If you want a true southern cooking cafe, you have found the spot! These guys have a great line up of souther foods, from fried chicken to fried okra. They also have amazing desserts and their service is fantastic! They get busy for lunch, but the line moves pretty quickly!
They do give a 5% discount for cash (meaning they uncharge for credit), but this is normal today as small businesses can’t afford to eat credit card fees. Just be aware that you can save if you pay with cash.
There is plenty of seating, but also come early! If you get stuck by the train, you might be late to meet your party. The seating area is huge and so is their passion for southern food.
Sorry health eaters, nothing here for you, but if you like down home southern cooking, it doesn’t get better!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bryan Suver
Historic place with a lot of history. Buffet style. You get in line to get your food. Typical comfort type food that was very good. Several trains came by while we were eating. One of them being Amtrak.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
conservative002
My family recently dined at the Irondale Cafe in Irondale, Alabama, and it was an absolute delight! This charming Southern gem, open since 1928, is the real-life inspiration for the Whistle Stop Cafe from Fried Green Tomatoes, and it lives up to its legendary status. The meat-and-three style menu is a love letter to Southern comfort food, and every dish we tried was bursting with flavor and nostalgia. My wife and daughter each had the country fried steak smothered in rich brown gravy, paired with creamed potatoes, cabbage, and perfectly crispy fried green tomatoes--just like in the movie! The creamed corn was sweet and velvety, and the fried okra added a satisfying crunch. I had the standout fried chicken which was golden and juicy, served alongside creamed potatoes, tender butter beans, okra and tomatoes, and a wedge of buttery cornbread that practically melted in my mouth. My son's fried catfish was equally impressive, flaky and well-seasoned, with a side of vibrant green beans that rounded out the plate. For dessert, we couldn't resist the blackberry cobbler and chocolate chess pie--both were heavenly, with the cobbler's warm, jammy fruit and the pie's decadent, fudgy goodness stealing the show. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, steeped in history tied to Fannie Flagg's family, making every bite feel like a step back in time. The service was friendly and attentive, adding to the down-home charm. If you're craving authentic Southern cooking with a side of cinematic nostalgia, Irondale Cafe is a must-visit. I'm already looking forward to my next meal here!
April Speanburg
Everything on the menu is fantastic. And their cobbler is the best!
Steve West
Every time I’ve gone I thought it was fantastic. Fast service and great food. They even sell coffee grounds. You have to get the friend green tomatoes, of course. At least once.
Kerrie Lynn Richardson
The best okra I've had since my Granny passed. Catfish and hushpuppies were my choice. All the veggies were fresh and home style. The ambiance with the train running by the windows while you eat is a once in a lifetime treat! Very much worth the stop!
KK78
The good: even though there was a line out the door, it moved pretty quickly. There were lots of choices for food and lots of available seating. There are refills of sweet tea and water available. The bad: everything is cafeteria style. You wait on line and pick your pre-made food, and then carry it on a tray to the dining room where there is open seating. The food was average, of course I tried the Fried Green Tomatoes (average) and also has buttermilk fried chicken (good), mac & cheese (average) and corn bread (very dry).
Christina Giovannelli
Ever been to a place where the staff is so friendly, you question if they are REAL people?? Yeah, that's this place. They ARE real people. And, the nicest people, never wanting you to go thirsty, for sure! ? Food was delicious, perfectly seasoned, and not too crowded for being noon on a Thursday (although, very busy still). We aren't in Irondale often, but, when we are back in town, it will be our go-to stopping place for food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katherine Schablow
An Alabama classic and staple. Truly the best meat and three you will find in Birmingham. A regular spot for me
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Catfish Dinner, Beef Tips and Rice, Fried Catfish, Macaroni and Cheese, Fried Okra and Green Tomatoes, Chicken Pot Pie, Rolls and Cornbread, Hush Puppies, Fried Chicken Fried Green Tomatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Pork Chop Fried Green Tomatoes and Rice with Gravy
Melanite Goddess
Food was excellent. I had the cat fish, it had a nice texture nice and crispy and not soggy, the hush puppies is REAL HUSH PUPPIES!! the collard greens needs a little doctoring but they is great as well. The okra was very tasty and the red beans and rice was a nice finish as well. Overall 9/10.
Such a rewarding experience with family and friends. A must visit when in Birmingham. Just a great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Duane Dunklee
Im giving a one star for hospitality. My family didn't even get to try the food. My family walked in when the open sign lit up and was told really rudely that they were not open yet even though the sign was on. That was fine even with the rudeness of the way she spoke to us we brushed it off but before we even got back to our vehicle not one but two sets of couples walked in there and they were not sent away. We wanted to go to this restaurant with the history of their fried green tomatoes and with the connections of the movie fried green tomatoes. I recommend driving the extra 3 1/2 hours to the town of Juliette ga where the film was made. The hospitality of the whole town was amazing and the food at the cafe there was delicious. The sad part is we drove all the way from Louisiana to feel unwelcomed.
Jordan Wayne Campbell Sewell
An amazing restaurant I found from my hobby rail-fanning. It came highly recommended throughout the online community!
Fantastic owners who truly care for their customers. What they did for me today as I ate lunch taking a break from the hospital was nothing short of amazing.
I’ll do my best to travel annually 5 hours just to enjoy it!
Miranda Brunn
Went here because this is apparently the inspiration behind the book fried green tomatoes. First off, I'm not a fan of country cooking so let that be known. It was subpar. The chicken was dry, the fried green tomatoes weren't zesty enough, the okra tasted like pure grease, and the beans had a weird sweet taste. The only good thing was the roll that was probably premade. Prices didn't match the quality of the food and I don't understand why this place was packed.The outside pavilion across the street was nice though.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
cathy smith
Food was outstanding, especially the blackberry cobbler.
