The Best Bars for Foodies in Birmingham

by The OpenTable Team

Updated February 26, 2020

Birmingham, Alabama stands out as one of the country’s most affordable and creative places. As Alabama’s largest city, "The Magic City" has plenty to do, from strolling through scenic parks to admiring lush gardens and visiting award-winning museums. You can catch your favorite artist at the world-famous Alabama Theater, explore the world of science and discovery at the McWane Science Center or use Birmingham’s central location as a hub to reach other great spots nearby. If you're looking for a place to party, Birmingham has a lively nightlife full of lounges, clubs, and happy hours. But where are the smartest, savviest going out for a drink? Check out our Tastemaker List of the best bars in Birmingham.

Habitat Feed & Social at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook

4.6

4.6 (765)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Habitat Feed and Social is the popular bar and restaurant at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. Located on the third floor of the hotel, the bar is a great spot to meet people in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. It’s a rooftop, farm-to-table restaurant serving delicious meals sourced from the freshest, local ingredients. Take a moment to slow down and savor your meal in the midst of refined decor and breathtaking views. Enjoy a nightcap while taking in views of the magnificent cityscape! They also have a great selection of fine wines and plenty of signature, herb-infused cocktails.

Top review

Kevinvip

Dined 3 days ago

We were pleasantly surprised with the changes made at the restaurant. The new menu, attention to service and overall vibe are much improved. If you haven't been in a while give it a look. Highly recommend the chicken fried bacon and ribeye.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Birmingham

4.6

4.6 (8398)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, located on Perimeter Park South in Birmingham, dates back almost 4 decades! Grounded to its butcher-shop roots, Perry’s specializes in hand-selected, USDA-aged Prime beef. In addition to award-winning dishes, they also have one of the best happy hours and bars in Birmingham! Whether you’re looking for a venue to host your next party or a quiet spot for a dinner date, Perry’s is the place to go. The bar features live piano music, handcrafted cocktails and a wide variety of spirits.

Top review

abigail

Dined 2 days ago

Great experience all around this is our second time here and the food is always amazing. Excellent service from check in with the hostess to service from our server.

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Bellini's Ristorante & Bar

4.8

4.8 (2942)

$30 and under

Italian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Bellini’s Ristorante and Bar, located on Cahaba Valley Road in Birmingham, is one of the area’s most beloved spots for great steaks and well-made cocktails. The restaurant features 100% Prime Organic Beef, housemade pasta, veal, seafood and classic Tuscan Italian dishes. The bar opens weekdays at 4pm for drinks, so come early to enjoy the mellow, upscale atmosphere with friends! They have an extensive wine selection that will impress any oenophile. And their signature cocktails are a must-try, like the Ginger Peach Sangria with Peach Puree, Ginger Honey puree, Riesling and Peach Schnapps.

Top review

Robert

Dined 5 days ago

Our favorite Italian restaurant in Birmingham . Quality of staff, service and food is amazing.

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Popular dish

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Daniel George Restaurant and Bar

4.9

4.9 (1471)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Daniel George restaurant, located in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, offers a truly relaxing, upscale dining experience and one of the best bars in Birmingham. They feature creative American cuisine and a regularly changing menu that stays updated with available ingredients. Come early to enjoy a cocktail at the bar - they have a fantastic menu of signature drinks and wine. The food menu boasts plenty of wild and domestic game, meats, poultry and fresh fish. Try dishes like the Pan Seared Gulf Tile Fish, Roasted Colorado Lamb Chops or one of the hearty steaks.

Top review

Michaelvip

Dined 2 days ago

What a fun evening at Christmas time. There was a festive atmosphere. People around us were enjoying themselves. The part next to us sang happy birthday to my wife when they discovered we were there celebrating her birthday. The grilled salmon was amazing and the lamb was delicious also. Service was incredible. It was a wonderful evening all around.

Bistro V

4.8

4.8 (1985)

$30 and under

American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Bistro V is the brainchild of former college football star Jeremy Downey. Located on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills, the restaurant sits in a strip mall in an unassuming little spot. The space includes multiple dining areas and a chef’s counter and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. The goal here is to serve up regional cuisine with influences from Spain, Italy and France, resulting in tasty and inventive flavors. The menu features a mashup of classic Southern food and upscale seafood dishes. features a number of excellent appetizers to share with the table, including the Crispy Grit Cake and Buttermilk Fried Vidalia Onions. Try one with a cocktail or glass of wine!

