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    OvenBird

    4.1 (404 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    OvenBird Photos

    OVENBIRD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Classy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - OvenBird

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    Reviews With Photos

    Burrata
    Camille F.

    OvenBird is a slice of garden luxury in Birmingham. The outdoor area is absolutely stunning, especially this time of year with all of the vines blooming. The indoor seating is equally as stunning. We sat inside, but with the glass doors open right next to us, best of both worlds. You're supposed to treat this place like tapas, sharing everything with your table. My one request was the burrata, which was creamy and perfect, on a bed of prosciutto, and with some grapes dressed in something vinegary. Divine. Several of the dishes came with some crusty bread for dipping, and we ended up requesting more to sop up every last bit of the buttery goodness the shrimp came in. I've been here before, but have been wowed more thoroughly this time. The atmosphere is so chic and feels like an escape from Birmingham. They host weddings here, and I can see why. Our waitress was extremely friendly, helpful, and efficient. Drinks came out quickly. It's one of my pet peeves when you order drinks and then anything else (ordering food, food COMES, etc) happens before receiving the drinks. Let me sip on it! Everything here was timed perfectly. We got to watch the sun set outside. I know in the winter they set up a big fire pit and heaters outside, too. Magical evening, one of the best spots in Birmingham!

    Mushroom Conserva
    Virginia H.

    We have been here a few times over the years and come here mainly for their beef fat candle. I fell in love with it the first time we came when they first opened. This time it wasn't quite up to par. The candle didn't burn long enough to melt the fat properly, so by the end you were eating concealed fat pieces on the bread, a bit gross. The bread was overdone, so too hard/crunchy and not absorbing the dip properly. I asked for fresh bread and they brought out some, which is how I found out the bread is "fresh from the fridge" instead of "fresh from the oven". I expected more at a restaurant like this. I am hoping this was a fluke since we did not have similar issues before instead of the restaurant/dish has gone downhill. Will try it again before we write it off forever. We also tried the Mushroom Conserva. It was different and pretty flavorful. I don't know that I would order it again, but it was good to try. The ambiance is always good here, definitely a good date night location if you are in the mood to splurge a bit.

    Beef Fat Candle
    Grace H.

    Such an understated yet stunning restaurant. Arrived at 5 pm on a Saturday without a reservation (none were available on Resy) and was seated immediately at a 4 top for a quick drink & bite. We ordered the hanger steak, beef fat candle, a mocktail & white wine. Everything was amazing, arrived quickly & service was great. Can't wait to go back for full dinner service.

    Gabi hounding my dessert!
    Arnold R.

    The setting was perfect walking up to a warm inviting space through a gravel garden . Feels like an old country inn, lively music and a busy open kitchen as part of the space. The food was absolutely delicious, my wife ordered a beet plate with Cana de oveja cheese and an orange vinaigrette. My seared romaine salad ate like a deconstructed Caesar salad no need for the croutons! Our entrees continued the adventures with two perfect temperature hangars steaks over steamed broccolini's. The wine was a perfect match and i complimented the waitress on her selection. A 2020 Zinio Rioja crianza. I made the leap to dessert though we had plenty. A mouse capped w branded yes branded whipped cream. Exceptional!

    Empanadas
    Candace K.

    First time here and won't be the last. Our server, can't remember her name, sorry, was phenomenal. She explained the menu in great detail. The beef candle fat is all that as are the empanadas. The crema on the empanadas was cool and delicious. Ovenbird is a must try.

    Fish dish can't remember the name
    Tonia W.

    Came for a business dinner and the uber driver hyped this place up! I thought he was just talking to make conversation and he was not. The service was great and the food was even better. The beef fat candle, deviled eggs, steak and the fish were my favorite! Will definitely be back!

    Daily Empanada
    Bella A.

    Omg divine. With a charming outdoor patio and indoor seating located near the kitchen, ovenbird is inviting and absolutely delicious. I loved every single thing I ordered. From the empanadas to the mushroom to the steak and finally the tres leches. Portions are small but it is tapas and perfect for sharing. Ovenbird knows what they're doing when it comes to tapas. Do not miss out on this Birmingham favorite.

    Beef Fat Candle
    Alison L.

    Beautiful atmosphere with gorgeous seating indoors and outdoors. Sadly, service was extremely slow. The food was overpriced and lacked flavor. Nothing stood out.

    Hanger steak
    Joy H.

    Great food, okay service. Got the mushroom conserva, paella, and hanger steak. The mushroom conserva was absolutely exceptional with a nice touch of acidity, great balance of flavor! With the dish bring mostly comprised of mushrooms, there wasn't this overwhelming umami flavor and was super enjoyable (ask for some bread with it!). Paella was so warm and buttery with a light tomato-y base flavor. Hanger steak was cooked PERFECTLY (they didn't ask how we'd like the cook but it turned out nicely)! The veggies that came with it were delicious and the whole plate was just awesome. Had reservations at 5pm and walked in at 4:58 and was told to wait but then the man who said that walked away and off the premises. So that was interesting! Went back a few minutes later to try again and was met with a hostess who was nice enough. Waitress was a bit lackluster and just fine. Service is what brings this place down. The ambience was so lovely and perfect for date night or a dinner with friends! We sat inside but the patio was nicely maintained and the inside seating was very aesthetic. Would highly recommend this place but also give a warning of how service is.

