Great breakfast. Philly omelette is a favorite. This place is in the regular rotation for us.

I visited this local favorite on a short trip to Birmingham. It came up on yelp, trip advisor, and a few other lists and I love old school diners so I sought this place out my first day. Some great positives! As soon as you walk in you feel like your in an old big city diner from a movie. The place where the older folks of the community share their wisdom over daily coffee, newspapers, and breakfast. The owner was known by name. He knew his customers by name. The pancakes tasted delicious fresh off the griddle. Fast service! A few negatives. The restaurant was almost wide open when I arrived but because I was alone they made me sit at the counter, when I'd hoped to sit and read and sip my coffee for a while in a booth. (Mind you seating is limited here so I understood). The coffee was nothing special (which is ok) so halfway thru the cup I asked for a soda instead. I didn't get a refill on either so when I went to pay they charged me for both. My pancakes, bacon, and soda was $15 before tip!!! When I asked the owner why I was being charged so much he said it was for the two drinks. I paid over $5 for half a cup of coffee that wasn't great and probably 6 oz of soda. It was a great chance for customer service and an opportunity to knock a couple bucks off without taking any loss but he basically said that's what it was, nothing he could do. So I thanked him for the great food, complimented the diner as a whole and went on my way to find cheaper food elsewhere the rest of my visit. Definitely worth a visit if you're alone or in a group of 2-3. Not a place for large groups. read more

Salem's Diner - Salem's is a delicious journey back to simpler times! - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Our go-to breakfast spot when we're in Homewood. Breakfast sandwiches, omelets, hotcakes -- all very yummy. It's always packed and has zero ambience, but the food is exceptional. read more

The breakfast is delicious, such a small kitchen not many tables but a lot of character. I so enjoyed my breakfast . I was on a three day visit so I wanted to try other places in town , big mistake . Other mourning places I gambled on were only half as good as Salem's . When I make it back to town I will know ... read more

Salem's Diner - Trash can with two perfect eggs! - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This place has great a great breakfast and close to home. It has a mom and pop style diner vibe. They truly have something for everyone. They have breakfast sandwiches, breakfast plates, french toast, hot cakes and a slew of other delicious menu options. They have been around for a long time and are one of Homewood's best kept secrets. I've dined here a few times and have always been happy with my choice. Conveniently located in downtown Homewood a good place for down home southern breakfast cooking. Simple and compatible to your mother and grandmother breakfast you were raised to love. Check them out soon ! read more

Short order cooking in a storefront location, Salem's is quick and it's fast. Not much space in here, but the few tables are going to be occupied by locals who are well known to the owner/manager who is working the register. I had my usual cheese omelet with home fries. And while the omelet was quite good with plenty of cheese, I'd recommend giving the home fries a pass next time. I'll try the grits. These were grilled and greasy with little taste. Just blah. Fortunately, the omelet was good and the toast was good and the service was friendly. Four stars, I'm a fan. read more

Salem's Diner - Salem's Diner for breakfast in Birmingham - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Friendly little place with great food, large portions and a classic vibe. You should go. read more

Salem's Diner - a plate of food and a cup of coffee - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Food is great and simple. People are super friendly. Best known for Philly cheese steak sandwich. Everything is good and you'll leave glad to have spent time there. Don't expect anything other than quick quality food. read more

Great service. Great food. Old school vibe! I loved my time living in Bham and visiting this place weekly!

Directed straight at the owner! I love your Diner! I travel all over the USA and have been patronizing your place specifically for breakfast since about 2009, every damn time I'm in B'ham. I've driven 15 miles further than needed to get breakfast, at Salem's Diner. I arrived today about 8:45a. Rubbed elbows with your waitress in seating myself at the bar in the corner. I'm 6'-2" and 285lbs. I'm hard to miss! No matter how high I raised my arms, waved them, looked the waitress in her eyes while she was standing at the coffee machine and waiting on several customers who arrived AFTER me, it took no fewer than 10 minutes to get waited on. Once I did get my order placed, ate the breakfast,... never got a refill on coffee. I think it's time to find a new more attentive waitress? The food once again, was fantastic! Love the ambiance. But I'm a busy guy who can't afford to put up with the sort of service , I endured today. read more

Friendliest place in Birmingham. And a classic local diner with great food at a reasonable price.

