How have I never been here before?!? This place was packed OUT for lunch, too!! Classic southern cafeterias will always have my heart, and this one was pretty good. The food line moved pretty quick, they obviously have a lot of regulars. I had the fried chicken (which was impressively puffed up, but could have used some more flavor/spice), creamed corn, fried okra, and mac and cheese. They earned their five stars on that mac and cheese alone. Everywhere else (I know I sound crazy here) makes it too cheesy. My preferred, home cooked mac is much eggier, lighter in texture. I'll always be a fan of creamed corn. My dad and I split a slice of the toasted coconut pie, which was scrumptious. I've had so many good coconut things lately, I'm starting to think I don't dislike coconut. My dad said the fried green tomatoes were pretty good. This is kinda a hike out from Birmingham proper, but if I'm ever in the area again, I'll certainly be back. read more

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Five stars for the food, especially their fried green tomatoes! They have typical "southern comfort foods." If you want to feel like you're eating at grandma's house, go here. It's the only place I've found that is up to par with my grandmother's home-cooking. And, that says a lot! I'm very fond of what she serves our family. Service is good at Irondale Cafe, southern hospitality! Atmosphere is cafeteria style, like stepping back in time. If you want to see what it really looks like, watch the movie Whistle Stop Cafe. They filmed it at this location. Not only do people come here for the food, but for that reason too. It's a major tourist attraction. They move you through the line pretty quickly, but it may be out the door and down the street. It's definitely a place you need to try, at least once in your life. To say you've been, if nothing else. But, I will add, locals dine here quite frequently, and I would too, if I were a local resident. read more

Large dining room and great selection of meats and vegetables. Service was great. Fried chicken and beef tips over rice were great.

Great enjoyable meal, but the fried green tomatoes were not good. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area at the limited time they are open. read more

I was there for lunch yesterday for lunch, my very first time to try this place, I ordered Fried Pork Chop, Fried green tomato and Stewed cabbage, dinner roll, bottled Coca Cola, I was so happy everything is really good not to mention the ambiance that took me back in time. Service is fast and everyone is so welcoming. Mr. Dolan is very nice and talked to us shortly, I will be back to try the other dishes that really looks good. read more

Irondale Cafe - Fried Pork chop, World Famous Fried Green Tomatoes and Stewed Steamed Cabbagage - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

The food was wonderful and the staff was so friendly. Especially Tom in the dining room. He made sure we had any sauces and drink refills that we needed. The fried chicken livers were very tender and had a mild flavor. The best I have ever eaten. The Okra was amazing. read more

Irondale Cafe - The best fried chicken livers and fried okra I have ever eaten. - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

Always delicious and fresh. Fun place to eat and delicious country cooking! PLENTY of food. My mom and I split a plate and had plenty!

My parents and I ate here yesterday for lunch and when we arrived 15 minutes before opening, there were already customers waiting on the doors to open, so I took that as a great sign. Thankfully there was decent parking, but I'm glad we got there when we did, because when they opened at 11 am, I'm not sure there was much parking left! Loved the blues they had playing on the speakers outside too. It's a typical, Southern "meat-and-three" place, where you wait in line, then pick out your food dipped from the servers in a cafeteria-style, order your drink, then find a place to sit. I had to ask how it worked, because the 3 of us were thinking payment might be required somewhere in this, but nope! You eat, then pay at the register on your way out, just FYI in case anyone is new here, like me. I got the catfish + fried okra and greens. They offer cornbread or a roll, but because the catfish comes with hush puppies, I skipped on those. My parents got the fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, and green beans, and the roasted chicken, fried green tomatoes and greens. We thoroughly enjoyed everything, although my catfish was not the best I'd ever had. They had some beautiful, tempting desserts that I really wanted to try, but didn't. All of the employees, from start to finish, were extremely friendly and helpful, especially with my newbie questions. I'd love to come back here and try something else on the menu because everything looked so good. Cute place, good food, excellent service, great atmosphere and location! read more

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This is one of my favorite lunch spots of all time. You can't go wrong with a single item on the menu, but my personal favorite is always the beef tips (I always get 2 orders). Service is great and the atmosphere is a classic small town cafe. Lots of seating and good for small or large groups. Make sure you get there around 11:00 because the line will get long real fast. I've been coming once a week / every 2 weeks for years since I started working on this side of town. 10/10 read more

Irondale Cafe - Beef tips , lima beans, roll - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

I have heard nothing but absolutely amazing things about this place! I rarely venture out to this part of Irondale and especially not during the lunch hour. It's a pretty big space and there is ample parking out front too. Service is absolutely exceptional. Everyone was so warm and friendly! I ordered the fried chop, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, and a piece of cornbread. Everything was amazing, but if I had to choose, I would say the fried pork chop was my favorite and the one I can't stop thinking about! There are so many menu items that change daily. You will want to come here every day for lunch if you can! There's not too many other businesses I go to around this area so this meat and three is truly a hidden gem. read more

