Classic cafeteria line, ideal for a quick weekday lunch downtown. You grab a tray, go thru the line to pick out your meat and 3, and sit down. The bring you a check to pay at the end and handle your drinks for you too. The fried chicken here is great. I'm normally a creamed corn lover, alas, none today. They have any sort of soul food classic you could want: cornbread, fried okra, pies, iced tea, etc.. It's not super huge inside, but things move fast. Parking is easy, there's a lot plenty big outside. It's been here over 50 years! read more

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My folks and I made a run down to Birmingham to catch the tail end of the French Moderns exhibit at the BMA. Ted's was our pick for lunch! We arrived fairly early, shortly after opening, but the place was already bustling and the hot bar was full of yummy-looking and smelling food. It has a pleasant, sort of old-timey feel, which makes sense given it's been open since the 70s. This is a "Greek and three," fairly common in Bham, so they offer country cooking favorites like fried chicken in addition to Greek foods like souvlaki. You order as you move through the line in front of the hot bar. The food is protected from guests by glass so it doesn't feel as icky as a buffet does (to me, at least). The folks working the hot bar were pleasant and working diligently. There was one waitress who was suuuuper bossy and a little short with me (she really didn't want me to stand still and look at a paper menu, apparently), but she eventually warmed to us after my dad chatted her up while she was getting our drinks. I ordered fried chicken with yams and fried okra. My mom also got fried chicken, hers with mashed potatoes and cabbage. My dad tried the baked Greek chicken with green beans and macaroni and cheese. I snagged a roll and a sweet tea to drink. The tea was refreshing and not overly sweet. The food was overwhelmingly quite solid. My fried chicken breast wasn't ready when I ordered it so I had to wait a while for it to be prepared, but on the bright side it arrived piping hot and super crispy. It was great fried chicken, clearly brined and flavorful throughout, not just on the crunchy batter. The yams were nicely spiced and not overly soft. The fried okra was a delight as well, crispy and plentiful. The roll was average, but nbd. My parents were also quite happy with their meals. My mom RAVED about the cabbage and ate all her mashed potatoes and gravy. The macaroni and cheese was outstanding (I wish I'd gotten three sides and it been my third). The Greek chicken was succulent and light. The only so-so item was the green beans, and even those were decent. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Birmingham! One of the better meat and twos/threes I've had in a while. read more

Very organized and clean restaurant. Easy ordering process. Food was great temperature but not much flavor at all. It was like Sarris but not as good AT ALL. Cuatimer aervice was great but I won't prob visit again. BLAND. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The food was delicious and had great portions sizes! The service was excellent with smiles on everyone's faces (even in this extreme heat)! We learned about their Saturday brunches so we will definitely be bringing the family with us next time. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Hello! Ted's has been here a long time and an excellent stop for a Saturday Brunch after Peppers place market! The owner Tasco is a "hoot". We love to hear his stories if he has time. Tell him Greg sent you! I got the "My Son We to California" omelet! Everything was fresh! The Avacodo and tomatoes was amazing! The grits they prepare in Greek style is to die for! Perfectly cook and creamy! Not dry or runny! Next was "Create Your Own Grit Bowl"! Bacon, tomatoes, feta cheese, and more fresh ingredients!! Next was Chicken and Waffles! So good! I bought 2 coffee mugs that are green with Ted's in them for my home it was so good! Here is a Greek style to this little gem and I would HIGHLY recommend a stop on a Saturday Brunch. They are open until 2pm. This was my 3rd stop and my favorite on Saturday after market! Enjoy! 10% off if you pay with cash! Taso if you are reading this big Kudos Sir!!! read more

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My question is did the owner of Ted's Restaurant tell you there was a 10% charge for using American Express at his establishment? He went as far as talking my wife into adding the tip on the bill so he could get 10% on it and gave her cash to leave on the table? Food was pedestrian at best, hard to screw up breakfast, and decor was time warp from not updating. We were with my son and his girlfriend we just met the day before, so to avoid a scene my wife paid. Is this legal in the state of Alabama? We will never set foot back at his place; and warn any others that may stumble on a Greek/downtown breakfast place, beware. read more