Salem's is awesome. You should eat there. Classic diner. God bless BHam. Nice people.

Loved this little diner in Homewood! We were originally going to a different place for breakfast, but the wait was 45 minutes! Thankfully for Yelp, we found this locally owned gem! Not being from Birmingham and only living here for a few months, I had never heard of this joint, but quickly realized it's historic significance to the locals. This diner was opened in 1950 by Ed Salem who was an Alabama football player. Now while this isn't a trendy, hip brunch place, it does satisfy for a good, solid breakfast with all the basic offerings. It's a diner in every sense and very small: I believe there are only 3 small booths that can snugly sit parties of four, a 2-top and the bar which may have 6 stools. My husband arrived around 9:45 to a crowd at the door. There were some gentlemen waiting for a table. We thought we'd have to wait but we're immediately seated at the 2-top. Normally, the tight fit would drive me bonkers, but for some reason it didn't bother me at all here! There was a steady stream of people who came and went, and I was impressed with how quickly people got in and out. We were immediately greeted by a man who I believe must be a manager or co-owner. He was super friendly and in such a great mood, his positive energy was contagious! He asked if this was our first time dining there and since it was, explained the menu to us. He expressed that the sausage was sourced locally and excellent and that they use fresh blueberries in the pancakes. He took our order and came back quickly with them. I ordered a veggie omelette which came with choice of toast or biscuit and either hash brown or grits. When my husband asked about the Trashcan plate, he was concerned it would be too much food. They offered to make him a half portion. Yeah, uh... if that was half the whole entree must be monstrous! If you have a big appetite, definitely order this! We both enjoyed our breakfasts - the hashbrowns were cooked perfectly without being greasy and my husband went on and on about how good the sausage was! We enjoyed our meals while talking with the other patrons - yes, you're that close to each other that you can't help but visit with each other! So nice that everyone was friendly. If you want a good breakfast with a local feel, don't hesitate to stop by this diner! read more

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Loved the friendly staff and old school atmosphere! Great breakfast for under $20 for two people...unbeatable! Will definitely be a frequent customer read more

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Great service and great food. Quick and clean inside. Could be called outdated but that adds to aroma.

Was it the most creative breakfast I have ever had? Absolutely not. But was it exactly what I was looking for... you bet! I have been craving a good "diner style" breakfast. Nothing fancy and no frills. Just good ole meat, eggs, bread, and starch. I have also seen the pictures on Yelp for quite some time. So when a friend and I were looking for this exact same thing, the perfect storm of Salem's breakfast was to be had. I have driven by plenty of times and knew this place was small. But walking inside it is REALLY small. Only housing about 3 booths and some barstools. So needless to say even though I arrived in a "slow" part of the wave (50% full), it filled up very quickly after. I'm sure that is what it is like throughout the entire morning. The walls are covered in old sports photos and Auburn and Alabama paraphernalia. The service is quick and the coffee is about what you expect in a place like this. But it gets the job done. So many things on the menu caught my eye, but a good old classic breakfast is what I was hoping for and what I was going to get. I opted for the breakfast plate with smoked sausage, eggs over easy, extra crispy hashbrowns, and a fluffy biscuit. The flavor that only a decades old flattop can provide was what I really hoped for. They definitely had that and everything was cooked well. A nice crisp on the sausage. The eggs runny and delicious. And the hash browns cooked to the satifying crunch I was hoping for. All in all, another great, down home breakfast spot in Birmingham. read more

Salem's Diner - 2 eggs, smoked sausage - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Good spot, went for the philly cheese steak and was definitely not disappointed. Wayne was accommodating and the service was great. Would recommend read more

Salem's Diner - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Great experience. Staff was incredibly personable and friendly. We will definitely be back for another Saturday breakfast! Good little hole in the wall diner. read more

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There's no reason to go anywhere else ever for breakfast! Absolutely the best omelet I've ever eaten. The hash browns were perfect. We will be back every chance we get! read more

