After getting years of much-deserved accolades, our local restaurants have been hit hard by the lockdown. So we thought it’d be a great time to do our part to help some of them through these tough times, and look forward to when they’ll be back at full strength.
El Barrio Restaurante Y Bar
2211 2nd Ave N, Downtown Birmingham
El Barrio specializes in upscale, inventive Mexican-inspired cuisine and hand-made cocktails in the heart of Downtown Birmingham. With a lively urban design and locally sourced ingredients, El Barrio bridges the gap between the typical Mexican restaurant and a bustling bar and grill. We love the seasonal guacamole featuring inventive ingredients like strawberries and candied bacon and the incredible Chicken Enchiladas.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“Despite the busy and seemingly chaotic nature of El Barrio, especially when you first walk in, we want you to feel welcomed, cared for and, ultimately, like one of our regulars.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“No two days are ever the same; between guests, staff, deliveries and that one thing you thought could never happen but just did, it’s always an opportunity to enjoy new things.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“That we exceeded their expectations. With the awesome staff, the great local producers and a never-ending desire to try to be the better every day, we hope our guests enjoy every visit a little more than they expected.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Have great staff! We are blessed to have a truly amazing group of people at El Barrio. Everyone, front and back, are here because they love what they do and have fun doing it.”
What’s your favorite dish?
"That really depends on the day. I have a soft spot for all our food, obviously! (A quick and not very scientific survey of the staff has deemed the spicy chicken tostada as the winner)."
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“I very much enjoy visiting our neighbors on 2nd Ave N., Bamboo and Le Fresca. Fresh, delicious food done the right way.”
Taco Mama
Downtown Birmingham, Homewood, Hoover, Hwy. 119, Mountain Brook, The Summit, Trussville and beyond
Modeled after the funky, laid-back taquerias of California, Texas and Florida, Taco Mama is your go-to spot for simple, fresh, casual tacos, burritos and nachos. In addition to the consistently great food, Taco Mama offers an extensive menu of exceptional hand-shaken margaritas. With something to please everyone, we advise you try your favorite mix of street tacos or build your own burrito with your favorite toppings.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“That they feel its genuine spirit, and it’s lively and fun.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“Goodness, great question. There are a lot of moving parts that are orchestrated in harmony by a collective group of talented people who complement each other and funnel their passion to deliver a great performance every day, night, and weekends too. It’s a labor of love.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“They enjoyed it! The people, the food, the drink, and the atmosphere.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Talented people, planning, prepping, communicating, anticipating, executing and having fun. The guests feel that effort and positive energy.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“I can’t answer that. I love too much food. If I had to go with my favorite protein, it’s Barbacoa.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“In Birmingham, it’s too long of a list, and I hope people don’t take for granted the food and entertainment scene we have here. It’s unique and special. I got too many friends and too much respect to name one. There are so many out there that do it at a high level, and my wife Leigh and I enjoy and support them all. We have our go-tos for each restaurant and bar that’s ingrained into our life, and then we try to continue to explore.”
Sol y Luna Tapas and Tequila
920 Lane Parke Court, Mountain Brook Village
Sol Y Luna was one of the original avant guard culinary leaders that introduced the Birmingham area to new concepts, flavors and forms of international cuisine in the Lakeview district. After a 6-year hiatus, the small plate restaurant with 30 premium tequilas on hand has reopened in Mountain Brook with a renewed experience and menu. We love to order a variety of plates to share, including our favorites Shrimp Diabla and Chile En Nogada.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“It is important that guests feel welcomed and appreciated as soon as they walk in the door. At Sol Y Luna, our guests are our family.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“Most people don't really understand that a restaurant is a constant job. It never ends. It is a labor of love, for sure, but it is a labor that cannot not be neglected for one second.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“The greatest compliment a guest can give is that we have given them not only good but excellent service. We want our guests to feel they are taken care of.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Guests need to be cared for and heard. I think that guests appreciate it when they feel valued and that's what makes them happy and returning time and time again.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“Lobster Soft Tacos”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“Avondale Brewery and Jemison Trail. These two places are where I love to spend my Sundays to relax and unwind.”
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ
3719 3rd Ave S, Avondale and coming soon to Trussville
Rodney Scott’s is a new and worthy addition to Birmingham’s extensive BBQ scene. With an emphasis on the time-honored whole hog technique that results in smoky flavorful and truly great barbecued pork, chicken, turkey and ribs, it’s no wonder Rodney won a James Beard award for Best Chef in 2019. You’ll feel like you’re sitting down at the family table with a tray so full of food, you may not need to eat for the rest of the day. And if you’re not in the mood for barbecue, try Rodney’s griddle burger or farm-raised fried catfish.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“I want them to feel like they just walked into a party. They are in a place where everything is laid back and fun.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“It is not always as smooth or easy as it appears. We try hard to not let our guests know when we experience hiccups like a late delivery that might upset the schedule.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
"I'll Be Back."
