"Pastitsio and three?," no... "Greek and three?," no, either ... It's rather hard to describe Ted's, a bona fide Birmingham institution that just clocked in a half century recently. But since the iconic sign outside that screams 1960s/1970s kitsch features a clock that stopped working ages ago as legend has it, a good motto might be "We're right at least twice a day on the clock and once a day for you at lunchtime!" For it is a cafeteria that is in a prime position to capitalize on the booming UAB business. I have not got time to go into its history, so I will leave it to the web profiles about the place's two different Greek families that have owned it, the Sarrises and the Touloupises. I do know that it is a reliable stop off I-65 on my route to a weekly engagement in Shelby County without me having to settle for greasy fast food or so-so fast casual. And besides, Ted's ought to own the trademark for fast casual: cafeterias are a dying breed, but that very fact reminds us why we should do our best to support them. Buffets are notoriously unclean and fattening and not a proper substitute, in my book. I like local things, as well, so Ted's is perfect for my purposes. The speed is evident when you get to the steam table. About three to four entrees and a dozen sides are all there. The sides are Southern staples: squash casserole, greens, lima beans, cabbage, and the like. But the Greek influence is present in unusual entrees like pork souvlakia made with oregano and butter, chicken with Greek spices, and pastitsio, that nation's answer to Italian lasagna. Ted's features the béchamel sauce cooked on top of a mixture of beef sauce spiced with cinnamon and probably oregano and spaghetti, no doubt a cheaper but effective alternative to tubular pasta that the classic recipe calls for. That was my choice, along with cabbage and collard greens. Makes for a great school lunch, doesn't that combination? I do not know of any school anywhere on this great planet that would go to this expense to serve top-quality chow, though, and you do not either. It is delightfully different, filling, and decently-priced. What more could one ask for? The interior is just as old-school as the cinder-block structure and the sign, sans the updating of recent years. Do be aware that the speed comes with a price in that this is probably not an ideal place for a casual ladies' lunch or anything in that vicinity. Not quite "eat it and beat it," however, though. Just be mindful of the tight quarters if you are claustrophobic. And the meal ended with a pleasant surprise: you get a discount if you pay cash. I happened to have some I needed to spend down, so I will definitely make note of it for the next time. Now, if the fried chicken is as good as the pastitsio was, I will never want to go to another meat-and-three. read more

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Food is amazing. Staff is super friendly! Restaurant is clean but too small to me. Always hard to find a seat. It's worth it though!!!

Great food Great tradition Pork cop 5* Service 5* Bambie 5* sweet as can be Potato's 4.5 Collards 4.5 Fried green tomatoes 4.5 read more

Teds Restaurant is located right across the street from my apartment and it's been on my list to try. I always see so many people parked there so I had to get in to try their Brunch. The restaurant closes at 2 so we had to go pretty early but it was a fun unique experience. I got the two high stack pancakes and bacon with eggs. The food was delicious and I was definitely full before finishing my plate because of the size of the pancakes. The servers were really sweet and our food was in a timely manner. There was not a long wait at all and the overall environment was very welcoming and definitely a staple of the south. read more

Friendly staff they always smelling, a lot of foods for the price you pay, I love local foods, everything is taste really delicious. I loved the biscuits & gravy. read more

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I have not been to this place in over 6 years. The last time I was here I did the lunch. This time I tried their Brunch. I ordered the Greek Omelet and had a side of the breakfast potatoes and a cup of coffee. The omelet good but the potatoes did not have such a great taste to me. The staff there was very friendly and the customer service was great. There were no Covid precautions but I did see someone cleaning up tables as we came in. Overall, I will say the food was good and the atmosphere was great. Will go again. read more

This is my favorite downtown Bham meat and three restaurant. Short story - The staff is really friendly, food is great, and the price is right. Lots of really good flavored meats and veggies. Not a lot of seating or room for a line so get there early! Long story - Food - Several meats and veg are there all of the time but there are some daily specials too. My favorite daily special, found on Thursday, is pastichio. Greek lasagna at its best and I get it every time I see it available. My favorite veggies are mac & cheese (really good here), greens, fried green tomatoes, and broccoli/rice casserole. Having said that, I like a lot of their veggies and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! The show stopper for me is that delicious cracklin cornbread. Yummy! The line gets rather long fast because there isn't much room between the door and the food bar. Not a lot of seats either so get there early. (Pro tip - they open at 10:30 for lunch so get a jump on the crowd!). The waitresses and line cooks are always super courteous while getting the job done efficiently. The owners aware great and obviously very involved in the day to day (heck, minute to minute) operation to keep the ship sailing smoothly. I have been here many times and will be back many more! read more

