The Gardens Café By Kathy G.

Yo' Mama's

➤ 2328 2nd Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203-3808, United States

Menu • Food • Chicken • Waffles • American

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"This restaurant was AMAZING! From the food to the service staff, everything was impeccable! I ordered chicken that was seasoned and fried to perfection! The cheese grits were creamy and did not have to have any salt added to them. The pancakes were huge! They have this homemade syrup that is very good with hints of praline or some kind of nut. They served HUGE pancakes! I will definitely return."

Highlands Bar and Grill

➤ 2011 11th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35205-2801, United States

Menu • Bars • Grill • Vegan • American

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"If there is a restaurant that is a Birmingham institution among the wealthier crowd, there is literally only one name that locals would bring up, and it is undoubtedly Highlands. Not that there aren't other nice restaurants, but this spot has proven itself over time and is ran by a chef that most Alabamians are quite proud of. Opened in 1982, Highland's is a place that put Birmingham on the map in a positive way at a time when the post industrial iron period was about to wind down and transform the city. Frank formalized his cooking techniques by working in kitchens of San Francisco and France, creating a medley of American Southern and French cuisine that is difficult to find elsewhere. It was not a time when it was common to see a chef from Alabama going to study cooking in Europe, thus the story was already an anomaly. Frank Stitt was trying to pioneer sustainable agriculture and farming well before anybody in Alabama knew what in the world that actually meant or for that matter, cared. One of the signature items is the baked grits that has been around since the restaurant opened. It's a tasty grits preparation and without a doubt, something to try. The pheasant was spectacular, fairly lean and with a crispy delicious skin, served with grits and green beans. Pastries here are created by Dolester Miles, who has been in the job for well over 30 years. The opera cake is absolutely spectacular, gentle and complexly layered. The basque cake is peachy and moist, with a crispy delicious exterior and Chantilly cream. Not only are these likely the best desserts to discover in Alabama, but may be some of the best to be found in America. The attentiveness got derail was clearly evident. As far as service, generally fine, but not particularly attentive. The waitress did not seem in much of a mood to welcome people to the establishment. Many items on the menu were running out by 8:30pm on a Saturday night. Nobody was particularly impressed with the flounder that got substituted for the grouper. And then there are other questions, why would you run out of grits? They know they are always filled to capacity and ingredients to make grits are not immediately perishable. Highland's has by this point in Birmingham's history become a classic. It's evident that most people here have been around for decades working at their jobs and serving the rich crowds of Mountain Brook. It's a place of great food and shows many combinations of ingredients that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere, let alone be executed this well."

Galley Garden

➤ 2220 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, United States Of America

Menu • Wine • Vegan • Brunch • American

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"I HIGHLY recommends Galley and Garden for special events! I got the 80. My mother's birthday dinner hosted here last week - and Teri (also coordinator was super easy to communicate, and made the process smooth and easy even though I live out of the country. The menu options (instead of a set catering menu was a really nice touch. And the printed cute menus for every place setting! The food was excellent- (I loved the shrimps and grits! and the service was also very personal and professional - especially Jackson, who was very sweet for my mother. It was a very special day, and I'm so glad we had the party in Galley and Garden!"

Rojo

➤ 2921 Highland Ave S Birmingham, AL 35205-1901, United States

Menu • Bars • Vegan • Brunch • Mexican

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"Visited Rojo for Babes who Brunch and had an outstanding time! Despite a packed house they provided great friendly service and good food and cocktails. My only nitpick would be the bathroom situation which is not exactly inviting but would definitely return so it's not a deal breaker."

Bocca

➤ 2312 2nd Ave N, 35203-3874, Birmingham, United States

Menu • Beer • Wine • Full • Italian

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"The long wait times for drinks, food, and even the bread—which isn't even on the menu—were unacceptable. It's hard to order something if you're not aware it's available. After noticing a neighboring table with bread, I asked our waiter if we could get some as well, but it felt like it took ages to arrive, and it came only after we had finished our appetizer. Additionally, the wine prices were too high given the small portions, and the quality of the food didn't match the $200 we spent for two people. When we ordered dessert, there was no acknowledgment of my husband's birthday at all. If you inquire about special occasions when making a reservation, you'd expect some recognition. Overall, I would not consider returning to this restaurant or recommend it to others."