Some friends and I recently came here for Saturday morning brunch. This was our second time attending brunch at Ted's. The staff and owners are always so welcoming and fun to engage with. The Teds traditional breakfast is what we all ordered. See pics. I liked the meal overall. I wish the eggs were prepared a little more on the medium side. They were a little too runny. I don't recommend the mimosas as they just tastes like normal orange juice. Unfortunately, they use Cooks brut. That's terrible! Totally not worth the $10, skip the mimosas and get some water or coffee. Ted's has been around for a long time and definitely worth stopping by for some yummy brunch or lunch! read more

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My absolute favorite meat and three (or two) Birmingham restaurant. With each visit the food is constantly being cooked and rotated out to refill the cafeteria style options of the day. Each plate is always served fresh and hot. It has also quickly become my Dad's favorite as well. Conveniently located on the edge of downtown but away from the hustle and bustle of Med Center. The tables are constantly being cleaned and there is always a place to sit even during peak hours. The food options will make your taste buds sing "Hallelujah" it's SO good. Even writing this post is making me want some of their perfectly prepared fried chicken. They also offer a separate Brunch menu on Saturday. read more

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convenient location; free parking; and a very friendly staff... But all these wonderful things could not make up for a meal that was OK at best... The hamburger steak is a frozen patty warmed up in the oven and smothered in day old gravy... would you like some corn with your butter? No thanks..... Or how about three day old mixed veggies? Very nice staff in a cafeteria style setting... but I ended up paying $25 for this plate and for a meat and three I think that was a little high... needless to say I won't be back here... read more

Ted's Restaurant - Hamburger steak over rice and gravy with corn - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Food excellent, attentive waitstaff, atmosphere friendly and casual. Highly recommend. Of the 2 of us, two ordered breakfast and one had a sandwich. I had Grits bowl and enjoyed it immensely - portions sufficient to take some home too! Very-happy-long term- spouse had typical southern breakfast and left nothing on the plate - portions still generous but he is a big boy with a big appetite. Daughter had souvlaki sandwich - very tasty, pork welll flavored, not dry, sauce has just enough kick but doesn't bowl you over. Diner food prep is right there so you can see how clean and tidy it is. Bathrooms are both clean and well-flavored. We'll be back. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Ad on wall - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Decent meat n 2. Nothing overly great. Employees seemed either bored or tired. Too pricey for a simple lunch.

Ted's is such a staple of Birmingham and a must try place! The service has always been great and the owner is always walking around greeting people. It is a small space, but they use it very well! Lots of cool Birmingham stuff on the walls. We mainly go for brunch on Saturdays (which i think is the best in Bham) and it is always delicious! Definitely try the breakfast sandwich with potatoes on the side, I promise you won't regret it! read more

Best meat + two in Birmingham! This place has been open 50 years, and as soon as you walk in the door it's obvious why they've been so successful. The food is incredible- better than anything your grandma made. Everything is perfectly seasoned, and those mashed potatoes are the creamiest, butteryest I've ever eaten. Head through the cafeteria line and make your choices, then seat yourself. A server will take your drink order and get anything else you need. At the end of your meal, they'll give you your check, you pay at the register, and if you're leaving a tip, they'll give you cash back to put on the table. A must try in Birmingham! read more

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I was in the mood for some fried chicken but I wanted to try something different and a place that had never been to before. A friend of mine suggested Ted's Restaurant. This restaurant is located at 12 street south of Birmingham. It was lunch time around 12pm on a Tuesday. Got there noticed the atmosphere was relaxing , friendly faces and I felt welcome. The restaurant is a bit small but feels personable . I ordered sweet tea, fried chicken that served with cream potatoes along with an order of fried okra. I love coconut everything so I got the coconut pie for dessert. Now the fried chicken was really crispy and fried well. The chicken did not have a lot of grease. Okra was crispy as well. The Coconut pie was creamy not too sweet and had that delicious coconut flavor. I paid under $20.00 dollars for my meal. I was happy with my meal and the service . I would recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a southern setting. read more

