7 unique watermelon creations in Birmingham you need to try this summer + how to select the perfect melon

Summer is peak season for many of our favorite things—beach trips, sunburns, barbecues—and most importantly, watermelon season. All across the Birmingham area, there are all kinds of local restaurants making unique and tasty watermelon creations.

Read on for seven of our favorite watermelon dishes and drinks you can find in Birmingham this summer.

Watermelon Margarita | El Barrio

El Barrio serves a rotation of seasonal margaritas year-round, but none is more beloved than the watermelon margarita. Made with fresh watermelon, blanco tequila, simple syrup and a squeeze of lime, this is one of the best margaritas in town.

(Pro tip: You can make any El Barrio margarita spicy for no extra charge. I like to do a spicy watermelon margarita with tajín.)

• Locations:
  • Downtown: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham
  • Homewood: 195 Oxmoor Rd. Homewood
• Downtown Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30AM-8PM | Fri-Sat: 11:30AM-9PM | Sun: Closed
• Homewood Hours: Mon-Sat: 11AM-9PM | Sun: 11AM-9PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook
  

Watermelon + Tomato Salad | Pizzeria GM

This fan-favorite watermelon salad is back on the menu at Pizzeria GM. Fresh tomato and watermelon are topped with balsamic, olive oil, feta and basil for a refreshing and perfectly-ripe summer salad.

There’s also the option to pair your salad with their watermelon margarita. Talk about a power couple!

• Location: 600 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood
• Hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM-2PM, 5PM-9PM | Sat: 11AM-9PM | Sun: Closed
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Cahababerry Lemonade | Cahaba Brewing

We all know Cahaba Brewing has some of the best craft beer in town, but don’t forget about their tasty seasonal cocktails. Containing vodka, strawberry, watermelon, lemonade and basil, this drink is a burst of flavor!

• Location: 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham
• Hours: Mon: 3PM-10PM | Tues-Sat: 11AM-10PM | Sun: 11AM – 8PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Summer Salad | Real & Rosemary

If you love seasonal produce, this is the salad for you. This bright, fresh salad is a mix of watermelon, peaches and heirloom tomatoes on a bed of spring mix. The bowl is tossed with lemon vinaigrette and topped with pecans, feta and mint.

• Locations:
  • Homewood: 1922 29th Ave S Homewood
  • Crestline: 75 Church St, Mountain Brook
• Homewood Hours: Mon-Sat: 11AM-8PM | Sun: Closed
• Crestline Hours: Mon-Sat: 11AM-3PM | Sun: Closed
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Warm Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese | Gianmarco’s

I know what you’re thinking- what do pistachio and goat cheese have to do with watermelon? All I can say is Gianmarco’s knows what they’re doing.

This dish is an explosion of flavors: goat cheese crusted in roasted pistachios on a bed of arugula, watermelon and aged balsamic. Nutty, crunchy and complex—this dish is a home run.

• Location: 721 Broadway St, Birmingham
• Hours: Mon-Sat: 5PM-10PM | Sun: Closed
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Solo en el sur | Adios

Have you ever had watermelon-infused tequila? What about pickled watermelons? The solo en el sur cocktail at Adios is sure to be a burst of watermelon on the first sip. It’s made with watermelon reposado tequila, cocchi americano (an aperitif wine), campari and pickled watermelon. Don’t miss out!

• Location: 2218 1st Ave N Suite 100, Birmingham
• Hours: Sun-Thurs: 4PM-12AM | Fri-Sat: 4PM-2AM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Heirloom tomatoes | Current Charcoal Grill

This watermelon tomato dish is a starter at Current. While tomato is the main fruit, the watermelon isn’t shy about shining through. In addition to those heirloom tomatoes, you’ll also find Thai coconut green curry, watermelon, pickled serrano and basil in this amazing dish.

• Location: 1625 2nd Ave S, Birmingham
• Hours: Sun-Thurs: 4PM-9PM | Fri-Sat: 4PM-10PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

How to pick the perfect watermelon

Shopping for the perfect watermelon this summer? Make sure you get the juiciest one in the bunch with these tips:

• Look for a melon that feels heavy for its size. This typically indicates it will be sweeter and have higher water content, making it super juicy.
• Choose a watermelon with a uniform shape, whether oval or round. Be sure to avoid ones with irregular bumps.
• Select melons that are dark and dull, as this indicates ripeness. Shiny melons are pretty, but typically underripe.
• Look for a yellow-orange field spot. A darker field spot usually means the melon stayed on the vine longer and is more flavorful. If the field spot is white, it indicates that the melon is not quite ripe.

What’s your favorite watermelon creation in Birmingham? Let us know on Instagram, + Facebook!