Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
7 unique appetizers you need to try in Birmingham including OvenBird’s beef fat candle
Reading time: 3 minutes
Looking for a fun place to try some new starters in Birmingham? We’ve got you covered. We’ve come up with 7 of our favorite unique appetizers in and around the city that you need to try.
1. PBR at Bamboo on 2nd
This delicious appetizer takes your greens to a whole new level. The combination of the flash fried Brussel sprouts sautéed with pork and eel sauce served over sushi rice will you have you questioning your decision to share with the table.
- Location: 2212 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Daily 5–10PM, Closed on Sundays
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Beef fat candle at OvenBird
The iconic OvenBird beef fat candle features a flaming tallow candle that melts to blend with other ingredients in a soul-satisfying dip. It may sound odd, but don’t knock it ’til you try it.
- Location: 2810 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 5-10PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Plantain Nachos at El Barrio
There’s a reason these nachos have been named the best in the state of Alabama. The dish consists of plantain ribbons topped with roasted pork, pickled jalepenos, ancho chile peppers and cotija cheese.
- Location: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30AM–8PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Charred onion dip at Bottega
The dip has all the goodness of a classic French onion dip, but it’s taken up a notch with whole grain mustard. Not to mention, it’s served in a charred red onion alongside a generous portion of house made potato chips.
- Location: 2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM–9:30PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Chicken liver mousse at Chez Fonfon
Don’t let the chicken liver name scare you off…this French dish is one of Chez Fonfon’s most popular items and a big reason that their loyal customers have been coming back for years.
- Location: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11AM–9:30PM | Saturday, 4–9:30PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Candied bacon bombs at Front Porch
These candied bacon-wrapped kielbasa morsels covered in a brown sugar glaze are the best of the best. They’re served in true Southern fashion: with a side of something fried. The flash-fried cheese curds that come with it may be our favorite part.
- Location: 2301 Grand Ave #109, Hoover, AL 35226
- Hours: Daily 11AM–9PM, Closed on Sundays
- Website | Facebook
7. Tater totchos at Rojo
Totchos are a unique take on a classic appetizer. Rojo pairs all of the same toppings of their regular nachos with their yummy tater tots for a perfect starter. We recommend adding chorizo!
- Location: 2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Daily 11AM–10PM, Closed on Mondays
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
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