3 of Birmingham’s favorite meals + what to pair with them

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As we’ve all heard by now, Birmingham is a foodie city. Whether we show our pride by sitting down at a classic BBQ joint like Saw’s or Bob Sykes, a meat & three like Niki’s West or Ted’s or an award-winning, upscale restaurant like Automatic Seafood & Oysters or Helen, this city knows how to eat well, no matter the dress code.

What could make these meals better? I’ve gotta stay true to my Alabama roots and say it’s an ice-cold, carbonated soda.

I’m a Coca-Cola fan, and there is plenty of variety within their products, perfect for any palate. To prove it, we put together some popular local food and Coca-Cola product pairings.

Keep reading for your next perfect meal in the Magic City, and let us know what your favorite local eat is!

For the true locals: Niki’s West meat & 2 plate + Diet Coke

I tried Niki’s West for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and it lives up to the hype. No wonder they’ve been in Birmingham since the 1950s!

With a different menu every day, there are endless combinations. As a tried-and-true favorite in West Birmingham, the locals don’t play around when it comes to Niki’s West. Luckily, I got a hot tip to order quickly and with confidence to keep the line moving.

• What we got: Catfish, turnip greens, mashed potatoes and cornbread
• Paired with: Diet Coke, with its crispy and “electric” taste (and no calories) that fits the meat and veggies perfectly
• Location: 233 Finley Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
  

For a fan of the classics: Saw’s BBQ pulled pork plate + original Coke

You can never go wrong with Birmingham-made BBQ and a Coke. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Saw’s was started by the late Mike Wilson, a Birmingham chef who began bottling his tangy vinegar-based sauce and grew his business into multiple locations, now run in part by his family.

Whether you’re at Saw’s Soul Kitchen or Saw’s Juke Joint, the menu is packed with southern favorites like pulled pork, brisket, greens, Mac-and-cheese and more.

Fun fact: It was recently recognized in Southern Living’s “20 Best Spots For Chicken Wings In The South.”

So, when we were thinking about Coke products to pair with local food, we had to keep the classics with each other.

• What we got: Pulled pork plate with greens and Cole slaw
• Paired with: Original Coca-Cola, to balance the tangy BBQ flavors—something a little sweet and salty
• Check out your nearest Saw’s location.

For something sweet: Edgar’s Bakery Strawberry Cake + Coca-Cola Cherry Float

Coca-Cola Cherry Float, Coke’s newest drink to hit the shelf, is the perfect mix of cherry and vanilla, so I knew it’d pair nicely with any sweet treat. My first thought was the strawberry cake from Edgar’s Bakery—to keep things in the fruity flavor realm and balanced with a hint of vanilla. It’s Edgar’s Bakery’s most popular for a reason!

• What we got: Strawberry cupcake
• Paired with: Coca-Cola Cherry Float, because the smooth vanilla taste brings the classic Cherry Coke flavors out—like a dessert!
• Check out your nearest Edgar’s Bakery location.

Your turn, Birmingham! What local meals are you pairing with your favorite ice-cold Coca-Cola product? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know.

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