A Guide to the Best New Restaurants in Birmingham

Birmingham's food scene is buzzing with new spots this season, offering everything from comfort food to global dishes. With plenty of new places opening, there’s something for everyone to try. Here’s a look at the latest additions to find your next favorite spot!

Photo Credit: instagram.com/saludbham

Salud Taqueria, located at 1931 2nd Ave N #101, Birmingham, AL, opened on October 21, 2024. Owned by Jesús Méndez and José Medina Camacho, it blends a taqueria and late-night bar. Housed in the historic Webb Building (1871), the space seats 46 and includes a window for viewing tortilla-making. The menu features tacos with handmade masa tortillas, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas, with plans for brunch. Fillings include carne asada, pollo asado, suadero, al pastor, and nopal, accompanied by house-made salsas. The drink menu, curated by Camacho, offers house cocktails, micheladas, Mexican beers, and natural wines.

Ramblers Sports Bar & Grill is a new sports bar located in The Fennec. It officially opened on October 1, 2024, and aims to provide a convenient place for sports fans in Birmingham. The bar has a 283-inch projection screen and several large high-definition video walls with special audiovisual systems designed to provide the highest sound quality. A total of 28 screens ensure that visitors can see from any seat.

Ramblers Sports Bar & Grill offers a varied menu that combines classic bar food such as burgers, wings, salads and fresh seafood. The culinary team is headed by chef Julian Schell, who previously worked at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The bar also offers special discounts for medical workers, firefighters, police officers, and military personnel on certain days.
Reservations for large groups (12 or more) are recommended to ensure seating during busy game days.In addition to watching sports, Ramblers Sports Bar & Grill plans to host live music events at The Fennec

Sloan’s officially opened its doors on September 24, 2024, and is positioned as a premier destination for bourbon enthusiasts in downtown Birmingham. The decor includes a mix of antique furnishings sourced from local shops, with exposed brick and deep blue accents enhancing the ambiance. The bar has a large bourbon library, offering a range of selections from well-known brands such as Old Forester and Woodford Reserve to rare finds like Blanton’s Gold and Old Fitzgerald.

The menu at Sloan’s is designed to complement its extensive bourbon offerings, featuring:

    Signature Cocktails:
        Brown Derby: Bourbon, grapefruit, and honey.
        Horse Whip: Bourbon with orange juice, bitters, maple foam, and cinnamon.
        Empty Saddle: Bourbon with butter, honey, and apple bitters.
    Small Plates: A selection of elevated bites including charcuterie, pâté, and caviar aimed at enhancing the bourbon tasting experience.
The bar includes a fenced-in patio area equipped with a standalone bar and games like darts, providing an outdoor space for guests to enjoy their drinks in a relaxed setting.

Surf Hound, the latest addition to Mountain Brook's dining scene, brings 1960s and ‘70s surf culture to Birmingham. Opened by Chef Abhi Sainju, known for Abhi Eatery + Bar and Maro, this coastal-themed spot offers beach-inspired dishes such as fish tacos, octopus salad, and fresh oysters.

Photo Credit: eatsurfhound.com

Grimaldi's is known for its coal-fired brick ovens, which cook pizzas at high temperatures (between 600 to 650 degrees), resulting in a crispy crust and rich flavor. The restaurant features a spacious dining area of 4,000 square feet, designed with nostalgic decor that includes wine bottle chandeliers and red-and-white checkered tablecloths, reminiscent of classic Italian pizzerias. It accommodates between 150 to 180 guests and includes both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Featured menu items include: Antipasto, Caprese salads, Pesto pizza, Quattro formaggi, Freshly-made cheesecake. Grimaldi's is also committed to philanthropy, partnering with organizations like No Kid Hungry to combat childhood hunger across the nation. This new location aims to provide Hoover residents with an authentic New York pizza experience while contributing positively to the local community.

Founded by Raul Chavez and operated by Oscar Alcantar, Bandido Coffee fills a niche in Birmingham's coffee scene by offering Latino-inspired products and flavors. The café is designed to have an edgier vibe, reminiscent of a dive bar, while providing a welcoming space for coffee lovers. It features both indoor seating and an outdoor area, making it a great spot for relaxation and socializing.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/bandidobham

Bandido Coffee is positioned in the heart of the Five Points community, close to the UAB campus and hospital, making it accessible for students and locals. The founders are committed to building relationships within the community and with local farmers in the future.

Overall, Bandido Coffee Parlor represents a fresh addition to Birmingham's coffee landscape, offering unique flavors and a cultural connection that sets it apart from other coffee shops in the area.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/bandidobham

The Wine Bunker brings a new take on wine and whiskey. Along with an extensive menu of wine, beer, rye, whiskey, and scotch, The Wine Bunker also offers a menu with a variety of small bites and charcuterie.