Salem's Diner - Philly omelet - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Fantastic breakfast! Even better was the service though. We arrived right at opening and NO tables left. Luckily, there were a couple of seats at the bar. The owner seemed to know everyone else there. Then again, he took special time to speak with us and make us feel welcome once things had settled & everyone seemed to be either eating or finishing up. I honestly don't remember an owner ever taking time like that to greet and speak to everyone. We quickly understood why the place was packed before opening. We'll also be back, but we'll probably go early. Lol. read more

Went here for the first time today w my son. He ordered the trash can with a lid which essentially hash browns on steroids and I ordered western omelette Loaded. Sat in the Mike Slive booth. Both dishes were excellent. It will last you most of the day. Place is a little small but definitely the diner feel. Staff real friendly! read more

Talk about a true hole-in-the-wall place, this is it. The food was good, and the staff is charming. It was a real treat in the middle of your day. read more

The staff is very friendly and the service is good. This is a tiny little diner without enough room to change your mind. The locals seem to like this place, and it was highly recommended to me. This is the kind of place that you know as soon as you walk in, it's going to be good. From the moment you open it smells great! We were there for breakfast and enjoyed it tremendously. The hash browns were nice and crispy and the bacon was not your typical thin sliced, it was a thicker heartier bacon with a wonderful smoky flavor. Make sure you get biscuits and ask for the jam. It was delicious. read more

Salem's Diner - Storefront. - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I have been hearing about this place for a while and am happy to report of giving it a try The location: right in the heart of downtown Homewood. The parking lot is for customers only The food: Home cooked feel and delish! I tried the chili dog and it reminded me of my childhood. They make their own chili. I would love to have it again soon. My boyfriend has the slaw dog. He is a picky eater and was happy with his choice. We split a large burger and I was pleasantly surprised at the thickness and quality of meat. Customer service:very much a small town feel and friendly. This Birmingham staple is famous for a reason. I really want to go back and try the breakfast read more

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Wow wow wow!! We came here for some good old southern breakfast before we returned to Atlanta. This place is really small. The seating is limited. When we walked in, everyone was friendly and welcoming. Someone moved down so we could sit together at the bar. The waitress was really friendly and took our order promptly. The owner came and checked on us. We decided to get the pancakes with sausage. We originally asked for the smoked sausage but she recommended their regular sausage and I'm glad we did. It was so good and spicy. The pancakes were soft, fluffy and delicious. We decided not to stay and eat because it was a little too crowded for comfort. The owner tried to convince us to stay but we scarfed the food down and hit the road. If I ever come back to Birmingham, I will definitely be back. read more

Salem's Diner - Pancakes and sausage to go. Soooooooooo good - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

There isn't much space. The staff are very attentive to detail. The last time I was there I had the two egg plate with sausage.

Great local shop for good food served fast n hot! Good breakfast on a cold morning, nice and cozy, staff makes you feel like you're a "regular". Bacon n eggs cooked fresh to order, if you're a hash brown person, hot and crispy. Setup is like 4 tables and a dozen counter seats. Never know who you might see there(Coach), not dropping any names to protect their privacy. Great little place for a quick breakfast or samich. Very enjoyable, I'll be back for the Philly Cheesesteak. read more

I am ashamed to say, being a Homewood resident, that I've just now visited Salem's for the first time. We went on a Saturday morning around 10, which I do not recommend, as it was packed like every other brunchy restaurant within a 10-mile radius. However, what they lacked in speed they certainly made up for in quality of food and customer service. We sat at the bar and I, trying to convince myself that I could have something low-carb, ordered the Philly Omelette. My husband went with the Trashcan with no lid (eggs). Both dishes were delicious, but the Trashcan was the obvious winner. A combination of thinly shredded and cooked-perfectly-crunchy potatoes with onions and bell pepper were mixed with spicy, house-made sausage and covered in cheese. What more could you possibly ask for in a breakfast dish, except maybe eggs, which I would've definitely ordered. I ended up ditching the low-carb idea and eating several bites of his. The Philly Omelette was also really good and quite reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak. It was FILLED with beef and onions and had just the right amount of provolone cheese. It was also served with hash browns, which were not topped with anything but were seriously the best hash browns I've ever had. How do they get the potatoes so crunchy? Needless to say, we will definitely be back, although next time we will show up earlier. read more

