About Town’s Best of 2026 — The Reader’s Poll Results Are In

July 15, 2026

Birmingham has spoken. Every year we ask our readers to weigh in on the best this city has to offer — from the restaurants you can’t stop talking about to the doctors you trust with your family, the shops you keep coming back to, and the spots that make this city worth bragging about. The votes are in, the results are official, and Best of 2026 is here.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the Magic City, consider this your definitive guide to the best Birmingham has to offer right now.

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Food & Drink

Best BBQ

🥇 Saw’s — 35.57%
“The barbecue was tender and hickory smoked just right. The potato was fantastic.” — Ricky H.

Full Moon 12.58% | Jim ‘n Nick’s 11.26% | Martin’s BBQ 10.21% | Dreamland 6.65%

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Best Burger

🥇 Jack Brown’s — 25.73%
“My friends and I went to Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint for lunch and I had the Dr. Gonzo burger with cheese fries. The burger itself definitely lives up to the hype.” — Rachel J.

Chez FonFon 22.89% | Back Forty 13.17% | Otey’s 6.41% | Saw’s 6.01%

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Best Breakfast Place

🥇 Big Bad Breakfast — 30.09%
“The portions are worth the price. The food was delicious.” — Adrienne A.

Crestline Bagel 18.08% | Demetri’s 12.79% | Another Broken Egg 8.58% | First Watch 8.36%

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Best Pizza

🥇 Davenport’s — 21.15%
“Davenport’s Pizza Palace gave me such a fun, memorable dining experience. I ate inside, and the whole place had this lively, nostalgic energy thanks to the arcade noise humming in the background.” — Channing T.

Slice 16.14% | Pizza Grace 12.84% | Slim’s 10.99% | Uncle G’s 8.45%

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Best Asian Food

🥇 Surin — 33.57%
“The succulent catfish is hands down my absolute favorite dish — they’re perfectly cooked and consistently good every single time.” — Christina B.

Red Pearl 17.71% | Abhi 13.06% | Saigon Noodle House 11.94% | Taj India 8.01%

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Best Sushi

🥇 Bamboo — 31.32%
“Great place to eat on a Friday evening! First time trying something other than sushi and it did not disappoint. This bowl was MASSIVE! Had to get a go box.” — Sarah L.

Surin 17.02% | Jinsei 14.46% | Abhi 12.23% | Ono Poké 8.76%

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Best Fine Dining

🥇 Bottega — 27.39%
“The experience at Bottega has created a core memory in our date night book. We will definitely be back. The interior design was beautiful — high ceiling, spacious with purposeful lighting and decor.” — Faye Y.

Gianmarco’s 17.25% | Helen 15.43% | Automatic Seafood 10.94% | Le Fresca 7.83%

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Best Seafood

🥇 Automatic Seafood & Oysters — 41.30%
“Outstanding seafood and a delightful dining experience are sure to be found at Automatic Seafood! This is a more upscale outing, and it made for a cozy and elegant birthday dinner and date night.” — Emily C.

Fish Market 11.70% | Chuck’s Fish 9.63% | Hot & Hot 8.35% | Magnolia Point 7.63%

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Best Steak

🥇 Helen — 22.21%
“We got the Warm Angel Biscuits, the Carolina Gold Middlins, and Bear Creek Farm Flat Iron Steak. They were all SO good.” — Letitia J.

Little Betty Steak Bar 17.20% | Perry’s 14.51% | Fleming’s 13.16% | Armour House 11.52%

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Best New Restaurant

🥇 Bayonet — 25.93%
“There aren’t too many places in the world that can be called ‘genuinely impressive,’ but Bayonet simply cannot be placed into any other category.” — Alex P.

El Royale 23.42% | Lapeer Steak & Seafood 14.35% | High Dive 10.63% | Epice 9.16%

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Best Brunch Place

🥇 The Essential — 27.77%
“I got the Steak & Eggs. They were great. My wife got the Banana Bread French Toast. She also loved it.” — Gary T.

Big Bad Breakfast 20.23% | ZaZa 13.31% | Another Broken Egg 11.62% | Ruby Sunshine 10.77%

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Best Lunch Place

🥇 Bottega — 18.10%
“Bottega lives up to all the hype and is worth every penny. Truly one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time and in a beautiful setting.” — Kristin D.

