Whenever we are in the area, especially on zoo trip days, I always suggest stopping here for a sandwich! Specifically, the pimento BLT! The truck is to call as you are exiting the zoo and by the time you make it to your car and to Gilchrist, the food is ready for pickup! I recently tried the sandwich as a hot wrap, and I think. That's no my go to!! Parking can be a pain. Sometimes I've let my husband out and circled the block. But it's so worth it! Expect a wait if you come right at lunch time! read more

Gilchrist - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Had not been i. Gilchrist's in many years and was pleasantly surprised how much better it was than i remembered. One of the only places in town that serves Aspic- not sure Savage's does anymore. Limeade sugar free for me too. Got a corned beef sandwich to go for my co- worker and it was huge and he loved it! read more

I have lived in Birmingham, AL for over 30 years. I LOVE to eat as is clear by my many posts on Yelp. Eating is a passion for me and my family. You would think, after 30 years I would have tried every place in Birmingham, and you would be wrong. To set this up, I love fine dining, steakhouses, Oyster bars, Sandwich shops, and McDonalds. What I really love is great food, comfort food and a feeling of warmth. It does NOT have to have a white tablecloth, but it does have to strike a cord usually of a past memory. That is my setup. Gilchrist has been where it sits in Birmingham, AL for a very long time. When my daughter wanted to take me there, I fought her because we were downtown at the time. All I asked her for was a GREAT BREAKFAST sandwich. I get to the place, and I instantly feel in love. Everything was old, potato chips lined up on the side wall with lots of candy by the cash register. Two table of men sitting just talking all about my age (I am old) or older. The bathroom was through the kitchen. On the side counter was two huge stainless-steel bowls with the remnants of Egg salad and Tuna Salad. I knew I was IN THE RIGHT PLACE. I ordered a comfort food breakfast Sandwich. Toasted Whole Wheat Toast, Egg, Cheese, Bacon and Mayo. I love that kind of sandwich. I was NOT disappointed. Now I want to go back for lunch for egg salad, tuna Salad or chicken salad. How did I miss the cultural gem all these decades. Want fancy, go somewhere else. Want history and taste, come to Gilchrist. I found my new place. Eat well, drink well and enjoy life. read more

My food arrived fast, I got in just before the lunch rush. I had the BLT with pimento cheese on Wheat toasted and it was really good. Nice tomatoes. Also had a float and they filled that glass up with ice cream. The place is small and casual which is part of the charm. read more

This place always is a winner. It's an old drug store turned into a home kitchen style place to eat. Reminds me of summers playing with friends and the mom or the dad who made sandwiches for all the friends and kids. They have a steady stream of regulars and first timers. They also have a to go and deliver app business as well. On to what matters the food! They have a nice soup, salad, sandwich and ice cream menu. Something for everyone including the kids! One can get in and out for lunch for around $10 a person. Along with a sugar high from the limeade. I am partial to the BLT with pimento cheese with Miss Vickie's jalapeño chips. However, they have a great grilled cheese and tomato soup play as well! read more

Gilchrist - BLT with pimento cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This is now the place for me whenever I want a sandwich , which is rare. I love the quality and simplicity of the food here. There are no bells & whistles... what you see is what you get. And it's worked for them for yeaaarssss! The staff knows all the regulars and know their orders too! That says a-lot about the culture at Gilchrist. Great atmosphere, great food & great service will definitely keep me coming back here! The pimento cheese BLT and the Reuben come highly recommended. Oh & please don't skip out on their limeades - it's perfect for these hot summer days! read more

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This charming little sandwich shop has it going on! My first visit was for a late lunch and it was standing room only. I was greeted warmly as soon as I came in the door. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Their menu is not extensive but they do have a nice variety to choose from. It is displayed above the bar. On offer are sandwiches, hot dogs, limeades, soft drinks, ice cream and milkshakes. You order at the bar and pay in the back. There are five or six tables available as well as seats at the bar. I got the BLT, chips, a limeade and a chocolate chunk cookie. I most definitely will be back. The BLT was the best I've ever had, including my own. To say it was piled high with bacon would be an understatement. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe and cut evenly and the lettuce was crisp and fresh with a perfect mayo spread. Their limeade, which they're known for, was so refreshing. It was just the right amount of sweet and sour. The cookie was also delicious. It was soft, buttery, and had huge chocolate chunks. I really can not wait until I can try their other menu items. I definitely recommend Gilchrist. Great food, great customer service, and they're quick even when busy. read more

