Reviewed by: Patience Itson
11 popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Birmingham + what to order
Reading time: 5 minutes
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
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
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.
- Order recommendation: Spaghetti or lasagna
- Location: 925 8th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-9:30PM | Friday 11AM-10PM | Saturday 4-10PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. De Vinci’s Pizza
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.
- Order recommendation: Mona Lisa pizza + ziti
- Location: 2707 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: Daily 11AM-10PM
- Website
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.
- Order recommendation: patty melt (specifically at 1AM, according to one commenter)
- Marty’s GM Location: 5415 Beacon Dr, Ste 145, Irondale, AL 35210
- Marty’s GM Hours: Monday-Friday 3PM-midnight | Saturday 10AM-midnight | Sunday 10AM-11PM
- Marty’s PM Location: 1813 10th Ct S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Marty’s PM Hours: Daily 8PM-5AM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Salem’s Diner
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.
- Order recommendation: Philly cheesesteak + chili dog
- Location: 2913 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30AM-1:30PM | Saturday 6:30AM-2PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Blue Pacific
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)
- 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
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.
- Order recommendation: Reuben
- Location: 2304 10th Terrace S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Thursday 11AM-11PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-midnight | Sunday noon-10PM
- Facebook | Instagram
- Pro tip: The Garage is cash only, so bring those bills.
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.
- Order recommendation: seafood rotini or Creole meatloaf
- Location: 125 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-9PM
- Website | Facebook
8. Eagle’s
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.
- Order recommendation: oxtails + creamed corn
- Location: 2610 16th St N, #1204, Birmingham, AL 35204
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Sunday 10:30AM-3:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Ranelli’s Deli
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.
- Order recommendation: Reuben or the Richman
- Location: 1225 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM
- Website | Facebook
10. T-Bones Cheesesteaks
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.
- Order recommendation: the Famous on ‘Shrooms
- Location: 1017 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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.
- Order recommendation: cheese pie + lamb
- Location: 1550 Montgomery Hwy P, Hoover, AL 35216
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10AM-10PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
We know there are so many more, so tag @BhamNow with your favorites.