The good: they have a parking lot with a decent number of spots and a very nice covered patio with…read morelots of TVs. Oh and they have several NA beer options that aren't badly priced. The not good: the service. We had 2 servers on a Sunday afternoon. The first was very good. The second was non existent. The manager had to come take our orders and refill water. The menu has limited vegetarian options - extremely limited. I got the quesadilla and asked them to hold the meat. But it was insanely filled with cheese like to the point I thought I was going to choke on a blob of cheese. Just not a place to come if you're hungry and don't eat meat. I'd come back for a beer and to watch a game. But I wouldn't plan to eat here. A veggie burger option would go a long way here.

Came here for lunch with wife and kids after reading reviews…read more Came in a Saturday and were able to find parking and was seated right away even though was pretty busy. The staff were all very friendly and attentive. The restaurant is very nice with indoor and outdoor seating. We all were very impressed with our meals. We got the chicken tenders, blackened fish sandwich, the club sandwich and wings as a main. Also got an order of mozzarella sticks. All were amazing with the only one negative is the wings were not very crispy but still very tasty. Would definitely go back.

The Garage kicks ass. Tons of history, extremely dope vibe, great service, solid sandwiches/soup…read more If you get the chance go check out this historical gem tucked away in Birmingham. Voted one of the top bars to travel to in multiple magazines. The owner basically built a bar around his workshop. The middle looks way better during the summer, but a must visit if in the area.

We had a lovely lunch at the Garage!…read more Their sandwiches are fresh and made to order. It's very straight forward and you choose all of your own toppings. Soup changes daily and this day was chickpea and chorizo. Nothing life changing about it but it wasn't bad. We walked into a small, dark, crowded dive bar and ordered amongst several other people after waiting in line shoulder to shoulder with other customers. I say this not to complain (because with a crowd like this on a random weekday, they're obviously doing something right) but to take your kids in car seats (‍) with caution. Crowds in small spaces stress me out and it would have been even worse if we'd had the boys with us. I'd also highly suggest going on a day when you can sit outside. There's very minimal seating inside. They do have a lovely, spacious patio that also feels like a garden with plenty of trees for shade. However, they make it clear they don't want dogs there. Parking was horrific. A narrow street with cars on each side. We barely fit through it. If there wouldn't have been an open spot on it, I'm not sure what the next option is because I didn't see anywhere else and this street only held so many. I would dine here again because the sandwiches were fresh and delicious and they obviously know what they're doing! I was pleasantly surprised that they had prosecco as well. Just heed my few warnings and you'll enjoy as well!

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!!

What a pleasant experience!…read more I ate here one afternoon as part of a self-care day. Upon entering, I immediately felt as if I were taking part in a celebration as I took in all of the vivid colors and decorations that adorned the space. I was warmly greeted, and taken to a table that had been freshly wiped clean. My server was very sweet and recommended several appetizers to start my dining experience. She complimented my handbag and we shared small talk over the uniqueness of it. She also brought out chilled tap water that I requested and poured it into a small glass. I decided to try the lavender lemonade and I'm happy I did. It was glass of my favorite childhood drink served in a restaurant. The lemonade was sweet as if my mama made it and the lavender added just the right pizazz to the drink. Plus it was a pretty drink! I loved the fresh flowers that added an elegant touch. Now for the main course. I opted for the drunken uncle noodles with beef lunch special that includes a complimentary crispy roll. The roll could've been a tad bit warmer, but not a deal breaker. It was still tasty with just the right amount of crunch. The star was the drunken uncle noodles. They were absolutely delicious! The spices, the flavors, the tenderness of the noodles and beef were all superb! I've been thinking of this dish since I ate it and I can't wait to order it again and again! Yum Yai...from the welcoming ambience, to the friendly service, to the exquisite meal...you have earned this 5 star review. Keep shining bright!

I really wanted to love Yum Yai, and definitely has its pros, but the noodle dish left me wanting…read moremore. First let's start with everything they're doing right! Great service, lovely decor, impressive playlist, delicious wings and refreshing drink. I like that they offer mocktails and serve in generous portion compared to many places. The Zaap wings are a must if you're a wing person. I am not a huge wing person. We got both dry and sauced to start--both yummy. I'm a big fan of Thai food so I've had really good Thai food and sub par. The crispy spring rolls were good but pretty standard like most restaurants or what you can buy in the frozen section. I ordered Drunken Uncle noodle with chicken but it wasn't even "tipsy" lol - not a ton of flavor nor moist enough to be drunken. Edible but Kinda pasty and lacking so the 3-3.5 rating factored in to my overall is mostly due to my noodles but the rest of the experience I am pleased. Maybe I just didn't order one of their best entrees. When my friend had her basil fried rice dish redone with no egg she loved it, and it looked good too. She got it with tofu. Before that something was off but the staff was very accommodating and kind. They wanted to make it right so she'd be pleased and she was. We took our moms out on Mother's Day weekend as a treat, and they seemed to enjoy their whole fried snapper which comes on a bed of lettuce with rice & sauces on the side. The three flavor fish comes with 3 sauces and there's also a mango fish. The location is convenient and I'd return to try another dish or one of their curries. They were running a unique set of menu items especially for Mother's Day weekend but it included food items none of us eat.

