7 best things we ate in Birmingham in January

Looking to try the best food in Birmingham according to the experts… aka the Bham Now team? We’ve got you covered with another roundup of the best things we ate in January, from savory roast beef sandwiches to uniquely-flavored kettle corn. Dig into our favorites (listed in no particular order), then let us know your favorite dish of the month.

1. Chicken shawarma + babaganoush from Karam’s Restaurant

“The service was quick and the food was delicious. I really liked the diversity of their menu and can’t wait to go back to try more!”

Gabi Hembree, Sales Success Manager

• Location: 715 18th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 6AM-9PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

2. Old fashioned buttermilk pancakes + cheese grits from Original Pancake House

“The best thing I’ve probably eaten this month (aside from homemade chili) is ole fashioned buttermilk pancakes and cheese grits at Original Pancake House in Five Points South. In fact, it was my first time eating at OPH! I’m not a huge breakfast person, but it made for a very nice change of pace—I’ll definitely be heading back soon!”

Nathan Watson, Content Producer

• Location: 1931 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30AM-2PM | Saturday-Sunday 7AM-2:30PM
• Website | Facebook

3. The Ferdi special from The Rougaroux

“I’m not going to lie… I was truly surprised about how incredible this po’ boy was! I’m not much of a sandwich lady myself, BUT this was a GAME CHANGER! The roast beef was the salty goodness I was needing topped with cabbage and onion love, a kiss of mayo and hot sauce, and wrapped in a deliciously-breaded hug. I was so in need of its soul-fulfilling tastiness on Wednesday, we actually went back on Friday for a round two.”

Jessica Broom, Account Executive

• Location: 817 39th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

4. Chicken tinga tacos from University Tacos

“I’m constantly on a mission to try all of the tacos of Birmingham, and believe me when I tell you—I hit the jackpot with these chicken tinga tacos from University Tacos. The chicken tinga was soul-warming and tasted the way a hug feels, especially on a cold day. Plus, the horchata is a can’t-miss.”

Cecilia Wood, Social Media Manager + Content Producer

• Location: 2009 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM | Saturday 9AM-7PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

5. Braised beef cheek from Iron City Grill

“My fave for the month because it’s new and fresh on their menu since December. I’m tryin’ new things for 2022, and this just so happened to be one of them!”

Jacob Blankenship, Channel Analyst + Photographer

• Location: 2208 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-2PM | Saturday 11AM-8PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Want more suggestions for the best food in Birmingham? Check out our recommendations from December, November, October, September, August and July.

6. Crispy cauliflower, Tuscan panini with potato leek soup + chick & tin with mac ‘n cheese from brick & tin

“The crispy cauliflower was the perfect way to start a late lunch at Brick & Tin in Mountain Brook while we waited for the rest of our meal. The focaccia for the Tuscan Panini was perfectly light and fluffy and provided the just the right balance to the richness of the roasted portobella, oven dried tomatoes, provolone and pesto. My husband definitely had focaccia envy.

My husband was a big fan of the honey mustard on his Chick & Tin, and we both thought the tanginess of the cheddar on top of the Mac ‘n Cheese was deelish. In fact, I told him he needs to put more sharp cheddar on top next time he makes mac ‘n cheese at home.”

Sharron Swain, Managing Content Producer

• Location: 2901 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PM | Sunday 10:30AM-2PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

7. French toast kettle corn from Naughty but Nice Kettle Corn

“This popcorn was poppin’ with flavor and there was no better way to celebrate National Popcorn Day than with yummy popcorn + supporting small biz. It was sweet with just enough cinnamon for it to taste like actual French Toast. Everyone needs to go try it!”

Olivia Moses, Instagram Manager + Content Producer

• Location: 5831 1st Ave N Ste 200, Birmingham, AL 35212
• Hours: Tuesday 10:30AM-2:30PM | Wednesday 10AM-2:30PM | Thursday 10:30AM-2:30PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

What’s the best food in Birmingham YOU ate in January? Tag us @BhamNow to let us know.