The Best Cheap Eats in Birmingham

The countless options for cheap eats in Birmingham come as no surprise considering that the city's culinary history extends all the way back to Native Americans in the 11th century. A blending of African American, Spanish, French and indigenous cultures throughout the years has created a fusion food scene you won't find anywhere else. But which eateries do the smartest and savviest diners enjoy frequenting the most? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve compiled data from thousands of restaurants across the nation to find the hotspots that OpenTable’s most seasoned members can’t get enough of. Guests will find the heart and soul of the South in Birmingham's eateries. They’ll also discover popular local offerings such as Lane cake, Grapico cola, Special Dogs and Greek-influenced ketchup-based barbecue sauce. With the Culinary and Hospitality Institute churning out new professional foodies every semester, Birmingham will always remain a mecca for epicureans. Everyone can show off their financial savvy by booking at one of these cheap eats today!

The OpenTable Team

19 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	John's City Diner, Fancy's on 5th, The Fish Market - Birmingham…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Comfort Food, American, Seafood…
Neighborhoods:	Birmingham…

John's City Diner

$$$$

Comfort Food

Birmingham

4.8

698 reviews

Some of the menu items at John’s City Diner wouldn’t typically fall under the umbrella of cheap eats in Birmingham. Those who show up at lunch, though, enjoy affordable dishes like pecan crusted trout, famous meatloaf and Springer Mountain Farms Chicken. Dinner prices are also great considering what guests actually receive. The Crispy Duck and Fudge Farms Pork Chop cannot be missed. This is all enjoyed surrounded by vintage wall designs, and there’s no way patrons can miss the ‘It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham’ sign out front.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fancy's on 5th

$$$$

American

Birmingham

4.6

64 reviews

Situated right across from Avondale Park, Fancy’s on 5th prides itself on being an oyster dive and burger bar. Oysters from across the region are served up in a variety of preparations, and patrons can enjoy burgers featuring pork belly, fish, turkey, chorizo or good old-fashioned beef. The giant squid painted on the exterior wall makes this eatery hard to miss, and the focus on this sea creature carries over into the cephalapodian light fixtures on the inside. This is easily one of the most unique cheap eats in Birmingham.

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The Fish Market - Birmingham

$$$$

Seafood

Birmingham

4.1

44 reviews

The bright-blue lettering stenciled above the entrance to The Fish Market beckons patrons to an entrance surrounded by beautiful foliage. After walking through the luxurious double front doors, guests enjoy a global experience. Flags from over a dozen countries hang above the bar, and live music can be enjoyed surrounded by vintage décor and framed black-and-white photos. The menu is just as eclectic while maintaining its cheap eats in Birmingham status. Offerings include buffalo shrimp, char-grilled octopus, seafood au gratin, jambalaya and dozens of additional seafood options.

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Habitat Feed & Social

$$$$

Contemporary American

Birmingham

4.0

647 reviews

Botanically inspired and progressive regional cuisine are the name of the game at Habitat Feed & Social. Located on the third floor of the Grand Bohemian Hotel, this eatery welcomes guests with gorgeous views from the outside bar, abundant and well-maintained vegetation, royal throne seating and even an outdoor fire pit. Those who dine inside enjoy an equally elegant setting complete with fancy seating, mystifying paintings and a billiards room. Guests' favorite dishes include 'Cracklin' duck wings, slow-roasted turkey, chicken pot pie and the Iron City Smash Burger.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Seasons 52 - Birmingham

$$$$

American

Birmingham

4.6

2836 reviews

It's hard to believe anyone could find oak-fire grilled and brick oven-roasted offerings at a cheap eat in Birmingham, but Seasons 52 manages to pull it off. Guests absolutely love the cedar plant-roasted salmon, hand-rolled lasagna, bistro steak and roasted vegetable gnocchi. The menus are also seasonal to ensure only the freshest ingredients and carefully sourced proteins. The bright red patio umbrellas outside can quickly catch a guest’s stare, but the contemporary lighting, beautiful plants and indoor fountain manage to hold that attention.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bistro Two Eighteen