This cute little place was a gem. Great drinks, great service and the French dip sandwich was…read moreincredible. Highly recommend.

I wish I could give The Refinery a proper review, but unfortunately they made that pretty…read moredifficult. When I walked in they handed me the full menu... and then immediately told me I couldn't order from it. Apparently they're running on a very limited menu right now, which consisted of maybe three or four things. Bit of a letdown since I came specifically because I saw pictures of their smash burger and had dreams about it on the drive over. Instead I settled for the tacos, which were actually pretty tasty. No real complaints there. The drinks leaned pretty sweet, which makes me think there's a heavy hand with the syrups. The space itself is very small. It's decorated nicely, but you'll definitely feel like you're accidentally best friends with the people sitting next to you. The staff was fine overall, but very close and boisterous with each other. In a room that small, if one of the servers has the cackle of a woman who skins Dalmatians on the weekends... maybe don't pair her up with the funniest coworkers on the planet. All in all, a fine experience but not ideal. Call ahead if you actually want access to the full menu.

This morning, Sunday, February 15, 2026; My wife and I went to "The Essentials" for Sunday, Brunch…read more I have not eaten at "The Essentials" for a few years now. We don't like going out on holidays like Valentines Day so we usually do something the day after. Food: I got the Steak & Eggs. They were great. I did think the "Potato Cake" on the plate was a bit dry but I did eat it all. I was surprised that no Toast was provided for this item. Just an after thought. My wife go the Banana Bread French Toast. She also loved it. Service: This is where "The Essentials" understands what their clients want. Our server was outstanding. I looked around and felt the entire staff really knew how to work with their guests. Refreshing. Ambiance: At first, I thought the restaurant was a bit noisy. Yet my wife and my conversation was not strained. The Ambiance was upscale casual. Value: I thought the prices were a bit high yet the real story was, once I was finished, my mind was asking when the next time I would return. Cost a meal is in direct portion to how much you enjoyed it. I enjoyed my meal very much. Eat well, Drink well and stay healthy.

This is a great spot in Birmingham. The menu was not clear, but the staff worked with us to figure…read moreout what they could make without seed oils and gluten-free options. I ended up with a bunless burger. The Caesar salad with chicken was my first choice, but both the dressing and the chicken had seed oils - not good. Still, the vibe was great, and we made the best of what was available. Thanks to the chef for working with us.

The menu had a good variety of options including fish, hamburgers, chicken, and more, though I…read moredidn't notice any salad options available. Parking is primarily street parking in the area, but there is also a public parking deck nearby. I'm unsure what the current cost is for the deck, but it's worth knowing if you're visiting during a busier time. I ordered the fish tacos with black beans and chose the cheese grits as my second side. Everything tasted fresh and had lots of flavor. The real star of the meal, though, was the sweet potato cake. It was incredibly moist and delicious. Honestly, I could've eaten four of them without shame or hesitation. My colleagues ordered burgers and fries. They both really enjoyed their burgers, but neither cared much for the fries. They had also requested a couple additional items after the food arrived, but those items never made it to the table. The decor is bright and fun, though it didn't quite seem to match the style of food being served. Just my personal observation. They also have a robot that helps deliver the food alongside the servers, which felt a little unexpected for the casual atmosphere and southern comfort food vibe. They were fairly busy since it was lunchtime on a Friday, but the wait really wasn't bad at all. Would I go back? Yes. Was it my absolute favorite? No. But there were definitely things I enjoyed, especially that sweet potato cake that nearly made me consider ordering dessert first next time.

