9 local spots for soul-satisfying mac and cheese

I hope you’re hungry for some cheesy delicious dishes because Thursday, July 14 is National Mac and Cheese Day. We’ve rounded up the best mac and cheese in Birmingham, so you’ll have no trouble indulging in one of everyone’s favorite comfort foods.

1. Bottega Café

The mac and cheese at Bottega Café is my go-to favorite menu item that never disappoints. A crispy broiled top covering this four cheese noodle perfection will leave you feeling like you’ve died and gone to mac and cheese heaven.

This dish also comes with a small spring salad, so it’s basically healthy, right?

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-9PM
Location: 2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
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2. MELT

There’s only one thing that could make mac and cheese even better. That is when you slather it in-between two buttery pieces of toast to make an epic grilled cheese. MELT makes all kinds of the most mouthwatering grilled cheeses, but nothing beats their Mac Melt.

In the spirit of National Mac and Cheese Day, trust us and order the Mac ‘N Egg Roll for an appetizer, too.

Hours: Varies by location.
Avondale Location: 4105 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Hoover Location: 5219 Peridot Place, Ste 3, Hoover, Alabama 35244
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3. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hattie B’s serves up more than incredible hot chicken. Here, the sides can steal the show and the pimento mac and cheese alone is worth the trip. Creamy and classic with the southern staple of pimento cheese, this mac and cheese tastes just like grandma made it.

Business Insider also named this mac the best in Alabama, back in 2019, so you know it’s the real deal.

Hours: Sunday 11AM-4PM I Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM I Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM
Location: 2808 7th Ave S, #101, Birmingham, AL 35233
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4. John’s City Diner

For mind-blowing mac and cheese, look no further than John’s City Diner. Their “Not Your Mamma’s Mac & Cheese” comes three different ways, and whichever one you choose, you’ll be guaranteed bite after bite of cheesy goodness.

Hours: Thursday-Friday Lunch, 11AM-2:30PM I Thursday-Saturday Dinner, 5-8:30PM
Location: 112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
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To find even more local Bham businesses check out our local business guide.

5. Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

We’re not sure who first thought of putting mac and cheese on a burger, but after tasting the Greg Brady at Jack Brown’s we’d love to thank them. This burger is topped with their homemade mac and cheese, American cheddar blend and barbecue chips for an extra crunch.

Hours: Daily, 11AM-2AM
Location: 2811 7th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35233
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6. Jim ‘N Nick’s

Looking for the creamiest mac and cheese around Birmingham? You’ll find it at Jim ‘N Nick’s. One look at the photo above and you’ll see what I mean.

Hours: Varies by location
Location: Birmingham – 1908 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 | Riverchase – 1810 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35244 | Greystone – 2831 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35242 Homewood – 220 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 | Trussville – 1660 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville, AL 35235
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7. Newk’s Eatery

For mac and cheese that’s perfect as an entree or side, order from Newk’s.  You’ll love this eatery’s unique spin on this classic dish with these two options:

• Six Cheese Pimiento with Bacon featuring New’s homemade Pimiento Cheese and Bacon. 
• Five Cheese Mac & Cheese with Asiago, Vermont White Cheddar, Parmesan + Ammerlander Swiss cheeses + topped with yellow cheddar.

Hours: Daily, 10:30AM-9PM
Location: Birmingham – 611 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, Birmingham, AL 35233611 | Vestavia Hills – 612 Montgomery Hwy, Ste 110, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
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8. Saw’s

While some crave the saucy, barbecued meats at local barbecue joints, I’m all about the sides. My fave at Saw’s is the mac and cheese—warm, melty and oh-so comforting.

Hours: Varies by location
Location: 1154 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 | 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 | 215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222 | Hoover – 3780 Riverchase Village Suite 100, Hoover, AL 35244 | The Backyard – 6200 Grand River Blvd E Suite 510, Leeds, AL 35094
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9. Taco Mama

Take a break from those refried beans and rice, it’s time to give Taco Mama’s mac and cheese a go. It offers everything you want in this cheesy side dish, plus, it’s made with penne noodles so it stands out from the traditional rainbows and shells.

Hours: Varies by location.
Location: Birmingham – 707 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, Ste 103, Birmingham, AL 35233 | Homewood – 1014 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 | | Vestavia Hills – 700 Montgomery Hwy, #194A, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 | Mountain Brook – 63 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213 | Trussville – 2050 Gadsden Hwy Ste 128, Birmingham, AL 35235
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Where is your favorite mac and cheese in Birmingham? Tag us on social @bhamnow to let us know!