We love this place - it is the best seafood place in Bham - the steamed crab claws are amazing ! The oysters are freshly flown in . I have not tried any other location in years - bc this place is always such a treat . I have tried some of the newer $$$$ seafood restaurants( bc my son wanted to go ) but I have always left disappointed. The fish market gets your food out hot & they do have great service , (this is why they're still in business.) I've been eating here at least 30 years - I like the casual ambiance & the oysters are to die for . In my humble opinion, this is the only place to get reliably great seafood ( & it has reasonable prices) read more

We must eaten there on a bad night all around because our review doesn't reflect what everyone else seemed to experience! We were seated promptly handed menus and about 30 seconds later approached by the waitress for drink orders. We asked for a drink menu as there was nothing to advertise what drinks they were serving. She returned with 1 drink menu for all 3 of us and stood there waiting until we decided. We asked for some time so she left and returned about 2 mins later. We ordered drinks and she returned 2 mins later to take our food order. We ordered appetizers, salad and main courses. The drinks came quickly, the salads came right after and then about 3 mins later, the appetizers came out. 3 mins after that, the main courses arrived so we had plates stacked everywhere on the table and quickly tried to finish our salads and appetizers before the main dish got cold. The waitress never returned to the table until she brought the bill. The plates were all cleared by someone else. We saw her leave a bill at the table next to us and wait until they checked it over and figured out a payment method, so when she arrived at our table we just handed her a credit card. The food was average but the overall experience was terrible. I realize she was probably new and this may have been her first night but some training would go a long way! For $180 dinner, we expected a lot more. read more

We came here for a date night before a concert. Parking was a little hectic, so we parked nearby and walked over. The place was crowded, but we were seated quickly. The waitress checked on us frequently. Their menu is huge and has something for everyone. They didn't have my first request, but I got the pesto pasta with shrimp as my second choice and it was very good. I liked the oysters, but the ones we tried were very spinach forward, and if you aren't a fan of that, you may not like these. Next time we'll try the other oyster types they have. I'm surprised I had never made it out here before. I will definitely come back - but not with the kids. They have some great lunch specials as well. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I was there today for lunch with friends to celebrate a birthday, I ordered fried Mahi-Mahi with the sides of Seafood Gumbo and cabbage, we also had Calamari, everything is so delicious that I was full already by the time my Mahi arrived, the portions are so big, our server is nice and attentive, the service is fast and the ambiance is beautiful! read more

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Not sure what has happened since I have last been but I don't have to go back. They have add too many tomatoes to food that does not need it. The waiter was nice and honest. Place still nice inside but it has always been kinda noisy. Our drinks were the highlight. read more

Love this place. I always go through the self service line which makes it quick. Great lunch specials that include a drink for around $15. Highly recommend. read more

The service was horrible, the table wasn't clean, and it was disgusting experience overall...this was the WORST restaurant in Birmingham.

The first stop on my Birmingham getaway was The Fish Market Restaurant, and it set the tone for a great weekend. I walked there from my friend's place downtown, and the first thing I noticed -- and appreciated -- was that it didn't have that overpowering fishy smell that some seafood restaurants do. I later learned that was likely because the fish in the display case had already been put up for the night. They close at 9 p.m. on Fridays, and we arrived around 8, just in time to enjoy a relaxed dinner before closing. Our server, originally from Jamaica, was a cool guy. At first, he came across as a little standoffish, but it quickly became clear it was just a bit of a language barrier. Once we got to chatting, he loosened up and provided solid service throughout the meal. My friends and I ordered a spread of dishes, but I went with the VIP Snapper Blackened -- a massive, fresh fillet baked in an iron skillet with red onions, potatoes, and tomatoes seasoned in olive oil, lemon, and fresh spices. At $27.49, it absolutely hit the spot. Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and well worth the price. For sides, I had mac and cheese and Mediterranean orzo pasta (hot). The mac and cheese was a little underwhelming -- not bad, just not memorable -- but the orzo pasta more than made up for it. My friend ordered fried pickles, and after tasting one, I instantly wished I'd added them to my order. I didn't get dessert since I knew it was going to be a long night, but I'll definitely make up for that next time. With its sizeable menu, welcoming atmosphere, and quality seafood, The Fish Market Restaurant is absolutely a place I plan to revisit the next time I'm in Birmingham. read more

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Man, it's so weird to see so many mixed reviews for places. My honey and I got dinner here on our first night in Magic City for the weekend. This has always been on my radar but we just hadn't made it over. We got sat immediately. Our server, Nate, was fantastic. What a solid guy. We had a cocktail each and started with the foods. We got both styles of baked oysters, Spanakopita style Greek style. The latter was our favorite. We also got bang bang grouper and a crab cake. We couldn't even finish the food. The grouper was fantastic and the relish with the crab cake was solid too. We'll definitely be going back. read more