Catering for 30, Absolute best breakfast catered in Birmingham! They actually use real eggs, and the breakfast potatoes! All so good! read more

Classic meat and three southern and Greek food. Every day has different specials and the line can be pretty long around lunch time, but moves quickly. Served cafeteria style, we got the souvlaki and chopped steak and both were excellent. All vegetable options looks fantastic- the fried okra is some of the best in town. Waitresses were friendly and attentive and kept our teas full all meal! The Greek food is authentic and delicious as well. A must try in the Magic City meat & 3 lunch establishments. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Meat & 3 Veggies - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

It's a small cafeteria line with wait staff that bring you drinks and etc. Small old town locals sort of place. Solid southern food that your mom would make. Well not my mom, with all the sides you would expect. Had the fried pork chop with mashed potatoes and gravy with collards and sweet tea. They have a daily rotating menu and the usual southern side staples. Additionally, they have several Greek items that give a nod to Birmingham's Greek history. read more

A classic lunch eatery steps away from UAB! Ted's is a humble restaurant - a modest places serving deceptively simple, masterfully crafted Southern comfort food. There is a reason such an unassuming building has a line stretching into the parking lot every day. The food here nothing but positively delicious and satisfying! All the dishes here are something that could be found on a Southern grandma's dinner table with classics like perfectly moist and seasoned chicken quarters alongside some of the best creamy mashed potatoes one can find in Birmingham and that's just the classics! Every day, the staff at Ted's rotate their offerings based on a rotation of daily specials. No matter what you order thought, expect a hearty spread of soul food - each able to brighten your day with a little Southern charm! Which brings me to the atmosphere. The feeling Ted's has been able to cultivate in the dinning room should be considering a piece of living culture. It's an intangible piece of Americana with its sounds, smells, and ambience. Patrons sit down in a space reminiscent of the lunch counters and cafeterias of the 20th century. The experience is always transcendental for the way it teleports one to a time of simpler times before smartphones and modern hustle culture - when people could just eat during lunch without worry, without FOMO. Overall a must try for anyone in Birmingham! P.S. My favorite is the country fried steak seen on Fridays, but I gotta warn you; the line on Fridays is long. read more

Who HAS NOT eaten at Ted's?! Like, it's a staple like Bright Star in Bessemer. Anyone and everyone that's lived in Birmingham/or grown up there should have tried it or eaten there at some point (like Demetri's in Homewood!).;) Ergo, if you're looking for a good 'Southern home cooked meal, don't walk, RUN to Ted's! read more

Ted's is the best place in Birmingham for a casual Saturday brunch. It's also a great place to be a regular. After about three or four visits, everyone will know your name and where you like to sit. It's usually packed on Saturday morning (at least between 9:00 and 11:00 am), but parking is always ample and we have never had to wait for a table even once. When it's not packed, service is exceptionally quick. And it's always friendly. The best thing to order for breakfast is the Southern pecan pancakes, or the plain pancakes if you don't like pecans. They're extra fluffy and probably the best I have ever had anywhere, and they come with a generous order of bacon. The Belgian waffles, grits bowls, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, etc. are all good. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is the chicken and waffles, and that's only because I'm super picky about those. Even though we go to brunch here at least a couple times a month, I have never been to lunch here so I can't comment on that. But on Saturday morning, it's the place to go! read more

I like to think I am a chicken liver connoisseur as I have had chicken livers all over this city and for that matter, the southeast. Teds are a couple notchs above everyone's. . The sides are great too! Oh...get them to put a little bit of that brown gravy on the livers...next level good! read more

Meh food and customer service. The staff were prompt, but not friendly. The restaurant furniture is dated with tape on seating.