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Distribute a positive vibe—a smile, the best quality food, and deliver an unforgettable experience. You have to set the tone.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“Seafood. Shrimp and lobster are my favorites.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“Hero Doughnuts. I love the strawberry doughnuts and the bologna sandwich there."
Taj India
2226 Highland Ave, Southside
Taj India offers a gourmet take on the exotic flavors of India with high-quality ingredients, fresh meats, produce, herbs, delicate spices and homemade dairy using traditional techniques. The staff takes pride in preparing each order individually to satisfy the diner’s taste and seasoning preference. We recommend the Shrimp Korma, Butter Chicken, Korigasi Shrimp and Kadhai Paneer.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“We want individuals to be engrossed in culture as they walk in the front door. The desired first impression is to make people feel welcomed into a world of Indian heritage. However, we hope the ambiance makes them feel at home as they explore a new world.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“Running the day-to-day operations is like making sure a train runs on time. Small delays can make for larger hiccups down the line. Yet the thrill is in ensuring that you beat the schedule. However nerve-racking running the business may be, there is nothing we would rather be doing.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“Compliments are such a beautiful thing that the more there are, the happier we are. I must say the compliments that make all the hustle and bustle worth it are the compliments about the food. The highest compliments have to be about the authenticity of the food.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Customers' happiness is of the utmost importance in the service industry. The satisfaction of customers is a combination of beautiful ambiance, authentic food, and excellent customer service.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“Deciding on a favorite dish is most difficult as we have curated each dish, and they all hold a special place in my heart. A current favorite would have to be the Lamb Badami. It brings so many flavors into your mouth, mixing the exquisite taste of cashews, almonds, poppy seeds, and a dash of coconut all into one.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“Our favorite places in Birmingham have to be Hot and Hot Fish Club and Bottega Café.”
Nabeel’s
1706 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
Nabeel’s Cafe & Market has been serving authentic Mediterranean dishes and supplying unique international ingredients for over 50 years. The current owner has built on the legacy of outstanding food established by the founder and previous owners, adding breakfast and brunch as well as craft beer and an enhanced wine list. The Camel Rider Sandwich and Moussaka are both highlighted on the Alabama Dept. of Tourism’s list of the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“I want people to feel welcome and cared for. I believe hospitality is about anticipating the guests’ needs and meeting those needs before they’re expressed. I also want people to feel connected to the community and neighborhood. Nabeel’s is one of Homewood’s oldest businesses and we’ve had the privilege of serving generations of families, so whether you’re part of that tradition or eating with us for the first time, you’re part of the story.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“There is no down time. If you're relaxed as an owner or general manager, then you're probably losing money.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“That a member of my team took great care of them. I'm just one person and cannot possibly meet every customer's needs and expectations. At the end of the day, it's my job to build a team of people who can meet those needs and expectations. When someone recognizes the job done by someone on my team, then I leave smiling ear to ear.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Listen. It's easy to get caught up in trying to solve a problem and rush ahead. Sometimes people just want to be heard and validated. We definitely make mistakes, but most of the time they can be corrected if you take the time to listen to the heart of the concern and respond.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“A toss-up between Shakshuka and The Breakfast Sandwich. Shakshuka is a North African stew of tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onions, secret spices, poached eggs, feta cheese and crusty bread. It. Is. Divine. BUT...The Breakfast Sandwich is Ciabatta with smoked salmon cream cheese, capers, avocado, artichoke hearts and a runny, fried egg. How do you choose between those?”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“Another toss-up - I'm a sushi nut and Jinsei's Sunday night specials on rolls are almost impossible to resist. Then again, day in and day out, Little Donkey's happy hour with $2 tacos is such a great escape.”
Red Pearl
243 W Valley Ave., Homewood
Red Pearl is hands-down the most authentic Asian food you’ll find in Birmingham. Don’t expect to find your run-of-the-mill Americanized take-out menu. Specialties are made to order using family recipes and served to share with a large serving of rice. While you’re there, stop by the traditional Asian market next door to pick up imported food items you can’t find anywhere else.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“We hope every guest—whether they are visiting Red Pearl Restaurant or our Super Oriental Market next door—enjoys the atmosphere and the friendly service we provide.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“The main thing people do not understand about running a restaurant is that it is very time-consuming and it’s hard to please everyone.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“We love when our customers tell us they enjoyed our authentic Chinese food and the quantity of food served in our dishes.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“Great service and high-quality food are the keys to keeping our patrons at Red Pearl happy.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“The Salty Crispy Peel Shrimp is my absolute favorite dish we serve.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“I really enjoy eating at Bonefish Grill and Saigon Noodle House.”
