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Current Charcoal Grill

4.4 (122 reviews)
Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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CURRENT CHARCOAL GRILL ATMOSPHERE

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Crispy redfish and green apple salad
Tina H.

The yellowfin tuna tataki was our favorite, along with the crispy redfish and green apple salad. It was a perfect combination of savory flavors with a crisp, tangy, and refreshing bite from the apple. The pork belly was a bit too salty for my preference, but it was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. The cut of the steak was slightly chewy and also a bit salty for my taste, though still delicious overall. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful, and the service is impeccable. I would definitely recommend it for a date night or even a dinner with parents who enjoy Asian cuisine

Menu
Lucy T.

Wow. I was not expecting much from Current, but it really surprised me! It was not like many restaurants I see around here, but in a very good way. It was super nice and so much more than what I expected. the original item menu my friend and I wanted wasn't available, so I had to go with my second choice which were the Dan Dan noodles. I didn't particularly love the way it was garnished, it was a bit too intense for me, but the noodles themselves were perfectly cooked. Overall, it was a super nice place to have dinner, and I hope to come back much more often.

Good bite!!!
Gabe P.

Safe to say that I may hit up the Current whenever I'm working at red mountain theater. I came here after a Saturday night performance at RMT to escape the rain. The restaurant was pretty empty for a Saturday night. I sat at the bar and enjoyed a dirty martini. I also ordered the salt & pepper shrimp. I enjoyed everything! The bartender was cool and made sure I was straight. I love the vibe @ Current, especially on rainy nights. Although it was still raining when I left the restaurant, I walked to my car happy and full!

Bo ssam
Kayla A.

I've had a lot of amazing Asian food, so I can be a tough critic... but this place was super solid. The service was incredibly attentive, parking was easy, and the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. So vibey and honestly didn't even feel like we were in Birmingham. The standout dishes were the panang curry and the miso custard dessert, both easily a 9.5/10. The curry was almost perfect... I just wish it came with some naan to soak up that amazing sauce. The dumplings and ice cream were also great (about an 8/10). The bo ssam and brisket egg rolls landed around a 7/10 - still good, just not showstoppers. Overall, I'd absolutely return. Solid food, great vibe, and a really memorable experience.

Linda R.

We were looking for a restaurant that could seat six people last minute around 8:30 pm on a Saturday night without a major wait. After contacting several restaurants, we were glad that Current Charcoal Grill was available. Also, we happened to be at the UpDown Arcade bar, so it was an easy walk. I like that they take reservations, and I loved that they were able to seat us away from the crowd and by a window. The service was great! We really liked our waitress. Some of my favorite dishes were the Pork & Shitake dumplings, the Iberici Pork and the steamed Bao Buns.

Camille F.

Cool, modern, all the things. Big industrial building with lofty ceilings and comfy booths. Aesthetic curation to the max. What are the kids saying these days? Current Charcoal is 'aura farming.' I've been here twice now, and can firmly say that my recommendation is to treat this place like a tapas/shared plate situation. For two people I recommend 2 appetizers, 1 sushi/nigiri, and 1 entree to share. The entrees are great but the flavors here are too good to limit yourself to too much of one of them. Drinks are good, and reasonably priced. Glass of wine $13-25 which seems fair to me. They get extra points because they have the Elusive Lambrusco (band name idea) on the menu, my fav. We had the calamari and dumplings to start. The dumplings come under a cage of baked cheese (I think) that's so different and adds some great texture. Came with a chili oil, peanut dipping situation that was the perfect heat/salt/umami. The calamari were perfectly fried. Very lemony and peppery, with a creamy dipping sauce. I had the short rib panang curry for an entree, and it was awesome. I generally prefer a chicken in a curry, but this was the perfect super-fatty treat. I came home with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. ALSO! Our server boxed up my leftovers for me. I absolutely love when they do this. I don't really want to scrape my plate at the table. I understand that sometimes it's a health department thing to not take back dirty dishes, but I think everywhere should be doing this for you. We had a reservation for Friday night, but they honestly weren't packed to the max. I'm guessing they save spots for walk-ins.

Yasmin Y.

We had a fantastic experience at Current Charcoal Grill. The server, Eric, was excellent--attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The menu changes often, so don't expect the same dishes every time, but that's part of the charm. We started with the sweet corn ribs and soy pickled cucumbers--both fresh and flavorful. For my main, I had the whole fluke flounder, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. We shared a side of steamed rice, which complemented everything nicely. Highly recommend for a seasonal, thoughtful dining experience. Oh and dessert- the miso custard tart!!!!!

Beef Carpaccio
Alexandra S.

Very cool, modern ambiance! Our waiter, gave amazing recommendations: Beef Carpaccio- was super tender, fresh, and perfectly balanced with apple to give it citrus and the sauce made it perfect! He said the Iberico Pork is the best entree: he was right! The pork was cooked to perfection with the meat so tender and not dry at all. The food is cooked beautifully and packed with flavor! We will be back!

