The Essential was such an unexpected find during our trip through Alabama. We weren't expecting to…read morestumble across such an elegant restaurant serving truly elevated food, but it ended up being one of our favorite meals. I ordered the seafood pasta, and you could immediately tell the pasta was homemade. It was fresh, perfectly cooked, and the seafood was beautifully prepared. My daughter had the spaghetti, and my husband ordered the Waldorf salad, which was just as thoughtfully put together. Our waitress also recommended the hummus and house pickles, and I'm so glad we listened. Both were fresh, unique, and the perfect way to start the meal. From the food to the service, everything felt polished without being pretentious. It was one of those meals where every dish was executed with care and attention to detail. Overall, The Essential was such a pleasant surprise and proof that you can find five star dining experiences in the most unexpected places. If you're anywhere near Birmingham, this place is absolutely worth the stop.

Really cool place with a quaint atmosphere and great service. My wife and I split the chicken…read moresandwich, grits and a hash brown. All were really good. We got the sauce on the side for the sandwich just in case, but it was really good. Definitely a place I want to revisit. Saw the smash looking burger and pancakes at tables and they both looked amazing!!

Easy free parking. Arrived and was uncertain what drink I wanted so Alyse whipped me up a wonderful…read moredrink that tasted like Smarties candy! She was so nice and cheerful.

Staying in Homewood. Looked around for a low carb option. The Refinery hit the spot. Tuna,…read moresquash medley, and a side salad for the person looking for low carbs. I had a delicious pork chop with black eyed pea, corn, okra, and tomato succotash. A glass of red wine and a bottle of beer. Small dining area with a warm welcoming feel. There are tables outside when the weather cooperates. It was a little warm outside for us. The service was good! Our only issues were rounding the block a few times for find parking and 18% gratuity being included with the bill.

I always pass by this place but never thought to actually visit. This time I did. Boy am I glad I…read moredid. These guys know food! They serve breakfast all day and the lunch/dinner specials are great. It's a hole in the wall place but it works. There is no dining area perse so it best to get take out. The gentlemen there were nice and courteous and offered their best seller which is the fat mama burger which is two ground 1/4lbs chuck patties, bacon, shrimp, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mayo, and mustard. It was delicious! The size of it was monstrous! It was magnificent! I had to cancel my order of fries! Lol They have beverages here but not on tap; everything is in a can. That's a good thing in my opinion. The prices of everything is very reasonable and manageable. The service is top notch but what I enjoyed the most was the conversation and recommendation as this was my first, but not last, time visiting. I'm so mad I'm just now trying them. I'll be trying their breakfast next time because I saw a plate the owner was making and it made my mouth water like a Doberman Pinscher finally getting that bone. They accept cash, debit, and credit, the latter via square and they'll email or text you a receipt if needed. Very convenient and practical. They also do catering so if you have a function coming up, give them a call. All in all, this was a great first time experience. Great recommendations, quick food service, awesome owner and cook, and worthy of service. Visit these guys ASAP!

Our church had a Spring Fling after church and had a couple of food trucks, one of which was Fat…read moreMama's Lunch Box. I ordered the chicken sandwich and was impressed that it was not shredded but had big chunks of white meat drenched in BBQ sauce. If you've read any of my other reviews, you know I am not prone to giving 5 stars, but Fat Mama has proven itself worthy.

July 2026 hubby sent wife and daughter to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Alabama. As…read morealways beginning with the hostess our server Brandy simply excellent presentation of each course. My daughter selected scallop myself grouper which was outstanding hats off to the chef.

This was the best food experience I have had in the Birmingham area. The waiter was courteous, fun…read moreand friendly. The started of with bread from the Birmingham Bread works with a goat cheese and butter spread, then came a amuse-bouche that was BLT, a cherry tomato with a basil cream, topped with a piece of ham and balsamic dressing. Follow by a sorbet mango and passion fruit with rum. I ordered the smoked grilled ribeye stake topped with a black garlic compound butter and veal sauce, with rosemary infused scallop potatoes, Brussels sprouts and to top it all off a passionfruit crème brûlée. The ambiance was warm and inviting great for datings, wedding anniversary dinners and much more. The food was to die for, I loved everything about it can't wait to go back!