    Beef Fat Candle

    Wow! I love this place! Every time I eat here, it blows me out of the water! The food and dining experience is unique. All of the dishes have complex flavor profiles and are very reasonably priced considering the quality! I love the family style tapas--it really adds to the experience!The beef tallow candle is a must, the hanger steak is the best steak I've had in Birmingham, & the Spanish tortilla w/ chorizo is excellent! There's a reason it is Michelin recommended. The staff is always attentive and the service is quick! I also love the design of the building. It's a pleasant place for a date night or dinner with friends. Anytime I have friends/family coming in to town, OvenBird is a must!

    Cowboy cocktail
    Danielle P.

    Totally a vibe, great date Night location, very earthy yet trendy, went for a birthday dinner and it was really nice. Our waitress was extremely kind and nice ,very attentive to our table and provided suggestions according to our preferences.

    Charcuterie, beef fat candle
    Natalie F.

    OvenBird is such a unique experience and hands down amazing food. This is definitely a celebration spot as I like to order a lot when I go. The style is shared plates so it's fun to order a bunch for the table and everyone gets to try. I really love the beef fat candle and the paella! If you get a chance, experience the porrón! It's a decanter of wine and you have to try and extend your arm out while pouring the wine into your mouth. It's super fun and also entertaining! I love the rustic feel of OvenBird and the patio in the summer makes for a quintessential date night spot.

    Mushroom conserva. Delicious!!
    Jennifer F.

    Fabulous! Loved the atmosphere, the service and the food. I highly recommend checking it out. I can't wait to go back!

    Tres Leches Cake and Espresso

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    5 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Amazing food. Not a bad thing on the menu! Make sure you try the Beef Candle and the deviled eggs; they are delicious!

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    3 months ago

    Outstanding food and atmosphere. Well done by Hastings and the team. We will be visiting Ovenbird again.

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    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - OvenBird

    Are they still serving brunch? What time are they open for brunch?

    Not great service, burger had a lot better, Brussel sprout coleslaw to salty. Was not worth the money?

    You must have went on a wrong days. Service is usually on point! Sorry you had a bad experience. You should give it another shot and try the bone marrow!

    How's the prices?

    Small plates will typically range from $10-$20, and each person orders 2-3

    View All 5 Questions

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    I was finally able to check out wooden city and enjoyed it so much that I went back a couple weeks…read morelater for a friend's birthday! I really like the ambience inside. It gives a great vibe for either a work dinner, a date night, owl or dinner with friends! It's fun and swanky but not over the top. They have a really attractive bar and they have a pizza kitchen that is open, which is always a cool touch. I try to handful of appetizers and I've got to recommend both the jerk cauliflower as well as the brussels sprouts and the Caesar salad was delicious as well. Also, the blistered Hungarian peppers are a must order if you'd like sausage! The meal that I had both times because it was that good was the spicy lamb rigatoni. I might just go back next week and get it again. I like that they have a wide variety of options whether you're looking for a gluten-free meal or something carb heavy like pizza or pasta, but they also have options to fit a variety of budgets from a casual dinner and a burger to more expensive entrées. The servers are very kind and are definitely educated in their wine and food offerings and very hospitable. Since this is located on Morris, a lot of people think parking is difficult down there, but apparently there is a parking lot in the back where you're able to get your ticket validated. I know some of my friends wish they would have known this before. I'll definitely be back and recommend this spot to others wanting a good meal!

    My sister and I Just got back from visiting family in Birmingham. We both love food and…read morecocktails....so we spent everyday going to the best restaurants we could find...within a manageable budget. I think the most expensive meal we had was $240.00 which included entrees and wine. Worth every penny...anyway. We stopped in to Wooden City for a couple of appetizers and a glass of wine. We ordered the peel n eat shrimp and the burrata w/ bread pudding! The food was so good we failed to grab a pic. I can absolutely say the experience rates in the top 4 meals I've had in my 66 years on the planet! I was able to capture the beautiful pour of wine we had. Guys come see them! You'll enjoy it for sure. The ladies sitting next to us ordered two entrees each. They ate one and had one boxed to go...that's gotta tell ya something! Hats off to the TEAM at Wooden City! I'll be visiting again in August .....can't wait!!

