11 popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham + what to order

Reviewed by: Patience Itson

Reading time: 5 minutes

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Giuseppes food
A peek inside Giuseppe’s, one of Birmingham’s favorite restaurants. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

When you’re looking for fantastic food in a casual, unfussy atmosphere, Birmingham has plenty to offer. Check out 11 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in The Magic City to add to your must-try list, plus get recommendations on what to order from our audience.

Bham Now audience’s top recommendations for hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham

hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham Facebook poll
Poll taken August 2, screenshot grabbed August 11.

We asked for your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham, and boy did you deliver. We received over 294 comments on our Facebook post, but a few spots were recommended multiple times. In no particular order, here are a few of the most popular suggestions.

1. Giuseppe’s

Giuseppes
Giuseppe's owner Joe Williams
A look at the menu + the person behind it all, Joe Williams. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Glen Iris’s popular Giuseppe’s Cafe has been a Birmingham staple for almost 20 years, and our Facebook commenters recommend everything on the menu. After temporarily closing in May for renovations, Giuseppe’s is open and ready for business.

2. De Vinci’s Pizza

Davinci’s, fried stuffed olives
De Vinci’s stuffed olives—yum. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

De Vinci’s Pizza in Homewood is one of Birmingham’s most popular pizza spots, with a menu full of fantastic pies and hidden gems. The cozy spot makes for the perfect atmosphere to split a pizza with loved ones. It’ll be im-pasta-ble to choose a favorite on the menu.

3. Marty’s GM + PM

Marty’s PM and Marty’s GM may technically be two suggestions, but we couldn’t include one without the other. Popular for their late-night bar food and drinks, Marty’s PM in Five Points South and Marty’s GM in Irondale are some of the most popular suggestions for where locals eat and drink in Birmingham.

4. Salem’s Diner

Salem's Diner Homewood Alabama
Salem’s Diner in Homewood. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Another Homewood favorite, Salem’s Diner has topped the list for “best diner in Alabama” multiple times. Beyond having a menu of tasty food, Salem’s Diner is also a welcoming spot, largely thanks to owner Wayne Salem who treats every diner like a friend.

5. Blue Pacific

Blue Pacific
I dream of the fried dumplings. (Cecilia Wood / Bham Now)

You won’t hear someone talk about amazing food in Birmingham without hearing Blue Pacific mentioned. This hole-in-the-wall spot is located in Hoover Food Mart, and for good reason. If you haven’t thought about gas stations as a great place to get food, it’s time to rethink.

  • Order recommendation: spicy basil beef + pad thai
  • Location: 3219 Lorna Rd, Birmingham, AL 35216
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-2PM | 5:30-8:30PM (check Facebook for updates)
  • Facebook
  • Pro tip: Check Facebook for opening/closing updates. Blue Pacific is closed right now while the owners are in Thailand with an anticipated re-opening on Tuesday, August 23.

6. The Garage

The Garage 11 popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham + what to order
You can order any sandwich and you won’t go wrong. (Bham Now)

Hole-in-the-wall, hidden gem, top local recommendation. You name it, someone’s described The Garage this way. Located in Southside, The Garage has a beautiful courtyard in the back full of statues and greenery. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sandwich and cold beer while catching up with friends.

7. Crazy Cajuns’ Boiling Pot

Locals love Crazy Cajuns for their laid-back atmosphere, but they love it even more for the menu. Crazy Cajuns’ menu includes dishes from their grandmother’s cookbook, like the popular seafood rotini.

8. Eagle’s

Eagle's
Meatloaf, mac and cheese, fried corn and cornbread from Eagle’s Restaurant. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Eagle’s Restaurant is legendary in the Birmingham food scene for the mouthwatering soul food they’ve served since 1951. Check out their menu for daily specials, then order a meat and sides from the spot that Andrew Zimmern has visited twice.

9. Ranelli’s Deli

Ranellis Rick and Sarah Ranelli 11 popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham + what to order
Ranelli’s Rick and Sarah Ranelli. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

There’s nothing like a good sandwich, except maybe enjoying a good sandwich in a casual, no-frills environment that feels like home. Ranelli’s Deli has been named the best deli in Alabama multiple times, thanks to their family-grown history and menu of mouthwatering sandwiches.

10. T-Bones Cheesesteaks

T Bones 4 11 popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham + what to order
One Philly style cheesesteak coming right up. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

You can’t talk sandwiches in Birmingham without mentioning T-Bones. The popular Five Points South spot includes cheesesteaks, hoagies, burgers, loaded fries and more.

11. Taboon Noon O Kabab

Taboon Noon O Kabab is a Persian restaurant in Hoover with high-quality items, including fresh bread made in a clay oven. Order from a menu of dips, soups, salads, sandwiches and kababs.

We know there are so many more, so tag @BhamNow with your favorites.

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Cecilia Wood
Cecilia Wood
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