Excellent cocktail program!! A Gin focused bar, though they do have a small selection of tequila,…read morevodka, whiskey, beer & wine. Food was great, dish & chips was the perfect girl dinner. Fantastic service all around, especially Ginger & Margot. I do wish the bar seats were a little more comfy but that's always a crap shoot with sitting at the bar. There is plenty of dining seats that look more comfy

Been here a few times but realized I may not have left a review…read more The brunch today was delish. I ordered the avocado toast. It has a nice slice of toast with cream cheese, thinly sliced avocado on top, and a boiled egg. I really enjoyed it with a side of bacon. My husband ordered the egg cheese Sammy. It was really yummy as well. We had a French press coffee and mimosa. The decor was really pretty. I've been here for dinner and enjoy the dinner menu as well. I've had the burger before for brunch and that was really juicy and nice. No complaints here :) Great outdoor patio. Parking on the street. Definitely check them out!

Staff is always personalble and friendly. I always get the Philly but tried a burger today. It's a…read moredouble smash burger, cheesy and a little spicy but not too hot. I think the sauce, onions with the jalapeno, and potato bun really make it! I opt for tater tots but their fries and sweet potato fries are great, too. The bathrooms are spotless clean and they have hooks for handbags and the locks work easily. It's amazing how the little things really make a big difference. Music was upbeat at lunch. There's sports on every TV. On occasion, like a major event like the Super Bowl, they will play the sound of the TV through the speakers. I love the indoor and outdoor space and how it all flows together. It's a great place for groups or show up alone or meetup for a casual meeting or lunch date.

I hadn't been in this area for lunch in a while and had not heard of this place. It had taken over…read moreanother restaurant we had been to in the past. Met my wife here for lunch and it was a nice surprise. The inside is a little small, so if they are busy, you may have to sit outside. The inside is decorated... festive? And they have TVs on to catch a game if you're so inclined. I got the philly sandwich for my lunch. It was tasty, though I wish they had some slightly better hot sauce to put on it. I'd definitely come back though and try something else on the menu next time.

Came here for dinner while in town. The reviews looked good so decided to give it a try…read more We were greeted and seated quickly. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We started with the loaded tater tots. They were ok. Had green onions jalapeños and sriracha. For mains I got the chicken katsu. It was alright. The sauce they put in it wasn't the best in my opinion and would have just rather had it plain. My son got the tempura shrimp bowl. He liked it. Said was very good and he would get it again. So one of three was good the other two ok. It also took a long time for our drinks. They came after our food was delivered even though they were ordered first.

We visited on a Thursday with a reservation. Keep in mind that reservations are limited to 90…read moreminutes, so be sure to arrive on time. Also, plan ahead for parking, it's street parking, and it may take some time to find a spot. It took me a while to find one within walking distance. We ordered the pan-seared salmon, which was incredibly juicy and flavorful, you could really taste the seasoning. We also had the Mongolian ribeye, and it was just as amazing. I've included pictures for reference. We did switch up the sides with the Mongolian ribeye. I'll definitely be back!

I went to a Christmas celebration with my co workers. While playing basketball, my wedding ring…read moreflew off. We looked and looked. IThe manager took my ifo, and said he would call if he found it. After weeks passed, i just had to accept it was gone. That was before Christmas. Fast forward to today, a month later, I got a text that he had found my ring inside the basketball game. Honest folks still exist, and I would recommend everyone to patronize this business, where they truly put customers first!!

Large selection of burgers / dogs, appetizers. Large group filled three tables and service was able…read moreto accommodate. If the food and large beer tap offerings is not enough, an arcade is attached.