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Yum! Yum! Yum! I have been several times and love the home cooked meals. You have a large spread to choose from! The food is freshly cooked and so delicious. I have never had a bad meal! read more

I tend to forget about Irondale Cafe. I'm so glad I visited again a few months ago. When I arrived, there was a line out the door. I immediately felt defeated because I wasn't feeling standing in a line. I was starving! Turned out to not too bad of a wait. Met some nice people in line. Once inside , all of the food looked soooo good!!! I had to hold back from ordering one of everything. As y'all can see, I had a meat and 3 veggies. Chicken livers were fantastic as well as the greens , corns and fried okra! Whew!!! I enjoyed my meal. The ambiance is not quite cafeteria style. It's more like dining at a family member's house. The staff was hardworking and approachable. I definitely will be back and IC is back on my food radar!! read more

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My husband and I went on Sunday afternoon around 12:35pm. Restaurant was very busy. But the wait was only 20 minutes. Buffet style service, lots of different foods choices. Staff were very polite. read more

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I might be biased since I grew up in Irondale and frequent this establishment, so I apologize up front. Ever since I was a baby (now 42), we have gone to Irondale Cafe. The meat and three option, vegetable plate, or just the person that decides they want one of each, can leave satisfied. I took my wife and in-laws from out of town here knowing that they would enjoy this more than some of the other meat and three locations in the city. They loved it. The smothered chicken livers in brown gravy with onions was super tender and tasty. The fried okra and fried green tomatoes are some of the best around. The greens were tasty, not bitter, and with a little bit of pepper sauce, were brought to the next level. The baked mac-n-cheese was homemade and good. The pork chop was very tasty, as was the catfish and cornbread. Try the cabbage, it doesn't have a ton of flavor, but it is a nice compliment to everything else. The jalapeño hush puppies were nothing to really right home to as they seemed a bit over fried. The sweet tea rocks here too. The ambience is like a small town diner but with big rooms. You get all walks of life in here. Plus, if you have little kids with you, try to get a table by the window so they can see the trains passing through which is quite often. There are a couple shops to walk around in the area too. Come check out the Irondale Cafe and you will not be disappointed. read more

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Looking for a lunch that was tasty and comforting. My last day in Alabama after a week in the area for my sis's funeral, and a week of so-so food. This was wonderful. Everything was cooked perfectly. I ordered the chicken and dumplings, collards, green beans and toasted coconut pie. Oh my! The pie was not too sweet, the best I've ever had. You stand in line to go through the cafeteria line which moves fast. Clean restaurant with friendly staff. If I'm ever in the area, I will definitely eat there again. read more

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The food is delicious serve is fast,and friendly. There's so much on the bar it's hard to decide. Put you want be disappointed

Delicious food. Great selection of meats and vegetables. Fast paced go through line.

This is a cafeteria-style meat and 3 restaurant. I came with my two kids (6&2) and my parents for lunch. The wait was very reasonable and there is a great selection of dishes. Half of the people behind the line were some of the rudest people I have ever met in my life. First was a young white guy who was fine. Next a black woman who we will come back to, then an older Hispanic woman who was a little bit rude/short, but nothing I would have thought twice about if she'd been the only one. Last there was a young Hispanic girl with braided pigtails who was perfectly nice and also was the person who rang us up at the end. At one point someone further down the line asked me a question, which I answered. The woman who I said we'd come back to was incredibly impatient and kept yelling at me for the next item while each person is asking me questions about each of the three plates I'm trying to order. I actually had to ask her to please stop yelling at me. I ended up only getting food for the kids exclusively so I didn't have to talk to her any more. When we got to the table, I spilled one of the kids waters all over the place and the waitress/hostess(?) came over and started slamming things around before she started cleaning it up (I helped, of course). By the time we got it all mopped up, she was very nice, but she came at us very aggressively out of the gate. Now, again, I did not personally eat anything here, but the other 4 people in our party left behind 75-80% of their food stating it was not good. We go out a fair amount and this was far and away the worst experience in my working memory. None of us will ever be back and if you're thinking visiting for the first time, I'd reconsider. read more

