In December 2025, we were staying in a nearby suburb visiting relatives for Christmas. We opted for…read morea day before Christmas brunch at Culinary Dropout. A family member selected Culinary Dropout due to numerous high reviews. I made a quick online reservation due to my great fear there would be a long wait. Upon arrival, the restaurant had no visible wait but they were busy though not full. We were seated promptly at a nice clean and comfortable booth with not shared long bench seating, as is my preference. The menu was not too long but offered a nice selection of cooked to order selections. The server was very courteous and thorough. For appetizers, we ordered the Whipped Feta & Tahini Dip and also the Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue. Both had excellent flavors. I was especially taken by the latter as the soft pretzels worked so well with the gentle, warm and creamy fondue. As we were all quite hungry, we also shared a variety charcuterie platter. The selection of cheeses, meats, honey and olives were delicious. The astute server took it upon herself to add on for us some crusty bread which really added to our enjoyment. For entrees, our family had Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with Chicken, Crispy Chicken Katsu Sandwich, Prime Rib Dip Sandwich and I enjoyed the Turkey Pastrami Sandwich. All were very much enjoyed with premium ingredients and meat cuts. Aesthetically, the view from the restaurant is quite nice as it is up higher along the ridge line. The general shopping area of The Summit is completely and totally safe being just off Highway 280 and further from questionable downtown Birmingham. The restroom was spotless as was the entire restaurant. There is also a bar with high seats in the middle of the restaurant. I am betting the happy hour drinks here are quite good. I recommend this restaurant without hesitation.

We stopped by for a bite after work and were early enough to take advantage of their happy hour…read morespecials. We got several "small" plates, most of which were not small. The staff checked on us frequently. We got an order of the pork belly nachos - so much food, but good. A wise choice for a meal or for an appetizer for the table. With our other food, we came close but were unable to finish it! We also got a small charcuterie tray sampler - grilled bread, meat & cheese, nuts, and some grilled asparagus - very tasty. We had ordered the truffle pizza - truly one of the best pizzas I've ever had - but were so full, we ended up getting it to go and ate it the next day. I look forward to coming back soon.

This morning, Sunday, February 15, 2026; My wife and I went to "The Essentials" for Sunday, Brunch…read more I have not eaten at "The Essentials" for a few years now. We don't like going out on holidays like Valentines Day so we usually do something the day after. Food: I got the Steak & Eggs. They were great. I did think the "Potato Cake" on the plate was a bit dry but I did eat it all. I was surprised that no Toast was provided for this item. Just an after thought. My wife go the Banana Bread French Toast. She also loved it. Service: This is where "The Essentials" understands what their clients want. Our server was outstanding. I looked around and felt the entire staff really knew how to work with their guests. Refreshing. Ambiance: At first, I thought the restaurant was a bit noisy. Yet my wife and my conversation was not strained. The Ambiance was upscale casual. Value: I thought the prices were a bit high yet the real story was, once I was finished, my mind was asking when the next time I would return. Cost a meal is in direct portion to how much you enjoyed it. I enjoyed my meal very much. Eat well, Drink well and stay healthy.

This is a great spot in Birmingham. The menu was not clear, but the staff worked with us to figure…read moreout what they could make without seed oils and gluten-free options. I ended up with a bunless burger. The Caesar salad with chicken was my first choice, but both the dressing and the chicken had seed oils - not good. Still, the vibe was great, and we made the best of what was available. Thanks to the chef for working with us.

In town for a conference and the restaurant was a block from my hotel…read more 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!

I found The Southern Kitchen & Bar completely through Yelp and the Yelp reviews, and I am glad I…read moredid. 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.

We have spent our last 3 anniversaries at Oak House. It has never disappoints. Our most recent…read moretrip there might have been the best. This place is tiny. I have never tried to eat there without a reservation. It is always packed. I did not take a single pic but we had the gulf crab claws in lemon butter sauce. These were the most amazing crab claws i have ever had. It came with 2 pieces of bread thank goodness bc i needed it to get all the lemon sauce. Pricey- yes. Worth every penny-yes! We shared an entree short rib entree and added a side of mac and cheese and scalloped potatoes. There was not even a crumb left. I didn't even need a knife for the short ribs. My tip is to go early. I'm sure the other food is good too, but the best stuff sells out.

Boy do I love Oak house. Really. One of the best restaurants in Birmingham. No question. All…read morethree of us got chicken piccata. OUTSTANDING. NOW let's talk about the service. Let me set this up. My wife and I are on the diet shot. We share meals and still can't finish them. Both my wife and I at the beginning of our life together 47 years ago, both worked for restaurants. We know how hard folks in the business work. Even though it would affect his income negatively, our server was a real professional. I notice things like that. I tipped 35%+. WHY, he deserved it and we enjoyed his service. The Ambiance of the restaurant was calm, friendly and inviting. We will absolutely go again. Bravo.

John is an amazing server, he was quick with our food and drinks, patient , moved our table and…read morealso changed out food. he ran so much and still stayed positive he is most definitely a amazing serve!!!

john is so incredible he made sure everyone had they food and drinks I would love for him to serve…read moreme again and my friends

We stopped by after visiting family…read more Enjoyed scallops. Risotto and asparagus Topped meal off with desserts Great service from server Manager Stephanie stopped by to check on us

Party of 5…read more Restaurant was almost empty when we arrived at 5:30 on a Friday, seemed to pick up when we were leaving around 6:45. Ordered the artichokes and the chipotle shrimp flatbread for the table... artichokes were very leomony and the chipotle flatbread was sweet instead of spicy. The red sangria wasn't special. Perhaps from a bottle but the other drinks were good. The artichoke and chicken soup wasn't special but was 'thin' - mostly clear broth. Everyone's meal was good - rainbow trout, shrimp and grits, halibut special and the 8oz filet... but something is always missing. Maybe it's as simple as needing salt. It was a fine meal - but at $50/person, it wasn't worth the price. Likely won't be back.

