25 Essential Birmingham Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Birmingham.
220 Merrill
Michigan
Chic eatery in the historic Edison building offers an Italian-American menu & antique chandeliers.
Social
Michigan
Buzzy, stylish spot for creative comfort fare, cocktails & wines, with rooftop & sidewalk seating.
House of Birmingham
Michigan
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Birmingham's most persuasive brunch restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 83.1.
Hunter House Hamburgers
Birmingham, Michigan
Tiny, landmark hamburger joint for sliders with grilled onions, plus chili fries, shakes & hot dogs.
Jet's Pizza
Birmingham, Michigan
Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Birmingham, Michigan
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
Streetside Seafood
Birmingham, Michigan
Intimate 55-seat restaurant boasts a small menu of traditional seafood dishes, reinvented.
Bistro Joe's
Birmingham, Michigan
This New American bistro inside an organic market offers globally inspired fare & mezzanine seating.
Market North End
Birmingham, Michigan
Stylish bistro featuring modern pizzas & elevated Italian/American mains, plus happy hour libations.
Eddie Merlot's
Birmingham, Michigan
Premium chain serving aged steaks, seafood & a lengthy wine list in plush surroundings.
Salvatore Scallopini Birmingham
Birmingham, Michigan
Local Italian chain serving pasta & classic entrees, plus beer & wine, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Birmingham, Michigan
High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.
Cafe Origins
Birmingham, Michigan
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection. Popular for: Breakfast.
Snap Taco Birmingham
Birmingham, Michigan
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Brooklyn Pizza and Bar
Birmingham, Michigan
Small chain pizzeria serves wood-fired NYC-style pies & slices in a snug shop with outdoor seating.
Phoenicia Restaurant
Birmingham, Michigan
Gourmet Middle Eastern fare is the star at this sophisticated venue with a subtle, stylish ambiance.
The Original Pancake House
Birmingham, Michigan
Signature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.
Terra Kitchen & Cocktails
Birmingham, Michigan
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection.
Townhouse
Birmingham, Michigan
Burgers, creative New American comfort dishes & craft cocktails star at this happening bistro.
Buddy's Pizza
Birmingham, Michigan
Iconic pizza chain (since 1946) known for its square slices & soups, plus other Italian & fast fare.
Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro
Birmingham, Michigan
Seasonal American fare & a diverse wine list in a polished, softly lit space with sidewalk seating.
Ember's Deli
Birmingham, Michigan
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom.
Sy Thai Cafe
Birmingham, Michigan
Compact dining space with wood booths serves ample plates of Thai cuisine with custom spice levels.
Primo's Pizza
Birmingham, Michigan
Long-standing parlor & grocery crafts Italian eats & American chow plus offers late-night delivery.
Papa Romano's Pizza
Birmingham, Michigan
Takeout-focused restaurant offering pizza with varied crust options, plus subs, wings & salads.