I had seen this place crop up on lists of must-try places in Alabama, and it was a mile or so from my house, so I had to try it. This is a really cute, local, authentic southern place. It's in downtown Irondale right across from the train tracks, and has a very classic hometown feel. When you walk in, you order your food cafeteria-style. We got there at about 1 pm on a Sunday. There was a long line, but I would say we waited about 15 minutes to order our food. Food was good. They have a number of entrees and side dishes, all the typical food you'd expect. I ordered the country fried steak, which is one of my favorite foods. It was ok- the steak didn't seem fried, seemed more like hamburger steak. But it was pretty good. I also got the Mac n cheese and mashed potatoes, which were good. The portions weren't huge- I was definitely full but not overly so. You also get a roll or cornbread, and the cornbread was really good. The sweet tea was also really good. There is a large dining room with plenty of seating. Service was excellent- everyone was really friendly. Overall I would say this place was worth the hype. I'd probably try a different entree next time, but I would definitely come back! read more

Irondale Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

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Outstanding Southern meat and veggie restaurant in a setting that Norman Rockwell would appreciate - a scene straight from Americana across the street from an old train stop and multiple sets of still busy tracks near an active train yard with all of the sights and sounds that come with that. The food is consistently excellent - lots of entrees and vegetables, yeast rolls and cornbread are available on the steam bar buffet line daily at lunch, which is the only meal they serve. It's worth a visit for sure! read more

The original Whistlestop Cafe and a tie in with the famous movie Fried Green Tomatoes .... I had never been here nor really knew anything about this place. A business lunch, we popped in here a little early and got our food orders in as the place steadily became busier and busier as it got closer to 11:30. I should state a 4 star review from me for a meat and three is an accomplishment. I've really never been a fan and in most cases will go out of my way to avoid them. The selection of food was good - plenty of meats and plenty of sides to choose between, oh, and they also had cornbread. I went with the Fried Chicken, fried okra, black eyed peas and cornbread. First, this was sooooooooo much food! The chicken was fried to perfection and had great flavor. The okra was a little on the soggy side for my liking. The black eyed peas were good, wish they had included some jalapeno. The cornbread, well, it kind of stole the show --- so good! Staff was friendly and service at the table (drink refills/napkin requests/etc) were excellent! I'd actually come back and try this place out again without hesitation and would recommend if you're in the area. read more

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Great food and service, taste like home cooked. I had the chicken livers, green fried tomatoes, lima beans and green beans, and corn bread. Just really good food read more

Absolutely awesome, great food, great service, friendly helpful people, super clean and organized. One of the best meat and three you will ever find. read more

Have not been here in 20 years and the food as good as I remember. Will stop next time passing through at lunch time read more

Irondale Cafe - Fried Green Tomatoes Buttermilk Fried chicken, Fried Okra, mashed potatoes, cornbread Fresh Peach Cobbler. - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

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The food was ok. It lacked a great deal of flavor. I remember eating here a couple of years ago and the food was very good. The catfish was soggy and the turnip greens and green beans needed salt and pepper. I was sooo looking forward to the peach cobbler but that need more sugar and cinnamon. I'm not sure if they have new chefs or they were just having a rough day in the kitchen. I may give this restaurant another try......just not anytime soon. read more

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Food is awesome, cafeteria style service, very attentive and very good. Good old fashioned ethics that is hard to find. Very nice inside, period items everywhere, very clean. One of my favorite places. Best meat and three you will find. Been here for 96- years, fried green tomatoes are worth the drive. read more

First time I've been in a while, the place gets nicer every time I visit. It's so clean, open and inviting. This place is definitely one of my top favs for meat and three's hands down! So many good items to choose from, I went with the special, which was the Chicken and dumplings. They gave me a nice portion and it was very tasty! I recommend any of the fried food, it's a nice golden brown and not over or under cooked. The staff today were super nice and friendly. Great job with the social distancing.I will be back very soon! read more

Irondale Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

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Good home cooking, nice people, and reasonable prices. The menu varies by the day of the week. They also have homemade pies and other desserts. read more

Best food I've had in a long while! It's definitely the place for lunch near Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport. Leave your diet in the airplane! read more

I was at the EWTN studios. I told the lady there that I was recommended the Irondale cafe or Milo's while in Birmingham. The lady quickly said, Definitely Irondale's Cafe, you wouldn't be disappointed. I tell you not only were we not disappointed but rather had the best southern cooked lunch we had in a long time. Chicken and dumplings, beef tips and gravy with mashed potatoes, catfish, corn bread and Mac &Cheese. Absolutely delicious!!! For desert the chocolate chess pie and coconut cream pie were both out of this world. I only gave this place five stars because 10 stars were not available. If you are in the area this is a definite stop. Oh and the trains were super cool too! read more

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Food was ok it was fun to see the atmosphere and the dessert were great. Found it a little greasy but it's was true southerners diner