Ted's is a fantastic hidden gem. Very unassuming when you drive by. And when you go in, you feel transported back to a classic dinner. The decor and furniture are classic. Service was very courteous. Food was incredible. Large portions, tastes fresh. read more

Ted's is a longtime favorite meat and 3. But on the weekends it's a fantastic place to take your family too

Good service but the food left something to be desired. chopped steak was overcooked amd bland. Green beans had very little seasoning. The roll was semi hard. Always curious as to how businesses with subpar food stay in business for as long as they do. Maybe breakfast is a better hit but I'm slightly afraid to try as i don't want to be disappointed. read more

Fried chicken was tough, overcooked. Mac n cheese didn't have much flavor. Rolls and cornbread were dry. Too pricey for low quality food. Won't be going back. Service was fine. read more

In town for Rice Baseball game at UAB and had a fabulous breakfast, with a mimosa or 2!

Stopped in here after the Rumpshaker 5k for breakfast. Never been and will definitely be back. Food was top tier and the service was as well. We shared the breakfast quesadilla and it was more than enough for 2. Homemade salsa and fresh guacamole made it outstanding. read more

Located a few blocks from Regions Field is Ted's. Get ready for What I would call Greek meets Southern food in Birmingham. Saturday brunch offered 8am-2pm. Decor lets you know Ted's Greek heritage, the menu speaks for its self with a variety of souther and Greek classics. Greek Omelette on the menu next to Chicken & Waffles. Hot coffee served with a smile by our waitress then three juicy golden boneless fried chicken strips atop a fluffy crisp waffle. Most items Prices range from $8.00 to14.00. Plenty of parking, no outdoor dining. read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. We finally got around to it this weekend. It was our second choice based on my partners preference. The first choice had an insane wait, so we headed here. Super glad we did! This place has been around for 50 years and every other table that came in, received hugs from the staff. That speaks volumes to me. My partner got the breakfast quesadilla, which was huge and stuffed with chicken and eggs. The tortilla was suprisingly buttery and delicious. I had the hot chicken and waffles. The waffle was delicious and the chicken was hand breaded tenders tossed in a hot sauce type thing. All of it hit the spot beyond belief and it was amazing watching the interactions between customers and staff. read more

Two visits here within 24 hours means that this little gem is beyond GREAT! We stopped in for lunch on a Friday and sampled basically a bit of everything. Fantastic fish, fried chicken, Greek chicken, and pastitsio. We love their fried okra, collard greens, squash casserole, and you can easily tell that the vegetables are fresh and not from a can. Their fried pies are a must order and a great finish to your meal. We went back on Saturday to try the brunch that they were advertising. My husband ordered a breakfast special and his plate was quickly cleaned. I ordered the souvlaki sandwich and had to fight with my husband who kept taking massive bites of it. Greek style red potatoes and a cucumber and tomato salad was simply perfect. We also inhaled a small order of pancakes and they were very good. Tasos and his wife Beba are the most gracious hosts. They are very big on supporting the community and buy their produce locally. You can see that they love what they do and their employees have been with them for several years. You can taste the love in their food and every time a server refreshes your beverage as she calls you honey. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Service is excellent and the food is fantastic! Anytime we are nearby we try to grab lunch here. I don't think you will be disappointed!

Always great food and service. If you like a meat and three this is a must-visit. For out-of-town visitors, Ted's is a local favorite. read more

After having driven by this place many times, I finally came here, spurred on by having read a story about it in a book on Birmingham Food (by Emily Brown). This was a solid meat and three. Ted, the original owner, was Greek, so there were some Greek dishes such as Greek chicken and souvlaki. I ordered the Greek chicken, green beans, sweet potatoes, collards, and banana pudding. The chicken was tender and juicy, and all the veggies were soft, hot, and well-prepared. The banana pudding was okay. All in all, a good meat and three. Price was ok, considering its downtown location. It is conveniently located in downtown Birmingham, but NIki's West still wins out as my favorite meat and three. read more

