John's City Diner

Name: John's City Diner
Address: 112 Richard arrington Jr. Blvd N., Birmingham, AL, United States, 35203
Telephone: (205) 322-6014
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

698 Reviews

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Top Tags:

By blending a bit of the old with the new, owner and self-taught chef Shannon Gober has transformed this Downtown Birmingham landmark into John's City Diner. While the restaurant still maintains much of the charm from the past, the decor and menu have undergone a complete face-lift. The menu at John's City Diner features a wide range of flavors from modern Southern comfort food to European Gastro Pub inspired dishes. We use only locally grown or Organic produce. Every meat that we use is hormone, GMO and antibiotic free such as Beeler's Pure Pork, Springer Mountain Farms Chicken and Creekstone All Natural Beef. Our bar features local craft beers on draft, many wines by the glass and hand crafted cocktails using our Barrel Select Spirits and the most honest ingredients available. As we like to say at The JCD: #GetSome

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 31, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 8 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Comfort Food, Contemporary American, Contemporary Southern
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(205) 322-6014
Website
http://www.johnscitydiner.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
South Asian/Indian, Women
Executive chef
M. Shannon Gober
Catering
John’s City Diner in Downtown Birmingham welcomes parties for all occasions. We will accommodate catering ‘To-Go’ orders with as minimal notice as possible. We do have many items that require a minimum of 48 to 72 hours in advance. All utensils, cups and plates are available upon request. Orders over $100 must be paid in advance. Please contact a John’s City Diner manager at johnscitydiner@gmail.com to place your ‘To-Go’ Catering Order.
Private party facilities
In the heart of Downtown Birmingham, John’s City Diner welcomes parties for all occasions. We have the ability to accommodate gatherings from 20 to 350. We are an excellent choice for any occasion, personal or professional and a range of budgets, formal to casual. Let us do the work, you enjoy!
Private party contact
Shannon Gober: (205) 322-6014

Location
112 Richard arrington Jr. Blvd N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Neighborhood
Birmingham
Cross street
Between 1st & Second Ave North
Parking details
Plenty of parking on the street in front of the restaurant and the City parking deck at the corner of Richard Arrington Blvd and 2nd Ave North next to the City Federal Building.
Public transit
Best place to park is at the City Federal Parking deck: https://www.bhamparking.com/parking_lots/deck-6/
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Pimento Cheese$10.50
Tillamook white & yellow cheddar, crispy pita
Homemade Cornbread$7.50
Scallions, roasted corn, chipotle butter
Sweet Heat Pork Skins$8.50
All natural, fried to order, sweet & spicy BBQ dusted
Fancy Bacon$14.50
Slow braised Alabama pork belly, Bourbon – Maple glaze, roasted corn grits

From the Garden

The Greek$9.50
Castervetrano Olives, sheep's milk feta, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, pickled onions, creamy Greek dressing
- Entree$13.50
Southern Cobb Salad$10.00
Roasted corn, bacon chunks, tomatoes, pickled onions, farm egg, smoked Rogue Creamery bleu cheese crumbles, green goddess dressing
- Entree$17.00
South Pacific Chicken Salad$16.50
Organic lettuces, spicy peanut ginger vinaigrette, carrots, roasted sweet peppers, sesame tomatoes, won ton, cilantro, sesame seeds, sweet-soy glazed pulled chicken
- Sub Grilled Shrimp$18.50

Salad Upgrades

Free Range Chicken$5.50
Heritage Pulled Pork$5.50
Fried or Grilled Alabama Shrimp$8.00
Crispy Pork Belly$8.50
Sautéed Shroom$2.50

Chicken & Waffles

The Standard$21.50
Cheddar waffle, deep fried Bell & Evans Organic chicken, balsamic spiked 100% maple syrup
Hangover$25.50
Smoked bacon & cheddar waffle, Alabama breakfast sausage gravy, local farm egg

