Decor highlights rustic elements with a modern flair
Rob Swinning
This is probably my favorite restaurant. Best atmosphere. Great food. Professional service. Drinks are perfect. Clean environment. What else can you ask for. I always get the fillet with the smashed potatoes or the Mac n' cheese. Nothing ordinary about it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mo Twenty
Today's is my anniversary & this was a great decision. I hadn't visited this place in over 10 years. Its still delicious. Meatballs, Crab cakes, Roasted Chicken Macaroni and cheese I recommend them ALL. Deviled eggs were just ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lezvetta Lewis
Food wasn’t so great. Waiter was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Tyler Lee
Waiter was excellent. The food was average.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Jet Stroud
My all-time favorite restaurant in Birmingham i have been dining since 2000. Wow, 25 - almost 26 years if that tells you anything? So I am so happy it's back to j. Alexander's name, the original. Don't change it ever again, please. Friday, September 26th, 2025, dining earlier than normal firstly hostess wasn't right on point we wanted to sit at the bar top tables all were vacant and she proceeded to explain the server for those specific tables on break still understandable double shifts can be long and tiring but being in the restaurant and hotel industry all my life i know that guests are always right and you should do anything (within means) to accommodate the guests from the time they enter the premises until exiting so us hearing excuses for why the table wasn't available is not acceptable but to the SAVE the bartender behind the bar was right on time (wish I got his name) but as I said before September 26th 4pm starting shift gentleman of color waved the hostess down to get her attention and said yes table is good to go that's the difference between server/bartender staff and hostess one lives pretty much from tips and other lives from tip share and minimum wage or more paycheck but still respect all positions in the industry I promise. So sat where we wanted and greeted immediately and properly from our server Nick. What a great 👍 guy personality and not bad on the eyes he has a great sense of humor (even if he's an Auburn fan lol just kidding 😜 ) Very informative and knowledgeable about the menu and items he's good at what he does i recommend yall ask for him you won't regret it for the bartender great drinks and I loved my SPHERE ICE CIRCLE 😀 (Gentleman Cube normally) But a SPHERE!!! (See attached pics) Friday soup New England Clam Chowder, the best around tip, go early on Fridays you won't believe all the clams in the bowl WOW. For entrée no doubt about it 16 Oz prime rib our absolute favorite no where else can compete try the roasted Brussel sprouts for vegetable again no one else can top it OK last but not least I would have taken a picture but we took it home for later and there's nothing to show ALL GONE DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......CARROT CAKE only one other can beat it and it's their seasonal Pumpkin cake 🎂 🥮 🍥 🥞 OUT OF THIS WORLD 🌎 😀 I was hoping it was in but just not yet so please try both you won't regret it yall will thank me promise you but overall I love j Alexander's maybe just as much as my dear friends up in heaven Bart and 🍒 Cherry Starr God bless you both. And I will be back soon enough. Thanks for not letting me down for my favorite restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, since my first visit until my last.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Callum Yates
Greeting carries Southern warmth with relaxed charm
Kaylah Alexandria
We come to this restaurant all the time, but today we came in for a large party to celebrate my dad's birthday and had a terrible experience. Firstly, I called and tried to make the reservation, and it was made into this big deal of “ ohh, thats to many people,” which it was only 8 of us, and one of the round tables fits 7….I then stated that they normally just put us at two tables next to each other, and she told me I’m sure they don’t because our tables don’t move… which I never said they did, but we understood that we weren’t going to sit at one table or maybe not even close together because it’s a Sunday afternoon, but that was fine. We get to the restaurant after just doing online reservations, and we’re met with someone named Ella. Her attitude was just completely unprofessional. She made very smart remarks and was so rude that some of our guests were left feeling upset. A huge thank you to the lady manager with the short hair who was incredibly kind and helpful, but our experience was truly ruined for what was supposed to be a special occasion. Can’t say we will be back anytime soon
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
Raul Tran
Arrival carries Southern warmth with easy hospitality
Shanee Taylor
Everything was delicious. I asked for my steak medium well. It was perfect. Our server was outstanding. The portions and quality of the food is well worth the price.
