Food for Thought--- 10 Dining Flavors to Love

Southern-style food is considered by many to be the best food in the nation.  Even in the northern, eastern, and western parts of the country, southern flavor is used to draw in customers.  Menus are often headlined with titles like Southern-style chicken or Southern-fried steak.  These titles are inspired by the soulful food in cities just like Birmingham, Al.  Here are ten of the best restaurants to visit if you are in search of that unique, unparalleled Southern flavor.


01. Niki’s Restaurant

            If you are searching for the down home cooking that has lived through the ages in the South, Niki’s Soulfood Restaurant is where you want to be.  Niki’s allows the customer to choose from various meats, vegetables, and desserts that vary by the day.  The calm ambiance of the restaurant draws people from all over the city.   Niki’s is most known for their homemade banana pudding, fried steak, and one of a kind Mac and Cheese.

02. Cheesecake Factory

            On the outskirts of Birmingham lays a place known far and wide for their unusual take on an average American dessert.  Even customers, who go there strictly for their cheesecake are immediately blown away by all the other dishes they have to offer.  This restaurant is best known for their flavorful seafood entrees.  If you are looking for the best Parmesan or Jambalaya Pastas bursting with peppers and just the right amount of sauce this is the restaurant for you.

03.  Joe’s Crab Shack

            This restaurant has been a well-kept secret in the South for years.  Joe’s Crab Shack highlights every aspect of Southern flavor with their various takes on seafood dishes.  This restaurant is usually filled on Friday nights with singing, dancing, and laughing.  The roadhouse feel does not overshadow the excellent crab legs, shrimp, and fish.  If you are looking for a good time and great food, check out Joe’s Crab Shack.

04. J Alexander’s Restaurant

            This restaurant is the perfect place to take a special date.  Valentine’s Day is usually filled with couples enjoying the variations of entrees they serve.  J Alexander’s specialty is definitely had to pinpoint because each type of food is excellent.  Located on the outskirts of Birmingham in the Hoover area, the romantic ambiance of the restaurant is only highlighted by their gourmet chicken, shrimp, and pastas.

 
05.  Green Acres West Restaurant

            This restaurant focuses on the soulfood aspect in every way.  Green Acres, located in Downtown Birmingham, is best known for its fried green tomatoes.  The tomatoes are hand-breaded, well seasoned and add a touch of flavor to every meal.  If you are looking for real southern-style fish and chicken this is the place for you.  Many businessmen walk to Green Acres from their jobs on lunch breaks, due to its convenient location.

06. Paw Paw Patch

            The name might seem odd to some, but Paw Paw’s is one of the best places to get food of any kind.  The restaurant allows you to choose from numerous dishes from shrimp to steak in a buffet-style atmosphere.  Paw Paw’s, located on the Western part of Birmingham, changes their selections daily to keep a fresh variation of foods out for the customer.  The restaurant’s most praised item is their homemade sweet tea.

07.  Mellow Mushroom

            If you are looking for something a little less fancy, and centered on pizza dishes, this is the place for you.  Mellow Mushroom incorporates pizza, calzones, hoagies, salads, and appetizers into their menu.  The relaxing ambiance creates a calm hangout spot for teenagers and adults.  If you are in search for an inexpensive place to get a variety of food, you might enjoy this restaurant.

08.  Demetri’s BBQ

            If you are looking for a meal with a savory grilled taste, Demetri’s BBQ is the place for you.  Located in the Homewood area, this restaurant offers dishes for every craving.  They are best known for their barbeque, but also have excellent breakfast dishes, chili, and desserts.  With choices varying from homemade lemon pie to coconut cream, Demetri’s BBQ is the place to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts.

09.  Tip Top Grill

            For a great outdoor dining experience, Tip Top Grill is your ideal restaurant.  This restaurant has a great ambiance and the food isn’t too costly.  Their burgers only cost a few dollars.  The scenery is breath-taking, with a perfect view off of Shades Mountain. 

10.  Yeh Man

            This restaurant is a well-kept secret in the heart of downtown Birmingham.  Located behind the Carver Theater, Yeh Man is one of the few Jamaican restaurants in the south.  With zesty flavors and unmatched spices, this restaurant can always draw a crowd.  Their featured dishes are jerk chicken and meat pies.  Yeh Man is a very inexpensive way to eat culturally expensive dishes.

            Depending on what you are craving, each one of these restaurants will be sure to leave you satisfied!

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