I was in Birmingham for a church conference and wanted to take my team for some authentic, Southern food. My go-to in situations like these is to look on Yelp. And being a BIG fan of the movie, 'Fried Green Tomatoes', when I saw all the amazing reviews for this place, I was THRILLED to try it out. Let me say they did NOT disappoint! There were four in my group. My husband had the fried catfish, and the rest of us had fried chicken. Having grown up with a grandma from Alabama, I have to say that all of the things we tried were authentic and amazing. The fried okra was probably the best that I've ever had. And don't get me started on the mac & cheese, the toasted coconut pie, or the chocolate chess pie! The cornbread was authentic southern - no sugar added - and it melted in your mouth (I like mine with butter & honey). We also had the yeast rolls, which were fluffy, pillows of deliciousness, and the sweet tea , which was perfect. The only thing different from how my grandmother used to make things, were the fried green tomatoes themselves. Although good, I prefer them with a cornmeal coating, which these did not have. Nevertheless, they did not disappoint, and the homemade roumelade sauce took them to the next level. I only had three issues with the Ironclad Cafe: 1.) They're only open for lunch (11-2:30), 2.) we didn't discover it until our last day in Birmingham, and 3.)I have to wait almost a year to eat there again! read more

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What a cute cafe. You feel like you have stepped back into the 1950's. It is adorable and the food is good ole southern cuisine. The hush puppies are to die for! I had the catfish, greens, and of course the fried green tomatoes. read more

Your typical 'meat and _ veggies' restaurant. Their claim to fame is the Fried Green Tomatoes link. Small counter for food, but tons of seating. Located next to an old train station, the outside has a nice vibe, but can be loud. The food is what you would expect from a southern meat and veggie place. It also comes with rolls or cornbread when you select your food. When you walk in, the menu is a chalkboard which is updated daily. As you get to the cafeteria line, they put the desserts right in front of you, tempting you before you get your meal. I'm glad more places don't follow this tactic - it's dangerous! read more

Last 2 trips to this cafe have been sub par.. want be back.. I will give it a 2 star.. don't know how they stay in business ..

Feeling like I could not take any fast food for lunch, I searched Yelp for something good and I found it. This is a very cool place right near the tracks. The food was as good as it gets. Tried the fried green tomatoes , pork chopsand potatoes and gravy. I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

Irondale Cafe - Right on the railroad tracks. Very cool place. - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

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I really wanted to like this place. As a huge fan of Fanny Flagg I was excited to visit the source of the Whistlestop Café. unfortunately we left extremely disappointed. while there is still a bit of charm in the restaurant, it seems more a food hall/cafeteria than a cozy café. All food, either dine in or takeout is dispensed from a short cafeteria like steam table. Oddly enough, most of the food came in large plastic bags placed into the typical stainless steel trays . Not sure if this was sous vide or just way to cut down on dishwashing . food to be consumed on the premises is dished into disposable tableware. By the time we got to a table, my fried okra was approaching room temperature which diminished its appeal greatly. Green beans, a southern staple, were relatively flavorless. My grandmother would have wept. Macaroni and cheese passable but institutional if a bit bland. The true disappointment was the country fried steak. I'll be the first to admit this dish is usually hit or miss anywhere. Sometime fried to Golden Brown, perfection and fork tender, other times the crust hides a tough grizzly interior. sadly in this case it was the latter and my knife was put to continuous use. additionally, rather than choosing to fry the steaks, then add a ladle of gravy. These were served completely submersed in a brown liquid with bits of onion. This defeated the purpose of a crispy crust on the country " fried" steak and turned it into a mushy mess. the large square of cornbread one of the worst I've had in the entire south. I didn't eat more than half and if you know me that's saying a lot. we passed on dessert though it looked attractive and sadly neither of us thought to get the trademark fried green tomatoes. If they were like everything else, they were probably cold. I may try it one more time if I'm nearby just to see if we hit them on a particularly bad day, but as the same goes, fool me twice shame on me. read more

I finally found a worthy meat and three place! Food was comfortable yet subtle. Great atmosphere and plenty of space for larger parties. If you go, you have to try their homemade hot sauces! AMAZING! read more

Old style Main Street home cooking. Had the fried chicken, lima beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried green tomatoes and topped off with peach cobbler. Co-worker had the fried catfish (not to heavy of a corn meal crust) with 2 sides. Everything was as good as expected and it was like travelling back in time to my hometown. The cobbler was the only thing that was not quite up tk the rest of the meal read more

Irondale Cafe - Chicken with 4 sides - Cafes Near Me - Irondale, Alabama

Lunch here last Sunday. Service was good as always but the food wasn't as good as usual. The tomatoes were pretty greasy. I normally get chicken fingers but I had catfish this time. It wasn't that great. Not the best experience. I will be back and give it another try. read more