Brick & Tin 16.47% | Niki’s West 15.06% | Johnny’s 11.57% | Diplomat Deli 11.42%

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Best Takeout

🥇 Taco Mama — 24.17%
“I ordered the ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All’ taco, and let me tell you, it delivered. The first bite was an explosion of flavors.” — Ty P.

Surin 22.26% | Taziki’s 20.65% | Red Pearl 12.12% | Blue Pacific 8.60%

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Best Coffee Shop

🥇 O’Henry’s — 22.72%
“This is a great location with a beautiful park across the street. They have a few tables outside and a few inside where you can sit and enjoy your coffee or pastry.” — Linda R.

Cala 15.66% | Church Street 13.82% | Red Cat 11.47% | Domestique 9.41%

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Best Patio / Outdoor Seating

🥇 The Garage — 26.77%
“If you get the chance, go check out this historical gem tucked away in Birmingham. Voted one of the top bars to travel to in multiple magazines. The owner basically built a bar around his workshop.” — Dylan M.

Back Forty 19.06% | Bottega 15.41% | OvenBird 8.34% | Vino 7.78%

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Best Margarita

🥇 El Barrio — 29.73%
“Our bartender was great. She made some great margaritas and chatted us up. It’s not trendy — more casual and laid back, wear what you like. I can’t wait to visit again.” — Reema G.

Taco Mama 26.90% | Adios 17.29% | Mayawell 9.45% | Mexico Lindo 8.48%

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Best Dessert Place

🥇 Big Spoon Creamery — 21.56%
“One of Birmingham’s only true creameries, where they’re making all the ice cream in house. I am a self-proclaimed Ice Cream Snob, but Big Spoon checks all my boxes.” — Camille F.

Cookie Fix 14.33% | Mountain Brook Creamery 14.04% | Edgar’s 13.60% | Olexa’s 12.57%

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Bars & Nightlife

Best Bar

🥇 Otey’s — 13.81%
“The staff is super friendly, the prices are perfectly priced and the ambiance is smooth. Great place to meet with friends or simply listen to a band on the weekend.” — Jason B.

House of Found Objects 11.99% | Juniper 10.42% | Key Circle Commons 8.52% | Collin’s Bar 6.62%

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Best Happy Hour

🥇 SoHo Social — 27.50%
“Stopped in after pickleball and it was the perfect spot right down the road. Our server was friendly and attentive, keeping our drinks full and making sure we had everything we needed. The food was great — I loved the steak tacos!” — Brooklyn F.

Otey’s 16.35% | Bricktop 12.29% | Freddy’s Wine 11.53% | House of Found Objects 10.78%

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Best Place for a Girls’ Night

🥇 Freddy’s — 20.81%
“We have been to Freddy’s frequently for dinner or drinks. We always have a great experience.” — Tracy T.

Vino 14.35% | Neon Moon 14.12% | Mayawell 13.38% | Char Bar 11.95%

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Best Place to Watch Sports

🥇 Otey’s — 29.33%
“Great little hole in the wall! Fun ambience, good burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, and real onion rings, just like I like them.” — Stephanie F.

Paramount 19.35% | Buffalo Wild Wings 14.32% | Baumhower’s 10.32% | CharBar 7.76%

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Your Favorite Cocktail

🥇 Margarita — 30.11%

Old Fashioned 15.50% | Orange Thing 14.20% | Martini 12.50% | Moscow Mule 7.55%

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Beer, Wine & Spirits

Best Place to Buy Beer

🥇 Piggly Wiggly — 47.34%
“I love this location. The store is always absolutely clean. The parking lot is kind of small, but the customer service makes up for that. They always have good sales going on.” — Britt B.

Hop City 27.20% | Trader Joe’s 12.09% | Diplomat Deli 7.33% | The Vineyard 3.57%

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Best Place to Buy Wine

🥇 Piggly Wiggly — 46.63%
“Piggly Wiggly is a good grocery in general, but what truly sets them apart, in my opinion, is the wine & beer. They really have the best selection with a variety of types and prices and most of the time have an expert on hand to help you.” — Stephanie L.

