Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Sneak peek: Wooden City coming soon to Morris Avenue, early 2025
Reading time: 4 minutes
Earlier this year, Bham Now reported that Washington-based restaurant Wooden City planned to open a new location in Birmingham. After an eight-month build-out, the restaurant is nearly ready to welcome its first guests.
Read on to learn more about Wooden City and what to expect when it opens in early 2025.
Washington-based Wooden City is expanding to Birmingham
In 2018, three friends—chef Jon Green, restaurateur Abe Fox and business partner Eddie Gulberg—opened the first Wooden City in Tacoma, Washington. Inspired by the experience of working in their families’ restaurants, Jon and Abe wanted to create a comforting environment of hospitality and quality food + drinks.
Wooden City was a hit and the brand has since expanded to four total locations: Wooden City Tacoma, WA, Wooden City Spokane, WA, Wooden City Chattanooga, TN and Wooden City Tavern at Greenlake in Seattle, WA.
Earlier this year, the Wooden City team began working on a new location in The Magic City. According to General Manager Dane Cramer, Birmingham checked all the boxes the team was looking for.
“We look for cities that fit certain metrics—like being fast-growing or having a downtown revival—but it’s really about the feeling when we visit.
I really like Birmingham because it has a bigger city feel with a lot of energy and growth potential. The restaurant and bar scene is thriving, and people seem excited to go out, which adds to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.”
Dane Cramer, General Manager, Wooden City Birmingham
Inside Wooden City Birmingham + what to expect
Wooden City Birmingham is located at 2335 Morris Ave, an 8,200-square-foot early 1900s-era building that once housed the Buckeye Feed & Grain Co.
Inside, you’ll find a classy blend of modern fixtures and accessories with a touch of historic charm.
“[Wooden City] restaurants tend to be housed in industrial buildings with a lot of character and history. While these older spaces come with their own issues, it’s worth it to us because we appreciate being in spaces with personality and a connection to the city’s history.”
Dane Cramer, General Manager, Wooden City Birmingham
Described as, “modern American fare with an upscale bar food twist,” each Wooden City location features a slightly different menu. Each location’s menu is continually evolving, with core favorites staying consistent while other items rotate seasonally.
“Our chef-owner, Jon, has worked in Michelin-star kitchens and wanted to bring those fine dining techniques to everyday comfort food.
The focus is on high-quality, chef-driven dishes with consistency and approachability, offering everything from pizzas, burgers and wings to homemade pastas and finer entrees like steak and seafood.”
Dane Cramer, General Manager, Wooden City Birmingham
While Wooden City Birmingham’s menu isn’t finalized, we can expect fan-favorite dishes like:
- Blistered Hungarian Peppers — sweet sausage, aged cheddar, chive oil, toasted ciabatta
- Chicken Schnitzel — breaded-to-order, herbed rice, chicory, lemon & caper butter sauce
- Fresh Mozzarella Pizza — red sauce, basil, olive oil, parmesan
In addition to food, Wooden City Birmingham will offer a full bar program with craft cocktails, beer and wine.
Wooden City Birmingham is opening in early 2025
According to Dane Cramer, the team is aiming to open Wooden City Birmingham in January 2025. When it opens, the restaurant will be open seven days a week: 5PM to 10PM on weekdays and 5PM to 11PM on weekends.
The team will expand the restaurant’s hours as needed in the future and plans to offer validated parking in the BPA Morris Ave Lot 2 behind the restaurant.
“Wooden City caters to a wide range of people and occasions, from after-work crowds grabbing a burger and beer to couples celebrating special occasions with a multi-course meal and wine.
Whether you’re here for a casual bite or a fine dining experience, our goal is to create a lively, communal vibe where everyone enjoys themselves and feels at home.”
Dane Cramer, General Manager, Wooden City Birmingham
Stay up-to-date on Wooden City Birmingham’s progress by following the restaurant on Instagram + let us know what you’re most excited about by tagging @bhamnow on Instagram!