I'm so glad I finally stopped by for lunch! What a beautiful spot to enjoy a delicious meal and break away from the workday. Upon arrival I was quickly seated. Although it was warm, I chose to sit outside and thaw out from being in the office all week. They had a current special for restaurant week and I chose the redfish option. It was delicious! The fish was cooked perfectly and the succotash was fresh and flavorful. I enjoyed how light yet filling the meal was. I chose to take my dessert to go, but it was still presented beautifully in the take out container. Later when I enjoyed it with an afternoon coffee it was amazing! I loved the rich chocolate flavor with the light as air texture. I look forward to going back and trying more of their menu. read more

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I had lunch at Gardens Café by Kathy G and was honestly surprised it wasn't busier. We arrived a little before noon and, aside from the staff, we were the only people there. The hostess was very welcoming and seated us at a table with a beautiful view. I really appreciated sitting by the window, where we could look out over the gardens and watch people arrive. The lunch menu was impressive and felt a bit more elevated than your typical lunch spot. There was a nice variety of salads and sandwiches, so it seemed like there was something for just about everyone. My boyfriend and I shared the Summer Tomato Salad, and while the description sounded good, I was completely blown away by what was served. The presentation was absolutely beautiful, with vibrant colors that made it almost too pretty to eat. It looked nothing like I had imagined, and that turned out to be a wonderful surprise because it was absolutely delicious. One thing that really stood out was how much the kitchen seemed to care about the food they were serving. The chef who prepared our salad came to our table to ask what we thought, and we had nothing but compliments. My favorite part of the salad was the fried okra. At first, I thought they were croutons, but when I took a bite, I was pleasantly surprised. The salad was also a generous portion--more than enough for two people to share. In fact, I was so full after the salad that I couldn't even eat my sandwich until later. I ordered the Warm Turkey and Swiss sandwich, and it was excellent. Since I ended up taking it home, I was happy to find that it reheated really well. The fries were also delicious. The only thing that could have made them even better would have been if they were truffle fries! My boyfriend ordered the 8-ounce sirloin burger. I didn't try it myself, but he said it was really good and so large that he had enough left over to take half of it for lunch the next day. I'm already looking forward to coming back. I really want to try the Vegetable Sandwich. Our server mentioned it can be a little messy, but that honestly just makes me want to order it even more. I'll just be sure to ask for extra napkins! read more

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No fresh trout on the menu and I was hungry so I got the burger. It was pretty good, although I ordered it medium and it came out well done. I also asked for soup but it came out with fries. Ended up trying the ginger carrot soup and it was not good so I was happy I got the fries. The best thing about the experience was the atmosphere. The gardens are gorgeous this time of year. read more

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This restaurant is a great new addition to the Birmingham Museum of Arts! It's located on the second floor near the museum's gift shop. I visited during their inaugural week on a Friday afternoon. It was pretty busy when I arrived but the hostess was able to seat me pretty quickly. There were a few inconsistencies observed during my first. I didn't take off for them because remember this is a new establishment. All of the staff members were hardworking and nice. I really enjoyed my food! The cedar plank salmon dish is nothing like I've ever had. I highly recommend this delicious dish! It is a light dish but very filling! The prices are very reasonable and the menu isn't overwhelming. I really appreciated the open space concept and the natural lights created a great atmosphere. read more

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Although I adore the idea of lunch in the beautiful Birmingham botanical gardens, the ambiance of Gardens Cafe is lacking, as well as the food flavor. I had the quiche and my husband had the club sandwich, both unremarkable. The service good but a bit fragmented. The Gardens Cafe place has the potential to be the ideal spot for "ladies (and men) who lunch," especially during the spring and summer months when the gardens are in bloom. Kathy G's has a very special opportunity, and I hope they decide to make the most of it. read more

Wooooow! I just had my wedding reception here last weekend, and it was perfection!!!!! I am speechless, to be honest. The food was delicious. Everyone was coming up to me and telling me how much they enjoyed their dinner, and also the charcuterie table that was set up. From the bread to the olives- phenomenal. The staff was the best as well!! They are the sweetest and most attentive. They were constantly making sure everyone was well taken care of. Tangi and Stephanie are two of the servers that were there for my special day and made sure everything went smoothly. Mr. Terry was the bartender and was making sure everyone topped off with their wine. It was all perfection! Tamara was my point of contact to set everything up. I am from California, so all this was planned through Email and phone calls and pictures, and it was all so seamless. Tamara even refered me to the DJ we used, Chris Amerson, and he's also a gem! He played the best music and is so kind. The venue itself is beautiful, even without any of the decorations. I am a florist so I know what I'm talking about. You will not be disappointed about having any event here. My day was perfection. Thank you for everything. read more