Ted's Restaurant - A solid meat and three and roll and banana pudding - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Stopped in for breakfast takeut. Friendly folks, nice restaurant for families, very good food. I could tell that there were a lot of regulars. Nice little community. read more

Ted's is a great Birmingham Spot. The owner is extremely friendly and the service is great. It has a classic diner ambiance with a very welcoming spirit. The brunch menu provides options for everyone. I love the Build Your Own Breakfast Bowl. All of the ingredients are very fresh! The price point is great as well. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Build Your Own Breakfast Bowl - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Food was absolutely delicious! Service was excellent, my waitress was Pam, great and humorous lady. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Chicken, yams & mac. - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

We had Ted's catering for a retirement party at work yesterday. The portion sizes were HUGE! I know catering is supposed to feed a large group of people....but wow...never have I ever been around so many chicken tenders both grilled and fried. There were probably close to 300 in two trays....I was getting overwhelmed. I tried both a grilled and fried chicken tender. Both were okay...couldn't match Chick-fil-a chicken though. I tried some boiled cabbage as well their salad. Both okay as well. I had macaroni and cheese as my side. My favorite from them! It was just the right amount of cheese, and it wasn't bland at all like the mac and cheese catered by some other places. Not naming any names....lol. I've always driven past this place as a kid on my way to school. Never tried it! All I could tell you was that they are "that place with the broken clock"....LOL. I will definitely have to go back as a diner now. read more

Ted's Restaurant - Ted's catering! - Southern Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

"Pastitsio and three?," no... "Greek and three?," no, either ... It's rather hard to describe Ted's, a bona fide Birmingham institution that just clocked in a half century recently. But since the iconic sign outside that screams 1960s/1970s kitsch features a clock that stopped working ages ago as legend has it, a good motto might be "We're right at least twice a day on the clock and once a day for you at lunchtime!" For it is a cafeteria that is in a prime position to capitalize on the booming UAB business. I have not got time to go into its history, so I will leave it to the web profiles about the place's two different Greek families that have owned it, the Sarrises and the Touloupises. I do know that it is a reliable stop off I-65 on my route to a weekly engagement in Shelby County without me having to settle for greasy fast food or so-so fast casual. And besides, Ted's ought to own the trademark for fast casual: cafeterias are a dying breed, but that very fact reminds us why we should do our best to support them. Buffets are notoriously unclean and fattening and not a proper substitute, in my book. I like local things, as well, so Ted's is perfect for my purposes. The speed is evident when you get to the steam table. About three to four entrees and a dozen sides are all there. The sides are Southern staples: squash casserole, greens, lima beans, cabbage, and the like. But the Greek influence is present in unusual entrees like pork souvlakia made with oregano and butter, chicken with Greek spices, and pastitsio, that nation's answer to Italian lasagna. Ted's features the béchamel sauce cooked on top of a mixture of beef sauce spiced with cinnamon and probably oregano and spaghetti, no doubt a cheaper but effective alternative to tubular pasta that the classic recipe calls for. That was my choice, along with cabbage and collard greens. Makes for a great school lunch, doesn't that combination? I do not know of any school anywhere on this great planet that would go to this expense to serve top-quality chow, though, and you do not either. It is delightfully different, filling, and decently-priced. What more could one ask for? The interior is just as old-school as the cinder-block structure and the sign, sans the updating of recent years. Do be aware that the speed comes with a price in that this is probably not an ideal place for a casual ladies' lunch or anything in that vicinity. Not quite "eat it and beat it," however, though. Just be mindful of the tight quarters if you are claustrophobic. And the meal ended with a pleasant surprise: you get a discount if you pay cash. I happened to have some I needed to spend down, so I will definitely make note of it for the next time. Now, if the fried chicken is as good as the pastitsio was, I will never want to go to another meat-and-three. read more

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Food is amazing. Staff is super friendly! Restaurant is clean but too small to me. Always hard to find a seat. It's worth it though!!!