JCD Classics

Herb Crusted Chicken$21.50
Bell & Evans Organic chicken, slow roasted with fresh herbs, garlicky spinach, roasted corn grits
Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop$27.50
Truly all natural Heritage pork, grilled, Bourbon-maple glaze, smashed potatoes, garlicky spinach
Famous Meatloaf$20.00
Our B'ham Famous Meatloaf All natural Creekstone Farms beef, Heritage pork, smashed potatoes, red wine mushroom gravy, crispy fried onions
Shrimp and Grits$21.00
Alabama Gulf shrimp seasoned and seared, roasted corn grits, Alabama white sausage gravy
Pecan Crusted Trout$23.00
Farm raised, fully sustainable North Carolina trout, pecan-panko crust, roasted corn grits, garlicky spinach

Not Your Mama's Mac & Cheese

Original$13.00
Our "2004" original macaroni & cheese with crispy prosciutto, imported cheeses
Treehugger$17.00
Vegetarian, with organic spinach, roasted peppers, feta, sautéed shrooms
Three Little Pigs$19.00
Prosciutto, smoked bacon, pulled pork, crispy onions

Sammiches

All sandwiches are served with beer battered fries & house-made dill pickles

White BBQ Sandwich$15.00
Your choice of pulled local pork or Springer Mountain Farms chicken, tangy white BBQ sauce, organic greens, crispy onions
Southern Gentleman$16.00
Slow roasted pork, swiss, collard greens, pork skin dust, house-made bacon jam, toasted ciabatta bread
Turkey Club$15.00
All natural smoked turkey breast, swiss, caramelized onions, bacon, sun dried tomato mayo, wheatberry bread
The Original Jcd Burger$15.50
All natural, grass fed, fresh ground in house daily, seared to order on a toasted brioche bun, organic lettuce, tomato, pickled onion

Burger Upgrades

Gluten Free Bun$2.00
Cheddar$1.25
American$1.25
Swiss$1.25
Smoked Gouda$1.25
Pimento Cheese$2.00
Sheep Feta$1.50
Bacon Jam$2.00
Mushroom Gravy$1.50
Heritage Bacon$3.00
Local Farm Egg$2.00
Sautéed Mushrooms$2.50

Southern Extras

Collard Greens$4.50
Skillet Corn$4.00
Lil' Garden Salad$6.50
Ranch or Vinaigrette

What 698 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Alabama
Best Overall
Alabama
Best Food
Alabama
Best Service
Alabama
Best Value
Alabama
Innovative
Alabama
Neighborhood gem
Birmingham
Best Overall
Birmingham
Best Food
Birmingham
Best Service
Birmingham
Best Ambiance
Birmingham
Best Value
Birmingham
Great for brunch
Birmingham
Good for business meals
Birmingham
Innovative
Birmingham
Neighborhood gem

