is located at the Birmingham Intermodal Facility, next to Amtrak/Greyhound and Max Central Station. They serve breakfast and lunch, so you can grab a healthy option no matter when you’re coming and going.

Don’t miss:
–The Club Sandwich ($7.99) | smoked turkey breast, ham, bacon, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes
–Veggie Wrap ($4.99) | sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, lettuce and balsamic glaze

• Address: 1701 Morris Avenue, Birmingham
• Phone: (205) 701-1701
• Website

4. Real & Rosemary

Real food, real ingredients and real delicious—trust me. They have awesome seasonal options, so if you’re loading up on the Brussels and butternut squash, you need to check them out.

Don’t miss:
–Fig & Collard Salad ($8.99) | shredded collards, pickled apple, walnut, dried figs, mustard vinaigrette
–Grilled Herb Chicken with Charred Carrots and Fried Okra ($9.99) | 7-ounce boneless breast marinated in herbs with sorghum honey mustard

• Homewood Location: 1922 29th Ave South | (205) 820-7100
• Summit Location: 323 Summit Boulevard | (205) 820-7200
• Website

5. Trattoria Zaza

Seasonal salads. Homemade pizza and pasta. The cutest outdoor seating area. This is a personal favorite for some of us at Bham Now—and it’s seriously delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Don’t miss:
–The Fall Tortellini Salad ($11) | chicken, apples, shaved fennel, goat cheese, mixed greens, balsamic
–Fettuccine Cacio E Pepe, add Seasonal Vegetables ($9.50) | black pepper, pecorino, butter & parsley with Brussels, butternut squash, caramelized onion

• Address: 207 20th Street N, Birmingham
• Phone: (205) 202-6207
• Website

There’s more where that came from.

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