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Salem's is a very friendly restaurant or better said, joint. Small in size where the owner knows everyone. Everyone enjoying what they do and smiles on the staff. They proudly state they have a great cheesesteak with quotes that it is even better than what they have in Philadelphia. This visit didn't satisfy my regular coffee, 2 over-easy eggs with toast,hash browns and bacon.I saw some great reviews regarding breakfast but didn't convince me to return to try Salem's again! It was just blah... read more

Salem's Diner - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Basic breakfast with great service. Highly recommend the smoked sausage. We will be back.

This is my most fav breakfast or lunch place on the planet. Wayne (the owner) is a hoot! This is an old school diner, in an upscale area. You never know who you will see in Salem's diner, as this was former SEC Commissioner Mike Slyve's favorite breakfast and lunch spot, so much so there is a brass tag "Mike Slyve's Booth" at the end table. For breakfast, he serves up all of the quintessential small diner favorites. For lunch, he has the best most AWESOME phillies I have eaten anywhere (including in Philadelphia). Drop by, pull up a seat at the bar, or catch a table in this true gem in the Bham area. You won't be disappointed. read more

You'll feel cramped once you get in but the service and quality of food will soon make up for any seating problems. The Philly Cheese Steak omelet is a highlight of the menu; it was delicious! Worth a visit just for that item. read more

Hungry people beware of this establishment! The chicken tenders I was served which were evidently frozen moments before, were entirely raw when I bit into them. The owner made sure I got an extra helping of soggy onion rings as an apology but didn't comp any of the meal. read more

Best breakfast in town!!!!! Trash can hash browns were the , cheese grits were good, french toast was amazing, and the sausage patties were good also. I'm definitely coming back..... read more

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Salem's Diner is the exact place that I could see myself coming to every week if I lived in Birmingham! It's a classic hole-in-the-wall diner with the most welcoming feeling. We went here because the wait at another place around the corner was too long and we had such a great experience! Wayne and his team are so hospitable and kind--they're the kind of people you want to surround yourself with. Will most definitely be going back! read more

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Don't overlook this Homewood institution for a quick meal. These guys know how to run a place with friendly banter and made -to- order meals. Want something special? Tell them and they'll make it. Don't expect a lot of space; this is more like a New York sized restaurant. read more

Salem's Diner - Salem's Diner, Homewood . - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Doesn't look like much when you walk in and it's quite small but that's what I'd expect from a diner. Wonderful people and the food was very good and gigantic portions. I had the trash can with a lid and had to bring half of it home. I watched the very skilled grill man making so many dishes in a small space. He was a master at making omelets and any other order handed to him. The owner definitely kept things running smoothly and made conversation with everyone. A new lady had just started and was learning their system. Like all small business they had a sign on the door trying to apologize for customers needing to get their own drinks and silverware as they were not able to hire people because our misinformed President believes it's good to pay people for NOT working. So thankful to this business for making a go of it through all this craziness. read more

Ordered chicken salad with fresh fruit - simply wonderful. Well made chicken salad and love the plating. Also, the fruit variety, flavor and freshness were outstanding. Definitely a place I'll visit again when in Birmingham read more

Salem's Diner - Chicken Salad w/fruit - Diners Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Never going to Waffle Hut again after coming here. The trash can hash browns are awesome! Food cooked to order CORRECTLY. Staff friendly and fun. read more

Nothing fancy. But great food. The epitome of diner. Limited seating, regulars, down home friendly service, and great food. I had been wanting to try this place for a while but never seemed to be in the area at the right time. I made myself get to the area and I'm glad I did. All I can say is be prepared to wait but the turn around is quicker than expected with such limited seating. I opted for the trash can and I'm glad I did. It was everything I need for breakfast and right before a much needed nap. After all, with food that good, there wasn't much more I could do besides sleep. Can't wait to return. read more

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