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b
bdayboo
Houston
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service! Thank you Tony for taking such good care of our party of 7.
DO
DonnieO
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service. Enjoyed the meal very much. Will go again.
J
Jonas
Birmingham
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I love a diner, meatloaf shrimp and grits, And you mix that with a bar. Perfect
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was wonderful. Wait staff was friendly and efficient
OT
OpenTable Diner
Birmingham
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
John’s City Diner is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner The menu is familiar southern comfort but as promised on the menu it’s not exactly like your grandma made. Traditional southern dishes are elevated to a new realm. Not for the sake of making them fancy but definitely better. Familiar southern dishes like pork chop, baked chicken, fried chicken and waffles are southern staples but each dish is elevated in taste and presentation that makes them better and makes you want to return and try another entree because everything is so good! Even Mac and Cheese can stand as entree presented in three varieties, it is simply the very best. The prices are very reasonable and the service is outstanding. Although the bar is small in size the cocktails and liquor selection is amazing. A variety of hand picked bourbon and tequila options elevate the cocktails with drinks that are both familiar and unexpected but always delicious.
JO
JonathanO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gosh, what an absolute delight. High end dining in a casual environment. Incredible service and the crown achievement, fancy bacon.
J
John
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tony was an awesome server!
NY
NewYearsatRuthChris
Birmingham
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I had the Pecan encrusted trout with sautéed spinach and cheese grits. The dish was perfect. Very delicious. Fish was fresh and everything tasted great.
J
Jack
Birmingham
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing! We’ve been to the restaurant a couple and used them for catering, they never disappoint. The ingredients always taste fresh!
JM
JoeM
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food. Quick service.
EJ
EulaJ
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and great service!! Can't wait until the season for their Okra!
DR
DRJIMWRIGHT
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great experience at John's. Meatloaf is out of this world - corn was as well. We had a great evening prior to our concert. Excellent sevice.
CB
CiaoBella
Denver
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
We loved the meatloaf and pecan crusted trout. Drinks were good too.
PK
PeterK
Atlanta
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great lunch option for a business lunch in Birmingham
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience and food was delicious
JG
JohnG
Denver
60 reviews
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service; limited, yet ample food choices and excellent quality. It is a diner which explains the multiple booths.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food
b
bluford
Birmingham
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Night prior to my birthday…stayed at an Airbnb 4th avenue 23rd st…close- food great! Parking, not so great ☹️❗️
S
Soccerfieldfriend
Atlanta
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chef created dinner that is delicious, filling, good value and not fussy. Liked the quiet atmosphere and casual interior. Will return.
IS
IvyS
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place consistently. Great service and food always delivers in quality and taste
DW
DevonW
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So delicious! Went two nights in a row on my trip to Bham, it was that good!
A
Ayme
Birmingham
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our food and service was excellent and bar drinks on point.
JS
JeffS
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tony made our dinner special. He was very engaging but not intrusive and his attentiveness made us feel welcomed. Another staff member approached us and recalled waiting on us several years ago before the pandemic. We were appreciative of her recollection. Our food was delicious. We loved the cornbread appetizer, the yummy Cobb Salad, the perfectly grilled shrimp on several dishes, and the meatloaf which stood up to the “famous” declaration.
G
Grammy
Birmingham
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
The meatloaf and mashed potatoes were excellent and the gravy delicious. The pork chop sounded good but ended up being very salty and it didn’t really taste like pork chops we are used to. The texture was very different and we didn’t like them. Saw other meals at adjoining tables and the chicken looked very good. I would stick to the chicken or meatloaf next time.
HS
HollyS
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had the chicken and waffles and it was the best I ever had! Our waiter was so nice! Wish we lived here so we could go back!
MY
MaryY
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and the staff is so nice!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Birmingham
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Loved The Food and Our server was Great!
PW
PatrickW
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome place!
CR
CallieR
Birmingham
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food and fabulous service, it’s a pity I can’t buy one of your T shirts !
G
Gerryr
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The portions were huge, the food absolutely amazing, and the server was just perfect!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Server explained drink and meal specials and checked/filled drinks regularly. Food was great
l
ladybug853
Baltimore
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food served with great service! The chicken and waffles and burgers are favorites.
H
Hugh
Chicago
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic menu, quality, and service. Thoroughly enjoyed the time at John’s, and wish I had a longer stay so I could make lots of return visits.
JD
JamieD
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We arrived at 5 pm, so we were the first evening diners. Over the next hour the booths all filled. The interior has been updated. Thankfully it still feels like a diner — it’s the same but different, in a good way. The server was very professional, the food was very good, and the cocktails were excellent. We’ll be back.
IA
IngridA
Atlanta
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything about this place. Food, fun service… huge portions. A hidden gem.
s
steves
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been eating the classic Southern fare here for over 15 years and John’s City Diner never disappoints!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Haven’t been here in years. The food was really good. Chicken was excellent. They had a special seasonal salad with strawberries and added grilled shrimp. Meatloaf was good. Some had the special macaroni. We enjoyed our dinner. Service was good.
w
wathomps
Birmingham
40 reviews
vip
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Love this place. The only “minor “impediments to visiting has been concern over Parking. However, after five can park right by the restaurant. Additionally, I’ve used the lot over at the Florentine, but this is frequently full up. Now I have a third option which is actually good for the entire area no. There’s a huge parking deck, BP 6, Which is right by the city Federal building
MH
MicheleH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous meatloaf! Our waitress was awesome! Will return!
BL
BartL
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is absolutely amazing as are the people working there. If you are in Birmingham don’t miss eating here. I eat there every time I am in town and it is always incredible.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

