I am in no way a “foodie,” but I do love to eat! And, when I eat I like to do it without going bankrupt, thus you will not see Ocean or Satterfield’s on this list. I’m sure they are great, but until Birmingham boys start asking me out and taking me to those fancy places, this gal on a nonprofit salary will enjoy the more budget-friendly restaurants in the area.
1. Burger – Bottletree
Bottletree Café is a quirky restaurant/music venue in Avondale off of 3rd Avenue South. In addition to a great lunch menu featuring many vegan-friendly options, they also make a great burger. The burger is not standard fare, so you have to catch it as a daily special, but it is by far my favorite in town.
2. Milkshake – FLIP burger boutique and Chick-fil-A
Flip is a little too trendy for my taste, but it certainly offers a unique dining experience with both traditional and gourmet burgers, tasty dipping sauces, and amazing milkshakes. My friends and I differ in opinions on which shake is supreme, but I am sticking to my guns with my ruling that the Nutella and Burnt Marshmallow Milkshake is the best gourmet milkshake, not only at Flip Burger, but in Birmingham.
We can’t always be gourmet, though, and for those days when you’re craving a milkshake but can’t make it to FLIP, I offer to you the Chick-fil-A Cookies & Cream Milkshake. My health-nut sister has even been converted. It’s that good.
3. Cupcake – dreamcakes bakery and Urban Standard
Dreamcakes is my favorite “all-around” cupcake winner. Every flavor they offer is amazing. From the Mint Chocolate Chip (my personal favorite) to the Curious George (a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting), every cupcake offering is exquisitely beautiful and really, really good. But, the Red Velvet Cupcake at Urban is probably my absolute favorite cupcake in the city. I’ve not always been a Red Velvet girl, mostly because of the cream cheese frosting, but Urban Standard has an almond cream cheese frosting. It is divine. And, most people are aware of the awesomeness that is the Urban Standard Red Velvet Cupcake, which means there have been days when I have gone to pick up a tasty treat only to find they are sold out. Those are not good days. So go early if you want your life to be changed. And it will be. For the better.
So, the official ruling is: best all around cupcake venue – dreamcakes; best cupcake – Red Velvet Cupcake from Urban Standard.
4. Croissant – The Red Cat
Some may wonder why “croissant” is even a category. To that I say, “you obviously have not been to the Red Cat.” Their Almond Croissant is possibly the best pastry I’ve ever eaten. It is fabulous. Words don’t do it justice, so to adequately understand, you should get in your car right now, drive to the Red Cat, and order one. I just might.
5. Coffee Beverage – The Red Cat and Urban Standard (and Starbucks)
I confess, it’s only fitting for Starbucks to be on my coffee list because I get my caffeine-fix from them far too often. I blame the convenience of the drive-thru window off of Hwy 31 on my way into work. And they make my favorite drink really well – a tall sugar-free vanilla soy latte. But, buying locally is better for the Birmingham economy, and honestly the coffee tastes much fresher at the Red Cat and Urban Standard. The Red Cat roasts their coffee beans in house and Urban Standard purchases their beans from local roaster Primavera Coffee. Urban also makes their own syrups, which are delicious.
The Red Cat is my favorite out of the two local places because they have a punch card that earns you a free coffee beverage with the purchase of five drinks. And their iced coffee changed my life last summer during one of many heat waves.
6. Taco – Camp Taco
Located in 5 Points in what used to be a Subway, Camp Taco puts a unique spin on their taco creations. My suggestion – order a side of queso and a taco with white barbeque sauce.
7. Vegan Fare – Bottletree Café
I mentioned earlier that Bottletree has the best burger, when offered, but their vegan offerings are equally delicious. My favorite is the Garden Grill – steamed vegetables with rice or quinoa (choose the quinoa if you have the option) with sweet chili garlic and soy sauces. When I first ordered it I thought it would be boring, but I was told by the fellow taking my order that it was his favorite dish on the entire menu. I soon found out that he was not hyping it up…it really is awesome!
8. Sauce – Chick-fil-A
Okay, I know this is a weird category, but I feel compelled and obligated to share with you the amazingness that is Chick-fil-A sauce. Maybe you’ve tried the honey mustard and Polynesian and thought…”this is awesome!” But seriously, you have not lived until you try the Chick-fil-A sauce.
Other Favorites at Restaurants Listed Above:
Bottletree – Sweet Potato Fries (a little soggy, but amazing seasoning) and Hummus (not only is the hummus delicious, but the accompanying pita bread is really good, too)
The Red Cat – Pimento Cheese Sandwich on toasted 3 Seed Bread from Big Sky
Urban Standard – Grilled Asparagus Salad
Most of these restaurants are located very near my workplace, so I’m sure I have missed out on several awesome eateries in the city. As this is a forum to make Birmingham better, let me know what great places I’ve left off and your favorite dishes at those establishments!
Your food-loving friend,
Bethany
P.S. Also, I have noticed that my favorite go-to adjectives are amazing and awesome. Sorry about that. Maybe someone can buy me a thesaurus for my birthday:)
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