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Birmingham, AL

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The Southern Kitchen & Bar

3.6 (667 reviews)
Closed • 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Very loud
Live music
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - The Southern Kitchen & Bar

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Reviews With Photos

Rachel J.

Came here to grab a late lunch and I've always had great experiences here, which is why I decided to try the greens and grits on the menu this visit. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me. The flavors didn't come together the way I expected, and the dish was a bit underwhelming. The chicken bites were soggy sitting in the Gouda grits and the greens were basic and tasted like they came out a can. My brother got the pesto chicken club which is good choice. He seemed to enjoy it. That said, the service was still friendly, our waiter was great and checked on us frequently. the rest of the experience was just as good as usual. I'll definitely be back--I just know to stick with the menu items I already love next time.

Gabe P.

The Southern Kitchen & Bar always seems to do what I need it to do. Sunday Funday landed me here after having brunch & leaving an art exhibit nearby. After I finally got parked, I sat at the bar and Kenley provided me with great service! I ordered a $6 mimosa, listened to some live music and just really enjoyed the moment. I have never had their brunch but I plan to return soon to try it. Southern kitchen was always my Birmingham Stallions pregame spot .... I definitely will have to visit here more often now that the Stallions are no longer a thing.

Menu
Dawn M.

In town for a conference and the restaurant was a block from my hotel. Inside is very casual. Kinda bar-like with a nice restaurant vibe! We sat at the bar since it was packed. Service at the bar was good considering every seat at the bar was taken. We ordered our food and it was out within 15-20 minutes. I ordered the Nashville hot chicken, but subbed the sides for the whole fried okra and Gouda grits. When I say those grits and okra hit.....somebody in that kitchen knows what they're doing! The chicken breasts were juicy and flavorful. The spice level was typical for Nashville hot chicken, which I sometimes I can't take. But I loved the flavor so much I couldn't stop eating it. I will eat here again when I return to the city!

George T.

I found The Southern Kitchen & Bar completely through Yelp and the Yelp reviews, and I am glad I did. When I came in, the place was crowded, which is usually a very good sign. It had a good energy right away. I had been looking at a few things on the menu and was really going back and forth. I was interested in the hot chicken, the Brussels sprouts, and also the ribeye Philly cheesesteak. They told me both were really good, and I ended up going with the ribeye Philly cheesesteak. Great choice. I also got a side salad with the chipotle ranch dressing and that was very good too. Picture below. For dessert, I was planning on getting the key lime pie, because that is usually my move, but Hayden my server talked me into trying the blueberry cobbler cheesecake instead. I am glad he did. It was very good. Picture below. Between the crowded room, the good service, and the food, this was a very strong experience all the way around. I am giving The Southern Kitchen & Bar 5 stars.

Gina H.

First off the live music on Friday night was amazing!! A one man soloist who played multiple instruments was so good! The only name I got for him was Jerry. I started with a cocktail, strawberry fields which was just ok. It has strawberry vodka, fresh strawberry puree and lemonade. I'm expected more of the lemonade. We only had appetizers for a light meal. We had Cajun angels which was bacon wrapped shrimp, deviled eggs which were topped with candied bacon and fried green tomatoes which were topped with feta and tomato bacon jam. All of the food was great! Our server was sweet and efficient. The atmosphere here is always laid back and casual and this visit was the same.

Conecuh crawfish pasta
Lena N.

Nice place for dinner, we also got catering from here for our event another day and it was a very delicious spread!

Breakfast bowl
Toyna J.

I came in here to celebrate my birthday since I was stuck in Birmingham due to work... Christi was my server at the bar. I came in right when brunch was about to be over but she check with the cooks in the back and they allowed me to get a quick order in I ordered the Southern breakfast bowl with medium well steak and an order of fried okra along with a yummy strawberry cocktail. They also had some live music going and the facility is great for a large party or a sunday Sunday outing. Thank you Christi for making my special day a lil more special I appreciate everything and the food was very delicious!

Brunch menu
Lyn D.

The steak and eggs and the mahi burger were cooked to perfection, so good! We ended with a blueberry cheesecake for dessert. The live band was amazing, adding great energy to brunch. Delicious food and entertainment that won't break the bank. The service was top-tier as well. I'll definitely be back, and you should check them out! I've included a photo of the brunch menu.