Jessie was the most amazing server we have had in Birmingham!!! It was my mom’s 70th bday and she exceeded our expectations… she made it feel extra special! 10/10 will go back again! Food always perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rodrick Dilworth
Our server Jesse, was AMAZING. She was perfect! The food was great as well. 10/10 for the entire experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aleem Gillani
Four of us came for lunch on a weekday. The parking lot was almost full. The restaurant was full and we had a 20 minute wait to be seated. The waitress was very nice but one of our food orders had to be sent back twice before it was correct. The menu was not clear that one of the listed apps was actually a soup. Rest of the food was pretty good so four stars overall. Suggest you arrive before the rush or after it to avoid the wait.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
candace wakefield
I have always enjoyed dining at J. Alexander’s, but my most recent experience left me very disappointed due to the management. I ordered my usual favorite drink, but it was served noticeably under-filled and with changes from how it is normally prepared. When I politely brought this to the attention of the manager, Jessica, her response was dismissive and came across as snarky and uncaring.
What made the situation even worse was observing how Jessica interacted with her staff. Rather than showing compassion or support, she treated the employees poorly, which was uncomfortable to witness as a guest. A restaurant’s atmosphere is created not only by the food and service, but also by the leadership, and in this case the lack of professionalism and care from management was very evident.
I truly hope upper management takes note, because J. Alexander’s is a great restaurant with dedicated employees who deserve a manager that treats both guests and staff with respect.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
R L 506
Update to original post below: Recently we visited J Alexander's again after moving back to this area. The menu has changed and several of our favorite items are no longer available. The spinach queso was excellent and their salad was still very good. But you would do well to stay away from the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich! The meat was dry and chewy and the bun did not taste fresh. Actually, the sandwich appeared to have been sitting under a heat lamp and I left it on my plate. We will still return but I will be sure to order something different.
This place is awesome! We have eaten at J. Alexander's many times and have never had a bad dining experience. The food is exceptional and the service is as well. Their menu items are varied to suit any taste and every one we have ordered was exceptionally prepared. This is one of our favorite places.
Decor highlights rustic elements with a modern flair
This is probably my favorite restaurant. Best atmosphere. Great food. Professional service. Drinks are perfect. Clean environment. What else can you ask for. I always get the fillet with the smashed potatoes or the Mac n' cheese. Nothing ordinary about it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Today's is my anniversary & this was a great decision. I hadn't visited this place in over 10 years. Its still delicious. Meatballs, Crab cakes, Roasted Chicken Macaroni and cheese I recommend them ALL. Deviled eggs were just ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food wasn’t so great. Waiter was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Waiter was excellent. The food was average.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
My all-time favorite restaurant in Birmingham i have been dining since 2000. Wow, 25 - almost 26 years if that tells you anything? So I am so happy it's back to j. Alexander's name, the original. Don't change it ever again, please. Friday, September 26th, 2025, dining earlier than normal firstly hostess wasn't right on point we wanted to sit at the bar top tables all were vacant and she proceeded to explain the server for those specific tables on break still understandable double shifts can be long and tiring but being in the restaurant and hotel industry all my life i know that guests are always right and you should do anything (within means) to accommodate the guests from the time they enter the premises until exiting so us hearing excuses for why the table wasn't available is not acceptable but to the SAVE the bartender behind the bar was right on time (wish I got his name) but as I said before September 26th 4pm starting shift gentleman of color waved the hostess down to get her attention and said yes table is good to go that's the difference between server/bartender staff and hostess one lives pretty much from tips and other lives from tip share and minimum wage or more paycheck but still respect all positions in the industry I promise. So sat where we wanted and greeted immediately and properly from our server Nick. What a great 👍 guy personality and not bad on the eyes he has a great sense of humor (even if he's an Auburn fan lol just kidding 😜 ) Very informative and knowledgeable about the menu and items he's good at what he does i recommend yall ask for him you won't regret it for the bartender great drinks and I loved my SPHERE ICE CIRCLE 😀 (Gentleman Cube normally) But a SPHERE!!! (See attached pics) Friday