Classic definition of a hole in the wall cafe / bar with an eclectic and expansive outside patio. The garage cafe is a bar in highlands that has replaced what appears to be an old-timely auto garage that had since fallen into disuse and overgrown with vegetation and antiques. The owners of the garage cafe have done an exceptional job turning this place into a working bar and small deli, using the outside patio and leftover antiques / decor to their advantage. A couple of things to note before going here: they only take cash, and they really only offer made-to-order sandwiches (ie pick your bread, cheese, meat, etc...). Cost is about $8-9 across the board. The beer selection is mostly, or entirely (?), canned and bottled beer, but they do have a pretty varied and decent selection of local, domestic and international beers. I recommend anyone check this place out, grab a beer and a sandwich and hang out on the patio. Very fun and very unique.
Andy M.
First time eating here and ate it up. The decor, the vibe and the food. Great spot hidden right off off Highland Ave. Cool swanky feel with a authentic and pure passion for good food and cold drinks. Staff is friendly. Sandwiches take time and rightfully so as they are delicious. Great place for an afternoon lunch or a happy hour beer. Check this place out as it has tons to offer.
Lauren R.
I've only been here once but it was honestly the best service and food I could've asked for. I'm dying to go back soon!
Benjamin C.
Came here at the recommendation of someone who started several Birmingham area restaurants. I asked, "what's the best restaurant in Birmingham that no one has ever heard of?" This was his answer, and after coming here, it's my answer too. I ordered the Fritz, which had everything in it. This was a beautifully crafted sandwich that included turkey and corned beef amongst jalapenos, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Even though it had so many ingredients, the sandwich still had an identity. The soup was also very good. It was a white bean soup with Conecuh sausage and some greens. It had a great homemade character and taste, which is ideal at every restaurant. Unique atmosphere that really embodies its name - it doesn't get any more hole-in-the-wall than this. Seating is limited, and it's cash only. 5 stars because of the quality of food and unique atmosphere.
Rosa T.
OMG, the best customized to order Sandwiches in Birmingham. This place took us some time to find and eventually found it, hence the label "Hidden Gem" in Birmingham. There was so much hype about the place, that my friends and I decided to go. Since we went during lunch hour we weren't able to order from the bar (oh well), but the bartender was so nice and helpful. He let us know where we needed to order for the lunch menu. At first, I thought I was going to order from a list of signature sandwiches, but it's more of built your own sandwich (BYOS). I had a heated turkey meat with pepper jack cheese on wheat bread with most of the condiments from the topping list. I did not expect for a sandwich to be so freaking delicious, and I have had my share of sandwiches. I received chips and a pickle with my order for the low price of $8.25.. (what a great deal) Also, this place only takes cash, so make sure you have cash, if not they do have an ATM on site. This is the ideal place to get you sandwich fix on with a nice drink to wash it down with. I will be back!!!
Gabe P.
I'm actually pretty darn speechless about this place. It was quite the adventure trying to locate but gosh darn it, WE FOUND IT! It definitely owns up to being considered a "Hidden Gem" in Birmingham. I've been hearing about this place for quite awhile and I am elated that I finally got to try it with two of my friends from work! Coming from someone who tends to not lean towards sandwiches, this place made me a believer! These sandwiches are absolutely handcrafted to perfection! Specifically, the smoked turkey on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, spicy mustard, pepper jack cheese, oil and vinegar, black olives and salt & pepper was delicious! So many toppings and meat made this an excellent lunch PLUS chips and a pickle all in a basket for $8.25. Cash Only. You have been warned but they have an ATM on site. Indoor, bar seating is available. We opted to sit in the courtyard area and it was such a pretty day! You will be surrounded by garage type decor/ treasure. Much to look at but it doesn't interfere with enjoying the atmosphere and the food! If you've heard about this place and you are reading this review, you MUST try it!
Jim M.