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    4.9(47 reviews)
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    We discovered this unspoken, timeless spot called Sticks and Stones. Our usual place was closed for…read moreThanksgiving weekend, so I used Yelp to find nearby options. One place came up, and at first, we weren't sure if it was open, but we walked in and immediately felt good vibes. No TVs, just hip R&B and Funk music, with a beautiful L-shaped bar and friendly bartenders Chloe and Ian. The menu is minimal, offering tapas and small plates, but that's because everything is made in-house and is especially good. We started with a House cocktail, the Pear & Proper, which is magnificent. Then we ordered the Wedge salad, and it was divine. After that, we shared the Red Wine Braised Short Rib, which melts in your mouth--their signature dish. We finished with an espresso Martini and some great Calamari. This has become our new FAVORITE. Must try!!!

    Beautiful cozy spot. The atmosphere was casual upscale. The staff was very attentive…read more I enjoyed the food. I thought the hummus was tasty with the soft pita and even the veggies. My drink was tasty, it was their version of a lemon drop. My friend got the whiskey sour and she was upset at the size... it was pretty tiny. My entrees was very delicious but it came out lukewarm. Beef and potatoes should be served stemming hot. Also the portion of the mashed potatoes could have been a bit more generous. The burger girls were ok with their choice, no frill there. This spot has an extremely limited food menu, so it's not a place I'd frequent but it's definitely worth a future return!

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    Little Betty Steak Bar - Roasted Bone Marrow
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    4.1(137 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    We had heard from so many friends that we had to try Little Betty Steak Bar. When a friend invited…read moreus to dinner we were so eager to try it, and let me say we were not disappointed! The ambiance was great with lights on the tables, low lighting overall and plenty of room between the tables. We definitely felt like we were in our own little corner, could hear each other talk, and we did not have to listen to others conversations. I really enjoyed the mocktail I ordered. It was called the Sinaloa Sunrise and was much more than a few juices poured together. It was full of flavor, and I actually said "Wow" out loud as I drank it. It included pineapple juice, lime juice, habanero brown sugar syrup, sage syrup, and grenadine sink. Before I ordered it, i I wondered about the sage syrup, but it really added to the taste. For an appetizer, we shared the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. Our friend suggested it and he was right on the money. It consisted of fresh horseradish, truffle aioli, fingerling potatoes, pickled mustard seeds, arugula, and caciotta al tartufo. It was melt in your mouth goodness. For my entree, I went with the 8 oz Filet. It was cooked perfectly, and we shared a side order of the Brussels Sprouts Calaprese. They were absolutely delicious and plenty for the three of us. This wonderful evening ended with dessert. I went with the Bananas Foster Cheesecake. It was good, but it needed more caramel. It included brown butter caramel, pistachio banana crumble, spiced ice cream, white chocolate crèmeux and white chocolate pearls. Was this an expensive dinner? Yes, but it was well worth it. You definitely are paying for a whole experience including unique flavors in every bite and wonderful service. Our server, Matt, made the night perfect.

    Little Betty more than exceeded every high expectation that we had and I'm so happy to report it is…read moreBEYOND worth the hype. We were greeted with the warmest hospitality you can imagine and our waiter, Chris, was so kind and knowledgeable. He thoroughly went over the menu and Emma, his assistant, didn't let our glass get less than half full all night. They were both extremely attentive and personable as well. Chef Kyle greeted us and made sure we were enjoying everything and taken care of. Each dish reflects the passion for his craft. He described a few dishes perfectly - one being the waygu croquettes. He said they were like French onion soup in a ball and deep fried. We enjoyed every bite and I told Chris that we'd take 27 more of them We also got beer carpaccio - compliments of the chef. This was my first time trying it anywhere and I was pleasantly surprised. The truffle aioli, cheese, and arugula atop thinly sliced beef that reminded me of prosciutto. Each bite was a little different - would get again. The focaccia is not to be skipped either. Warm, soft, fluffy, with flaky salt and olive oil. Done. The Caesar salad is one like we've never had before. The cured lemon set this over the top and added a tangy yet sweet component. I'm not usually one to rave about a Caesar salad but this was top tier. My spicy lobster vodka pasta was phenomenal and just the right amount of spicy. Extremely flavorful and had big chunks of lobster. The bread crumbs on top added the perfect crunch. David loved his steak and his only complaint was that he needed a serrated knife to cut it with. I heard a lady at a table beside us say the same thing Not to say that it wasn't cooked perfectly - because it was. We loved the Gouda fries and the crispy brussel sprouts were probably my favorite brussels I've ever had (!!!). The affogato was heavenly (never met one I didn't like). And they included a cannoli with a birthday candle. If you can't tell, we had an exquisite evening here. It met and exceeded all expectations. I can see us dining here for many many celebrations to come.

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    I didn't know there was a cafe at the Workshops Empowerment, Inc. But I'm definitely going to…read moresupport it now. The work they do there is great. The Cafe is really cute. The decor is simple but super cute. Tables were decorated with flowers or baby's breath. They have a small menu with lots of variety. They even have some vegan options. I tried the vegan Reuben and it was delicious, freshly prepared. They also have a hibiscus lemonade that is fresh and delicious. The service was great. I plan to return again soon for the brussel sprouts. If you're looking for a cute spot for lunch with variety, decent prices, and good service, this is your spot. You'll also be supporting a great cause

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