Benjamin C.

As an American Born Chinese, I'm a manifestation of Asian fusion, so when someone told me that Current is good Asian fusion, I knew I had to be the judge of that. On the table: pork katsu bao, sweetcorn ribs, whole fluke flounder, soy pickled cucumbers, crispy potatoes. Pork katsu bao - I was very pleased. The pork deep fried into a cake was a creative southern spin on a classic staple of the orient. Sweetcorn ribs - this felt more like a Mexican street food to me as cheese isn't really a thing in most Pacific Asian cuisine, but I still liked the dish and really liked the stracciatella cheese and chili crisps (I'm a big fan of chili crisps - Lao Gan Ma is the most popular chili crisp brand you can find at any Asian grocery). Whole fluke flounder - another pretty good fusion with the butter and soy. Normally this type of dish is steamed in traditional Chinese cuisine. I can appreciate the attempt to fry it, but it didn't work for me like it did on the pork bun. It felt like the fish fry dried it out too much since the flounder itself was already pretty thin. I do love the fact that the fish came out bone-in. Most Americans are pretty scared of bones . One thing I wish I had was a bowl of rice to eat with the sauce, but I wasn't going to pay $8 for a side of rice. Soy pickled cucumbers - good. Crispy potatoes - good, enjoyed the curry mayo. One suggestion I have is to improve the organization of the menu. Some dishes seemed more shareable/family style while others were individual entrees. The waiter knew how to guide us, but it was still a little confusing, especially as the prices varied significantly between dishes. And fried chicken was listed under "Salads and more." I guess it was the only "more" item, but I definitely didn't see it having initially skipped over the salads part. Raw dishes were listed first, so it wasn't clear to me if these were more along the lines of appetizers, entrees, or side dishes. Overall, I think this place does a great job of blending together coastal Asian and southern cuisine and flavors. The creativity and execution I experienced during my visit definitely "pays homage to the vast range of flavors, ingredients, and techniques of Asian cuisine and the bounty of the Pacific" (from website). I sometimes forget that a lot of people have never been introduced to elements of Asian cuisine before, so I'm glad that this place is providing a familiar way to be introduced to new flavors and ingredients.

Virginia H.

My mom took me and my SO here to celebrate my work anniversary. I enjoyed the experience and the food overall, though the start was a little rocky as making a reservation was like buying a car or something. Asked for name, phone number, email, and some other things that I can't remember....there were a lot of questions for a reservation. Then they wanted a credit card too. So yeah. Anyway. So it's Asian-American fusion, and I would say the food reflects that pretty accurately. Very much recognizable Asian dishes that have twists. Got pan fried dumplings, green onion pancakes, fish, short rib, mushroom pot, green tea ice cream, and miso cake. Everything was above average. My favorite was the green tea ice cream tho, haha. Definitely worth trying, but it's not going to be a regular for me. Reservation too much of a hassle. May pop in for ice cream to go tho, ha.

Dumplings
Bella A.

Currently now obsessed with current! Knowing it's from the same creators of Automatic Seafood, I did come in with high expectations. And it definitely met my expectations and more. When first stepping in, the vibes of the restaurant are so fun and hip! Our server was very personable and helpful throughout the meal. To start, I tried the lucky lotus which was fantastic. We shared the dumplings, wings, and scallops for appetizers. My favorite were the scallops but everything was delicious. I enjoyed the beef Panang curry for dinner - very hearty and very good. I also tried my friend's snapper and the fried chicken which was delicious. If you're up for southern Asian fusion, you can't miss out on Current.

Salt and pepper shrimp, beef spring rolls, and  Jasmine rice
Jameka T.

Food was great. I went after a play at Red Mountain Theater. Emily the bartender was personable and informative. She engaged in conversation with me and helped me pick our my dishes. The atmosphere was swanky just like I like it.

Joseph C.

Current Charcoal Grill is absolutely deserving of Michelin-level praise. Every visit has been outstanding from the food to the staff to the ambiance. The dumplings, shrimp, and Panang curry were all incredible, perfectly executed, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The staff is attentive and welcoming, making every meal feel special. Lovely atmosphere rounds out the experience. This is the kind of place that sets the bar high in Birmingham, truly exceptional from start to finish.

Tuna bowl

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7 months ago

Very cool atmosphere and good service but the food was very different. Flavors are unique and not really my taste. Won't go back.

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1 year ago

Showed up for lunch, paid for parking, only to discover that they aren't open for lunch. You need to update your yelp info.

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Excellent service, food was great !! Very good place for a date.. if you want to make a great impression!

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Wooden City

Wooden City

4.7
(122 reviews)
0.7 mi

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!