Fried okra
Dakota G.

The staff was friendly and the food was amazing. I got the shimp and grits with fried okra. The shrimp and grits was chosen for me (first day in the south and asked the bartender/waitress to choose for me). The decor is simple yet rustic. The okra came in a mini fryer basket. I was expecting whole okra, not cut in half. Definitely would recommend!

Chicken n dumplings
Lisa H.

Service - excellent Apps - BBQ Shrimp amazing and Fried Green Tomatoes - different and yummy Entrees - Nashville Hot Chicken very good, Ribeye Mac n Cheese - great but keep in mind very smoky, Chicken n Dumplings - good but a bit too much sage, and Mahi sandwich - excellent!

Sadie W.

The service is great and the food is good. Came here last night and ordered the pesto chicken club sandwich (pesto mayo on the side). The sandwich was good but the chicken was very flat and thin. Almost non existent on the sandwich. I added tomatoes to mine and the tomato slices were thicker than the piece of grilled chicken. I should've added pickles to my sandwich because it needed a little something extra.

Tenderloin tips, Nashville hot chicken
Alison L.

Open atmosphere and attentive and fast service. The portions are large. I loved the sauce on the Nashville hot chicken, and the breading stayed crispy. Everything else was pretty good. Brussels could've been more crispy

Conecuh Gumbo! It's better than any gumbo I've had in New Orleans. Just my opinion!
Robert E.

This is an updated review! I love their conecuh gumbo! I can't get enough of this. It's in a rich sauce. I wish it was a lil spicy but I use black pepper & hot sauce! Every time I visit Birmingham; it is on my must have meals list, surprisingly! The service is usually prompt and efficient! They pretty much know the routine with me! My gumbo; toast and a side of rice along with black pepper, hot sauce, water and a beer sometimes and let me be! It's at a bar which is cool but due to some injuries I can't sit in those high chairs so I prefer a regular seated chair! I just can't get enough of this place and the ladies may remember me; the quiet guy from Cali that's usually solo with unique manners and etiquette! Thanks again as I may not be able to visit as much anymore. I was in the area only because I was married to someone there. I'm f nothing else; at lease I still have my GUMBO!

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Reviews are mixed. Many praise the flavorful Southern dishes, friendly attentive service, and lively ambiance with music. Drinks and cocktails are also well-liked.

Read the full review summary in the app

9 days ago

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5 months ago

Fantastic food. Service was top notch. Drinks were tasty. Cheese grits were on point!

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Ask the Community - The Southern Kitchen & Bar

Do they have a kids menu?

They do not.

Best place to park?

Validated surface parking lot

Do they offer highchairs? How toddler friendly is this place?

Very friendly

View All 5 Questions

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The Essential was such an unexpected find during our trip through Alabama. We weren't expecting to…read morestumble across such an elegant restaurant serving truly elevated food, but it ended up being one of our favorite meals. I ordered the seafood pasta, and you could immediately tell the pasta was homemade. It was fresh, perfectly cooked, and the seafood was beautifully prepared. My daughter had the spaghetti, and my husband ordered the Waldorf salad, which was just as thoughtfully put together. Our waitress also recommended the hummus and house pickles, and I'm so glad we listened. Both were fresh, unique, and the perfect way to start the meal. From the food to the service, everything felt polished without being pretentious. It was one of those meals where every dish was executed with care and attention to detail. Overall, The Essential was such a pleasant surprise and proof that you can find five star dining experiences in the most unexpected places. If you're anywhere near Birmingham, this place is absolutely worth the stop.

I was in town for a concert and came across this restaurant on TikTok, so my daughter and I decided…read moreto give it a try. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hostess and seated inside. The interior has a nostalgic, warm vibe and would be a great setting for a date night. Our server was awesome! He was friendly, attentive, and recommended some great food and drink options. I also really enjoyed the open-kitchen concept, as I always like being able to see the food being prepared. My only concern was with a couple of things I noticed in the kitchen. Since the kitchen is completely open and visible to guests, I think extra attention should be given to sanitation and overall presentation. I noticed one of the cooks drinking while preparing food, and another wiped his nose with his arm while working. Although he didn't use his hand, it still left me feeling a little uneasy. When guests can see directly into the kitchen, those small details really matter. Aside from that, we enjoyed our experience, and I do think this is a place worth trying at least once. The atmosphere, service, and recommendations from our server were definitely highlights of our visit.