Top review

Edvip

Dined 2 days ago

On a whim, my wife and I decided to try something new through Open Table for brunch. We were pleasantly surprised at how good Bistro V was. While the place is very casual, the food is absolutely high-end. No doubt I had the best Shrimp and Grits I have ever had. The portions are good and the price reasonable. We look forward to trying it again, next time for dinner.

Texas de Brazil - Birmingham

4.6

4.6 (4213)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil is a top choice for those looking for great steak with a little Brazilian flair. This Birmingham establishment dishes out delicious meats and also serves a number of gluten-free dishes for those on a special diet. It’s a unique experience where you grab a table and turn your place card to green while carvers serve generous cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage until you’re full! The bar is delightful, featuring a long list of wines and cocktails to pair with your meal.

Top review

Haley

Dined 5 days ago

The experience alone is worth it. The salad bar was absolutely phenomenal and the sides and meats were good too.

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Fleming's Steakhouse - Birmingham

4.7

4.7 (1589)

$31 to $50

Steak

Birmingham

About the restaurant

For a high-quality cut of prime beef, you can’t go wrong with Fleming’s Steakhouse. Locals love it because the setting is just right for a celebration, dinner with business clients or a laid-back Sunday brunch with friends. The menu has all the steakhouse classics and they also feature a local chef’s table that changes with the season. Plus, you can enjoy a curated selection of local wine, hand-crafted cocktails and spirits from the bar. Located on Highway 280, just west of I-459 in the Summit Shopping Center, it’s a perfect place to stop while you’re out exploring town.

Top review

DavidM

Dined 1 day ago

Hadn’t been in several years and enjoyed everything from beginning to end! Wonderful dining experience.

Amore

4.8

4.8 (1900)

$31 to $50

Italian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Amore Ristorante Italiano, located just off 280, is a traditional family-owned and operated business with awesome food and a cozy bar. Inside the warm and welcoming dining room, you’ll find a variety of regulars, visitors from out-of-town and locals mingling together over drinks and delicious Italian dishes. Their cuisine includes a wide selection of fresh seafood choices that are locally-caught, such as the fresh gulf black grouper. Favorites on the menu include the prime steaks, veal chops and Italian sausage.

Top review

Jim

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food and excellent service as always. We highly recommend.

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - Birmingham

4.6

4.6 (1971)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Ruth’s Chris is a national chain celebrated for its consistently fantastic steaks and cocktails. Situated in the lobby of the Embassy Suites hotel, it is a popular choice with both hotel guests and locals. The convenient location just off the Red Mountain Expressway, makes it an easy meeting point no matter where you’re coming from. The interior features deep, rich reds and accents of teal and copper throughout the dining room. You can’t go wrong with any one of their specialty cuts and they also feature a thoughtful, well-curated selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails to pair with your meal.

Top review

Jim

Dined 6 days ago

Consistently amazing. I travel a lot and eat at many different steak houses. Ruth's Chris has proven to me time and again their consistency with high quality food and great service! They have become my "go-to" place wherever and whenever the steak need arises. And an extra shout out to Brandon our waiter in Birmingham...top service!!

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4.8

4.8 (1677)

$30 and under

American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Galley and Garden serves up delectable American-French inspired cuisine and is a popular nightlife spot in Birmingham. Located in the former historic Merritt House on Highland Avenue, the restaurant blends modern decor in with the original style of the building. In addition to the elegant atmosphere, locals love the fine dining menu and original recipes presented by the kitchen. They offer a chef’s special tasting dinner where you can try options like the Shredded Duck Leg Confit and Seared Faroe Island Salmon. The cocktails are a must-try, like the Carpe Noctem, made with Beefeater gin, Fresh red grape juice, St. Germain, Fresh Lime and a Prosecco Float.

Top review

Joannavip

Dined 4 days ago

Lovely dinner. I had the short ribs and my companion had the pork chop. Both were delicious. Spot on service.

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