Golden Age 12.86% | Red or White 9.62% | Hop City 9.27% | Classic Wine Co. 7.26%

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Best Local Beer

🥇 Cahaba American Blonde — 27.37%
“Bartenders are always kind with a recommendation on their newest creations.” — Matthew M.

Good People IPA 19.76% | Muchacho 17.35% | Trim Tab Paradise Now 13.91% | Avondale Sour Pash 11.13%

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Best Local Brewery

🥇 Back Forty — 23.63%
“Great service, good brews, and awesome food! The catfish sandwich is literally a step above! The staff is super helpful and nice.” — Matt V.

Cahaba Brewing 21.84% | Avondale 17.46% | Good People 15.67% | Trim Tab 9.67%

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Best Local Spirit

🥇 Redmont Vodka — 31.78%
“Very smooth. Definitely high quality!” — Dotty W.

Dread River Straight Bourbon 13.50% | Cahaba Spirits Vodka 12.05%

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Health & Beauty

Best Spa

🥇 The Woodhouse — 29.55%
“My experience at Woodhouse Day Spa was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the sweetest receptionist, who gave me a tour and got me settled in for my services.” — Jessica S.

Ross Bridge 19.10% | Escape Spa 10.58% | The Retreat 9.81% | Total on 1st 6.84%

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Best MedSpa

🥇 Smart Skin — 12.88%
“I have been going to Smart Skin for several years and I have the monthly service package. I have gotten many different treatments, including RFT, Derma Plane, and Hydrofacial.” — Kristen G.

Total on 1st 11.86% | Infinity Med-I-Spa 10.54% | Prescription Aesthetic & Wellness 6.00% | AZIA 4.69%

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Best Hair Salon

🥇 The Collective — 17.28%
“I had the best experience at The Collective. The consult was thorough, they were friendly and listened. They paired me with an amazing stylist.” — J.B.

Hairfolk 11.77% | Salon U 6.91% | Oak Street Hair Group 6.91% | Forecast 6.80%

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Best Colorist / Stylist

🥇 Eric Goss (Hairfolk) — 12.10%

Beth Doyle (The Collective) 11.90% | Whitney Warner (WW Hair) 8.22% | Mark Hyde (Forecast) 5.06% | Scott Barfoot (Hairfolk) 3.41% | Courtney Jones (James Pierce) 3.41%

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Best Plastic Surgery Practice

🥇 Cohn Plastic Surgery — 19.71%
“I’m one day post op breast lift with implants and I feel amazing! From the moment I met Dr. Cohn and his staff for my consultation, I felt so comfortable.” — Victoria M.

Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery 15.30% | Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery 13.07% | Hedden and Gunn 9.28% | Schaffer Plastic Surgery 8.24%

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Best Dermatology Practice

🥇 Renew Dermatology — 17.32%
“Dr. Bares is incredible! I’ve seen her for skin concerns as well as filler and her attention to detail is impeccable. She and Courtney are the best derm duo in the game!” — Beverly C.

Total Skin & Beauty 13.93% | Village Dermatology 13.05% | Gunn Dermatology 8.33% | Dermatology & Laser of Alabama 7.02% | Cahaba Dermatology 5.92%

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Best Fitness Studio / Gym

🥇 Ignite Cycle — 20.83%
“I love Ignite so much! It’s so inclusive to all sizes and all people! All of the instructors are amazing and helpful!” — Skye M.

YMCA 10.69% | Lifetime 9.49% | Pure Barre 5.56% | Orange Theory 3.60%

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Best Fitness Instructor

🥇 Kelly Campbell — 14.80%
“Love her class! She always has such great energy. And intense!” — Hillary B.

Amy Stanaland 4.85% | Tabby Brock 4.60% | Scott Fell 3.48% | Paige McClees 3.48%

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Best Yoga Studio

🥇 Hotworx — 14.80%
“Nice atmosphere, clean facility with all new structures. The idea of hot yoga, Pilates, or hot workouts in a sauna is new, unique, and downright innovative to me.” — Casee M.

