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SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar - Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar - Birmingham

3.1
3.1
208 Reviews
$31 to $50
Southern
Top Tags:
SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar at the Pizitz Food Hall in Downtown Birmingham! SOCU, where our focus is seafood and elevated southern food with a feel of old meets new. Come for a taste as we reinvent classic southern traditions.

We allow a maximum of (3) credit cards to split the total bill at SOCU.

We get it, stuff happens. We offer a grace period of 15 minutes. If you arrive after the 15-minute grace period, even with a phone call, you may be placed on the waitlist, to be fair to all guests.

Parties 6+ we will automatically add an 18% gratuity to your bill.
For parties larger than 5+ , catering and a chefs table experience, please give us a call at 205-961-4458
A non-refundable deposit will be required for large parties to secure your reservation. This deposit applies to the total of your bill.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Southern, Seafood, Comfort Food

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Wed–Fri 5:00 pm–7:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (205) 961-4458

  • Website

    http://www.eatsocu.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Owned/operated by

    Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Women

  • Executive chef

    Erica Barrett

  • Location

    1821 2nd Ave North, #176, Birmingham, AL 35203

  • Neighborhood

    Birmingham

  • Cross street

    18th and 2nd Ave North

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 208 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.1
3.1 based on recent ratings
  • 3.3Food
  • 3Service
  • 3.4Ambience
  • 2.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Alabama

    Great for brunch

  • Alabama

    Lively

  • Birmingham

    Great for brunch

  • Birmingham

    Innovative

  • Birmingham

    Romantic

  • Birmingham

    Lively

  1. DTaylor

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Very disappointed in this restaurant. The service was terrible, the food was bland and it was severely overpriced. Huge letdown.

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  2. Foodie123

    Orlando

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This place has HORRIFIC service. They had a party in their private room, which no one mentioned when we were seated. We waited 30 minutes for one cocktail and a soda. Most items (oysters, chicken, red beans and rice) were "sold out." After waiting one hour, they could not give us any idea of when our food would be serviced nor did they seem to care. The wait staff was standing around talking.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    They was no food and nobody to serve tables. This place is very poorly managed and bringing down the reputation of the franchise.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Mobile

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Due to brunch running over, and the staff needed to re-group, the restaurant opened a little later than their re-open time. Our waitress was Phoenix was really sweet. Drinks and appetizers took a long time to arrive. I would like to eventually return and see how things are during normal circumstances.

    Is this helpful?

  5. TheLonliestNumber

    Alabama

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Everything average but the cost. Two diners, almost $100.. tipped GENEROUSLY to support black-owned. Grateful for the experience but probably won't return. Suggest ithers to try for themselves. Their experience may be different. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    Is this helpful?

  6. LakeishaJ

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Main issues were the lack of service when it came to checking on our table. Wish it was more consistent. Music was louder than expected. My friend had to return catfish and grits, wasn’t that great. Wish had more beverage choices .

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall1food2service4ambience2
    I was looking forward to some oysters but I was told they were sold out. 85% of the menu was not available. The lamb chops were not seasoned and the mashed potatoes were cold. Our food sat under the light for 4 mins after waiting 30 mins for them to prepare it. I probably will not go back. The waitress was really nice and made adjustments when she could.

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  8. RavenC

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It was a nice environment. Definitely a vibe. The waffles need a little work, they had an odd taste, but overall everything was great!

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  9. AshleyB

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Good good and service. Will be back again for some oysters.

    Is this helpful?

  10. CarlaS

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The food, location, and CS was great! The chef came out to check on us and the waitress Phoenix was attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  11. MichaelJr

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was delivered quickly and was very tasty. It was a little pricey, but the quality justified the price.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Socu food is always excellent atmosphere great I wish it was a little bigger but that’s mostly it

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  13. Ashlee

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good vibes and the food was great.

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  14. LynnP

    Alabama

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    It took too long to get our food. 45 mins to get our appetizer. Server never asked if we wanted drinks. We had to ask her.

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  15. SonjaM

    Alabama

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We ordered the lamb chops with red beans and rice and candied yams, the yams was fire!! My lamb was cooked how I asked and the red beans was good as well. My husband ordered the Rockefeller oysters and he enjoyed those as well. The bartender was on point with our drinks. Yes I would recommend and will be dining here again.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience was phenomenal. The staff was attentive and courteous to our needs. The chef was friendly and excellent. This is truly the spot to visit whenever you are in town, you will not be disappointed!!!!