What a neat place, we came here for lunch as it was close to one of our offices. We got there right at 11 when they opened. When we walked in the bartender asked if we had been there before. We replied this is our first. The next words out of his mouth was "we only take cash" ... well I for one never carry cash, so he quickly said well we have an atm in the back. Which this is pretty smart on their side as they do not have to pay the credit/debit card charges the customer does. We ordered at the kitchen area and it is a custom sandwich. I got the smoked turkey hot. It came out about 10 minutes later. I have to admit it was a really good sandwich. They do serve these on top of regular chips. All in all this is a good little place for lunch, so if you are in the area this would be a good spot for lunch.
Lacey C.
Very quaint, eclectic place. Great beer menu with a large selection so definitely a good spot for beers. Food menu is limited and small, so don't expect to leave here too full, making this place better for lunch than dinner. Cash only is a pain, but there is an ATM on site. Overall, it gets the job done for what it is.
Laura A.
I found this hidden gem near my house! The sandwiches are pretty good for the price! Defiantly will be back. Friendly staff and cool place to hang out
Heard great things but had a very bad experience and will not be back. Bartender was rude enough that I didn't bother to stay for a sandwich. Hoping others have a much better experience.
Ed H.
Best Ruben downtown. Hidden gem. The courtyard rocks, even on a hot summer day. Great selection of beer. This is a regular lunch stop for me. Remember, cash only.
Krysta B.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! Such a simple, beautiful and easy concept. This spot is a must visit location. The sandwiches are superb but the best part is the garden, I could sit on the patio in the garden all day every day! Cash only, order sandwich at the counter, beer at the bar and eat in a gorgeous garden it's simple, gorgeous and perfection!
Jesse R.
These are the best handcrafted sandwiches in the metro area. Once you get past the cash-only part of the visit you'll be amazed at the awesome meal you're about to receive. The ambience is less garage oriented and more like a garage sale. Junk everywhere that makes the charm of this place that much more. BRING CASH WITH YOU. Other than that, enjoy!
Keaton R.
This is a hidden gem in Birmingham. It looks like nothing from the outside, but it has a lot of character. This bar is truly one of a kind. They have a Deli inside the bar. I ordered the rueben and it was perfect. Their outside seating is very rustic and comfortable. This is a great place for a date or to hangout with friends.
Complete car wash service!
Classic definition of a hole in the wall cafe / bar with an eclectic and expansive outside patio. The garage cafe is a bar in highlands that has replaced what appears to be an old-timely auto garage that had since fallen into disuse and overgrown with vegetation and antiques. The owners of the garage cafe have done an exceptional job turning this place into a working bar and small deli, using the outside patio and leftover antiques / decor to their advantage. A couple of things to note before going here: they only take cash, and they really only offer made-to-order sandwiches (ie pick your bread, cheese, meat, etc...). Cost is about $8-9 across the board. The beer selection is mostly, or entirely (?), canned and bottled beer, but they do have a pretty varied and decent selection of local, domestic and international beers. I recommend anyone check this place out, grab a beer and a sandwich and hang out on the patio. Very fun and very unique.
First time eating here and ate it up. The decor, the vibe and the food. Great spot hidden right off off Highland Ave. Cool swanky feel with a authentic and pure passion for good food and cold drinks. Staff is friendly. Sandwiches take time and rightfully so as they are delicious. Great place for an afternoon lunch or a happy hour beer. Check this place out as it has tons to offer.
I've only been here once but it was honestly the best service and food I could've asked for. I'm dying to go back soon!
Came here at the recommendation of someone who started several Birmingham area restaurants. I asked, "what's the best restaurant in Birmingham that no one has ever heard of?" This was his answer, and after coming here, it's my answer too. I ordered the Fritz, which had everything in it. This was a beautifully crafted sandwich that included turkey and corned beef amongst jalapenos, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Even though it had so many ingredients, the sandwich still had an identity. The soup was also very good. It was a white bean soup with Conecuh sausage and some greens. It had a great homemade character and taste, which is ideal at every restaurant. Unique atmosphere that really embodies its name - it doesn't get any more hole-in-the-wall than this. Seating is limited, and it's cash only. 5 stars because of the quality of food and unique atmosphere.
