Hot & Hot Fish Club celebrates 30 years of food + community

Birmingham’s culinary gem, Hot & Hot Fish Club, is ringing in a major milestone—30 years of serving locally inspired, seasonally driven cuisine. Founded in 1995 by Chef Chris Hastings and his wife, Idie Hastings, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of our food scene.

With the famous tomato salad and seasonal produce making their way back into the restaurant, now is the perfect time to head over and celebrate.

Celebrating 30 years of Hot & Hot Fish Club

Originally located near the iconic “upside-down bar,” the restaurant moved to Pepper Place in 2020, embracing a modern new space while preserving its culinary traditions. Over the past three decades, Hot and Hot has not only endured but flourished as a family-run business, playing a key role in shaping Birmingham into the food city it is today.

With summer comes a fresh wave of local ingredients—rhubarb, strawberries, honeysuckle syrup and vibrant herbs that find their way onto the menu.

It’s all part of what Chef Hastings calls the “rhythm of the earth,” a philosophy that drives the restaurant’s ever-evolving offerings.

Tomato Salad makes its return on May 6th

One of the most anticipated events each spring for loyal diners is the return of Hot & Hot’s famous tomato salad, a signature dish that celebrates peak tomato season with unforgettable flavor and presentation. Chef Hastings describes it as more than just a menu item—it’s a ritual of the season, crafted with care to showcase Alabama’s freshest produce.

We all know there is nothing better than a fresh Alabama-grown tomato, and this salad perfectly encapsulates the taste of summertime.

Chef Chris Hastings

Though not a Birmingham native, Chef Chris Hastings has long been a leading figure in the city’s culinary evolution. He trained under the legendary Frank Stitt, and now serves as a mentor himself—over 30 chefs have passed through Hot and Hot’s kitchen on their way to leading restaurants of their own.

Chris believes in building chefs, not just cooks. He teaches his team how to think, taste, work, math and create (his core five in cooking) with intention—not to follow fleeting trends, but to develop a unique and lasting culinary identity.

Oh, and if you didn’t already know, he’s a James Beard Award winner, one of the highest honors in American food.

“At Hot and Hot, our legacy goes far beyond the kitchen—we’re proud to nurture a community rooted in creativity, mentorship, and opportunity. From supporting emerging chefs from around the globe to championing local talent, we believe in taking risks, staying grounded, and always cooking up what’s next—with confidence, creativity, and even a little math.”

Chef Chris Hastings, Hot & Hot Fish Club

Family-owned & operated for over 30 years

Hot & Hot’s success isn’t just about good food—it’s about family. The Hastings family has turned the restaurant into a true generational enterprise, with several family members now playing key roles:

• Chris Hastings
  • Owner and Chef
• Idie Hastings
  • Owner and Director of Operations
• Molly Hastings
  • Manager of Operations
• Zeb Hastings
  • Sous Chef

This tight-knit crew brings more than just great food to the table—they bring heart. The vibe at Hot & Hot Fish Club feels like a mix of fine dining and a friend’s dinner party, which is a big reason it’s become such a beloved spot in Birmingham’s food scene.

For the Hastings family, it’s not just about running a restaurant—it’s about being part of the neighborhood. They’re as much a part of Birmingham as the dishes they serve, and that’s what makes it all feel so special.

• Location: 2901 2nd Ave S # 110, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: Starting May 6, Hot & Hot will be open on Tuesdays
  • Tuesday-Saturday 5-9PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook
• Reserve a table

Who’s excited to celebrate Hot & Hot? Stop by starting May 6th for new hours and returning favorites like the tomato salad—and don’t forget to send us your food pics @BhamNow!