Bay Leaf Modern Indian Cuisine & Bar
1024 20th St. S, Unit 101, Southside and 5426 Highway 280
Bay Leaf, a long-standing Birmingham favorite which recently launched a rebrand under new ownership, offers a modern twist on Indian delicacies in a casual yet upscale atmosphere. The restaurant’s new chef brings an extensive range of culinary experience from his time in cities across Europe and the U.S. Unique additions to the menu include re-imagined and modernized appetizers, a perfectly-grilled desi burger, tangy kababs, and tamarind glazed short ribs.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“We are introducing modern Indian food concepts to Birmingham in a casually upscale setting, and we want customers to have a rich and flavorful first experience, one to remember.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“The food is the brain and the service is the backbone of a successful restaurant. More often than not, if one of these is not optimal, the restaurant doesn't work. I have carefully addressed both of these issues as we start this new venture in Birmingham.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“If a customer likes what we offer, the greatest compliment would be for them to tell their friends and return to dine with us again.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“I like to treat each customer the way I would like to be treated at any restaurant. I firmly believe that if we provide quality food and service, the customers do appreciate it.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“Although I love almost everything on our new menu, I have a soft spot for the tandoori chicken. We slow-cook the whole chicken in clay after marinating it overnight.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“I just moved to Birmingham earlier this year. Although I am new to the city, I have been to several restaurants and my favorite is Automatic Seafood.”
Slice Pizza & Brewhouse
725 29th St S, Lakeview and 3104 Timberlake Drive, Vestavia
Slice Pizza & Brew’s owners pride themselves on serving up pizzas that are a cut above the rest. Each one is prepared to order using the freshest ingredients from local sources in their wood-fired ovens. The menu is always evolving, giving customers new things to try. In addition to great pizza, you’ll find a selection of the area’s best beers on tap and a fantastic atmosphere to hang out. The Old School and Basic Pesto are our go-to pies.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“We want our guests to feel recognized, welcomed, and comfortable, as if they were dining in our home or their own.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“The day-to-day moving parts that go into the operations and administration side of the business along with and the importance of surrounding yourself with a good reliable team. I hear it all the time with folks. In my conversations about running restaurants, it tends always to be overlooked and overshadowed by the cooking aspect of the business. They think if there's one excellent chef in the building, then after that, everything else happens on its own. Not the case, both sides of the business are equally as important and vital to a restaurant's success and survival.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“That is the best dish I have ever eaten in my life, and our server was excellent.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“It’s all about the guest experience that makes a happy guest and one that will return. To give that memorable experience, it takes great service that's consistent along with consistent great food, no matter the time they arrive or which day of the week it is.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“White Shadow Pizza, add braised chicken.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“Chez Fon Fon and Dyron's.”
The Rougaroux
817 39th Street S, Forest Park
The Rougaroux plates up an authentic taste of New Orleans-style Cajun cuisine tucked into Forest Park’s Pink House. The eclectic décor and carefully crafted flavors will make you think you’ve stepped into the heart of the French Quarter. Rougaroux’s filling PoBoys are served on traditional Leidenheimer rolls, their outstanding muffaletta features Cochon butchered meats and you can’t miss the flavorful gumbos with fresh seafood, chicken and andouille sausage.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“We want them to think it’s fun, laid back.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“It takes all of your time. It never stops. But after 25 years, I still wouldn’t do anything else.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“It was the best I’ve ever had.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“You’ve got to make them feel at home. Obviously the food’s got to be good, but that’s not everything.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“Crawfish Monica, a spicy pasta dish.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
“Sushi Village.”
Fig Tree Café
3160 Cahaba Heights Rd., Cahaba Heights
The Fig Tree is a small cafe tucked in a little nook in Cahaba Heights, serving up incredible fresh, seasonal farm-to-table fare with incredible southern flavor and a touch of fine dining. Sit on the back porch and look out over the raised beds where the staff picks what’s growing on a daily basis. We love the Farm Burger and inventive fish dishes, but insist you go for brunch to try the Crab Cake Situation.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
“I want them to feel like they’re walking into my living room. It’s casual, like an old southern porch. We’re in the back of an old house, that’s what we’re going for.”
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
“How much time and all the effort that goes into engineering a perfect guest experience—from the heart of the house to the front. It’s a lot.”
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
“What means the most is seeing the customers who keep coming back, from first dates, to getting engaged to having kids. I love watching it all go down and knowing they stuck with us.”
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
“We have to make sure everything in the restaurant is firing at all cylinders. Every aspect is important, between the food, the drinks, the flowers, personally touching every table.”
What’s your favorite dish?
“Right now I’m digging on the butter beans we’re serving on our meat and two. I could nosh on them all day.”
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham
“Ask any chef, we love ethnic food. My favorite restaurant is Seoul on Greensprings. That’s where I go for my comfort food like Soondubu, a really spicy seafood stew served in your own bubbling pot.”
