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5 restaurants to try for your next date night in Birmingham + what to order
ByHannah Chambley
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When’s the last time you got dressed up and went out for a delicious date night meal? If you’re looking for an excuse to treat yourself, consider visiting one of these 5 spots in Birmingham. Keep reading for more details, including what to order when you go.
1. Helen
One of the newest additions to the Birmingham culinary scene is Helen, a contemporary Southern grill led by Chef Rob and Emily McDaniel. The menu varies from season to season and features locally sourced meats, vegetables and more. Make a reservation online, and keep in mind, Helen is not seating parties with more than six due to COVID-19 restrictions.
What to order:
— Gumbo Z’Herbs ($10) | local greens, smoked ham, Carolina gold rice
— Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($14) | poirier’s cane syrup, toasted pecans
— Grilled Joyce Farms Chicken ($18)
2. dg Restaurant
dg (formerly Daniel George) is a Mountain Brook treasure. Serving up creative American cuisine, their menu changes daily featuring a wonderful selection of seafood, meats and local produce. They’re currently open for regular dine-in service for lunch and dinner and are offering takeout and curbside service as well. Make a reservation to dine in, or order delivery through Waitr, Door Dash and Grub Hub.
What to order:
— Tempura Cauliflower ($12) |sweet chili sauce, peanuts, cilantro, lime crema
— DG Vegetable Plate ($25) | a compilation of the night’s menu
— Pappardelle Bolognese ($28) | beef, bacon, local shiitake mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, basil
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3. Galley and Garden
From Chef James Boyce and his wife and partner, Suzan, Garden & Galley is one of the most romantic spots in Birmingham. Located in a historic home off Highland Avenue, the modern American-French inspired menu serves up delectable dishes with a touch of Southern flair. It changes often depending on what’s in season and what is able to be locally sourced. Make a reservation here.
What to order:
— Pecan, Goat Cheese + Pomegranate Salad ($10) |southern organics mixed lettuces, pomegranate arils, pomegranate-poppyseed vinaigrette
— Springer Mtn. Farms Mesquite Chicken Flatbread ($10) | roasted red pepper, caramelized onion, garlic pureé, balsamic reduction
— Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon ($30) | herbed basamati rice, shiitake mushrooms, carrot, squash, cucumber sour cream sauce
4. OvenBird
Located in Pepper Place, OvenBird is a unique find in Birmingham fare. Chris and Idie Hastings’ live fire, laid back restaurant (that just turned 5 years old!) features a menu focusing on seasonal southern ingredients with inspiration from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina and the American South. Make a reservation online or via phone below.
What to order:
— Mushroom Conserva ($14) | foraged mushrooms, chimichurri, farm egg, espelette
— Harvest Plate ($15) | seasonal vegetables, romesco, local greens
— Chef Inspired Paella ($15) | sofrito, market ingredients
5. Cafe Dupont
Cafe Dupont originally opened in Springville, AL, in 1994. It relocated to Birmingham in 2003 and has been a local favorite ever since. Chef and owner Chris Dupont is passionate about highlighting local growers and products on his menu, and it shows. The menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are in season and available locally so you can expect a fresh and unique meal every time. Make your reservation here.
What to order:
— Fall Pumpkin Flan ($15) | candied pecans, compressed apples, farmers cheese
toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy prosciutto
— Buttermilk-Fried Joyce Farms Chicken Breast ($25) | truffled creamed potatoes, lemon beurre blanc, habersham farms field beans
— Farm-to-Table Vegetable Tasting ($25) | grilled eggplant, poached fingerling potatoes, heirloom tomato, fried okra, haricot verts, creamed corn, sous vide baby carrots
Have a favorite date night spot of your own? Share it with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
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