$$$$

Contemporary French

Birmingham

4.8

1990 reviews

Following in the tradition of French bistros, Bistro Two Eighteen is housed in a historical setting but offers minimalist décor. Simple white tablecloths, soft lighting and a few pieces of fine art are all that’s needed to make this place exceptional. Guests can spend time in the upscale casual bar room or venture through the French doors to enjoy the main dining area. At any given time, patrons may find the duck confit, beef wellington BLT wedge salad and blackened wild Louisiana Redfish on the menu. These menus are seasonal, though, so something new can be enjoyed with every visit.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Bistro V

$$$$

American

Birmingham

4.8

1529 reviews

The black-painted overhead air ducts, modern lighting fixtures and surreal paintings give Bistro V a contemporary appeal. This makes the fishing boat hanging overhead even more unique. The eatery has long maintained its cheap eats in Birmingham status thanks to affordable entrees like the fried oyster plate, shrimp and grits, Farmer’s Market vegetable plate and fried green tomato BLT. Guests also enjoy an alternating special every day, and for those who can only make one visit, Wednesday's special of chicken pot pie comes highly recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Five Bar Birmingham

$$$$

American

Birmingham

4.4

55 reviews

If there’s a single cheap eat in Birmingham that lives up to its name, it’s undoubtedly Five Bar. That’s because the restaurant only serves five red wines, five white wines and five entrees. They managed to become successful because each of these are amazing. For brunch, guests often enjoy the Five Burrito or Chicken ‘N’ Waffles. Once dinner arrives, chicken rigatoni and the ribeye are great selections. There’s also a special entrée nightly, and this is all enjoyed surrounded by abstract and eclectic décor.

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BrickTop's - Birmingham

$$$$

American

Alabama

4.7

2084 reviews

The marquee out front gives off a lackadaisical appearance at BrickTop’s. Once inside, though, everything turns upscale quickly. Luxury lighting, linen tablecloths, mirrored columns and impressive art come together to create a stylish ambiance that must be seen. Luckily, this doesn’t mean the restaurant isn’t a cheap eat in Birmingham. The brunch menu offers affordable options ranging from oysters to traditional breakfast. Once dinner starts, it's pretty difficult to choose between the grilled trout, New York strip, Tavern Burger and the other wide variety of selections available.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Birmingham

$$$$

American

Birmingham

4.7

2547 reviews

Seasonally inspired and scratched prepared dishes are one of the many things that guests remember about Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. One look at the prices of their high-end meals, such as the seared ahi tuna, wood-fired filet mignon, lobster tail and slow roasted prime rib, showcase an obvious choice for cheap eats in Birmingham. The bright-red windows atop the building call out to drivers and passersby from afar. Once inside, the unique sculptures, vintage art and firewood rack give off the vibe of living simply – but with an amazing selection for dinner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Birmingham

$$$$

Steakhouse

Birmingham

4.4

1565 reviews

Calling the lobby of Embassy Suites hotel home, Ruth’s Chris Steak House provides a serene place to enjoy juicy steaks and more. Guests are surrounded by a variety of trees and other foliage in the seating area. Once their plates hit the table, though, it’s hard to notice any surroundings. High-quality menu items include the Chilean sea bass, stuffed chicken breast, lobster tail and the tomahawk ribeye. This eatery definitely doesn’t meet the typical ‘cheap eats in Birmingham’ requirements, but as one glance at the menu can prove, their prices are appealing considering the quality fare being served.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Galley and Garden

$$$$

American

Birmingham

4.7

1471 reviews

The Merritt House is a historic landmark, but it began a new life when Galley and Garden moved in. The opulent columns, hanging lanterns and second-floor balcony all call back to a previous time. The interior continues this elegance with old-school windows, a gorgeous fireplace mantel and white linen tablecloths with beautiful centerpieces. Brunch and lunch are served, but those seeking cheap eats in Birmingham for dinner are treated to pan roasted Faroe Island salmon, smoked basque chicken garganelli and grilled heart of romaine salad – among other great choices.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Yard - Birmingham

