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.

Came in for brunch on a Sunday. Got there just before 11 and there was a bit of a wait, but it…read moremoved pretty fast. Service was friendly and quick, even though it was busy. Portions were generous and prices were decent. They were also great about accommodating gluten-free. I ordered the Farm Breakfast with bacon and gluten-free bread, it was filling and really tasty.

We arrived 1:45pm on a Thursday and it was empty except for another party. We easily found street…read moreparking outside the restaurant. I ordered the Banana Puddin' cold brew that was really good. They also serve pour over! Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast came with 2 small bread slices - I liked that the portion was small and manageable. We also ordered the Quinoa & Black Bean Burger and the BE Hive Quinoa Bowl. They are great options for vegan / plant-based / vegetarian members in your party. The Biscuit Board comes with 4 mini biscuits and 4 different spreads, which was nice to share with the group. We all liked that the restaurant was quiet and bright and airy.

This place was honestly a surprise. My husband and I were in the area looking to get dinner but the…read moreoriginal restaurant we wanted to go to was booked. We ended up here. I will say this is one of the best steaks I have had up to date so far. Cooked just the way I liked it.

Food was delicious and great gluten free options. The Manhattan was the perfect end to the work…read moreday. Service was excellent.

Got fried green tomato Benedict with salmon for brunch. Absolutely delicious. Beautiful place. Good…read moreservice. Got free champagne because our food took a little longer to come out even though it didn't feel that long to us. This place is on the fancier side - a place I might take out of town guests. I would highly suggest getting a reservation. Will definitely be back!

Chile please keep your money. This place (in my opinion) has little bang for a big buck. The…read moreservice was great so if it was solely based on that I'd give them a 5 star. But I'm sorry the food? (In my case shrimp and grits) was NOT GOOD. And don't get me wrong, it wasn't a horrible flavor, but the flavors it did have were terrible. First the grits are not smooth at all. Like they aren't super course but they definitely could have been cooked down more. And they had little seasoning. And that's being generous. Then the "creole" sauce on top? Can we ask the audience what they consider creole? Because that was just pure tomato sauce. Like straight out a can, had to be. No way someone cooked that sauce from scratch or even with creole seasonings or typical additives I'm sorry I just refuse to believe it. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST... 5 shrimp??? You can't be serious. I could understand 5 shrimp if they're the huge jumbo ones but these are smedium at best. Like I feel BAMBOOZLED because no way I paid 24$ for 5 shrimp and maybe 1.5 cups of grits. But imma be honest I'm not surprised the food wasn't that good. Any place that puts on the bottom "we can't refund for food you don't like" that should tell you everything you need to know. But I digress My friends said the tequila sunrise was good so that's another star. Service and tequila sunrise. The only highlights. The venue is pretty but I don't recommend

Nice place, great coffee. The service is friendly & the food is great. The menu has a little of…read moreeverything. The pastry selection is excellent.

I've been here a few times now and have always had a great experience. I loved the Autumn latte…read morespecials they had and have enjoyed sitting outside in the cool autumn weather. Service is good!

My first time here. Don't know why I haven't come before. It was very good. I had the King Cake…read morebeignets. They were outstanding. I also had the Trifecta Eggs Benedict. It was really good. Had to take some of it to go. It's a lot of food. Coffee was very good. Food came out quickly. Caelyn was my server. She was great. Very personable and had great recommendations. Restaurant is pretty large. Outside tables as well. It's an upbeat environment. I loved it.

The food is very good at Ruby Sunshine! I have always enjoyed everything. There biscuits are the…read moreonly thing I would consider spectacular. Make sure to get some butter and jelly with it. The service has been good each time. The ambiance isn't the best, but it is not bad either. We will be back. A very solid breakfast spot. Me: 4.25/5 Wife: 4/5

First of all the chicken was superb! Crispy and flavorful, yet not dry. I adored The Squawking…read moreGoat, all flavors worked well together. We loved the bacon. Hubby wasn't a fan of the asiago/bacon waffles, which come with the Chix and Waffles; I tried them and it is an acquired after taste. Neither of us were big fans of the smashed potatoes, although the sauce was refreshing. We wondered why they are "smashed," but round? Overall, food was satisfactory! Service was quick and helpful, and it wasn't as busy after 9. It is more of a community based set up. We appreciated the inclusive environment and staff, but we did have to move after being next to the dirty dish station and having multiple angry outbursts from the young lady working/cleaning and overly loud placement of dishes. We gave her the benefit of the doubt.

So I visited this establishment a couple of days ago for a quick breakfast . The place is nestled…read moreon the corner of 18th street South. I walk in and to your right you go up to order your breakfast items. Good selection for quick breakfast dining . Nothing too overwhelming to decide on. I choose the breakfast hash with a side of grits with coffee to drink. They call you up once your food is ready. I ordered the hash and a side of grits.. They were OK.. I do prefer my grits a little thicker a little cheesier . They have more of a contemporary style of grits which it was OK, but I'm just kinda finicky when it comes to some old-fashioned grits. I tried the maple coffee which was pretty good. Had more than my fair share. There is also, seating inside and outside. Come and check this place out.

Such a cozy and retro space! Not too bright but just the right amount of neon and nostalgia from…read moredecor to seating areas. Service was quick, friendly, and helpful when picking flavor choices. I dined in and enjoyed the vanilla doughnut more than the fritter, mainly because if the fritter was warmed up it would have been amazing! Cold cinnamon, glaze, bread, and apples aren't as appealing to me, but maybe I missed an option to warm it up. That wouldn't stop me from visiting again!

The burger was cold, and the fries were slightly warm at best. It could have been that they had a…read morelarge catering order. There were not many customers for lunchtime on a Friday.