Tucked along 1st Ave N, The Essential has long been a downtown favorite for its always-packed brunch, expansive wine list and that perfect balance of casual and refined dining.

Recently, Victor King—owner and head chef—closed the doors for a whirlwind 10-day renovation. We caught up with him to get the scoop on what’s new at The Essential, from a fresh look and logo to some new menu options.

What’s new?

The Essential didn’t just get a facelift—it’s basically a brand new restaurant. According to Victor, its new look reflects how he sees the restaurant itself: a warm, inviting neighborhood space that feels like home.

Complete with wood panel detailing, soft lighting and cozy seating, the project was led by Homewood-based design team Kat Bailey Interiors.

What really ties the space together is the gallery wall, complete with a kitschy mix of pieces from local artists and friends.

“A collection of local artists contributed pieces for the gallery wall. I thought it was really important to showcase all the folks that hang out around here and make awesome art, right here in our neighborhood.”
Victor King, Owner + Chef, The Essential

Beyond the fresh look, The Essential also added a few practical upgrades—both in the space and on the menu.

“Now, the kitchen space is twice as big. Everyone has actual stations and isn’t standing six inches from each other trying to make food, so everyone in the kitchen is very happy about that.

It’s also allowed us to add some dishes to the menu. We’ve got a beef carpaccio on the menu now, and we’re also going to be able to add some lunch specials soon.”
Victor King, Owner + Chef, The Essential

Paul & Tina’s at The Essential

Speaking of practical upgrades, one of the biggest additions is the bar. By knocking down a wall and expanding into the neighboring space, its increased in size from five seats to 18.

Inside the cocktail menu, you’ll find the bar has a new theme and name: Paul and Tina’s at The Essential. But who exactly are Paul and Tina?

“Paul and Tina—those are my cats.”

Overlooking the bar are Paul and Tina, painted by Jessica Allen. (Jessica Allen)

With the bar tucked away in a bigger, more defined area of its own, Victor and the team decided it deserved a name and personality to match.

“We played around with some different names, but they randomly asked the name of my cats and then next thing you know, I get this illustration of two cats holding drinks.

And I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s it. That’s what we’re calling this bar.’

Paul and Tina are like home to me, and that’s how I want people to feel at The Essential.”
Victor King, Owner + Chef, The Essential

A new logo

After you’ve taken in the dining room and bar, you’ll notice another new visual theme: pigeons.

The restaurant’s new logo created by Good Grit can be seen on a neon sign out front, on the newly designed menu and (for keen eyes) on the gallery wall. According to Victor, it’s another personal touch to the space.

“When I travel, I don’t take travel photos. I just take pictures of pigeons and post them on social media, and eventually people started sending me pictures of pigeons.

The cool thing about pigeons is that they’re just ubiquitous in the world. It’s like everyone understands a pigeon, every culture has pigeon and they’re always doing something funny on their own.”
Victor King, Owner + Chef, The Essential

Ready to check it out for yourself?

Location: 2215 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-9PM | Saturday-Sunday 9AM-2PM (Brunch) + 5-9PM (Dinner)
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