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  17. Breanna

    Cancun

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Unfortunately this place is terrible. My food was room temperature and extremely salty. I received dirty glassware twice, I never received my drink from the bar and I witnessed a sever and the bartender have a loud public disagreement. During my visit there were several people who got up and left because it was taking them to long to be acknowledged. I would definitely skip this place!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was amazing. The candy bacon deviled eggs was so good. It was a fantastic balance of sweet and salty. 10/10!!!!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing and the service was good as well.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    The restaurant was out of several menu items. Ordered a dozen oysters that were hot and tasted spoiled. The main entree was good. We want dessert, they were all out of every dessert. Waitress apologized several times. I will not go back. .

    1 person found this helpful

  21. ErinY

    Alabama

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    We waited almost 2 hours for an appetizer. Our food was not hot and the drinks were either too strong or too sweet. Half of the staff including the chef were on their phones. We witnessed a server have an attitude with the manager and our server rushed us through our order. The food was highly overpriced and the service was trash. We won't be back.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    Love the setting, service was horrible. Hopefully this is corrected.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Craigj

    Alabama

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant, we booked prior to restaurant offering of pre-fixe menu, which didn't offer what we were there to eat.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience2
    The food was great. The service was inadequate. 1 server who did amazing work while everyone else watched. The menu and what the chef prepared when ordered was not the same as in the description details. (Ie. Squash medley was just squash, No medley with tomatoes as featured in menu).

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Didn’t honor reservation.

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  26. BJTT

    Alabama

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Reservation was at 5:00 o'clock. We were there and seated at 5:00 or shortly there after. We didn't get our food until about 6:10. No desserts were ready. For the price of the food, I expected a lot more.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The hours listed online says that this establishment is open until 10pm. We made reservations online for 8:30pm on a Monday. When we arrived we were told they were closed… (there were a few tables with people seated and people were at the bar area) This may have been a blessing in disguise because I read some of the other reviews and if you’re considering eating here you should too.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great vibes

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    The food was great but the wait time was almost unbearable… We had a reservation for 6:30p, however we didn’t receive our food until after 8pm..

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Mississippi

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    They will take your reservation through open table but don’t honor it once you arrive. Terrible way to try and get customers.

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  31. EricaW

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Oysters were burnt not chargrilled. Toast was burnt.I was disappointed in my experience, since I was so excited to finally try this restaurant.

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  32. RoseB

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    The food was great but it took a long time to be served.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    One of the worst experiences we’ve had in a long time avoid this place at all cost

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience2
    Food was outstanding. Service was much better than it has been previously. I understand it takes a while to prepare such amazing food. In past visits, staff has hung around talking among themselves. This visit was much better and staff checked on us more often while we waited for our meal. Music choice was great but too loud for us to have easy conversation. I’d reduce volume just a little. Cocktails / mimosas were delicious. During a previous visit, I ordered a white wine and it was served in a champagne glass - felt a little cheated.

    Is this helpful?

  35. TriceeeeeB

    Alabama

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great food but the meal price point needs to match the experience.

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  36. EvangelineW

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was excellent! My hubby and I did our usual date night and this was our first visit to this restaurant. They did not disappoint! Our server Meagan was superb! We definitely will be back! Evangeline and Henry

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Reserved a table on Open Table app for 1:30pm. We arrived at 1:25. No one asked to seat us. After about 10-15 minutes someone came over and seated us. No one came over to take our order. We sat and sat. We then overheard a waitress tell another table that they stop (serving?) at 2 or 2:30. Well we still sat because we were not sure due to the app showing open reservations after our 1:30 reservation. We finally left after no one addressed us. Never again!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The meal and service was great.

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  39. Chelle

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    SOCU was a great place to eat. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was nice and pleasant. We had the Oysters Rockefeller and deviled eggs for an appetizer and both were delicious. Our dinner was also great. The fried chicken was so moist and flavorful. I recommend this place for everyone who wants to enjoy delicious food, a great atmosphere at a great price,

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Experience! Customers service was top tier! We will be back!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar - Birmingham offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (205) 961-4458.

SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar - Birmingham is rated 3.1 stars by 208 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Google Map for SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar - Birmingham

1821 2nd Ave North, #176, Birmingham, AL 35203

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    18th and 2nd Ave North

  • Neighborhood

    Birmingham

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Wed–Fri 5:00 pm–7:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Southern, Seafood, Comfort Food

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Women

  • Executive chef

    Erica Barrett

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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