The fish market never disappoints! The bar service is always super friendly. The bartenders are great! I love sitting at the bar because there are TVs present. Recently, I came here on a Friday night for a quick oyster fix. It took awhile to get them but they made up for it. I wasn't mad since I was talking and having a ball. The oysters are always tasty here. I enjoyed my half dozen (raw). The fish market is a consistent staple in Birmingham, AL for suuuuure!!! read more

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Service was fantastic. Prices are very reasonable for how much food you get - everyone at the table left very full. Easy parking and the decor is very cool inside with ceramic pots hanging from the ceiling. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Grilled Tuna Steaks - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I fell in love with this place. The food was outstanding. I had the oysters and the Grouoer which was so good. Sarah the waitress was so patient and understanding. She was attentive and got the order right. I love the atmosphere here . There are household and decorative items to buy. Great food! Great service and the prices are reasonable. read more

This place has sunk over the last few months. Customer service is terrible, none of the bartenders wash their hands and the fish mostly looks they are getting the bottom of the barrel. The place has been sold so maybe the owners heart isn't in it anymore and it obvious. read more

Went here with friends and thoroughly enjoyed everything we got. Was personally my second time going here and enjoyed the herb crusted Grouper last time. Mac and cheese was creamy and delightful from hubby's plate! Service quick, helpful, and waiter answered our questions kindly. We went during lunch hour and it was a light buzz of customers but not extremely busy in the room we were seated in. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Greek Potatoes, Fried Okra, Cajun Catfish Strips - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Stopped in Thursday for dinner after the rain let up and had a delicious meal. The fish is always fresh and cooked to order. Placed our order, grilled snapper for me, crab cakes for my wife. The Greek potatoes and John's slaw were our sides and were freshly made. Our server took care of our table like we were family and we enjoyed time we had. Can't wait to go back read more

Haven't been here in a while and decided to try out their new lunch menu. Hearty portions for an unbeatable $14.99 price which includes a soda or tea. Had to box up half to take home for later. Parking is an ongoing issue. There are attendants that attempt to help direct one to a space when it comes available. Indoor decor hasn't changed much over the years. At least during lunch you are now seated at a table upon entry. Then a server will eventually come to take your order. Allow plenty of time for your dining experience. read more

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Went to the fish market for the first time in a long time for lunch. The experience was overall enjoyable, but not what I remember. For appetizers we ordered calamari and fried green tomatoes. I didn't love the calamari. It was a chewy and not enough breading. The fried green tomatoes were better but we had to add some seasonings as there wasn't any on there. The branzino was the star of the show and really revived the experience for me. I would definitely go back for that! Our server was friendly and the restaurant wasn't too crowded for a Saturday! The air didn't seem to be working so it was a bit warm. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Branzino (whole sea bass) Hushpuppies - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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We visited with 4 of our friends on a Saturday night before an ASO concert. Everything was spot on tonight. Food was tasty and fresh. We love the lemon pepper amberjack. John's slaw is always good. This time I added the lemon butter pasta and it too was great. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Our service was great. We did eat in the patio room and I was a little chilly. You might want to stay away from that choice during cold nights. I did notice they take reservations for parties of eight or more, so there's that if you have a big party. We'll be back. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in the city. I've got a solid go to but I tried something different on my last trip grilled snapper over orzo. Great with the lemon provided. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Grilled snapper - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Good food but a bit slow. I had several people tell me I had to go here and they were correct. The food was delicious, seafood cooked to perfection, and the best clam chowder outside of Boston. My only concern was the speed of service, a bit slow. We were greeted by Nate and while he greeted us quickly, he seemed to disappear for a while. Did it really take 15 minutes to get a glass of water? The food came a few minutes later, since I think the kitchen finally caught up. read more