Photos
Wooden City
Tavern Burger - american cheese, iceberg, grilled onion, dill pickle, bacon
Tavern Burger - american cheese, iceberg, grilled onion, dill pickle, bacon
Gimlet

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Gimlet
The Essential

The Essential

4.4
(502 reviews)
0.6 mi
$$

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.

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The Essential
Pavlova
Pavlova
Sourdough bread with French butter.

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Sourdough bread with French butter.
Yo' Mama's

Yo' Mama's

4.7
(588 reviews)
0.6 mi
$$

The menu had a good variety of options including fish, hamburgers, chicken, and more, though I…read moredidn't notice any salad options available. Parking is primarily street parking in the area, but there is also a public parking deck nearby. I'm unsure what the current cost is for the deck, but it's worth knowing if you're visiting during a busier time. I ordered the fish tacos with black beans and chose the cheese grits as my second side. Everything tasted fresh and had lots of flavor. The real star of the meal, though, was the sweet potato cake. It was incredibly moist and delicious. Honestly, I could've eaten four of them without shame or hesitation. My colleagues ordered burgers and fries. They both really enjoyed their burgers, but neither cared much for the fries. They had also requested a couple additional items after the food arrived, but those items never made it to the table. The decor is bright and fun, though it didn't quite seem to match the style of food being served. Just my personal observation. They also have a robot that helps deliver the food alongside the servers, which felt a little unexpected for the casual atmosphere and southern comfort food vibe. They were fairly busy since it was lunchtime on a Friday, but the wait really wasn't bad at all. Would I go back? Yes. Was it my absolute favorite? No. But there were definitely things I enjoyed, especially that sweet potato cake that nearly made me consider ordering dessert first next time.

I specifically chose Yo' Mama's because I'd heard great things about the food and also wanted to…read moresupport a Black-owned business -- and I'm so glad I did because the food absolutely did not disappoint. We ordered the hot chicken sandwich with a side of coleslaw, and both were packed with flavor. The slaw was light, crisp, and not overloaded with mayo, with just a slight peppery kick that made it incredibly tasty. The hot chicken sandwich itself wasn't overwhelmingly spicy, but it was finger-licking good -- juicy, well-seasoned, and satisfying down to the last crumb. We truly enjoyed every bite. The ambience with its bright green, purple and white colors added to the experience. The restaurant was lively and full of people, which is always a good sign. I also caught glimpses of other patrons' dishes, and everything coming out of the kitchen looked just as delicious as what we ordered. Service was friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even better. Staff members seemed genuinely happy to be there and kept things moving smoothly. The location is right in the heart of downtown Bhama, so parking is metered street parking, but the prices were reasonable and worth it for the quality and uniqueness of the food. Overall, this spot delivered on food, atmosphere, and service. Big thumbs up from me -- I'll definitely be back!

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Counter
Counter
Yo' Mama's
BBQ Cheeseburger Plate

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BBQ Cheeseburger Plate
Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

4.3
(477 reviews)
0.5 mi
$$

I wanted to love this place SO BAD!! There's an attached arcade!!…read moreAnd the staff was SO NICE and friendly and helpful and I loved the industrial, creative decor. But we'd spent the day at McWane Center and we were starving so we were there to EAT! The food looked gorgeous but it tasted very meh. The onion rings had too much breading on them, which I didn't think was possible, but here we are. The part of the breading next to the onion was mushy so that threw off the texture of the whole thing too. The burger was very much like a Whataburger. Even the lettuce smelled the same. I got The Standard and the bun of the burger was a little mushy (similar to Whataburger) and there was not much meat. For an $11 burger, I'm expecting more than a Whataburger. My middle kid likes everything on her burger and isn't picky at all and the loaded kid burger looked impressive but it was about the same as mine. Not awful, but not very good either. Very close to the same amount of meat. She's the queen of the Clean Plate Club and she only ate half. The fries were good but a somewhat too salty, the dip that came with the onion rings was excellent and we ended up using it for the fries. We had 2 adults and 3 kids and our meal was $63 before tip for 5 waters, 2 adult burgers, 2 kid burgers, a kid grilled cheese, and a basket of fries and onion rings (I thought I was ordering a "side" of fries, not realizing I actually ordered a basket and it was a lot of fries and onion rings). We don't mind spending money on good food, but the prices here don't align with what you get. No one was more disappointed than me, I've been wanting to eat here for FOREVER!!!

We sat at the bar. Nice selection of beers. We had the three hander and my wife had a gourmet hot…read moredog called West Virginia. The food was perfectly prepared and surprised us how good. The bar was very busy but the bartender was very attentive. Great service. The ambiance was perfect for a corner bar downtown.

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Beer is pictured
Beer is pictured
I rarely eat the impossible burger but it was so darn good!
I rarely eat the impossible burger but it was so darn good!
Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

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Current Charcoal Grill - asianfusion - Updated June 2026

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