Ted's Restaurant - Mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, and fried grouper. All are awesome! - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The food and service here are both just exceptional. I don't think I've ever had better, more friendly service than I did here. The food is also incredible. The souvlakia and everything else I ate was fantastic. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Greek Souvlakia - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

My favorite Saturday morning tradition when I lived in bhm! There is nothing better than a true diner breakfast and Ted's is the best (and the ?only) place for it! The owners are incredible and the service is always sublime. Have bought several mugs so I can have Ted's with me wherever I move. read more

Last week was our first visit. What a friendly, welcoming place! If you're looking for a good southern meat-n-three, Ted's it is! Our food was great and they pack a lot of choices on the steam table. Come hungry! read more

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First ever "Meat and three" and it was pretty good. Location-large industrial area and inside plane and dry. Straight cafeteria location. Service-nice, friendly, and helpful. Waitress was career restaurant lady and was extremely pleasant. Food-better then I expected. Meat was juicy, fish wasn't dry and veggies were well seasoned. read more

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Amazing service, delicious and quick hot meal from this local staple. I'd go back for sure.

Given the high reviews, my husband & I decided to give this place a try during a day trip to Birmingham. This is a cafeteria style establishment , which we dont mind at all. On this particular day the owner was working the meat portion of the line & asked what I would like. Never having tried "pastitio" (greek lasagna) thats what I ordered. Ofcourse, not being of greek decent or having ever encountered "pastitio" I inadvertently mispronounced it. This must have really pissed off the owner because he began to lecture me on how to pronounce the word. When I, out of respect, properly pronounced the word back to him & with an apology for mispronouncing, he became even more degrading & continued his tirade. I looked back at my husband standing beside me & I noticed that there were 5 or 6 people behind us with looks of astonishment on their faces. He then slid my plate down to the older lady dipping out sides & she too looked at me in destain & said " lets go, what do you want?!" ...Im a 45 year old woman, with a very thick skin & Ive encountered all types of rude, arrogant & hateful people from all walks of life & from different parts of the country....this was a first though. Never have I ever been lectured & ridiculed by someone from which I was patronizing their establishment....basically we were paying him $16.00 a plate to be talked to like a dog out of nowhere & for absolutely no reason at all...the food definitely wasnt worth the $1.99 can it came out of much less $16 a plate. My husband & I love meat & 3 restaurants because of the southern comfort foods they offer. We both also grew up in AL & were nurtured by some of the best southern cooks & food around. With that said, the food here was very lack luster at best. I had very high hopes for this place because of the reviews but was very, very disappointed...with or without the prior humiliation. Sherrys Cafe in Trussville or Birmingham's Bluff Park Diner & even Cracker Barrel are head & shoulders above this place in food quality & taste. read more

Would put negative stars if possible. Owner is rude and arrogant. Wouldn't be surprised if there's a scam running with the owner and local towing company's. If you have out-of-state plates BE AWARE. He's trigger happy on the tow company's phone line read more

Basic old school restaurant. Nothing fancy. But perfect. Food is fab and so is the hospitality. You won't regret it! read more

Ted's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The kind and thoughtful servers gave their best in every facet of the meal. Regarding the food, the menu is extensive and filled with a wide variety of possibilities. And then, the food we ordered and ate was fantastic and something we'd commend to anyone. read more

Walked in for my first visit to Teds and immediately fell in love with the aroma and presentation of the food. Cafeteria style which gives a good look at what you are selecting. Favorite son and wifey went with the country fried steak and white gravy. Excellent selection. When I saw the greek baked chicken I got weak in my knees. When I got a peek at meat juices I started reminiscing of an old Greek restaurant (Constantines) in Mobile. The baked chicken was a must with a side dish of meat juice. To get the full flavor you must dip the meat in the juices. Ahh heavenly!!! Two peach cobblers and one coconut cream pie for dessert. Teds is on my list for a repeat visit when in the ham. Must go on a Thursday when they have pastitsio. read more

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Great food and great service! This was my first time here and I definitely be going again soon. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Jerry's Breakfast Quesadilla - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The owner is a jerk. My mom graduated from UAB and we parked in the HUGE parking lot (we were not the only people that parked on this lot for the graduation). We were the only car that got towed. They had no signs posted saying it was a tow away area. We have Florida plates, so if your from out of state don't park or eat here. read more

Classic Meat and 3 in Bham, a dying breed. Quality fried chicken, and servers who call you "Hon"

