9 recommendations for where locals eat in Birmingham

Want to know where locals eat in Birmingham? (The Garage / Facebook)

Looking for a restaurant to check out in Birmingham that locals love? Whether you want to impress out-of-towners or finally feel like a local yourself, here are the top recommendations for where locals eat in Birmingham. Check it out, then let us know what we’re missing.

We asked, you answered ⚡

We love to hear what our audience thinks—whether we’re learning about your thoughts on downtown Birmingham or finding out what chains you wish Birmingham had. We received over 315 comments on Facebook—keep reading to see nine suggestions that reappeared.

9 recommendations for where locals eat in Birmingham 👏

1. The Garage

Never a bad time for a sandwich. (Bham Now)

The most popular response was by far The Garage. Located in Southside, this bar and restaurant features a beautiful outdoor patio with tons of statues and antiquities. Bring cash (or use their ATM), then grab a beer and a sandwich.

PS—The Garage is Birmingham’s best-kept secret according to Nowies voters.

2. Lou’s Pub & Package Store

What’ll it be? (Lou’s Pub / Instagram)

Beyond being a top recommendation for locals, Lou’s Pub & Package Store is the only liquor store with a bar in Birmingham. Along with serving top-notch cocktails, the bartenders at Lou’s Pub will also create a drink based on your personal tastes if you’re not quite sure what to order.

3. The Bright Star

A must-visit restaurant in Bessemer. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

The Bright Star in Bessemer is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the U.S. The James Beard Award-Winning restaurant opened in 1907 and is known for its menu of classics with options like seafood gumbo, fried green tomatoes, Greek-style chicken, catfish filet and more. While you’re enjoying your meal, be sure to stop by the Nick Saban booth, the coach’s favorite place to sit when he visits the restaurant.

4. Green Acres

One of five Green Acres locations. (Bham Now)

Looking for fried chicken, fried fish or fried green tomatoes? You’ve come to the right place at Green Acres, a popular locally-owned franchise with five locations across the Greater Birmingham area. The first Green Acres was established in 1958, and since then, they’ve opened new locations, all known for their chicken wings.

5. Niki’s West

6. Marty’s PM + Marty’s GM

7. Giuseppe’s

8. Ranelli’s