This place is a landmark in downtown Birmingham, and for good reason. We walked by at 4 PM on a Saturday and it was packed. When we went back at 7 PM it was still packed but the wait was short. The service was outstanding, like at an upscale restaurant, but it still felt homey and friendly. The Greek salads were traditional and very tasty. The dressing was excellent -- not overly vinegary like at some places. For entrees we had Greek island style red snapper over rice and pasta with alligator sausage, chicken and shrimp. Serving size was plentiful. Prices were reasonable. The fish was very fresh tasting with great seasoning. The skin was nicely pan seared. The alligator sausage was very good especially when balanced by the chicken and shrimp. There was enough for a lunch leftover. We had a couple Fit Greek beers to wash the food down. We'd definitely go back if in Birmingham again. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Greek island style red snapper (front) and alligator sausage with chicken and shrimp (back) - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This was a very busy restaurant on a Wednesday at 1:30! The restaurant is large with lots of seating. The waiter was attentive and well seasoned. The food was amazing. We started with an appetizer of delicious Greek style cooked oysters. Then moved on to fresh fish (whiting and redfish) and sides of Greek potatoes, John's slaw, and fried dill pickles. The grilled redfish was the best! read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - John's Slaw- it's very thin and crunchy cabbage. You top it with the dressing/sauce you see in the picture. - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Was visiting with the other half and he wanted to go to the fish market where he had been before. Fresh seafood away from the coast in restaurant owned by a Greek. Nice menu one ordered oysters on the half shelf; another flounder and i decided on the deep fried lobster. Our waiter, William was attentive. Had Greek salad which was wonderful. Two out of the three meals were great. I would not recommend the deep fried lobster. It is lobster still in the shell deep fried. Overall great atmosphere, tasty food, but drop the deep fried lobster from the today's specials. Likely will visit again and order differently. Not impressed on the first visit. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - The deep fried lobster special - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Hey everyone, I had supper at the fish market south side of Birmingham, Alabama. I highly recommend you go eat good food good people lots of laughter real busy place so go see the people at fish market. You'll enjoy it. read more

Always a wonderful experience. Try the lobster, the red snapper, the grouper or the salmon. Really cool vibe of the place overall too. Service is always top notch too. My favorite spot in Birmingham to get dinner. read more

We were seated immediately and drink orders were taken. It is very family oriented and suited for large parties. Both tables and booths available. I ordered a dragonfruit lemonade. Unfortunately I did not take a picture. The bartender was very generous with the rum. I must warn you to sip slowly but it will be hard as the drink is very good. We ordered fried green tomatoes for an appetizer. I was not impressed. They lacked seasoning and some of them were soggy because of the way they were plated on top of the other. My entree was fried shrimp with sides green beans and potatoes. The green beans were the best I've ever had in my life. Potatoes were a little undercooked for my liking. The shrimp was fine. Overall it was a good experience. I would go back. read more

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Still some great seafood but the rest made me not want to return. Mediocre service, including a waiter who didn't ask if we wanted our fish and scallops fried or grilled. We totally forgot and they ended up fried, good but not what we had anticipated. Crab legs- crab legs but a win. For the non seafood eater I would stay away from the chicken (dry and flavorless even with the "Cajun" spices) and probably just order some of the sides. Sides were something we would all order again- corn, greens, and Mac. read more

A hidden gem! This spacious restaurant has a variety of fresh seafood in generous portion sizes. I ordered one of their special, the lobster pasta, which was one of my favorite meals in Alabama. I had enough leftovers for a full lunch the next day! I tried their chargrilled oysters, which were large and flavorful. I would definitely love to try their raw oysters next time! We also ordered the calamari appetizer, which was enough to share between 3 - 4 people. I would definitely love to try their raw oysters next! The host/waiter let us know that they were short staffed, so our longer wait times were understandable. We ordered some drinks and chit chatted throughout the meal, so the wait was not an issue for us. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Lobster Pasta - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The staff were great and the food came out very timely and in huge portions. The atmosphere is laid back and super casual vibe. I ordered the crab cake and the seafood platter (grilled). It reminded me of diner food. It was okay, but not something I would go back for with so many options in town. I heard their flagship location is really good though. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Maryland crab cake. - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The management here is lazy, and sneaky. We were recently here, and the fish I ordered was not the fish I was served. My server did not really know what it was. My wife got grilled crab claws. They came in some kind of stew, and were revolting. It was as if they were frozen, thawed, refrozen again, before stewing, or some nonsense. Was this a deliberate move? You be the judge. This was on a Thursday at 5pm. My wife was sick to her stomach. And the owner, and his family were sitting there. But NOT eating. Do your self a favor. Go down 280 to the other one. read more

I went to a catered event here today, as the reason that brought me out to Alabama was to participate in the Transplant Games of America (What what!!!). Our lunch was various breads, we get to pick a menu option, and then a plethora of desserts. So, this restaurant is essentially a comb of Greek and southern style food (I think?). I can only give a review based on a set menu, so take this review with a grain of salt, but I will do my best to paint a picture. The greek salad was pretty standard, but the feta tasted not as processed, so a good quality (and with actual taste) feta cheese in a greek salad drastically improves the taste. There was bread with olive oil.....and hush puppies on our bread plate......again, an eclectic mix. I ordered the fried grouper, and while I enjoyed the seasoning on the batter, I wish there was more fish and less batter. My sister's chicken and my mom's pasta were really good (I taste tested), so perhaps I ordered wrong. All of the other diners enjoyed their meal. The staff were friendly and helpful, and made some last minute health accomodations to the meals in a prompt and courteous manner, so, props to them. The ambiance is......fish meets mediterranean meets a disneyland display, as the restaurant was littered with random mediterranean pottery on display and pointed out to the customers. If I lived here, I would definitely return to try their non-catered menu. read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Greek salad with good feta - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The fish market is one of my go-to spots when I want a well rounded meal. They have a really big menu and I appreciate the variety and veggie options. The catfish dinner is my fav, it comes with 3-4 well sized filets so I always have leftovers. Their tartar sauce is also really good, I tend to get extra. If you're dining in you'll have plenty of seating options because the place is huge. You can also grab a seat at the bar and get good service there as well. read more

