Reviewed by: Pat Byington
You can only eat at ONE Bham restaurant for life: our followers respond…
Reading time: 4 minutes
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We all know the food scene in Bham is poppin’!
There are so many amazing local restaurants that keep us happy + full.
We wanted to know what Bham’s ‘ride or die’ hot spots are.
So, we asked our audience on Facebook:
Almost 800 comments later (wow! right?), we were able to come up with a list of the top local spots our readers would eat at for life.
#1: The Bright Star
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Starting off with the number one, most-commented restaurant— The Bright Star!
If there’s one thing Bham foodies love, it’s The Bright Star.
This family-owned restaurant has been serving Greek-style seafood + steak since 1907.
Serving the community from 1907 until the rest of everyone’s lives, apparently.
Location: 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020
Hours:
- Mon closed
- Tues-Thurs 11a-3p, 4:30p-8:30p
- Fri/Sat 11a-3p, 4:30p-9p
- Sun 11a-3p, 4:30p-8:30
Rojo
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Rojo is a total fan favorite for the foodie community.
Our followers are big advocates for an “all-day” Rojo brunch turning into a fun dinner.
With Latin + American menus, the options are endless!
Location: 2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Mon closed
- Tues-Sun 11a-10p
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Niki’s West
Niki’s West is our followers fav meat + 3!
With a different menu every day, there are endless combos for every craving.
They serve Greek-style steak and seafood… I’m planning my next visit ASAP.
Big fan of meat + 3 establishments? Here’s more recommendations: The official guide to meet and threes in Birmingham.
Location: 233 Finley Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
Hours:
- Mon-Fri 10:30a-5p
- Sat/Sun closed
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Davenport’s Pizza Palace
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Pizza forever? Yes please!
Up next, our followers would spend a lifetime at Davenport’s Pizza Palace.
Family owned + operated since 1964, Davenport’s has all your pizza needs. According to our followers, you’ll never get bored!
Location: 2837 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 11a-9p
- Fri/Sat 11a-10p
- Sun 4:30p-9p
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Fish Market
For those wanting to eat seafood until the end, our followers recommend The Fish Market!
With classic Southern staples + a touch of more modern dishes, this is the place for you.
Stop by and try some of George Sarris’s favorites!
Location: 612 22nd Street South
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 11a-8:30p
- Fri/Sat 11a-9m
- Sun closed
Giuseppe’s Cafe
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Another widely-commented forever hot spot— Giuseppe’s Cafe!
This well-known Southside staple has award-winning, handmade pizza that will keep you coming back.
*note: reservations are required due to small dining space
Phone: 205-324-2626
Location: 925 8th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 11a-9p
- Fri 11a-9:30p
- Sat 4p-9:30p
- Sun closed
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Bottega
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Bottega is a total Bham star, so I was not surprised to see them mentioned all throughout the comments.
Food lovers across Bham would eat at Bottega for a lifetime! The hardest part is choosing what to eat there…
The Italian-inspired menu will keep you hooked for LIFE!
Location: 2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Mon/Tues closed
- Wed-Sat 5p-9:30p
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Chez FonFon
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Up next, another audience lifetime fav— Chez FonFon!
FonFon fans filled the comment section. Stop by the bustling bistro for a truly satifying meal.
Looking for a French-style bistro? This is your spot.
Location: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Mon closed
- Tues-Fri 11a-9:30p
- Sat 4p-9:30p
- Sun closed
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Helen
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With seasonal specials + prime meats and seafood, Helen joins the club of fan favs.
Our audience would eat at Helen for life! I can definitely see why.
This contemporary Southern grill is inspired by Chef Rob McDaniel’s grandmother, how sweet!
Location: 2013 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours:
- Mon closed
- Tues-Fri 11a-1p, 5p-9p
- Sat 5p-9p
- Sun closed
Makarios Kabob & Grill
Last, but not least, another comment-leader (and UAB/Five Points favorite)was Makarios!
This hot spot is the perfect fusion between Greek, Mediterranean, and American cuisine.
You want it? They have it!
Location: 940 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Sun-Thurs 10a-10p
- Fri/Sat 10a-11p
What is one restaurant YOU would eat at for life? Let us know + answer more questions like this on Facebook @bhamnow!