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Everything they serve is house made. This isn't fast food. It's good food. I love everything. BLTs; chicken salad; egg salad; pimento cheese; tuna salad. Old-fashioned chocolate sodas (with the perfect ratio of chocolate syrup to soda water). A late friend and I went there at my urging. She was surprised that the food was as good as I claimed. From then on, she ensured we planned our trips around a stop here. She also brought a cooler and ice so she could get at least one large cup (20 oz?) of chicken salad (and sometimes two, if they had enough) to take home. Caution: Get there before schools let out. School kids typically pile in when they get out, so it's chaotic, crowded, and loud. Also, the wait for service is longer. (The spot is an authentic, former drugstore and "soda fountain." So, there's only so much room behind the counter for employees.) Last, but not least: If you're a connoisseur of sweet iced tea, you won't be disappointed. You may want to get a gallon to go. (Milo's, IMHO, doesn't compare.) read more

I know this place is known for its sandwiches and limeade, but my son and I went in at almost 1 o'clock in the afternoon, thinking that the lunch crowd would be gone, but it was so packed out that there were no tables to be had. We left and went somewhere down the street to eat, but I promised my son we could go back and get him a root beer float after lunch. It was cleared out when we went back and the man that took our order was nice. I figured I would order something too, and I got a strawberry shake. I really should've gotten the limeade. I figured since they made the limeade with limes, they would actually make strawberry ice cream with strawberry ice cream. Nope. It was vanilla ice cream with colored strawberry flavor! Very disappointing & not good at all. I threw most of it away. For $6, I would really expect an actual strawberry shake. We might go back & try the food, but not sure after that. read more

Gilchrist - Fake "strawberry" milkshake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

We came here recently for some sandwiches while we were in the area. We had never been here before, but wanted to give it a try. The place was packed! It can be chaotic inside, but the staff are friendly and make sure you are taken care of - they came by and checked on us several times while we waited for our food (to go). There are tables inside to sit down at, but since it is a smaller place, you might be best to get your food to go when you are coming in unless you get there early! Also, the prices are really reasonable, which is surprising considering the location. The food was good. My wife really loved the pimento BLT sandwich - I tried it and I can see why it is a favorite here. I had the 'hot beef on a bun' sandwich. It was decent, but I'd probably try something else next time. read more

Do you remember those carefree days of going to the corner pharmacy and taking a seat at the counter, while the soda jerk made you a tasty drink? Me neither. But if I did and was looking to recreate that experience, I'd probably come to Gilchrist's. I visited recently to pick up a few limeades. They were great! Handmade in front of me, they featured just-squeezed limes and a healthy splash of simple syrup to keep the drinks sweet rather than sour. While my friend considered adding vodka to make it a party in the syrofoam cup, the limeade in its original condition was just too good to mess with. Hope to be able to check out their BLT next time! read more

If you are looking for a bit of nostalgia, while eating a delicious lunch then try Gilchrist. From egg salad to reuben sandwich's and delicious milkshakes you can't go wrong. Give 'em a try, you'll be glad you did. read more

This place is the best hidden gem in Mountain Brook! They've been a staple for many many years ! I love that it's a family run business , the sandwiches taste better when the family makes them! Honestly , when a fresh tomato isn't found anywhere in town - this place will have one ! On a pimento " BMT " on white toast ! I love the old fashioned tomato aspic that reminds me of my grandmother- I have never see it offered any other place - I've never had a bad sandwich or salad here ! The food is cheap ( for this neighborhood!) , it's super crowded at lunch - I get take out a lot ! They also serve breakfast- I've eaten a few times always good food cooked perfectly ! The chicken salad is amazing, don't miss that or the pimento ! - they're not open for dinner ( probably a great idea bc if the area ) it's a bit tricky to park but well worth the time ! read more