I specifically chose Yo' Mama's because I'd heard great things about the food and also wanted to…read moresupport a Black-owned business -- and I'm so glad I did because the food absolutely did not disappoint. We ordered the hot chicken sandwich with a side of coleslaw, and both were packed with flavor. The slaw was light, crisp, and not overloaded with mayo, with just a slight peppery kick that made it incredibly tasty. The hot chicken sandwich itself wasn't overwhelmingly spicy, but it was finger-licking good -- juicy, well-seasoned, and satisfying down to the last crumb. We truly enjoyed every bite. The ambience with its bright green, purple and white colors added to the experience. The restaurant was lively and full of people, which is always a good sign. I also caught glimpses of other patrons' dishes, and everything coming out of the kitchen looked just as delicious as what we ordered. Service was friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even better. Staff members seemed genuinely happy to be there and kept things moving smoothly. The location is right in the heart of downtown Bhama, so parking is metered street parking, but the prices were reasonable and worth it for the quality and uniqueness of the food. Overall, this spot delivered on food, atmosphere, and service. Big thumbs up from me -- I'll definitely be back!

Excellent burgers and the sweet potato fries, to die for! Had to have a second burgerread more

Wow! This burger joint is amazing and better than Jack Browns imo…read more We ordered the cowgirl - American cheese, horseradish aioli, bacon, 2 waygu beef patties. Absolutely delicious and crave worthy. The burger was juicy and flavorful everything I wanted. The bun was toasted to perfection. My husband got the regular hand cut fries and I got the sweet potato fries. Literally the best SP fries I've ever had they were crispy and perfect balance of salty sweet. Yum! I wish we had one in HSV guess I'll have to drive back just for the burgers lol. They also serve different styles of hotdogs and fried pies for dessert. They have a few beer options and fountain drinks. Our food came out quickly and the whole place had a funky cool vibe.

I don't do this often anymore... but this place FORCED me out of food review retirement…read more I'm talking about Otsuka Ramen in Downtown Birmingham. I've been 3 times. Ordered 4 different things. Even downloaded DoorDash just for them... and if you know me, you KNOW I hate DoorDash. That alone should tell you everything. This place DOES. NOT. MISS. Every single dish? Fresh. Hot. Flavor packed. No complaints--not one. And if you love Asian food, there's something on that menu for you. Period. Yeah, you might wait a little--but that's because it's made fresh. And trust me... it's worth every second. The service? Top tier. The owner is one of those people you can tell genuinely cares--taking orders, helping the kitchen, making sure everything is right. You don't see that everywhere. Food Service Cleanliness Easy 5/5. Honestly, there is NO reason this place shouldn't have a line wrapped down the street. Birmingham... don't fumble this one. This is a gem. 707 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, Suite 101 205-593-4287 Or order on DoorDash Go support them. Let's keep this place around for years to come.

Heard a lot about it from social media & loved it. Our table had Hot & Spicey ramen, crab rangoon,…read moregeneral Tso's wings, ginger salad, and steak & shrimp hibachi bowl, mango tea & strawberry tea. Cons- ginger salad underwhelming dressing was watered dwn & teas were just ok , not a big fan of the Boba which didn't feel like Boba and very very sweet Pros- Wings are The Bomb! Ramen good. Hibachi really good, crab rangoon fresh hot & delicious. Bathrooms clean 1. Would I go again...In a heartbeat 2. Would I suggest it? Suggesting it now you have to try it. Service good

Salud is a genuine treasure in the heart of downtown Birmingham. The vibes, the downright lovely…read morepeople who provide excellent customer service and the food all combine into this magic that you feel as soon as you walk in the front door and I just love it. In fact, I'm getting warm feelings right now just thinking about my time here. Their vegan option is a nopal taco (tender, marinated cactus). It's excellent, but what makes it next level is that SALSA BAR with the best salsas I've ever had. It reminds me of taquerias in California. I drowned my taco in all of the sauces. In fact, I could probably be happy eating tortillas and salsa here. Because, yes, the tortillas are that delicious. As is that guac. Again, some of the best I've ever had, gimmicky tableside guac included (never felt that was such a great thing anyway). Here, you get a generous portion of the creamiest quality guac you can imagine. I can't report on the margaritas other than to say they look gorgeous. The wine pours are also generous and the prosecco is damn good.

I heard alot of great things about Salud…read more Salud reminds me of the taqueria's in Mexico, with the Jarrito sodas, pineapple and mandarin Try them with a tequila shot! Also the guacamole, the cheese dip and the tacos. They do have a full bar and can do frozen drinks. I loved that you can add your own toppings to your tacos. The tacos come with just meat. You can add onions, limes, cilantro and pickled onions and pickled jalapeños as well as sauce. They had a Verde sauce as well as regular salsa, and a Salsa Borachja sauce with onion, garlic and Mexican beer. It was spicy and delicious. They have plenty of counter seating, a few tables inside and several tables outside. This is a tapas bar more than a testaurant.