I have been going to Ted's for years starting when I was in college in the 80s. If you are looking for a true meat and three restaurant, not a franchise this is the place for you. The food is great! Today I had the Chicken Bahamas, chicken with red pepper and onions, the cornbread dressing, broccoli casserole and a yeast roll on the side. This place can get busy at lunch, but they will get you through the line quick. Next time you are near UAB, you will have to stop by! read more

Ted's Restaurant - Chicken Bahamas, cornbread dressing, broccoli casserole and yeast roll. - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Needed non-hospital food and had been passing Ted's for years. Got there after the early morning rush but b4 lunch. Everyone was busy wiping, restocking and cleaning. Ordered breakfast to go and the cashier was extremely nice and knowledgeable. Food was cooked to ordered EXACTLY as requested. Prices were reasonable and service was quick. Based on those factors I am happy and impressed with my first visit at Ted's. read more

Ted's Restaurant - IEveryone is moving, wiping, restocking or prepping in some way. No idle conversations but a team of responsible adults working. - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Great lil place. Family owned and operated. Service great and food better than great.

I went there for breakfast and ordered eggs sunny side up. Owner came out and told me "I didn't remember what you ordered so I made them how I like them" and left. The owner is very condescending and rude, and he did not try to rectify the order or ask if he would like it changed. Many other reviews state the owner is rude, and he should not be interacting with customers. The food overall was subpar. I would recommend metro diner, original pancake house, or any other meat and three place in birmingham. read more

I really enjoyed eating here, but don't go and spend time looking at your phone instead of your significant other. That's a no-no at that restaurant. This was a typical diner. It was not fancy, but it is a good place to go to with anyone. We went late in the morning and got brunch. Our waitress was friendly and the food was good. The brunch menu had a good variety, but the star of this restaurant was the owner. He greeted us when we entered, and I knew right then he was going to be a character. He has a great personality and engages with the patrons. While waiting for our order, I was on my phone instead of focusing on my lovely wife. He came over and made me put my phone down. Saying I should be talking to my wife instead of looking at my phone. I didn't touch my phone the rest of the time we were there. This made my wife happy. We will definitely be going back to try the lunch menu at another time. I'll just be prepared not to be on my phone. read more

Since I have moved to Birmingham, I made it a mission to find the best Meat and Threes there are in town. When I think Birmingham food, I automatically think "Meat and three!" It's comfort food at its finest and yes, there is delicious bbq and other options but it's just pure southern food when it comes to MNTs. So when I searched yelp for best MNT, Ted's came up a few times. Plus they have that extra 7% cash back (woot!)!! The problem is that they are only open for breakfast and lunch during the week. A good option for those that work in the downtown area but the rest of us who don't probably won't make it in. After many months of not being able to go, I finally had the chance and boy, did I jump at it. Mac and cheese, here I come! Drove over, parked in their tiny lot, and made it inside. I didn't know what to expect. Do I just sit down at one of the tables? Do I wait for a hostess? No. None of those. Go to the cafeteria line, pick up a tray, and start a choosin'! First you pick your meat (duh). They have the everyday meats and the daily specials. It's the new year, so I decided nothing fried for me. I went with baked tilapia. Next, you chose your sides. I went with Mac and cheese and greens. These are my go-to sides for MNT's.... an absolute must! You finish off with a dinner roll or corn bread.. meander into the dining area and choose your own table. A server comes by, asks for drink orders, then ganders at your plates to have a ticket with totals ready for you.. all in 5-10 minutes time. The crowd there was mainly filled with working people who were on their lunch break. I can see how it would be a great lunch spot. Very quick, with the cafeteria style dining experience. You don't have o wait even a minute to start enjoying your meal. If there is a line, it moves very quickly. My food... it was good. The baked tilapia had good flavor and was not dry at all. Baking fish is always risky as it can dry out easily. Not here! The Mac and cheese was baked which is THE ONLY way it should be done! The greens were okay. It was "new year" approved because there was no evidence of any kind of pork fat in it. It tasted healthy, looked healthy, and was healthy. It's always a nice option... and if you are a vegetarian, I think you would be a okay eating a helping of greens here. I have mixed feelings about the greens, though. I miss that porky, fatty taste. I'm sorry to say, I had to chuck some hot sauce on there to enjoy it a bit more. My husband had the baked chicken (delicious flavors and very tender- not dry at all), Mac and cheese, greens, and green beans. The green beans didn't have any evidence of pork fattiness either... just "ok", again. Corn bread was a bit dry. All in all, the food here was alright. Proteins were done right, sides were okay.... slightly lacking in flavor or seasonings. I really want to love this place. If given another chance, I think I may try this place again. I like the quick lunch option, but I'll continue my search for the "best meat and three" place. Ted's just isn't it... read more