OMG, the best customized to order Sandwiches in Birmingham. This place took us some time to find and eventually found it, hence the label "Hidden Gem" in Birmingham. There was so much hype about the place, that my friends and I decided to go. Since we went during lunch hour we weren't able to order from the bar (oh well), but the bartender was so nice and helpful. He let us know where we needed to order for the lunch menu. At first, I thought I was going to order from a list of signature sandwiches, but it's more of built your own sandwich (BYOS). I had a heated turkey meat with pepper jack cheese on wheat bread with most of the condiments from the topping list. I did not expect for a sandwich to be so freaking delicious, and I have had my share of sandwiches. I received chips and a pickle with my order for the low price of $8.25.. (what a great deal) Also, this place only takes cash, so make sure you have cash, if not they do have an ATM on site. This is the ideal place to get you sandwich fix on with a nice drink to wash it down with. I will be back!!!
I'm actually pretty darn speechless about this place. It was quite the adventure trying to locate but gosh darn it, WE FOUND IT! It definitely owns up to being considered a "Hidden Gem" in Birmingham. I've been hearing about this place for quite awhile and I am elated that I finally got to try it with two of my friends from work! Coming from someone who tends to not lean towards sandwiches, this place made me a believer! These sandwiches are absolutely handcrafted to perfection! Specifically, the smoked turkey on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, spicy mustard, pepper jack cheese, oil and vinegar, black olives and salt & pepper was delicious! So many toppings and meat made this an excellent lunch PLUS chips and a pickle all in a basket for $8.25. Cash Only. You have been warned but they have an ATM on site. Indoor, bar seating is available. We opted to sit in the courtyard area and it was such a pretty day! You will be surrounded by garage type decor/ treasure. Much to look at but it doesn't interfere with enjoying the atmosphere and the food! If you've heard about this place and you are reading this review, you MUST try it!
What a neat place, we came here for lunch as it was close to one of our offices. We got there right at 11 when they opened. When we walked in the bartender asked if we had been there before. We replied this is our first. The next words out of his mouth was "we only take cash" ... well I for one never carry cash, so he quickly said well we have an atm in the back. Which this is pretty smart on their side as they do not have to pay the credit/debit card charges the customer does. We ordered at the kitchen area and it is a custom sandwich. I got the smoked turkey hot. It came out about 10 minutes later. I have to admit it was a really good sandwich. They do serve these on top of regular chips. All in all this is a good little place for lunch, so if you are in the area this would be a good spot for lunch.
Very quaint, eclectic place. Great beer menu with a large selection so definitely a good spot for beers. Food menu is limited and small, so don't expect to leave here too full, making this place better for lunch than dinner. Cash only is a pain, but there is an ATM on site. Overall, it gets the job done for what it is.
I found this hidden gem near my house! The sandwiches are pretty good for the price! Defiantly will be back. Friendly staff and cool place to hang out
Restaurantji Recommends
Heard great things but had a very bad experience and will not be back. Bartender was rude enough that I didn't bother to stay for a sandwich. Hoping others have a much better experience.
Best Ruben downtown. Hidden gem. The courtyard rocks, even on a hot summer day. Great selection of beer. This is a regular lunch stop for me. Remember, cash only.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! Such a simple, beautiful and easy concept. This spot is a must visit location. The sandwiches are superb but the best part is the garden, I could sit on the patio in the garden all day every day! Cash only, order sandwich at the counter, beer at the bar and eat in a gorgeous garden it's simple, gorgeous and perfection!
These are the best handcrafted sandwiches in the metro area. Once you get past the cash-only part of the visit you'll be amazed at the awesome meal you're about to receive. The ambience is less garage oriented and more like a garage sale. Junk everywhere that makes the charm of this place that much more. BRING CASH WITH YOU. Other than that, enjoy!
This is a hidden gem in Birmingham. It looks like nothing from the outside, but it has a lot of character. This bar is truly one of a kind. They have a Deli inside the bar. I ordered the rueben and it was perfect. Their outside seating is very rustic and comfortable. This is a great place for a date or to hangout with friends.