32 Best Southern Restaurants in Birmingham

“We had an incredible experience! Bailey gave us fantastic recommendations, and every dish she suggested was absolutely delicious. The Iberico Presa is definitely going to be one of my go-to choices from now on. Richard, our server, was outstanding and made the evening even better. We can’t wait to come back!“

“Great service and food is always good.“

“Ashley Mac’s Kitchen is a Birmingham favorite for a reason—it delivers comforting, Southern-inspired food that feels homemade but polished. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is bright, welcoming, and relaxed, making it an easy choice for lunch with friends, a quick solo meal, or picking up dinner to take home.

The menu is packed with reliable crowd-pleasers. The chicken salad is a standout—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—while the poppyseed chicken remains a signature dish that keeps people coming back. Salads are crisp and generously portioned, and the sandwich options are hearty without feeling heavy. One of Ashley Mac’s biggest strengths is its grab-and-go market, offering fresh and frozen meals that are ideal for busy nights when you still want something that tastes homemade.“

“Longtime family favorite! Ashley Mac's has been a part of our family meals for so long and is so well loved that my oldest son has asked if I'm going to send the poppyseed chicken with him when I send him meals and care packages for college! He's only in 10th grade, but he's already thinking about how he can make sure he doesn't miss out on poppyseed chicken night!“

“Clean, modern restaurant. Service was great. The menu had great choices and our meals were on point. Great food. Would definitely caviar again when in the area.“

“My fist time eating lunch today and it was fantastic!“

“We thoroughly enjoyed our time and the wonderful yummy food! The staff was incredibly nice and efficient!!“

“I work for The Dinner Detective and this venue hosts us 2-4 times a month. I cannot brag on the staff enough! From Todd at the door knowing each one of us and doing anything he can to help, to the front desk staff willing to print things for us or locate someone if we need them, to Bill always smiling and being friendly. But the real MVP’s are Jarvis and Damien with the staff that serves the meals and makes sure our guests receive the best experience during dinner. Damien is always there and works so hard. He knows his stuff and makes sure we have everything we need. Jarvis is so friendly and helpful. He has been so patient and dedicated as we have worked in this new partnership and has helped us troubleshoot and work through things all with a smile on his face. Without Damien and Jarvis, we would have been in a mess a few different times. They are amazing! ❤️❤️❤️❤️“

“Best chicken salad Ive had with various selections of flavors. Love it“

“Went with my wife and had an incredible experience. The atmosphere was beautiful, the food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. Everything exceeded expectations — a true 5-star experience. We will absolutely be coming back.“

“I love the deviled eggs and the muffins! Of course the BBQ is delicious but the Pies are a must try! The staff is very prompt and courteous. I use curbside to pick up dinner and it’s convenient especially with all the traffic on 280.“

“Everything I had was great and fresh the atmosphere and energy was amazing I’ll definitely be back“

“The Cedar House Cafeteria has been in business fourty-nine years in the same location. Throughout the years there have been changes made here and there but the quality of the food and service has always been
remarkable. Stop by and enjoy this iconic landmark and see for yourself what has kept the doors
open all this time. Delicious food, prompt friendly service all at a great price. You will become a regular Cedar House patron too!!“

“Love this place! Came in for breakfast while in town and had a wonderful experience. My waitress was Anna and she was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu and very friendly! Will be back again!!“

“Good, affordable food in sizeable quantities and with varied options. Service is fast and pleasant and it's not a bad place to sit down. I can get more and better food than any fast food place offers, at a lower price and in the same or even *less* time.“

“Gotta say a big thank you to Jim ‘n Nick’s BBQ in Athens, GA. I drove through there, hoping to get the awesome sounding baked potato that is described on their menu. After ordering my kiddo’s chicken fingers, I asked for the potato only to be told they had run out of them for the night. 😞 when I pulled up to pick up our food,  the chef (Matt) had found out that I had really wanted a potato and so he gave me one for free. That makes potato might’ve been part of his employee meal he was taking home. I don’t know but that gentleman made my night.  by the way, the potato is very good, but the service was even better!“

“The staff were so friendly and welcoming! And the food was AMAZING! And that sweet tea 🤤🤤! I definitely recommend Craft’s!“

“We have used Meals by Misty for the past couple of years for men's fishing trip in Venice louisiana. We ship it all down there cold and it is excellent after it is heated up we thoroughly enjoy it and I've done it again for this trip that we're going on October 25“

“Just know that you have to be ready to start ordering before you even get to the steam table. They will point at you and ask what meat you want. Be prepared to decide quickly as you go down the line. DO NOT BE ON YOUR PHONE! I know this sounds harsh but this is how they are able get a lot of people fed. They have a large selection and everything is delicious.“

“I came in on Thursday and bought a 10 piece not paying know attention I get home and the chicken is burnt I was to pissed and I noticed when I was in the restaurant I could smell the burn of the grease and a famale with pink fingernails raised up the blind behind the counter and cooking area what that was about I don't know but I been dealing with this restaurant since day one they opened it husband and wife very nice people just forgot the next day to call and report it but got busy at work not giving a bad rating cause the place is good just got bad service that day“

“First time at this restaurant. Great food and great customer service. You blink and you'll drive right by it. Some great restaurants come in small sizes! I'll be going back. Shrimp and Grits were very good. Peach pie was off the chain. Trying the Ox Tails next!“

“This place is so so good! I go here almost every month and I am obsessed. The food is SO delicious and the service is even better. If you enjoy authentic Mexican food I definitely recommend!! The atmosphere is perfect for a peaceful lunch or dinner. The side grocery is also a nice addition. Wish I had a picture of the food I got!“

“I made a trip of 20 miles just to get family loaded baker potatoes and my lick they were out and wait time was 30 mins. Well I waited and when they were ready a young lady came out and let me know. Can’t complain about service. And Im glad I waited, it was worth it. Even though I forgot my sons corn on cob he forgave me.“

“I made a trip of 20 miles just to get family loaded baker potatoes and my lick they were out and wait time was 30 mins. Well I waited and when they were ready a young lady came out and let me know. Can’t complain about service. And Im glad I waited, it was worth it. Even though I forgot my sons corn on cob he forgave me.“

“I was in town for a wedding this weekend and stayed at The Kelly. The hotel is beautiful and the rooms are very spacious for being in a historic building. The price was fantastic for such a nice hotel in a good location. The staff is unbelievably friendly and welcoming. I didn't get the names of the front desk workers but they were absolutely terrific! The valets are some of the best I've ever encountered. Eric, Tory and Thomas went out of their way to be helpful every single time. One evening I accidentally left a bag in the car and Thomas volunteered to go all the way back to the parking garage to get it for me. From now on, when I am in Birmingham I won't be staying anywhere else but The Kelly. I suggest you do too!“

“Ruby's has the very best down home cooking I have ever eaten ! Everything on the menu is fresh (nothing canned) You have to eat it to believe it !!!!!!“

“Gotta say a big thank you to Jim ‘n Nick’s BBQ in Athens, GA. I drove through there, hoping to get the awesome sounding baked potato that is described on their menu. After ordering my kiddo’s chicken fingers, I asked for the potato only to be told they had run out of them for the night. 😞 when I pulled up to pick up our food,  the chef (Matt) had found out that I had really wanted a potato and so he gave me one for free. That makes potato might’ve been part of his employee meal he was taking home. I don’t know but that gentleman made my night.  by the way, the potato is very good, but the service was even better!“

“This place is for foodies, not for people looking for vibes.

Our expectations hit rock bottom once we saw it was attached to a hotel, but I'm happy to admit we were so, so wrong!

The food was extremely good. Basic fine dining selection, but done with excellence. Each item, from the drinks, to the appetizers, the entree, and the dessert were all done with finess and exactness that made it a great experience.

We were here for valentines day and we can't wait to try the full menu a different night.“

“I made a trip of 20 miles just to get family loaded baker potatoes and my lick they were out and wait time was 30 mins. Well I waited and when they were ready a young lady came out and let me know. Can’t complain about service. And Im glad I waited, it was worth it. Even though I forgot my sons corn on cob he forgave me.“

“This by far is the best Soul food here I have had. They will be seeing a lot of us👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾“

“Breakfast always good and prompt. Coffee is hot and plentiful. Service is 5 star. Highly recommend Rebecca Whitmire!“

“great food and service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“