Birmingham Yoga 8.35% | Yoga Circle 7.87% | Yoga Lab 6.46% | U4IC 4.57%

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Best Wellness Center

🥇 Southern Ketamine — 14.83%
“The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and informative, and they made me feel comfortable and supported throughout the entire process.” — Janna D.

Well 14.17% | Restore 9.32% | Hydralive 4.99% | Prime IV 4.20%

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Health & Medical

Best Orthopedic Practice

🥇 Andrews Sports Medicine — 26.68%
“Recently had shoulder surgery and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Everyone at Andrews Sports Medicine made the process easy.” — Jarrod S.

St. Vincent’s Orthopedic 9.31% | Southlake Ortho 6.25% | OrthoSports Association 4.79% | Baptist Health Sports Medicine 3.32%

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Best Pediatrician

🥇 Over the Mountain Pediatrics — 17.00%

Mayfair Medical Group 9.98% | Dr. Stacey S. Gilbert, MD 5.15% | Stansell B. Keith MD 4.68% | Dr. Judith T. Habeeb, MD 4.52%

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Best Pediatric Dentist

🥇 Dr. Clark Thomas — 11.40%

Lovell Pediatric Dentistry 7.38% | Mountain Brook Smiles 6.10% | Oak Mountain Pediatric Dentistry 5.14% | Summit Smiles 5.14%

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Best Dental Practice

🥇 Stone Creek Dental Care — 12.43%
“Great experience with Dr. Dickie. Her bedside manner is excellent. The procedure time was so short without affecting quality.” — Tayler M.

Magic City Dentists 8.09% | Koch Aesthetic Dentistry 7.08% | Kevin Alexander 6.21% | Vestavia Smiles 4.19%

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Best Eye Care

🥇 TriaVision — 18.94%
“Dr. Swanner is awesome. His staff was amazing also. I am a nurse and we are picky! He met all of my expectations and more.” — Nancy M.

Callahan 13.76% | Alabama Vision Center 8.94% | MyEyeDr. 5.53% | JJ Eyes 4.11%

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Best Fertility Clinic

🥇 Alabama Fertility Specialists — 16.31%
“I had the best care at Alabama Fertility. After two years of infertility and a round of IVF we are finally pregnant and I owe it all to them. The staff is so kind, understanding, and make you feel so comfortable.” — Mary P.

UAB 9.56% | Birmingham Obstetrics 4.45% | Deidre Gunn, MD 2.64% | Cynthia K. Sites, MD 1.65%

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Best Chiropractic Practice

🥇 Back on Track & Greystone (tied) — 8.83%

The Joint 8.67% | Pillar 5.17% | Motivity 2.83%

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Best Physical Therapy

🥇 TherapySouth — 12.57%

EW Motion Therapy 9.88% | ATI 8.92% | Birmingham Physical Therapy 6.31% | MoveWell 3.43%

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Best Medical Concierge Service

🥇 homeRN — 14.78%

Cahaba Concierge Medicine 6.96% | Concierge Med Solutions 3.48% | Concierge Medical Associates 2.78% | Highbridge Medical 1.57%

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Home & Garden

Best Place for Home Furnishings

🥇 At Home Homewood — 30.00%
“At Home Furnishings is easily one of those stores I can just explore for hours and hours on end and not get bored. It’s not just a custom made furniture store — their home decor selection is just as competitive.” — Lucy T.

Home Goods 12.91% | Birmingham Wholesale Furniture 12.78% | Urban Suburban 6.58% | Stock and Trade 5.70%

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Best Place for Home Accents

🥇 Mayer Lighting — 18.43%

Fixtures and Finishes 8.19% | Ferguson Plumbing Supply 7.40% | Southern Bath & Kitchen 6.61% | Circa Lighting 6.46%

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Best Place for Outdoor Furniture

🥇 Southeastern Salvage — 39.43%

Summer Classics 14.77% | Home Depot 10.16% | Absco 8.67% | Homestead House 4.07%

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Best Interior Designer

🥇 Jan Ware — 8.26%

Lisa Flake 5.90% | Kristen McGee Interiors 5.60% | Shea Bryars 4.72% | Iris & Co. 4.28%

