Birmingham’s vibrant food scene continues to flourish with a host of new restaurant openings and the enduring popularity of local food trucks. Here’s a look at some recent additions and longstanding favorites that are making waves in the Magic City.
New Restaurant Openings
Velvet & Vine BHM
Located in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower at 1623 Second Ave. North, Velvet & Vine BHM offers a refined dining experience under the guidance of Executive Chef Hassan Gooden. The menu features Sunday dinner-themed entrées such as Grits & Grillades with braised oxtails over stone-ground grits, and a three-layer seafood lasagna brimming with shrimp, crawfish, and a blend of gourmet cheeses. Desserts like sweet potato pie cheesecake and burnt sugar cake round out the offerings.
Lapeer Steak & Seafood
Situated in The Hardwick on the Rotary Trail, Lapeer Steak & Seafood brings a modern twist to classic steak and seafood dishes. Co-Executive Chefs Blake Hartley and Andy Long emphasize fresh, high-quality ingredients in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday and offers lunch Monday through Thursday.
Jack’s Family Restaurants
Jack’s has expanded its presence with a new location at 2459 Crossplex Blvd. in the Birmingham CrossPlex district. Known for its scratch-made biscuits, hand-breaded chicken, and made-to-order burgers, Jack’s continues to be a staple in the Southern fast-food landscape.
Raising Cane’s
The popular chicken finger chain Raising Cane’s has opened its first Birmingham-area restaurant at 5301 U.S. 280, the site of the former Lloyd’s Restaurant. Specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, Raising Cane’s has quickly become a favorite among locals.
The Filling Station
A beloved local eatery, The Filling Station, known for its pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches, has expanded to Gardendale. The new location at 250 City Street offers the same Italian-inspired menu and lively atmosphere as the original Crestwood location, including outdoor patio dining and live music.
Brick & Tin
Brick & Tin, a farm-to-table restaurant, has opened a new location in Cahaba Heights at 3151 Green Valley Road in the Market Square Shopping Center. The menu features seasonal sandwiches, soups, and salads made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing wholesome, scratch-made food.
Food Truck Favorites
Dos Hermanos LLC
Operating at 221 West Valley Avenue, Dos Hermanos LLC Taco Truck is renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine. Menu highlights include asada, pollo, carnitas, al pastor, and barbacoa tacos, as well as tortas, burritos, and quesadillas. The truck is praised for its well-marinated meats and fresh ingredients.
Tacos Don Andy
Located at 5474 Mini-Warehouse Rd., Tacos Don Andy offers a variety of street tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Favorites among patrons include the street tacos de carnitas and asada, as well as the azada and avocado burrito. The food truck is known for its flavorful offerings and friendly service.
Los Valedores
Based in Homewood, Los Valedores has garnered a loyal following for its delicious chicken burritos, flavorful hot sauces, and accommodating customer service. The menu features al pastor, three meats taco compechanos, steak burritos, quesadillas, and tortas, providing a taste of authentic Mexican flavors.
Birmingham’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, with new establishments and food trucks continually enriching the city’s diverse dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience or a quick bite from a local food truck, there’s always something new to discover in Birmingham’s food scene.