soup New England Clam Chowder, the best around tip, go early on Fridays you won't believe all the clams in the bowl WOW. For entrée no doubt about it 16 Oz prime rib our absolute favorite no where else can compete try the roasted Brussel sprouts for vegetable again no one else can top it OK last but not least I would have taken a picture but we took it home for later and there's nothing to show ALL GONE DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......CARROT CAKE only one other can beat it and it's their seasonal Pumpkin cake 🎂 🥮 🍥 🥞 OUT OF THIS WORLD 🌎 😀 I was hoping it was in but just not yet so please try both you won't regret it yall will thank me promise you but overall I love j Alexander's maybe just as much as my dear friends up in heaven Bart and 🍒 Cherry Starr God bless you both. And I will be back soon enough. Thanks for not letting me down for my favorite restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, since my first visit until my last.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Greeting carries Southern warmth with relaxed charm
We come to this restaurant all the time, but today we came in for a large party to celebrate my dad's birthday and had a terrible experience. Firstly, I called and tried to make the reservation, and it was made into this big deal of “ ohh, thats to many people,” which it was only 8 of us, and one of the round tables fits 7….I then stated that they normally just put us at two tables next to each other, and she told me I’m sure they don’t because our tables don’t move… which I never said they did, but we understood that we weren’t going to sit at one table or maybe not even close together because it’s a Sunday afternoon, but that was fine. We get to the restaurant after just doing online reservations, and we’re met with someone named Ella. Her attitude was just completely unprofessional. She made very smart remarks and was so rude that some of our guests were left feeling upset. A huge thank you to the lady manager with the short hair who was incredibly kind and helpful, but our experience was truly ruined for what was supposed to be a special occasion. Can’t say we will be back anytime soon
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
Arrival carries Southern warmth with easy hospitality
Everything was delicious. I asked for my steak medium well. It was perfect. Our server was outstanding. The portions and quality of the food is well worth the price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Jessie was the most amazing server we have had in Birmingham!!! It was my mom’s 70th bday and she exceeded our expectations… she made it feel extra special! 10/10 will go back again! Food always perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server Jesse, was AMAZING. She was perfect!
The food was great as well. 10/10 for the entire experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Four of us came for lunch on a weekday. The parking lot was almost full. The restaurant was full and we had a 20 minute wait to be seated. The waitress was very nice but one of our food orders had to be sent back twice before it was correct. The menu was not clear that one of the listed apps was actually a soup. Rest of the food was pretty good so four stars overall. Suggest you arrive before the rush or after it to avoid the wait.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I have always enjoyed dining at J. Alexander’s, but my most recent experience left me very disappointed due to the management. I ordered my usual favorite drink, but it was served noticeably under-filled and with changes from how it is normally prepared. When I politely brought this to the attention of the manager, Jessica, her response was dismissive and came across as snarky and uncaring.
What made the situation even worse was observing how Jessica interacted with her staff. Rather than showing compassion or support, she treated the employees poorly, which was uncomfortable to witness as a guest. A restaurant’s atmosphere is created not only by the food and service, but also by the leadership, and in this case the lack of professionalism and care from management was very evident.
I truly hope upper management takes note, because J. Alexander’s is a great restaurant with dedicated employees who deserve a manager that treats both guests and staff with respect.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Update to original post below:
Recently we visited J Alexander's again after moving back to this area. The menu has changed and several of our favorite items are no longer available. The spinach queso was excellent and their salad was still very good. But you would do well to stay away from the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich! The meat was dry and chewy and the bun did not taste fresh. Actually, the sandwich appeared to have been sitting under a heat lamp and I left it on my plate.
We will still return but I will be sure to order something different.
This place is awesome! We have eaten at J. Alexander's many times and have never had a bad dining experience. The food is exceptional and the service is as well. Their menu items are varied to suit any taste and every one we have ordered was exceptionally prepared. This is one of our favorite places.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
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