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Best Garden Shop

🥇 Leaf & Petal — 37.39%

Andy’s Creekside Nursery 13.43% | Collier’s Nursery 8.75% | Oak Street Garden Shop 8.11% | Shoppe 7.73%

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Best Landscape Service

🥇 Millhouse Howell — 9.15%

Nelson Team 7.87% | Faulkner Gardens 7.38% | Wayne’s 6.42% | Father Nature 4.49%

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Best Residential Builder

🥇 Slate Barganier — 8.48%

Twin Construction 8.32% | B&B Construction 4.24% | Francis Bryant 3.92% | Hancock Construction 3.92%

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Best Home Maintenance (HVAC/Plumbing/Electric)

🥇 Guin Service, LLC — 11.69%

OnTime Service 9.15% | Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing 8.25% | APS 3.22% | Eagle Service Company 3.05%

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Shopping & Style

Best Women’s Clothing Boutique

🥇 Gus Mayer — 17.24%
“I LOVE Gus Mayer — I’ve shopped here all my life. The curation of brands and styles quite literally cannot be beat.” — Lauren C.

SOCA 16.37% | Dukes 8.73% | Fabrik 7.09% | B Prince 6.14%

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Best Men’s Clothing

🥇 Mountain High Outfitters — 18.85%
“I love MHO! You can wander around the whole store two or three times and still find something new to look at. The clothes are fun.” — Kat T.

Mobley & Sons 14.65% | Bill Reid 14.01% | Shaia’s 9.55% | Pants Store 9.30%

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Best Place to Buy a Unique Gift

🥇 JB&Co Jewelry — 24.40%

Alabama Goods 19.35% | Smith’s Variety 18.06% | Snoozy’s 15.92% | General / Shoppe 5.42%

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Best Place to Buy a Rug

🥇 Issis & Sons — 16.31%

English Village Lane 15.15% | Nilipour 9.24% | Eighteenth Street 8.08% | Paige Albright Orientals 7.94%

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Family & Pets

Best Private Elementary School

🥇 Hilltop Montessori — 15.55%
“The quality of education offered is truly exceptional. The faculty is great and help each student in a way that gives each child the tools needed to be successful in life.” — Parent

Advent Episcopal School 14.10% | Highlands School 12.58% | Westminster 9.81% | Our Lady of Sorrows 8.84%

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Best Animal Hospital

🥇 Homewood Animal Hospital — 12.73%

Avondale Animal Hospital 8.58% | BHM Animal Hospital + Resort 8.44% | Riverview Animal Clinic 7.44% | Oxmoor Animal Clinic 5.15%

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Best Doggie Daycare

🥇 Dogtopia — 14.27%

The Pawms Pet Resort 10.27% | Birmingham Animal Hospital 6.42% | Dog Days of Birmingham 6.42% | We Talk Dog 5.99%

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Best Place to Take Your Dog

🥇 Red Mountain Park — 20.21%

Oak Mountain 19.79% | Railroad Park 15.21% | Back 40 13.83% | Avondale 9.36%

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Out & About

Best Local Attraction

🥇 Culinary Scene / Restaurants — 27.79%

Birmingham Zoo 23.82% | Civil Rights Museum 8.77% | Birmingham Museum of Art 8.31% | Downtown 8.31%

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Best Place for an Outdoor Excursion

🥇 Oak Mountain — 37.76%
“Very nice facilities for camping. We brought our kids’ BMX bikes and they had a blast at the BMX track!” — Brittany B.

Jemison Trail 16.18% | Red Mountain Park 14.79% | Moss Rock 12.09% | Ruffner Park 7.09%

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Best Place to See Live Music

🥇 Coca-Cola Amphitheater — 28.47%
“This was an amazing amphitheatre! Sound was loud and show was amazing. Seats were way more comfortable than others I’ve attended.” — April C.

Avondale 18.54% | Alabama Theatre 16.54% | BJCC 14.11% | Iron City 13.42%

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Best Weekend Getaway (Within a 6-Hour Drive)

🥇 Gulf Shores Area — 20.75%

30A 20.12% | Local Lake 9.97% | New Orleans 9.88% | Savannah, GA / Charleston, SC 9.26%

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Best Public Golf Course

🥇 Highlands Park — 29.94%
“Such a fun golf course!! They have great food and drinks! The people are nice and the course always looks great!” — Gabriella W.

