Foodies all around will love these hole in the wall restaurants in Birmingham! Add these three must-try restaurants to your Alabama bucket list to see a different side of their dining scene. From hearty comfort food to inventive dishes, these spots promise a culinary journey that go beyond the ordinary.
Saw’s Soul Kitchen
Saw’s Soul Kitchen stands out as a barbecue haven, captivating locals and visitors alike. Offering a distinct menu, this BBQ joint boasts generous portions at reasonable prices, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Food Highlights
- Smoked chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful
- Pulled pork: Mouthwatering
- Brisket
- Fried pork skins, a family-sized side
- Diverse options, including the Sweet Hot Chicken sandwich and the Carolina burger
Atmosphere
They recently changed the service to where patrons order at the front desk and then enjoy a seat while a staff member delivers the feast, adding to the laid-back ambiance. Despite mixed reviews on certain dishes, Saw’s Soul Kitchen shines in Southern hospitality.
Visitors praise the friendly service, reasonable pricing, and chill, self-seating atmosphere that beckons patrons to savor the flavors of authentic Birmingham barbecue. Saw’s Soul Kitchen remains a top choice, delivering a blend of heartiness and hospitality in every bite.
215 41st St S, Birmingham, Alabama
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
For burger lovers, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint will hit the spot with its late-night offerings and diverse menu.
Food Highlights
- Shocker: A flavorful burger with fresh jalapeños, habaneros, house-made Shocker sauce, and Pepper Jack cheese.
- Cobra Kai: A unique creation featuring cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño jelly.
- Hamburger: A simple yet satisfying Wagyu patty.
- Fried Oreo: A sweet indulgence, deep-fried to perfection.
- French Fries: Well-seasoned and perfect with malt vinegar and ketchup.
- Dr Gonzo: Featuring sautéed mushrooms, caramelized Guinness onions, applewood smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, and optional jalapeños.
- Classic Jack: Delights with caramelized onions, house-made JB Sauce, and thin-sliced dill pickles.
Atmosphere
With a dive-bar charm, Jack Brown’s boasts both a lively bar area and a more relaxed upstairs space. Street parking around the block adds to its convenience for late-night cravings.
The fun atmosphere, complete with bra chandeliers, adds to the overall experience. While cocktails may be absent, the selection of ciders, White Claw, and sweet beers caters to diverse tastes. Jack Brown’s stands as a must-visit for those looking for a delectable burger adventure in Birmingham.
2811 7th Ave S, Birmingham, Alabama
The Rougaroux
Let’s take you to New Orleans with one of the hole in the wall restaurants in Birmingham. The Rougaroux promises a flavorful journey reminiscent of the back streets of New Orleans. Don’t let its discreet location fool you; this gem is worth discovering.
Food Highlights
- Viet Cajun Poboy: Soft, flaky, and buttery bread overflowing with juicy, well-seasoned seafood, a true taste of New Orleans.
- Blackened Catfish Poboy: A specialty delight featuring perfectly blackened catfish, fresh green onions, corn, and red pepper relish on a bun coated with smoked tomato aioli and lemon.
The menu, straightforward yet rich in Cajun flavors, includes traditional poboys, specialty options like Oysters Rockefeller and Lemongrass Fried Chicken, and sides such as creole fries and red beans & rice.
Atmosphere
The down-home vibe, vintage decor, and super-friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor patio, adorned with fans, offers a breeze for a delightful dining experience. The Rougaroux isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a slice of Louisiana in Birmingham, where the food pops and the vibes are lively.
817 39th St S, Birmingham, Alabama
In the heart of Birmingham, you’ll find a diverse food scene unlike any other. Dive out of your comfort zone and discover these hole in the wall restaurants in Birmingham that surely won’t disappoint!
