
O
nce known only as a destination for Southern comfort classics, like barbecue and meat-and-threes, in recent years Birmingham has become a hotspot for rising chefs, adventurous eaters, and an evolving craft beer scene. The Southern Foodways Alliance hosts one of its annual symposia here and Food & Wine calls it home, turning Birmingham into a new culinary hub of the South. James Beard award winners and nominees have migrated to town to stake their claim on the city’s quickly expanding offerings, and homegrown talents stretch their repertoires with multicultural influences.
Park yourself at the Elyton Hotel, where hip meets historic, especially upstairs in the iconic rooftop bar. At Pizitz Food Hall, you’ll find global fare from Israeli cuisine to dumplings to poke bowls. Birmingham’s culinary godfather Chris Hastings’ newcomer OvenBird showcases a Southern take on the live fire and tapas traditions of Spain and South America. Chock-full of chef-driven menus and upscale dining options–plus the Southern icons we’ve come to know and love—this city packs a punch.
explore birmingham

On the Road
Snapshot: Birmingham
Once known only as a destination for Southern comfort classics, like barbecue and meat-and-threes, in recent years Birmingham has become a hotspot for rising chefs, adventurous eaters, and an evolving craft beer scene.

Southern Makers
The Molding of Civil Stoneware
Katherine Tucker's search for minimalist, inviting tableware led her, not to a store, but to starting her own Birmingham-based pottery company, Civil Stoneware.

Partnered
Road Trip to Birmingham, Alabama
Hit the road towards a summer destination full of renowned restaurants, beloved bars, and more than enough things to do in Birmingham to fill a weekend.

Bookshelf
Edward Lee on Southern Bookstores
Edward Lee is a man of stories. Some are his own: like the one about how he went to NYU to study literature. But how did he end up on the food scene?

The Riff
Get This Look: Channeling the Coast
Designer Suzanne Humphries creates a coastal feel for husband’s Birmingham seafood spot.
local flavor
Recipes
Sausage Pinwheels
Jazz up the plain jane sausage balls with these elegant spiraled pinwheels. This recipe [...]
Other
Baked Green Hill Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Toasted Sourdough
Baked Green Hill Cheese from Helen in Birmingham, Alabama. This warm dip is one [...]