Ross Bridge 29.39% | Oak Mountain 6.03% | Oxmoor Valley 5.92% | Bent Brook 5.59%

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Best Venue for a Wedding / Rehearsal

🥇 Barn at Shady Lane — 28.41%
“Michael and Linda are truly the sweetest people to work with, and they made my wedding day incredibly special.” — Jadyn T.

Pursell Farms 16.12% | Florentine 9.13% | Donnelly House 5.75% | Fennec 5.64%

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Best Venue for an Event

🥇 The Club — 25.87%
“The food was good. The bartenders understood the task at hand. As to the ambiance — as is well known, you can’t beat the view.” — Eric F.

Avondale 14.99% | Fennec 10.67% | B&A Warehouse 6.97% | Iron City 6.97%

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Services & Professional

Best Real Estate Agent

🥇 The Russoms — 8.99%

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Best Bank

🥇 Regions — 28.63%

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Best Mortgage Company

🥇 Synovus — 10.79%

Regions 9.40% | Fairway Independent Mortgage 7.52% | Guild Mortgage 4.79% | Prosperity Mortgage 4.10% | MortgageRight 1.88%

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Best Insurance Agent

🥇 Ashley Lambert — 4.94%

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Best Plaintiff Law Firm

🥇 Alexander Shunnarah — 15.36%

Hollis Wright 13.02% | Morgan & Morgan 8.68% | Wettermark Keith 8.18%

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Best Family Law Firm

🥇 Peeples Law Firm — 12.54%

Burns, Brashier & Johnson 7.77% | Rose Law Firm 7.60% | Kirk Drennen Law 7.42%

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Best Defense Law Firm

🥇 Bradley — 11.75%

Maynard Nexsen 10.43% | Burr Forman 7.45% | Lightfoot 6.13% | Graham, Neal, Seal & Bell 5.63%

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Best Auto Dealer

🥇 Serra Auto Group — 11.36%

Edwards Chevrolet 8.93% | Birmingham Broker 8.12% | Stivers Ford 5.36% | Benton Nissan 4.38%

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Best Catering

🥇 Taco Mama — 30.51%
“Great gluten free experience. Very knowledgeable staff and the manager even came out of the kitchen to verify allergies and explain certain kitchen practices.” — B.C.

Tre Luna 17.60% | Kathy G & Co. 12.01% | Full Moon 11.60% | Taziki’s 10.28%

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Best Hotel

🥇 Grand Bohemian — 41.56%

Ross Bridge 20.08% | Elyton 14.29% | Valley 10.79% | Redmont 6.09%

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Best Retirement Home

🥇 Somerby — 9.23%

Brookdale 8.89% | Longleaf 5.75% | The Brook 4.36% | Town Village 4.18%

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Best Orthodontic Practice

🥇 Birmingham Orthodontics — 13.73%
“Dr. Feinberg is always kind, patient, and genuinely helpful whenever I’ve needed anything. I’ve had my braces off for eight years now, and I still couldn’t be happier with the results.” — Victoria C.

David Hufham 10.56% | Sarver 9.20% | Yanosky 7.54% | PT Orthodontics 7.39%

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Best Pest & Mosquito Control

🥇 Wayne’s — 16.18%

Cook’s 15.67% | Birmingham Mosquito Control 7.84% | Terminix 3.07% | Greenway 2.73%

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Best Annual Charity Event

🥇 Chili Cook-Off — 21.80%

Crawfest 6.21% | Service Guild Gala 5.89% | Wine Women and Shoes 3.82% | Amanda Pair Legacy Gala 3.50% | Mardi Gras on the Mountain 3.34%

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Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees — and thank you to every reader who voted. This is Birmingham at its best.

Want to see the full results in print? The Best of 2026 issue of About Town is available now. Not getting the magazine yet? Subscribe to receive future copies, or sign up for our email and stay connected to the best of Birmingham.