Popular local eatery named Best Diner in Alabama

Tucked away in a small hole-in-the-wall joint along downtown Homewood’s main strip, Salem’s Diner has been serving up old-school American breakfast and lunch dishes for nearly 20 years. Recently, the popular local diner was named the Best Diner in Alabama by fast-growing food publication mashed.com.

We paid a visit to Salem’s Diner to learn more—and snag a tasty lunch!

About Salem’s Diner, “Home of the Philly Cheesesteak”

Salem’s Diner is no stranger to national recognition.

It wasn’t that long ago that Salem’s was named the best diner in the state by Food & Wine Magazine, which spotlighted the friendly, welcoming nature of owner Wayne Salem. And it was only 18 years ago that Salem’s was shouted out on The Late Late Show by then-host Craig Ferguson, who famously praised, “the best Philly cheese steak sandwich I’ve ever tasted — and I’m including Philadelphia.”

Now, Salem’s has another feather to stick in its cap—the Best Diner in Alabama, according to mashed.com.

“I’m so thankful that mashed.com has recognized us like that. The restaurant business is a tough one; I have a lot of friends and family who lost their businesses during COVID. Luckily, Salem’s was able to survive.”

Wayne Salem, Salem’s Diner

Salem’s Diner traces its origins to the 1950’s, when famed Crimson Tide quarterback Ed Salem opened a series of Ed Salem’s Drive-In’s around the Birmingham area. His son, Wayne, took over the business in 1983 and opened Salem’s Diner at 2913 18th St S in Homewood in the mid-2000s.

“When we moved operations to Homewood in 2006, I wasn’t ready for retirement but I wanted to do something small to keep me occupied. But Salem’s Diner just took off—I never imagined I would be this busy.”

Wayne Salem, Salem’s Diner

Open from 6:30AM to 1PM every day except Sunday, Salem’s Diner specializes in classic, all-American breakfast and lunch plates like biscuit & gravy with sausage, ham & cheese omelets, hot cakes, hot dogs, burgers and a variety of sandwich combos. But the most popular item on the menu is its famous Philly cheese steak.

There’s no secret recipe—in fact, the ingredient list and recipe for Salem’s Diner’s Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich is listed on the restaurant’s website. But there is something special about the way the Salem’s team prepares the sandwich and treats its guests—something that has kept customers coming back week after week.

“We love our customers, the majority of which are regulars who we see three or four times a week. I have several customers who have been coming every week for almost 20 years.”

Wayne Salem, Salem’s Diner

• Salem’s Diner: 205.877.8797 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2913 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Hours: 6:30AM to 1PM, Monday-Saturday

What is your favorite thing to order at Salem’s Diner? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!