Birmingham has built a solid reputation as a food and beverage city, but our city’s vast variety of eating options means that many of us haven’t experienced the same lunchtime leisure locations. Whether you want hot chicken, tacos, barbeque, or any other flavorful taste bud adventure - you have some fantastic options in the Magic City. These are 5 of our favorites.
McFly’s Bird Shoppe
Great Scott, Marty! The massive sandwiches and scrumptious tenders at the 1908’s-themed McFly’s Bird Shoppe are matched with heaping servings of fries, tots (both come in plain, bbq, old bay, and ranch flavors) or a variety of other delicious sides like collard greens and their famous mac ‘n’ cheese.
This experience is only made greater by the fact that they have over 15 sauces to choose from including smoked Caesar, bloody mary ketchup, salsa verde, and their signature McFly’s sauce. Hot chicken and a tasty vegan alternative are also available - along with gigantic sandwiches like the Phat Marty and the Phat Delorean. You are going to be more than full when leaving - we guarantee it.
T-Bone’s Authentic Philly Style Cheesesteaks and Hoagies
Traveling is a bit difficult during the pandemic, but a short trip to Philadelphia is located right across the street from McFly’s in the historic 5 Points South neighborhood. T-Bone’s has been serving up authentic philly cheesesteaks and hoagies for nearly two decades - with their current location providing a bright display of graffiti art and a medley of cool stickers to entertain you while waiting on your food. Cheesesteak fries and egg rolls, fresh salads, and their massive burgers (we recommend the M.O.A.B) make it hard to choose just one meal - but no matter what you’re walking away happy.
You Taco Food Truck
Valley Avenue and nearby Green Springs Highway contain an astounding variety of restaurants inspired by countries all across the globe, but one of our favorites is the You Taco truck in the Shell gas station parking lot on Valley and Beacon Parkway East. Street tacos, tortas, quesadillas, nachos, and more are an order away from making your day. An outdoor seating area is by the truck for those who want to take in a sunny day while enjoying their food.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ
Rodney Scott’s might have begun in South Carolina, but they quickly earned the hearts of our barbeque-loving city when they moved into the old Bottletree/Saigon Noodle location in Avondale. The namesake chef won a prestigious James Beard Award for his next-level approach to barbeque in 2018 and his partner is famed BBQ restaurateur Nick Pihakis, who Alabamians know and love for his work with Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ.
Rojo
This Highland area staple with a heart of gold prides itself in serving the best in both Latin and American food - and we certainly can’t disagree! Rojo’s extensive menu includes massive salads, burritos, and a personal favorite - the Fuego Burger. Tasty margaritas and spacious outdoor seating make for a relaxing lunch for those choosing to eat at the restaurant, and O'Henry's Coffees is right next door if you need a caffeine pick me up to finish out the work day.
Whatever your favorite go-to lunch spot is, we can all be thankful we have so many great options to choose from!
