2 Birmingham restaurants named best in South by “Southern Living” + why we agree

Southern Living has named its 20 best new restaurants in the South and it’s no surprise that some of Birmingham’s latest and greatest made the list.

Read on to find out who they picked and why we agree. 

Armour House on 1st Ave in Birmingham

Why we love it:

Armour House opened back in November and is located inside the Armour & Co. Building on 1st Ave.

Led by Executive Chef Jeffrey Compton and local entrepreneurs Rollins Montgomery and Chris Reebals, the space features brasserie-inspired fare, including open-fire grilled steaks and fresh raw bar offerings.

Some stand-out dishes include:

• Black Angus Beef Tenderloin with Pomme Puree 
• Bluefin Tuna Crudo with Huckleberry + Champagne Granita 
• Charred Broccolini

Fun fact: In addition to Armour House, the project includes Pogo, a hidden speakeasy located within the historic walls of the Armour & Co. building. We love it for the expertly crafted and creative cocktails, live jazz and vibrant atmosphere it adds to Birmingham’s nightlife scene.

What Southern Living had to say:

“You won’t walk out of this Magic City hotspot hungry, that’s for sure. A well-appointed raw bar sets the stage for the restaurant’s real star: dry-aged steaks with plenty of decadent sides and accoutrements. Appropriately housed in a renovated meat-packing facility, the restaurant boasts a handsome dining room that you won’t want to leave—unless it’s to sneak into Pogo, a speakeasy tucked away in the basement.”

• Visit Armour House: 2309 1st Ave N, Ste 201, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours:
  • Tuesday-Thursday | 4:30-9PM 
  • Friday-Saturday | 4:30-10PM 
  • Reservations will be available soon.
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Bayonet on 2nd Ave in Birmingham

Enjoy fresh seafood, oysters + drinks at Bayonet in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Why we love it: 

Owned by James Beard semifinalist chef Rob McDaniel and his wife Emily McDaniel, Bayonet is the second restaurant opened by the couple in on 2nd Ave North in Birmingham. Their first endeavor, Helen, is right next door.

The menu is 100% dedicated to seafood caught fresh from the Gulf, and their extensive oyster list where you can order by the whole or half dozen is drawing in seafoodies as soon as the restaurant opens each day.

While the full-service cocktail bar boasts a lengthy list, it’s the oyster martini that’s become a local favorite, savored best by serious seafood enthusiasts.

What Southern Living had to say:

“Opening a restaurant solely dedicated to seafood might seem risky. But when it’s the freshest catch from the Gulf in the kitchen of chef Rob McDaniel, you’re practically guaranteed a great meal. Bayonet opened in downtown Birmingham earlier this year and already has a local following for its extensive oyster-focused raw bar, ice cold martinis, and creative dishes like its Cobia Schnitzel and Swordfish Reuben sandwich. Even if you think you’re full, don’t miss the excellent Coconut Cream Pie.”

• Visit Bayonet: 2015 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours:
  • Monday-Saturday 3-9PM
  • Valet services begin at 4:30PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

What other Birmingham restaurants do you think should have made the list? Let us know on social by tagging @bhamnow.