If you want a true southern cooking cafe, you have found the spot! These guys have a great line up of souther foods, from fried chicken to fried okra. They also have amazing desserts and their service is fantastic! They get busy for lunch, but the line moves pretty quickly!
They do give a 5% discount for cash (meaning they uncharge for credit), but this is normal today as small businesses can’t afford to eat credit card fees. Just be aware that you can save if you pay with cash.
There is plenty of seating, but also come early! If you get stuck by the train, you might be late to meet your party. The seating area is huge and so is their passion for southern food.
Sorry health eaters, nothing here for you, but if you like down home southern cooking, it doesn’t get better!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Historic place with a lot of history. Buffet style. You get in line to get your food. Typical comfort type food that was very good. Several trains came by while we were eating. One of them being Amtrak.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
My family recently dined at the Irondale Cafe in Irondale, Alabama, and it was an absolute delight! This charming Southern gem, open since 1928, is the real-life inspiration for the Whistle Stop Cafe from Fried Green Tomatoes, and it lives up to its legendary status. The meat-and-three style menu is a love letter to Southern comfort food, and every dish we tried was bursting with flavor and nostalgia. My wife and daughter each had the country fried steak smothered in rich brown gravy, paired with creamed potatoes, cabbage, and perfectly crispy fried green tomatoes--just like in the movie! The creamed corn was sweet and velvety, and the fried okra added a satisfying crunch. I had the standout fried chicken which was golden and juicy, served alongside creamed potatoes, tender butter beans, okra and tomatoes, and a wedge of buttery cornbread that practically melted in my mouth. My son's fried catfish was equally impressive, flaky and well-seasoned, with a side of vibrant green beans that rounded out the plate. For dessert, we couldn't resist the blackberry cobbler and chocolate chess pie--both were heavenly, with the cobbler's warm, jammy fruit and the pie's decadent, fudgy goodness stealing the show. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, steeped in history tied to Fannie Flagg's family, making every bite feel like a step back in time. The service was friendly and attentive, adding to the down-home charm. If you're craving authentic Southern cooking with a side of cinematic nostalgia, Irondale Cafe is a must-visit. I'm already looking forward to my next meal here!
Everything on the menu is fantastic. And their cobbler is the best!
Every time I’ve gone I thought it was fantastic. Fast service and great food. They even sell coffee grounds. You have to get the friend green tomatoes, of course. At least once.
The best okra I've had since my Granny passed. Catfish and hushpuppies were my choice. All the veggies were fresh and home style. The ambiance with the train running by the windows while you eat is a once in a lifetime treat! Very much worth the stop!
The good: even though there was a line out the door, it moved pretty quickly. There were lots of choices for food and lots of available seating. There are refills of sweet tea and water available. The bad: everything is cafeteria style. You wait on line and pick your pre-made food, and then carry it on a tray to the dining room where there is open seating. The food was average, of course I tried the Fried Green Tomatoes (average) and also has buttermilk fried chicken (good), mac & cheese (average) and corn bread (very dry).
Ever been to a place where the staff is so friendly, you question if they are REAL people?? Yeah, that's this place. They ARE real people. And, the nicest people, never wanting you to go thirsty, for sure! ? Food was delicious, perfectly seasoned, and not too crowded for being noon on a Thursday (although, very busy still). We aren't in Irondale often, but, when we are back in town, it will be our go-to stopping place for food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An Alabama classic and staple. Truly the best meat and three you will find in Birmingham. A regular spot for me
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Catfish Dinner, Beef Tips and Rice, Fried Catfish, Macaroni and Cheese, Fried Okra and Green Tomatoes, Chicken Pot Pie, Rolls and Cornbread, Hush Puppies, Fried Chicken Fried Green Tomatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Pork Chop Fried Green Tomatoes and Rice with Gravy
Food was excellent. I had the cat fish, it had a nice texture nice and crispy and not soggy, the hush puppies is REAL HUSH PUPPIES!! the collard greens needs a little doctoring but they is great as well. The okra was very tasty and the red beans and rice was a nice finish as well. Overall 9/10.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Such a rewarding experience with family and friends. A must visit when in Birmingham. Just a great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Im giving a one star for hospitality. My family didn't even get to try the food. My family walked in when the open sign lit up and was told really rudely that they were not open yet even though the sign was on. That was fine even with the rudeness of the way she spoke to us we brushed it off but before we even got back to our vehicle not one but two sets of couples walked in there and they were not sent away. We wanted to go to this restaurant with the history of their fried green tomatoes and with the connections of the movie fried green tomatoes. I recommend driving the extra 3 1/2 hours to the town of Juliette ga where the film was made. The hospitality of the whole town was amazing and the food at the cafe there was delicious. The sad part is we drove all the way from Louisiana to feel unwelcomed.
An amazing restaurant I found from my hobby rail-fanning. It came highly recommended throughout the online community! Fantastic owners who truly care for their customers. What they did for me today as I ate lunch taking a break from the hospital was nothing short of amazing. I’ll do my best to travel annually 5 hours just to enjoy it!
Went here because this is apparently the inspiration behind the book fried green tomatoes. First off, I'm not a fan of country cooking so let that be known. It was subpar. The chicken was dry, the fried green tomatoes weren't zesty enough, the okra tasted like pure grease, and the beans had a weird sweet taste. The only good thing was the roll that was probably premade. Prices didn't match the quality of the food and I don't understand why this place was packed.The outside pavilion across the street was nice though.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Food was outstanding, especially the blackberry cobbler.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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