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

4.4

4.4 (753)

$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

Addrienne

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

This was an amazing experience. I choose here to celebrate my best friend birthday. I haven’t been here in years. I absolutely love everything! The waitress was so openly friendly and pleasant. The staff were friendly. The young man that seated us was so kind. Amazing as always!!

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Birmingham

4.7

4.7 (8277)

$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

LaToya

Dined 3 days ago

Delicious food. A little louder than I anticipated but still nice nonetheless. Service wasn’t as good as I’d had the first time I was there but still not terrible. Will dine there again.

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Bellini's Ristorante & Bar

4.8

4.8 (2900)

$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

ShannonF

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent experience. Celebrated our anniversary with close friends who share same❤️! Martinis were excellent! Loved the Limoncello & my friend loved her Pomegranate! Wedge salad a favorite. I ordered Chicken Marsala was very good but personally prefer the Lasagna. White chocolate bread pudding is always 💯! Excellent waitress! Wonderful time spent with our precious friends!

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Popular dish

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Popular dish

Caprese Pasta

Daniel George Restaurant and Bar

4.8

4.8 (1456)

$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

joe

Dined 1 day ago

Best lunch in Birmingham. Beats all other meat and threes for quality, comfort, and price.

Bistro V

4.9

4.9 (1965)

$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

Ann

Dined 1 day ago

It has been some time since we had eaten at Bistro V, but they still have great food. Our server was super nice and very efficient. She greeted us warmly and found us a wine we loved. My husband got his fav, the roast beef sandwich and ate every bit. I finally decided on the turkey panini since I love the chutney. Unfortunately there was no berry cobbler so we passed on dessert. Nonetheless, it was a very pleasant lunch. We will again put Bistro V on our rotation of favorites.

Texas de Brazil - Birmingham

4.4

4.4 (4197)

$50 and over

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

Kristen

Dined 6 days ago

We came in at 8:30 on a Thursday night, and we were treated as well as we would have been at a busier time. The staff asked us what meat we really wanted and mad e some bacon wrapped filets just for us. They also made sure we had many other choices as well.

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Fleming's Steakhouse - Birmingham

4.7

4.7 (1571)

$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

Alvip

Dined 7 days ago

From the appetizer, to the soup/salads, Entrees and desserts, the food was excellent! What was even better than that was our server Sophia. She was the best server we have had in years, simply outstanding!!

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Experience

4-Course Wine Dinner featuring Far Niente

Amore

4.8

4.8 (1856)

$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

Roy

Dined 5 days ago

Always have great entrees as well as salads and appetizers. Grill Oysters were terrific as was the chicken parm and the red snapper and shrimp. Never go wrong with angel hair pasta. The bread and dipping oil is always a winner.

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - Birmingham

4.4

4.4 (1945)

$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

Sandra

Dined on Sep 11, 2024

My husband’s 65th birthday was a delightful success. Our server was friendly, informative and knowledgeable about all things being offered and served. We weren’t disappointed and our dinner was fabulously delicious. The steaks were perfection and the vegetables perfectly done. The cocktails that we ordered were terrific as well. We did have a dinner reservation and there was no wait to be seated and served. We will be returning again for many future celebrations!

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4.8

4.8 (1654)

$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

Don

Dined 1 day ago

First time dinner's here. Nice table, pleasant music, great service, delicious food, outstanding valets!

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