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

Birmingham

3.9

557 reviews

Of all the cheap eats in Birmingham, The Yard may well have the most calming décor. Framed vintage photographs line distressed brick walls. There’s a variety of lighting throughout, and they can only be described as fascinating. Add this to the abstract paintings and other ornamentation, and there’s no denying this eatery’s unique nature. The menu is similarly impressive with ingredients that are sourced fresh daily. Delicious yet affordable options like duroc pork belly, roasted quail, hickory grilled NY strips and arugula salad make this one of the best places in the city to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Texas de Brazil - Birmingham

$$$$

Steakhouse

Birmingham

4.3

3601 reviews

Foodies who want the most options in their salads will fall in love with Texas de Brazil. The eatery's Salad Area has an array of ingredients that include goat cheese terrine, steamed asparagus, capers and hearts of palm. There's also sushi over there! Meat lovers should similarly rejoice at a menu that features Parmesan-crusted pork loin, picanha leg of lamb, barbecued pork ribs and other meats reminiscent of a real-life Brazilian steakhouse. Guests are treated to a contemporary environment thanks to steampunk-like chandeliers, giant elegant mirrors and walls covered with striking red and black offset paint.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bettola

$$$$

Italian

Birmingham

4.6

770 reviews

Rarely does a restaurant promise 'straight-up Italian fare' along with wood-fired Neapolitan pies, but Bettola scrawled it right across their homepage. The eatery calls itself both casual and upscale, but the interior chalk mural, wood-paneled walls and globe lighting provide an ambiance that belongs solely to this restaurant. Menu options include nearly a dozen pizzas (everyone should try the Margherita D.O.C.), calamari, quattro formaggi and several delicious sandwiches. Regardless of what a guest settles on, it’s pretty cool to watch the wood-fired stove in action.

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Automatic Seafood and Oysters

$$$$

Seafood

Birmingham

4.6

729 reviews

The bright-blue neon sign outside of Automatic Seafood and Oysters gives this eatery a vintage feel. Once inside, things change up quickly. There’s industrial décor, minimalist art, floral backdrops and contemporary seating. This isn’t all jumbled together, thankfully, but it provides a little something for all tastes. The menu does the same. Oysters are available from a variety of locations, but there's also grilled pork chops, roasted half chicken, spear-caught snapper crudo and shaved kale salad. Even with the high quality of fare on hand, this remains one of the best cheap eats in Birmingham.

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Grille 29 Birmingham

$$$$

American

Homewood

4.6

992 reviews

The dome atop Grille 29 is nearly impossible to miss when driving down Shades Creek Parkway, and the inside of the restaurant is just as visually appealing. Also viewable on the inside, the dome provides light and a unique atmosphere to patrons enjoying their meals. Others become captivated at the sight of the exotic fish aquarium behind the bar. The menu allows guests to taunt these tiny animals by ordering the fish and chips, but those with bigger hearts opt for lamb meatballs, boneless beef short rips, filet mignon or the Orange Beach Salad.

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Cocina Superior

$$$$

Mexican / Southwestern

Homewood

4.5

420 reviews

Even with its 'superior' moniker, Cocina Superior remains one of the best values for cheap eats in Birmingham. This isn’t to say that the eatery is more inexpensive than other options, but since dinner entrees include fiesta mixed grills for two, beef and shrimp fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes and Cocina’s Carne Asada, it’s well worth the price. Contemporary America and old Mexico are united in both the cuisine and décor inside. The white building with bright blue banners outside is almost impossible to miss.

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BRIO Tuscan Grille - Birmingham - Brookwood Village - Permanently Closed

$$$$

Italian

Homewood

4.2

1105 reviews

Anyone looking for a perfect combination of Italian food and cheap eats in Birmingham cannot pass up a chance to enjoy BRIO Tuscan Grille. The Peru-brown building is easily identified from across Shades Creek, and the inside is nothing if not luxurious. Dome lighting, chandeliers, elegant ceiling drape panels and fine dining sets populate the interior. Lunch, brunch and gluten-free menus are available. Some of the most popular dishes include lamb chops, the Bistecca Angus ribeye, grilled salmon fresca and Spaghetti Bolognese.

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