Paper Eliza's Top 10 Birmingham Restaurants
It’s been a long time coming, and the Paper Eliza team is excited to share a few of our favorite things with you! In a time where there’s a lot of sadness, uncertainty, and tears (and I mean a lot), we wanted to highlight some things that make us #HAPPY.
We’re starting with one way to our team’s heart: Birmingham restaurants! While we would give anything to enjoy a dinner out of the house right now, take-out suffices. Until this quarantine thing is over, we’ll just be day dreaming about our next meal with ten plus people in public.
The Paper Eliza team pulled their top ten favorite places to eat, drink, and hang around Birmingham and wrote up a little something about each one. And we want to hear from you! Are we missing any on our list?
Chez Fonfon: I’ve heard it said that Chez Fonfon has the best burger in all of Birmingham? If you can pass up the catch-of-the-day, try it for yourself. Located in the heart of Five Points, this sweet, french bistro makes all of your Paris dreams come true. If you’re lucky, try and snag a seat on the patio. End the night with the James Beard award-winning coconut cake and a glass of champagne. You deserve it.
El Barrio: Two words, vegan tostada. I’m definitely not a vegan, but it will rock your world. While you’re at it, about their seasonal guac and prepare to be amazed. More a salsa gal? Get it with the veggies, trust me. Small setting and depending on the night of the week, expect a wait (I’ve waited two hours on a Saturday, but the food was still worth it), but grab a marg from the bar and hang for a while. Don’t have a bunch of time to kill but still want to try the incredible menu? Try a weekday lunch.
Nabeel’s: A mom-and-pop mediterranean cafe located in Homewood that makes you feel like you’re across the world. Their baked chicken would probably be my last meal before I die and my intern would go with a glass of wine paired with their chicken penne pasta. But truly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Bottega: There’s two sides to Bottega: a cafe side, which is more casual and open for lunch, and a dining room which is more formal and serves only dinner. Get you a restaurant that can do both. Executive Chef Frank Stitts combines his southern roots with Italian cuisine to create an incredible menu. Also #wine list. But start off with the orange drink.
Sam’s Deli and Grill: Hole-in-the-wall Edgewood GEM. Grilled sandwiches, chicken fingers, french fries meets mediterrean kabobs, falafel, and pitas too. There’s something for everyone and the perfect place for a quick meal on a pretty day.
Taco Mama: #TacoTuesday, I miss you. On Tuesdays, Taco Mama has half priced skinny and house margs, by the glass or by the pitcher to share with friends-- business meeting, anyone? Tacos, burrito bowls, chips & guac, simply the best. If you know, you know.
The Essential: If you love a good #aesthetic restaurant, this is your place. Start your morning off here with brunch (the sourdough pancakes are heaven-sent!) or end it with hand made pasta for dinner. It’s located on Morris Avenue, a cobblestone road straight from a movie.
Gianmarco’s: Reservations are hard to come by, so schedule in advance-- but truly worth the wait. Authentic Italian food and a dreamy wine bar out back. College kids, bring your parents here. Trust me.
Dave’s Pizza: It has a disco ball and patio seating AND the best pizza in the WORLD. That’s all you need to know.
Rojo: Latin and American food in a cool and casual atmosphere with the best patio in Birmingham, in my most favorite neighborhood, Highland Park. So basically A+’s all around. Also, blackberry cobbler. Order it.
Grab your besties, #crushes, interns, parents, and fulfill all of your foodie dreams! When corona leaves us alone and lets us live again! Until then, keep dreaming of half priced margs and pretty patios and falafel with us.