I am personally a fan! This is a small, basic sandwich type deli with some unique offerings....please adjust your expectations accordingly and you will love it! Honestly I could make everything on their menu with basic groceries and minimum effort....but for the price, I love that I don't have to get the groceries and spend even that minimum effort. Go in, eat a simple meal (their BLT with pimento cheese is awesome btw...) with a fresh limeade, spend only between $5 - $10, friendly and quick service, and no clean up. I am sold. read more

Gilchrist - Limeade & BLT with pimento cheese - pretty awesome! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

You've gotta try this place if you find yourself in Bham! We felt like locals as soon as we walked in. Great food and atmosphere. I recommend the BLT w pimento cheese with a fresh Limeade! Cannot beat the prices either! read more

Gilchrist - BLT w pimento cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Best egg salad sandwich and pimento BLTs I've ever had! Love this spot. It gets really busy around lunchtime But it's worth it.

I came here for the first time today as a part of the Yelp Elite event and I really enjoyed myself! The menu consists of your classic sandwiches and I devoured my pimento cheese sandwich in seconds! The place is very crowded and busy during lunch, but they move the crowd along quickly! The lime aid was nice and subtly sweet with minimal tart. I'll be back on the days I have an extended lunch break for a no frills and satisfying lunch. read more

A great sandwich place! Atmosphere is like an old diner. The chicken salad is very good and very simple!

Have been going here since I was little. Make sure to get a limeade and bring some friends

Birmingham staple that is right in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. It is a classic drug store lunch counter. It has all the usual suspects - BLT, pimento cheese, chicken salad, egg salad all on white or wheat. Grab a seat and grab a bag of chips and you are set. When I go, I usually go for the chicken salad on toasted white. It is a good flavored, no frills chicken salad. If you are looking for a chunky chicken salad, this is not it. But I have a wide spectrum of love for chicken salad. So there is a special place in my heart for Gilchrist's. But when you go to Gilchrist's, you go for the limeade. I can't stand a tart limeade, and this hits the perfect amount of sweetness. If you live in Birmingham and haven't had one, you better get going. This is a definite bucket list item for the city. read more

This place is a hidden gem in Birmingham. They have the best service and food in this place. I adore the sausage biscuits for breakfast and hot dogs with chili for lunch. The chili is homemade and something I recommend instead of just a plain hot dog. Everyone is where masks and they have socially distanced all the seating. This people make this place feel like home every time you come in! read more

For those who have never had a Gilchrist Drug's homemade limeade or milkshake or malt you should make arrangements quickly go to have one. Gilchrist Drugs is one of those priceless gems only in Birmingham. What's good? Everything! Best egg salad, chicken salad, pimento cheese salad, BLT pimento cheese, ham and pimento cheese, hot dogs and hamburgers. Yum. And a southern classic: Tomato Aspic and cottage cheese. Most southern grown grandmothers ate Tomato Aspic and cottage cheese salads at their club meetings. Try it. It's refreshing, different and delicious. read more

Such a cute little mom and pop soda shoppe! This place is within walking distance from me, and I only just now realized what it was! While they offer some breakfast (mainly only a plain bagel and cream cheese,) this place is a gem for lunch. They have most drug store diner type food such as BLT, pimento cheese, tuna salad sandwiches, milkshakes etc. I had the pimento grilled cheese which was excellent! Only thing that could've made it better was if it was fried rather than just plain toasted bread but it was still delicious. I also had to try their limemade which was out of this world! They hand juice the limes for each order and the flavor really shows through. Now I get a limeade whenever I'm feeling a little sick or rundown and it always makes me feel better. They have small 2-4 tops and some seats at the bar w/ counter service or waitress service at the tables. read more

Gilchrist - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

One of mountain brooks hidden gems this place has been open since 1928. Known for their sandwiches and chicken salad it's a down home old school drug store. Old school menu with shakes and limeade. I tried the pimento BLT with pimento cheese mayo on wheat bread toasted. It was very tasty. The bacon was crispy which I liked. The tomatoes sliced evenly and the mayo pimento ratio was perfect. You have the option to grab a bag of chips also. Places like this definitely add character to a city will definitely come back and get another BLT. I love BLT's read more

