5 secret menu items in Birmingham you need to try

Birmingham’s colorful array of restaurants offer all kinds of delicious local snacks and beverages, but often there are “secret” off-menu items known by only restaurant staff and regulars.

We talked to some of our favorite Birmingham spots and got the scoop on some of the best secret menu items in town.

1. Paramount

One of the best stops for a beer and a bite in town, Paramount serves up top-quality burgers, wings and more. Their menu is full of classic dishes with creative a spin, like the Alabama hummus– made with boiled peanuts, topped with paprika and served with warm pita and pepperoncinis.

What to ask for:

• Paramount burger– No longer on the menu but still available by request, the Paramount burger is loaded with two patties, house corned beef, a fried egg and Barrio hot sauce.

Address: 200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

2. Jack Brown’s

This Lakeview burger joint beloved for their unique creations is full of off-menu gems. Known for items like the Elvis– a wagyu burger topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon and cheese– Jack Brown’s serves up some of the best burgers in town.

What to ask for:

• The Smiley- This secret menu option combines both the Greg Brady and the Cowboy for a loaded burger featuring mac n cheese, Martin’s BBQ potato chips, applewood smoked bacon, cheese and BBQ sauce.

Address: 2811 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

3. El Barrio

El Barrio, the bustling Mexican restaurant on 2nd Ave, is beloved by locals for their creative Latin-inspired dishes and colorful atmosphere. They are also uniquely great at accommodating substitutions and allergy restrictions, offering plenty of gluten-free and plant-based options.

What to ask for:

• Veggie quesadilla, add chicken– Chicken is a perfect compliment to this fan-favorite– A toasted tortilla filled with spinach, mushrooms, three cheese blend, charred corn and goat cheese.
• Spicy grapefruit margarita with tajín rim– El Barrio can make any margarita spicy with the addition of their house-made spicy mix, and it’s a perfect mix with their fresh grapefruit margarita. Add a little extra touch with a tajín rim.

PS: Vegans– Did you know El Barrio offers a vegan quesadilla?

• Vegan quesadilla– This vegan option substitutes cheese for black beans, with the addition of other fillings of your choosing like corn, mushrooms or peppers.

Address: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

4. Rojo

Rojo, another local favorite, is a staple in the Highland Park neighborhood. While they are most known for their Latin dishes, they also serve an American food menu featuring sandwiches, salads and even pastas. One of these, their secret menu item, has been absent from the menu for 10 years but remains a tasty meal for those in-the-know.

What to ask for:

• Cilantro chicken pasta– One of Rojo’s first dishes on the menu, this fusion pasta dish features penne, tomato, onion, parmesan, cilantro and chicken.

Address: 2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205

Have you tried any of these secret menu items? Let us know by tagging @bhamnow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook + LinkedIn.