John's City Diner is rated 4.8 stars by 698 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 31, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 8 times today

112 Richard arrington Jr. Blvd N., Birmingham, AL 35203

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between 1st & Second Ave North
Neighborhood
Birmingham
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Cuisines
Comfort Food, Contemporary American, Contemporary Southern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Plenty of parking on the street in front of the restaurant and the City parking deck at the corner of Richard Arrington Blvd and 2nd Ave North next to the City Federal Building.
Public transit
Best place to park is at the City Federal Parking deck: https://www.bhamparking.com/parking_lots/deck-6/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
South Asian/Indian, Women
Executive chef
M. Shannon Gober
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.johnscitydiner.com/
Phone number
(205) 322-6014
Catering
John’s City Diner in Downtown Birmingham welcomes parties for all occasions. We will accommodate catering ‘To-Go’ orders with as minimal notice as possible. We do have many items that require a minimum of 48 to 72 hours in advance. All utensils, cups and plates are available upon request. Orders over $100 must be paid in advance. Please contact a John’s City Diner manager at johnscitydiner@gmail.com to place your ‘To-Go’ Catering Order.
Private party facilities
In the heart of Downtown Birmingham, John’s City Diner welcomes parties for all occasions. We have the ability to accommodate gatherings from 20 to 350. We are an excellent choice for any occasion, personal or professional and a range of budgets, formal to casual. Let us do the work, you enjoy!
Private party contact
Shannon Gober: (205) 322-6014

John's City Diner

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

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The Best Cheap Eats in Birmingham

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Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop

Pecan Crusted Trout

Famous Meatloaf

#Getsome Starters

Pimento Cheese$10.50

Homemade Cornbread$7.50

Sweet Heat Pork Skins$8.50

Fancy Bacon$14.50

From the Garden

The Greek$9.50

Southern Cobb Salad$10.00

South Pacific Chicken Salad$16.50

Salad Upgrades

Free Range Chicken$5.50

Heritage Pulled Pork$5.50

Fried or Grilled Alabama Shrimp$8.00

Crispy Pork Belly$8.50

Sautéed Shroom$2.50

Chicken & Waffles

The Standard$21.50

Hangover$25.50

JCD Classics

Herb Crusted Chicken$21.50

Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop$27.50

Famous Meatloaf$20.00

Shrimp and Grits$21.00

Pecan Crusted Trout$23.00

Not Your Mama's Mac & Cheese

Original$13.00

Treehugger$17.00

Three Little Pigs$19.00

Sammiches

White BBQ Sandwich$15.00

Southern Gentleman$16.00

Turkey Club$15.00

The Original Jcd Burger$15.50

Burger Upgrades

Gluten Free Bun$2.00

Cheddar$1.25

American$1.25

Swiss$1.25

Smoked Gouda$1.25

Pimento Cheese$2.00

Sheep Feta$1.50

Bacon Jam$2.00

Mushroom Gravy$1.50

Heritage Bacon$3.00

Local Farm Egg$2.00

Sautéed Mushrooms$2.50

Southern Extras

Collard Greens$4.50

Skillet Corn$4.00

Lil' Garden Salad$6.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is John's City Diner restaurant rated?

Is John's City Diner currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

47 Alabama Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Best Cheap Eats in Birmingham

The Best Wings in Birmingham