Ted's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I've previously been to Ted's before because I love their environment. Saturday brunch is really popular in the area so it was understandably busy. There weren't any COVID-19 precautions in place, but the service was amazing. read more

Excellent food the fried chicken is to die for. Fresh vegetables and good cornbread with fresh fried apple pie. I highly recommend this restaurant for southern comfort food. read more

The food was okay, mainly the rice and chicken! The squash/zucchini veggies were too soft, and too chunky. I'm giving this restaurant 3 stars because I originally ordered Baked Tilapia, Rice, Broccoli & Squash Casserole and these items were unavailable. I was called prior to about the vegetables, but not about the meat. I placed my order online, so my recommendation is to place an order in-person. There menu is not up-to-date online, many of the vegetables in restaurant were not listed online. No socially distance, no curbside, but speed of service was 5-mins or less. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Baked Greek Chicken, Zucchini & Squash, Rice, Sweet Potatoes, and Roll - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Visiting from Louisiana. Wound up googling a breakfast place and wound up at Ted's. Food, service, hospitality was amazing!!! The owner was super friendly and engaging & reminded us of being back home. Food was so fresh and so delicious!! Restaurant was clean with a comfortable ambiance. A MUST especially if you are looking for breakfast!! Thanks Ted's for a great experience! read more

First time visiting. I tried the pork chop, greens, cabbage and yams. Most of the food was not "seasoned." The yams and the cornbread stood out. I wanted Ted's to be better. read more

Best kept little secret! Some of the best fried chicken I've ever eaten. Quaint little restaurant with local staff who know their customers! We will definitely be back when we are at UAB! read more

This is an old school cafeteria line with lots of choice...it moves fast and was very busy at lunch, both inside and take out. Greek owner with mostly southern style items---chicken+ 2 sides was excellent, as were collard greens and black eyed peas. Service moves quicky as does turnover....looks like a neighborhood favorite. read more

Great no frills Greek & American food. Casual atmosphere with older decor. This establishment has been a staple in the Birmingham community for many years. Family owned and operated. Breakfast is cooked to order. Lunch is cafeteria style with delicious Greek and American dishes. When you want some good home cooked food, Ted's is the place to go! read more

Everything was great. The quesadilla was perfect after I asked for mods. The fruit was fresh and sweet. Home fries were perfect. Best breakfast in a long time. read more

I had the two meat and two. There was a nice crowd. The food was hot and ready to be eaten.

Never been to the restaurant before but one server was really nice about explaining how it works while the guy loading the plates behind the food was a bit less so asking my husband if he was eating in or taking food to go and suggesting he get his "act together" when he didn't immediately grab silverware and a tray. Not a great first impression. Food was ok - fried pork chop was yum and cornbread is very nice. The mac and cheese had very little cheese and tasted more like a béchamel sauce - won't order again. Green beans are the fat/flat kind and pintos are decent. Atmosphere is nice, service is quick and parking is abundant. read more

Ted's is a must-try on the southside of Birmingham. A small building on the corner of 4th Ave S and 12th St is where you find this gem of an establishment. The food is generously portioned and packed with flavor, the eatery is laid back with small booths and tables for twos and fours, and the staff and owners are a fabulously friendly and welcoming bunch. The baked Greek chicken and baked Greek tilapia were excellent--the chicken was moist and tender, and the fish was a meaty fillet. There's a huge array of sides to choose from, but the squash, creamed potatoes and creamed corn made it to our plates and were all heaped on to accompany the meats. The desserts, on prominent display above the hot bar, proved too much to resist, and we topped off our already hefty meal with a slice each of chocolate creme and strawberry pie. Following in the fashion of the rest of the fare, both pieces were big, and they were light and delicious t'boot. Our waitress was courteous and attentive, and the owners were constantly about the dining room, checking on guests and greeting regulars. For a meat-and-three hole-in-the-wall, Ted's was as good as any out there. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

If there were possibly a lower score to rate, I would this place. Not friendly at all. I don't recommend this place to anyone. The food was terrible and so was the service. Im so sorry to say this but this is not where it is. This place has been around for quite sometime now and you would think they knew how to service people correctly and treat with kindness. But, I guess not, I wont give up on them just yet and wiling to give them another try. But not any time soon. read more

I was excited to finally try this long-standing B'ham tradition and while it didn't disappoint, it didn't wow me either. My chicken livers were cold and you could tell they had been sitting for too long. The veggies were okay, but not special. The service was good, but it was our first visit and they clearly cater to regulars. The whole visit was a little disjointed and underwhelming and the prices were high for what they provided. read more