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Second best shrimp and grits I have ever had...I would give them a second chance just for that. But 17 bucks for crab stuffed jumbo shrimp that barely had crab and was cooked rubbery does not cut it. The table was sticky...this was explained as someone used the wrong type paint but that did not stop the table from being sticky. Waitress was ok she put orders in losided And wife to oid was full 5 minutes out before mine. But she was a sweet kid and I enjoyed her service. And she was both attentive and apologetic. One star for her one star for shrimp and grits. read more

First time in today and tried the cup of claim chowder and the Maryland style crab cakes. It comes with two sides which I got a side salad (counts as 2 sides). The claim chowder was very good, wish I would have gotten a bowl. The crab cakes were very thin and a little to greesy for my liking. I haven't ever had this style of crab cakes so not sure if that them being thin is this type of style. The service was ok. They were not that busy but felt like I seat a little too long before someone came to my table. Like the openness and how big the place felt. read more

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Ambience 1 out of 5 Where we were seated was absolutely filthy and I had to request at minimum for the table to be wiped down Service 2 out of 5 The server definitely didn't seem to enjoy being there but he didn't ignore us so that's a plus Food 2 out of 5 We had the snapper (grilled), catfish ( fried), Greek salad, potatoes, fried pickles and broccoli The sides are premade and we're just awful. Pickles were overcooked and super greasy, broccoli was brown and overcooked, potatoes undercooked, Greek salad was wilted so I sent it back The snapper wasn't bad just slightly overcooked but seasoned well 4 out 5 Fried catfish was the best thing we had and I'd give it a 4 out of 5 I wasn't a fan so personally wouldn't return, there are definitely better restaurants in Birmingham read more

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The Fish Market Southside is one of my favorite restaurants. The flagship restaurant located in the Harris Transfer Company's former warehouses, has several seating areas, as well as an oyster bar and outside patio. George Sarris, Greek by heritage, utilizes the suite of warehouses incorporating a fish market and an area merchandising products imported from Greece. This is a great place to share dinner with family and friends, with the wait-staff eager to serve the bounteous variety of dishes on offer. For 6-8, let me suggest the Greek Style appetizer of shrimp, calamari and mussels steamed in white wine, Bam Bam shrimp, and Fried Green tomatoes. If you think the table can handle salads before the entree, they have West Indies, shrimp or crabmeat cocktail, as well as gumbo and New England clam chowder for soup lovers. For my entree, I like Greek style fish (Amberjack, Flounder, Grouper, Snapper) or Soft-shell Crab. These dishes are but a few from a large menu that also showcases Halibut, Tuna, Scallops, Sea Bass, and the Kings of the sea Alaskan Crab Legs and Lobster. This is THE place to get seafood in Birmingham! Enjoy! read more

Ah the Fish Market. A staple in the middle of the Birmingham with their famous brick face exterior. But to be honest - not our favorite seafood spot and very hit or miss on quality of food. Certain days, the seafood does seem fresh, but on otherwise days it is dubious. Right next to the medical campus and downtown office buildings, this is a popular spot for work lunches and the servers are always friendly and accommodating to large parties. But in terms of seafood - tread lightly. read more

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Genuinely like the laid back, casual atmosphere and good food that would be much better if they didn't consistently overcook their fish and shrimp. Consistently get fish, any kind, that stay on the grill a minute too long resulting in borderline dry and tough. read more

We ordered from GrubHub for some good seafood while visiting Birmingham. We were so hungry we had eaten before I could take more pictures. We got the combo platter and catfish po' boy as well as the Greek salad. It was very good. There was a mistake made on the order, but the manager did a wonderful job of rectifying it. The servings were generous. The staff made me feel great with ordering. We would definitely eat here again read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Greek salad with shrimp and baked potato - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

How in earth can this dish be $15, even at lunch? This is hands down the best lobster pasta I have eaten in my entire life. Large chunks of Maine lobster with mushrooms in an Alfredo sauce that seemed to have a hint of creole seasoning. Fettuccine boiled to the perfect temp. Topped with parsley. If they have this special on the menu do not skip out on this dish. There are so many lovely dishes at this restaurant I have tried over the years, but this tops them all. Thank you Fish Market! read more

The Fish Market Restaurant - Lobster pasta - Seafood Markets Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama