50 Best American Restaurants near Irondale

“Gus' Hot Dogs has survived for a long time and it's because of the loyalty of the many patrons. The menu offers many options and all is delicious! The chili dog is unique as the chili looks like beef dog sauce but it has a rich, chili flavor. Please try one or many!!“

“Food is awsome always fresh & hot made to order 100+ �“

“I've always loved going to Golden Rule! They have the best fries!“

“always gets my order right!!!“

“This was our first time and it was absolutely excellent from start to finish! The manager, Brandon, was SO genuinely welcoming and accommodating. Our server, Parker, was flawless and so much fun (request him!). Every dish was perfectly cooked, refined and full of flavor (smoked salmon, fried green tomatoes, fried oysters, rainbow trout, swordfish with andouille, ribeye with truffle fondue). The cocktails and wine all perfect. Will definitely return and want to thank Blueprint for a truly wonderful experience!“

“I’ve been avoiding posting this review, but it wouldn’t be fair to others if I didn’t. I know I’ll probably catch some flack or criticism for it, but it is what it is. I don’t get paid for this. I don’t receive free food. I experience these restaurants just like any other customer, from the moment I walk in to the moment I leave. That being said, here’s my honest review of Yo’ Mama’s! I went here with friends and family for lunch, and my first impression was great. The restaurant was very clean, and the staff was friendly and efficient. To start on a positive note, everyone else in my group really enjoyed their food. They said the fish was well-seasoned and delicious, and they had no complaints. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as lucky. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles, and while it looked absolutely delicious, the taste didn’t match the appearance. Let’s start with the chicken. It was fried to perfection crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, practically falling off the bone. No issues there. However, the biggest problem was the complete lack of seasoning. It tasted like it was simply floured and fried no salt, no pepper, nothing. I was so disappointed that I couldn’t even finish it and ended up giving it away. As for the waffle, it was cooked beautifully crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. It was good, but unfortunately, syrup didn’t seem to be an option. Instead, I was given something that resembled honey butter but had a strange, fruity taste and a gritty texture, which threw it off for me. Had I just received regular syrup, I think I would have enjoyed it much more. Now, let me be clear I hate that I even have to say this but this review is not meant to bash or tear down a Black-owned business. I was genuinely excited to try this place, only to walk away feeling let down. This is why I always try to dine with others when I do reviews to get a well rounded perspective. I had three other people with me, and they all enjoyed their meals. Unfortunately, I just drew the short straw that day. Final thoughts: Based on my personal experience, I’d have to rate my meal 5/10 not because the food wasn’t cooked well, but because key elements of flavor were missing. That said, would I return? Yes. The food was prepared properly, and the restaurant itself had a great atmosphere. They just missed the mark on seasoning, which is crucial. I’d still encourage others to check this place out. Every dining experience is different, and just because mine wasn’t great doesn’t mean yours won’t be. Hopefully, if I visit again, my experience will be much better!“

“We dined here last night and I must say I was very pleased. I ordered the fried green tomatoes as a starter. The dish was perfectly plated and the taste was spectacular! The sourdough bread brought to us prior to ordering was also very delicious.

I ordered the scallops for my main course and that too was very tasty and beautifully plated.

For dessert, the beignets, which was the best I have ever tasted. Better than Nalins:)

Our server (forgot his name) was perfectly on point. The atmosphere was warm and cozy.

We enjoyed our dining experience and look forward to returning when back in Birmingham.“

“Amazing service. Amazing food. They have some OG restaurant people that work there that other stuff. If you haven’t been highly suggested.“

“Food and the service are excellent. Very friendly place including customers. They also have a good variety of frozen food and sweets.

Parking: Tough to find a spot at lunch

Kid-friendliness: Always kids with a parent

Wheelchair accessibility: We use a wheelchair often when dining in“

“Went here after a cheer competition! We had a large party and were set quickly! Our waitress had multiple large parties and was absolutely fabulous! Food was amazing! The kids enjoyed the outside area while waiting on food! Very accommodating to allergies and picky eaters! Highly recommend! Only con is that they don’t have one in Murfreesboro, TN!!“

“Stopped by this place because it was close to the BJCC while taking the Bar Exam.

I was pleasantly surprised how awesome this place is! I chose the sirloin burger with chips. I would have posted a photo, but I ate everything too quickly 🙂 so check this place out for yourself!

Fantastic service, delicious food and awesome location!!“

“Very good place and friendly staff.“

“What a staff, Leslie , Lizzy and Monty killing it today .“

“We love this restaurant and had a phenomenal experience on 2 different occasions. Today they did a fantastic job for our son's birthday. The food was amazing and the staff is so friendly. The atmosphere is cozy and beautiful. We definitely will make this our place to escape from the average dining places.“

“Locally owned, hole in the wall venue, friendly service, amazing breakfast! Highly recommend anyone in the area to stop by and visit at least once. The fried pork chop and egg breakfast is second to none. The western or meat lovers omelette is absolutely delicious! The French toast is not for the diabetic with its extremely flavorful cinnamon and powdered sugar topping. Another recommended breakfast choice is asking for grilled toast, you'll think me later!
If you live close or traveling through, you need to visit our friends over at the cedar house and experience the local food!“

“Great food and a fancy experience that is very high touch and low worry!“

“Fantastic server, great atmosphere.“

“Tired of the fast food catagory... this is your way out. The food was delicious. There was a selection of meats, vegetables, and deserts. Pricing was also reasonable for the servings. There is nothing like having a good glass of sweet tea to top it off.“

“I am so happy that Zoes Kitchen BHM is back! All of the original menu items are available. Had lunch there this week and enjoyed the Grilled Chicken Pita with Slaw and extra slaw for my side—thought I had died and gone to Heaven!“

“I’m a trucker and I’ve been to this place 2 times. N this is some good eating.“

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

“Nice restaurant. You will spend about $12-13 for a plate and drink. I got the braised pork plate with the hot cheddar pasta, bread, and broccoli salad. The pasta was really good and cheesy. The servers were very friendly. It's by the federal reserve. It's cool because the bathroom entrance was the old vault. Indoor and outdoor seating available. The wait time for the food wasn't long at all; they got our food out within minutes.“

“Great food and really awesome atmosphere!“

“They were very busy for a Monday at lunch time and didn't seem to have enough servers. The hostess at the front door fussed at us for not having an RSVP, so we sat in the bar. (We didn't know we needed RSVP for lunch) the food was fantastic. I had the grilled meatloaf.“

“Try the philly cheese steak! So good!“

“We have a wheel chair bound member of our party. The staff knew exactly what her needs were without asking. Salad was chopped so for a change she didn't have to sit there like a child while someone at the table cut her salad. Bathroom was totally accessible. Food was delicious. Wonderful visit.“

“Let me start off by saying that these have got to be the messiest burgers on the planet. But.... they are well worth every napkin that you will use. I got the biggest burger that they offer, and let me tell you, I can eat, but I could barely find the room to eat half of it. It was so good. I highly recommend Hamburger Heaven. They are an icon in the Gardendale area. Oh, and their shakes are really good also.“

“I've been driving past this place for months and thought I needed to try it. Today was the day, Chili Cheese dogs for me and Slaw dogs for a co-worker. Fries and Tots too, both of out meals were good, friendly people behind the counter too. Looks like they have a good variety of other standards for this type of small restaurant. I/we'll be back soon. Thanks Guys.“

“My wife recently had an overnight procedure at UAB, so we looked up Cajun restaurants in the area and this was the closest to us. I’ve been to NOLA countless times over the years and I’m here to say, every morsel of food we ate at this place was hands down better than anything I’ve ever had in NOLA. I love spicy food and everything was seasoned to perfection. I honestly can’t say enough great things about this hidden gem. Super friendly staff, excellent food and great atmosphere. We live in North AL and I would definitely drive the hour south just to go eat here again. It was absolutely amazing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!“

“The food is great along with the atmosphere. We didn't have to wait on anything the food came out quickly. Devin was out waiter and he was outstanding. He was right there with refills and our food and was just as nice as he could be. We had a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to everyone. Well done“

“Excellent staff and superb menu!! Highly recommend!!“

“Enjoyed our meal! Nice change from our usual places.“

“Breakfast was great and prices nice .“

“It was my 1st time ever seeing one of these im from the north & we only get the sweet tea & lemonade in grocery stores i saw this place & of course i had to indulge. Food was hot & fresh service was friendly and helpful. I was not disappointed.“

“Fun place with friendly staff.“

“Ate here for the first time today. It was very fresh and delicious! Restaurant was very clean also. We will be back to try the delicious custard.“

“Great food, fabulous service, and friendly faces! And, they stay open later!“

“My biological sister and I love Sherry’s! The food is always delicious and Sherry is a joy!“

“On Saturday, April 5, 2025, I had my retirement dinner at Culinary Dropout. There were twenty people in my party. Our server Natalie was a "little dynamo". Even the restaurant was crowded due prom season, she got all drink orders promptly. The starters orders arrived soon after. Then the entrees. She was there for drink refills and other requests. She handled the situation with grace, kindness and professionalism. Her and the other wait staff were truly exceptional. The bartenders got drink orders promptly and made to protection. They made my 25 year retirement celebration truly awesome! I will definitely book any future events with this amazing restaurant. Kudos!!!!“

“We visited from Texas and were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and food at Urban Cookhouse. I’d be curious to try other sandwiches, but would definitely pair it with more broccoli salad.

Parking: I walked up to the restaurant, but I did notice plenty of street parking available.“

“The food is certainly good, but I definitely don’t recommend the Down Home. It’s an insultingly tiny amount of food. My wife and I both laughed when the server set it down in front of me—$13 for a main course smaller than most appetizers.“

“Great menu. Tasty food. Served hot!“

“Food is good Fresh as well 10/10“

“Had dinner here last night for the first time with my hubby and we loved it! Andy took great care of us even though he had a full bar and we were sitting at a table. The food was fantastic. I had the sea bass, which had a delightful crispy sear but was not at all overcooked. Also a great price for sea bass! My husband got the burger and loved it. He doesn’t get excited about food like I do, but said “mmm, this is a really good burger” at least 4 times while eating it. If you know him like I do, you know he was impressed. Lol. We also enjoyed a very nice Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, which I was thrilled to see by the glass. The GM came over and talked to us for a while also, allowing me to rave to him about how much we enjoyed everything. A great experience, and a great value. We will DEFINITELY be back!!“

“I love wings plus. Out of all of the Wings joints I've been to Wings Plus in Bluff Park tops them all. I have never had anything less than freshly made delicious food and I don't just order wings. The place is always neat. I know restaurants were hit hard by the pandemic and have a hard time finding people to work. I've never been treated anything less than respectful and kind. The guys in there are great“

“Even got a cool 😎 magic show! Everyone was friendly! Good food.“

“It was my very first time here and the service was amazing, I can’t wait to come back and bring me family.“

“I've been eating Sneaky Pete's hotdog since I was a little kid. The food is great, but it's much more than that. It's more than just a hot dog restaurant, it's a Birmingham icon. Everyone from here and travels through here should have a Sneaky Pete's hot dog.“

“Exquisite community, exceptional homes. Especially one revisioned by master remodeler, Jason Thomas 👌“

“This is a hidden gem. I'd give more than 5 stars if they were available. We looked at the menu on line and there were atypical offerings that attracted us. The food was excellent. My wife and I shared the beef steak tartare appetizer. It was a different presentation, but each bite was better than the one before. She then had the snapper in banana leaves with a side of sweet potatoes, and I had the duck breast with a papaya salad and sambal. Both portions were ample and we skipped dessert. A sign of a great chef is when food needs no added seasoning. None needed any. They also have an excellent wine selection. My only negative, which I make everywhere, is the noise level.“