Salem’s Diner named the best diner in Alabama by Food & Wine

Food & Wine Magazine recently named Salem’s Diner the best diner in the state.  Keep reading for more about the award winning breakfast and lunch spot (and a few menu recommendations from our team).

A Homewood staple

It’s no secret that Homewood is full of yummy spots to grab a bite to eat and Salem’s Diner is no exception.

From breakfast to lunch to lemon icebox pie—Salem’s has everything you could want in a classic diner. Right in the heart of Homewood, Salem’s embodies all things Southern—food, family and football. For a price that’s easy on the wallet, you’ll get fast service, delicious food and see some the friendliest faces you’ll ever meet.

Strategically located right near the heart of Birmingham, the food + atmosphere at Salem’s have built a loyal fanbase that is constantly growing.

• Location: 2913 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30AM–1:30PM | Saturday 6:30AM-2PM

More than good food

Food & Wine Magazine described Salem’s to a T:

“It isn’t so much a place for breakfast or lunch as it is Cheers-with-a-menu, thanks to the presence of owner Wayne Salem, son of football-playing, Bama legend Ed Salem. Whether you’ve been coming here for years or this is your first time in the door, you’ll feel at home, and you will eat well.”

Food & Wine Magazine

Anyone who’s stepped foot in the small diner would probably say they’d come back just for Wayne Salem himself. He makes everyone who comes in his friend, whether its their first or fiftieth visit. He offered us a slice of his famous lemon icebox pie and let’s just say, we may have a new favorite dessert in town.

Full of history

Outside Salem’s diner on 18th Street, you’ll see news articles about his cheese steaks, his family’s restaurant legacy, and his father’s time as an Alabama football player. Inside, the walls are covered in Alabama and Auburn photos, tickets memorabilia.

Surrounding the atmosphere of the sort of “diner family” are walls covered in Alabama and Auburn photos and memorabilia. Tickets from both teams’ national championship games in 2010 and 2011 are taped to the wall by the kitchen.

What we got

When we heard Salem’s was named best diner in the state, we obviously used it as an excuse to head over for lunch. We tried some of the diner’s classics and here’s what we recommend:

• Philly Cheese Steak: this is what they’re famous for, so we couldn’t leave without trying it
• Chili dog: we may have been ready for a nap after lunch, but their classic chili dog hit the spot
• Grilled cheese: for those who don’t want to branch out as much, this was the perfect choice

We will definitely be back and plan on trying their breakfast very soon. Let us know your menu recommendations!

What’s your go-to order at Salem’s? Tag us and let us know what we should try @bhamnow.