This cute little place was a gem. Great drinks, great service and the French dip sandwich was…read moreincredible. Highly recommend.

I wish I could give The Refinery a proper review, but unfortunately they made that pretty…read moredifficult. When I walked in they handed me the full menu... and then immediately told me I couldn't order from it. Apparently they're running on a very limited menu right now, which consisted of maybe three or four things. Bit of a letdown since I came specifically because I saw pictures of their smash burger and had dreams about it on the drive over. Instead I settled for the tacos, which were actually pretty tasty. No real complaints there. The drinks leaned pretty sweet, which makes me think there's a heavy hand with the syrups. The space itself is very small. It's decorated nicely, but you'll definitely feel like you're accidentally best friends with the people sitting next to you. The staff was fine overall, but very close and boisterous with each other. In a room that small, if one of the servers has the cackle of a woman who skins Dalmatians on the weekends... maybe don't pair her up with the funniest coworkers on the planet. All in all, a fine experience but not ideal. Call ahead if you actually want access to the full menu.

My God, I thought fine dining had finally died, especially after covid. Current Charcoal Grill is…read morethe first restaurant I've been to in years that still understands and executes on everything that makes eating out enjoyable. The service is *excellent* with a capital "E." We ate at the bar, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable about every single aspect of the restaurant. They have tried everything on the menu themselves. They can describe any one of the imported liquors up on the wall. These are real deal professionals who illustrate just how important the people in a restaurant's front truly are. The food? Delicious. It's a wild grab bag of East Asian fare - Chinese, Japanese, Thai - and it's all done extremely well. The portions are small, which is good, since you'll want to try half a dozen things on Current's very deliberately thought-out menu. The Peking Duck is some of the best I've had. The cocktails are also excellent, with my favorite being a delicious, earthy combination of coconut, lime, and pandan. It's like an extremely upscale tiki drink. I cannot recommend this place enough. Absolutely perfect. 5 stars.

Another favorite to add to the list…read more Loved the space. Loved the concept. Cocktails (specifically Air Tokyo) were outstanding. We went for the "favorites" menu which a $65/person was an absolute steal. You get two starters, dumplings and cured red snapper is what was offered. Two entrees, the bo ssam and banana leaf wrapped redfish, and one dessert, the miso tart. Everything was quite good and more than enough food. The dessert was a real winner. I thought about it days after. Looking forward to going back.

I was finally able to check out wooden city and enjoyed it so much that I went back a couple weeks…read morelater for a friend's birthday! I really like the ambience inside. It gives a great vibe for either a work dinner, a date night, owl or dinner with friends! It's fun and swanky but not over the top. They have a really attractive bar and they have a pizza kitchen that is open, which is always a cool touch. I try to handful of appetizers and I've got to recommend both the jerk cauliflower as well as the brussels sprouts and the Caesar salad was delicious as well. Also, the blistered Hungarian peppers are a must order if you'd like sausage! The meal that I had both times because it was that good was the spicy lamb rigatoni. I might just go back next week and get it again. I like that they have a wide variety of options whether you're looking for a gluten-free meal or something carb heavy like pizza or pasta, but they also have options to fit a variety of budgets from a casual dinner and a burger to more expensive entrées. The servers are very kind and are definitely educated in their wine and food offerings and very hospitable. Since this is located on Morris, a lot of people think parking is difficult down there, but apparently there is a parking lot in the back where you're able to get your ticket validated. I know some of my friends wish they would have known this before. I'll definitely be back and recommend this spot to others wanting a good meal!

Ordered a takeout pizza because of the 4.8 stars. I'm from Omaha and when I went inside to pick up…read morethe pizza, it was obvious that this is one of the main hipster spots in Birmingham. The pizza was good, but my girlfriend ordered mushroom and pepperoni and we got sausage and mushrooms . The toppings and sauce were good, but the best part was the chewy crust that was slightly charcoaled. I had to use the City parking lot in the back as street parking was full. This area looks to be comparable to Omaha's Old Market, but we didn't have any time to explore. Hipsters of the World Unite!

Great selection of salads, soups and sandwiches. I couldn't decide on what sandwich so the server…read moresuggested half of one and half of another. Excellent idea. Great cuban as well as their version of a Philly cheesesteak. Nice, relaxed and comfortable environment. You do order at counter but staff will bring food to table.

My friend invited me to a fundraiser they were having last night at Urban Cookhouse. This was the…read moreperfect opportunity for me to revisit UC after about 10 years. The location is easy to find in homewood square, plenty of parking (they have a lot or park in any of the surrounding areas), there is a drive thru as well. The restaurant itself was spacious and clean, however, the women's restroom needed attention. Staff smiled and work diligently. The gentleman with the locs was the main one I saw interacting with individuals. Very professional and had a warm personality. My order consisted of half a BALT (bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, aioli toasted sandwich) with a half mandarin crunch salad (lettuce, cabbage, green onion, mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles, honey sesame dressing). Both items were fresh and straight to the point. I enjoy having a meal that isn't overly complex every now and then. A light dinner while supporting a friend.