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I should have reviewed Kathy G long before this, my bad! I have only been here a few times over the course of years, but it's 5 stars every time. I don't know why we don't come more often, honestly the price is very reasonable for what you get! I guess with it being tucked away inside the Birmingham Botanical Garden, it just doesn't cross my mind as often as it should. The Birmingham Restaurant Week reminded me of this restaurant again this week, and so glad it did! We got two orders of their restaurant week menu of rainbow trout as well as their chicken salad and their soup and salad. Their soup and salad combo is only $6 and enough for a light lunch! Love it. Their rainbow trout was DELICIOUS. It's not on their regular menu....but I wish it is. I would definitely get it again. After you fill up on their delicious food, take a stroll through the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Garden. Two birds, one stone...hard to beat! read more

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The servers were very nice. The hostess in a sweatshirt was unfriendly. The tomato soup was watery and tasteless. The quiche was delicious. We sat on the outdoor patio and the smell from the trash bins was bothersome. Thankfully it was a beautiful day in the gardens. read more

I am surprised there aren't more reviews on here, but I am happy to give this place five stars. I came here for a work lunch a little over a week ago and everything was great:the food, service, and ambience. It's a little more on the fancy side for lunch, so expect nicer dishes and good table service-although you can still order burgers and fries:) We were seated promptly and after ordering our food, it came out quickly-within 10 minutes or less. Everything was cooked fresh and to my liking-I got the Reuben sandwich with fries-very tasty and the sauce that came with it was very good. The fries were warm and soft sprinkled with seasoning and small pieces of cheese. You have to walk a little ways back to find the place but there are signs everywhere so you can't miss it. Everyone was friendly and attentive and it is a small, yet cozy atmosphere. I will return sometime for lunch! read more

Gardens Cafe by Kathy G - Reuben sandwich with fries-delicious - Cafes Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Excellent ambience, best shrimp and grits I've ever eaten. If you are the impatient kind, you might find the service slow. The great food will make up for it read more

Hosted a bridesmaids luncheon for my niece here. Everything was wonderful! Adam was so easy to work with and supportive the day of the luncheon. We had 15 up on the mezzanine comfortably. Service and food was wonderful! read more

I used the Gardens Cafe for my wedding reception venue along with Kathy G catering. They set up the cafe for my reception. Set up the food and kept it replinished. The food was expensive but priced about the same as other caterers.They were extremely willing to work with us on the taste preferences of our guests. A lot of the food is 'upscale eats' but they still had plenty for us to choose for our simpler palettes. The food was good for the most part, but didn't suit my husbands "Waffle House" tastebuds. (I know, I'm shaking my head too.) The spinach dip with gruyere cheese was by far THE best spinach dip I've ever had and they do serve it at the cafe so getcha some. The reason it's on my Top 100 Dishes to Try list: spinach dip with gruyere cheese List: The BEST spinach dip I've ever had. read more

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The layout and environment of the cafe is very relaxing and is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and stare out into the man-made scenery. The service is spectacular and they make sure you are taken care of in the time you're there. The total of our bill was about $24 which is a decent price for the setting. The food was mediocre at best but the setting makes up for all of it that you hardly notice the food being ordinary after you leave. The calamari came out warm but cooled very quickly. There was much more breading than squid. The roast beef wrap was average. It had cheese and plenty of meat. I liked the toasted chips for some reason and dipped them in any sauce I could find. The soup of the day was a white bean and ham soup, which had a cream base to it. The texture was nice but there were way too many beans. There were shreds of bacon in it. Pair the bread rolls with the soup and and you have a tasty appetizer. read more

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Love this place. Great staff, classy ambience, beautiful scenery and delicious food! Patio is especially delightful in cooler spring & fall months. A go to lunch place for us on special occasions! read more

I host a large seated banquet annually. Natalie and her entire team are amazing! They are true, experienced professionals, and the events they have catered for me have been perfect. The team functions like a well-oiled machine--- they even graciously and gracefully rescued me from a last minute date mix-up one evening, and I think it might have been the best event ever! Natalie and her Kathy G Team catered my daughter's wedding reception at the Gardens Café and The Botanical Gardens. All of our guests raved about the atmosphere, the food, and the stellar service and my daughter was thrilled with everything. I highly recommend Kathy G's for any event and would not use anyone else! read more

The staff at Kathy G were a pleasure to work with. They were always friendly and responsive. They tailored the menu to our desires without question and went above and beyond to make us happy. Not only was Tamara and the staff excellent, the food far exceeded our expectations. We had a brunch style wedding menu with chicken and waffles, a biscuit bar, and some amazing egg breakfast casserole. The food was truly amazing and one of the biggest complements I have gotten on the wedding. Simply superb with high class service. read more