We ate at Gilchrist's today for lunch. A really cool blast from the past experience with an extremely friendly staff. College football on tv with a staff that truly appreciates the game. Old lunch counter favorites like chicken salad, BLT, hot dog and turkey sandwiches were good. A little pricey at just over $40 for 5 of us. However, the staff and nostalgia will take me back again when in the area. read more

Gilchrist is an old Mountain Brook Village drug store turned lunch counter/cafe. The place offers a variety of sandwiches including egg and olive, tuna salad, turkey, ham, blt, etc. Gilchrist also serves soup, milkshakes, and has a small breakfast menu. One of the specialties is the limeade, which is a mix of fresh lime, water, and sugar. The place is a favorite of older mountain brook locals, as well as individuals who come to sit at the counter. While parking can be tricky, this place is reasonably cheap and a good meeting spot between downtown and the suburbs. read more

Best limeades hands down. Gilchrist is an old-fashioned drug store... aka the kind that serves up some great grilled cheeses, milkshakes, and soda jerk classics in addition to filling your Rx. If you haven't been, you should go, especially if you have kids. Growing up this is where we got to go if we were really good- its such a treat to sit at the counter, watching what seems like a magician whip up a handmade limeade or a massive black and white milkshake. Yummmmmyyyy! read more

You MUST visit when you are in town! Gilchrist is the local staple of Birmingham! It is an old pharmacy/soda fountain from the 1920's in the middle of charming, Tudor-style, Mountain Brook Village. No longer a pharmacy, now just the best little sandwich shop. They are known for their fresh squeezed lime aid and pimento cheese sandwiches. Their pimento cheese BLT is life changing! The tomatoes and lettuce are always fresh and perfect. The bacon is always crisp. This place makes you feel like a kid again. Get a milk shake to go at the end of your meal and walk around the village to see the unique shopping around Gilchrist. read more

Neat little place with a lot of history, I'm sure...but also a lot to be desired. We stopped in for a quick, light lunch. The BLT was delicious, with crispy bacon and big fat tomato slices. However, the chicken salad...I believe pasty is the best way to describe it. It was unidentifiable. Terrible. Thank goodness my husband and I always eat half of our own order and trade the other half so I at least got some of that yummy BLT. Limeades were just ok. I must admit I feel like a big jerk writing this review. It's like slamming your grandmother's cooking. read more

Just don't go here. Atmosphere is horrible and no one came over to help us while we were waiting for 15+ minutes. Crowded with children running around, left before we could even try the food but it looked average at best. Save your money and go somewhere else read more

Cute little drugstore atmosphere. Variety of sandwiches. The place was very busy for lunch. All ages present. I had a toasted chicken salad sandwich. It was good. I would probably try something else next time. They sell Mr Pibb for those Diehard Dr Pepper fans out there. read more

Gilchrist - Gilchrist menu 2016 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I tried going in this afternoon at 4:33, fully aware that the store closed at 5. Upon entering the store I was told "we're fixin to close." And was asked to leave. This being said to me even though I still had 27 minutes to be served. With my one request being a grill cheese. If you close at 5 you serve customers until 5 and then you leave. I've been coming to gilchrist my entire life as a member of the community and this was just such a disappointment. April 21,2021 read more

Gilchrist has always had the best egg salad sandwich and limeade. It's a great spot if you need a quick breakfast or lunch.

We came for the fresh squeezed limeade and we were not disappointed. I'm not sure about the food but the limeade 100% yes. Next time we will grab a bite to eat as well. Very friendly environment. read more

i had a groupon for gilchrist that was about to expire so i met a friend there for lunch today. it was my first time to this mountain brook staple and the charm lived up to the hype. while sitting at the counter in this old drug store, i ordered the egg salad sandwich ("everyone's favorite" as stated on the menu) on wheat with sea salt chips and a limeade. everything was tasty but the limeade was not tart enough for me. the experience of being there was definitely the highlight and something you will want to check off your list of birmingham originals. read more