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This was my 2nd trip to the view, but my first since becoming a Yelper and a member of The Club…read more Since it was so long ago, I will review from my most recent and memorable trip. With all of my family in town for various reasons, we decided to go ahead and celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday. After finding out our dining options were limited (The Signature is closed on Saturday nights... or at least this one in particular), we decided The View would be a nice option. The service was exceptional. Even though membership is still very recent, that is something that is pretty standard throughout the entire club. They hire amazing staff and train them well. Our table was ready when we got there and the amazing breads were brought quickly. A variety of options were selected around the table and I heard zero complaints from a family that would let you know if something wasn't good. I opted for the beef tenderloin. It was cooked to my rare liking and the potatoes and vegetables it came with were also cooked to my liking. The beef itself was extremely tender and flavorful. Which I don't always find with tenderloin. Only a couple of people got dessert and I tasted one bite. Absolutely fantastic. There were a couple of hiccups. The ramp for my grandparents are on the very far side of the restaurant. And the coffee I ordered came out ice cold. But that was remedied quickly. And those minor things couldn't take away from the overall experience. Which was great.

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Great service. Great food. Great drinks. The bar is where I always sit. It's faster (in my opinion)…read more Kendall was the bartender on duty during my recent Wednesday evening visit. She's amazing!! I really enjoyed the crab claws app- $23. They are served chilled & steamed. This was the perfect little snack. I also had a nice glass of sparkling wine. It paired well with the crab claw appetizer. I always have a great experience whenever I come here. Current is definitely worth checking out if you are in Birmingham, Al

My friend, Julia, and I tried current the other night! We walked in and immediately loved the vibes…read moreand upscale, quirky, modern feel of it all. High ceilings and exposed brick are a few of the ways to my heart. If you've seen a post about this place, you've probably seen a picture of the crackly round, artistic dish and wondered what it was. There are dumplings on the underside of it and you break each one off of the crackly part to enjoy. We did enjoy these but I would've loved a soy sauce to dip them in. They came with chili crunch, peanuts, and green onions but I wanted an actual sauce. They were very standard tasting dumplings and there was nothing extraordinary about them unfortunately. As always, we'd looked at the menu beforehand and decided what we wanted. It does state on their website that their menus can change due to freshness and availability. But we'd both decided on an app and entree we wanted only to get there and have none of them on the menu. I do appreciate a rotating menu to accommodate local items, but I would also love for those to be updated on a regular basis. So after rerouting, we decided on the chicken skewers as another app with the dumplings. These were chargrilled, flavorful, and had a nice crust on them. I got shrimp fried rice and Julia got spicy beef noodles. It was fine but I wish the shrimp wouldn't have been cut up. It felt like they chopped them up in order to not put as many in the dish. At $25 for this, I'd like whole shrimp please. There were a few pieces of raw spinach with pepper on the top. I would've loved a sauce of some kind. I would've preferred shrimp hibachi with fried rice from a Japanese place that included vegetables and sauces. This was not *bad* there was just SO much room for improvement. We both agreed that nothing was awful, but for these prices and the hype, we expected more. Our waitress was super friendly. Bonus points because they had match boxes at the host stand! There was a paid parking lot diagonal from the restaurant, so we had to walk through an intersection to get there. There are some spots up front if you can snag one. Overall, we enjoyed our time here but won't be sprinting back.

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Current Charcoal Grill - Awesome. Just awesome atmosphere

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4.7(153 reviews)
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We made it to Wooden City for dinner on Thursday night. We made reservations for our party through…read morethe link on the restaurant's website (Resy), and the process was straightforward and easy to modify when our party size and time changed at the last minute. Wooden City is located off Morris Avenue in a shared row of older buildings. There's a private parking lot behind the building, and you can have your parking ticket validated at the restaurant. The location and vibe on Morris Avenue are really neat and uniquely Birmingham. It's a great addition to the city's dining scene. Our party of four started with drinks and shared three appetizers: the Bread and Butter, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Steak Tartare. My favorite was the Bread and Butter. It's house-made focaccia served with a sun-dried tomato spread and an oil dipping sauce. The bread was amazing. For my entrée, I ordered the Peel-and-Eat Shrimp from the appetizer menu. It was fabulous--a generous portion of large shrimp that were perfectly seasoned and grilled. For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Mousse and Blueberry/Blackberry Crisp. The crisp was my favorite. It was served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream--an excellent way to finish the meal. While Wooden City doesn't have a large menu, everything we tried was very well done. I definitely recommend giving it a try, but don't be in a hurry. The service was a little slow during our visit.

This place was recommended by a local Birminghammian and it was a good recommendation. Three of us…read morewere working somewhere nearby and we took an Uber here and it was kinda packed. We snagged some seats at the bar and had some drinks and shortly after that, our table was ready. And they were able to keep everything on one check, which was nice. No need to settle the tab and start a new one at the table. And the old fashioned I had was delicious. For food, we started with the Hungarian Hot Stuffed Peppers. These were pretty good and the heat gradually snuck up on you as you ate them. I don't know if it was because the heat was more intense as you worked your way towards the stem or just a gradual burn. Either way, these were good and worth the heartburn later. The thick focaccia helped with the burn a little. Speaking of heartburn, the pepperoni pizza may have contributed a bit to that too, but again, totally worth it. The cup-and-char pepperoni was charred nicely as were the edges and bottom! I love a nice bottom! These were easy to share between two of us. Service was amazing from the bartender to the waiter to the uber driver (who didn't really count, but nice job, man). We felt welcomed and I can see why the place was crowded on a Tuesday evening.

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My first time at Gabriella's was recently. This place gets really busy..... fast! When I arrived,…read more there were about 2 ppl already present and ordering at the hot bar. It's kind of hard to tell what all the food options are, so I had to ask what some stuff was. I managed to get a meat and 2 instead of a meat and 5! There were quite a few veggie options that looked amazingly delicious! I do not recommend coming here hungry or hangry. Ok, sooo I love meat loaf so naturally that's what I got. I also got collards and cornbread dressing & yes they had cranberry sauce. Everything was good tasting. The meatloaf was a little sweet to my taste so I probably wouldn't order it again. The veggies were not over seasoned or overcooked. I will definitely comeback here bc there is still just so much I wanna try. The staff is nice and took care of the crowd. I even witnessed them give a person in need food, as they were about to dig in the restaurant's garbage can outside for scraps. Made me count my blessings.. all of them! There is street parking only. I didn't have any issues parking on a Sunday afternoon. The inside of this restaurant is not big but I was comfortable dining in.

Good southern food on a Sunday afternoon while visiting. Couldn't tell from the Yelp pictures but…read moreit's a really small restaurant with food displayed buffet style behind the clear partition that they serve you in a container. Only about 3 people at a time can hold inside before it's starts getting crowded. It stay pretty busy. Options are 1 meat with two sides or 2 meats with three sides combination. A la cart is available as well. They have ice tea or lemonade drinks in a cup that they also serve you. Lemonade was good. There's a very small counter to pay after you order. Fry chicken is tasty with perfect crisp. Collard greens were seasoned well and perfect texture. Yams (my favorite) was perfect - flavorful, not too sweet and firm but not hard. Both of us thought the Black eyed peas looked really good but taste bland. I would have preferred it without the Okra. I didn't see that when I ordered. One in our group commented the meat loaf was good. The dressing was really good too - well seasoned and tasty. After paying there's a dining area for self seating. It serves the purpose to sit and eat but definitely could use sprucing up along with the restrooms. Please seriously consider! It would make the experience much more pleasant to enjoy their delicious food. I took off two stars for that reason and yes it's that unpleasant as the tables/chairs are also too clustered together. The chairs don't fit around the table properly. Overall good southern food at a reasonable price and recommended. Skip dining in if you don't have too. Just my two cents.

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Gabriella's - Front

Front

Gabriella's - Peach cobbler

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Gabriella's - Sign

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Sign

The Southern Kitchen & Bar - southern - Updated October 2026

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