Would it be absurd to go to back forty over Automatic Saturday night? Kind of want to watch braves game and college football. Have Helen on Friday and I'd probably just eat steak/scallops at both places.
Automatic is outstanding, just go to back 40 for your drunk munchies and the games after dinner doesn’t seem like a weight watchers trip
Crispy whole flounder with a soy ginger glaze and bok choy. It was one of the best seafood experiences I’ve had, period. Wife got duck fat poached cobia, and our friends got blackened amberjack and gulf shrimp fried rice. We shared everything and it was truly fantastic. Got fish collars, smoked fish dip, and oysters for apps. The frozen drinks are just over the top too.
It's really good. I think Fon Fon and Ollie Irene have better burgers in town, but it's on the very short list. This ^ is a wild take.
It'sAlwaysSunnyInAthens I think that the strip is a special at Helen. The ribeye is always on the menu.
Back 40 has an excellent burger but Jack Brown's gets the nod IYAM. Back 40's atmosphere is one of the very best in town though so I agree with the plan to eat Automatic and then go to Back 40 after. They're very close anyhow.
I was kinda blown away by how cool that entire pepper place area had become. Didn’t realize hot & hot moved down there, either.
I have a gripe against Jack Browns because of their weird stance about refusing to put lettuce and tomato on a burger. I get it, the patty is the star of the show, but putting “don’t ask for lettuce and tomato” on the menu is so odd. Some people like texture. *climbs off strange soap box*
To tag onto the bar burger talk, Martys burger doesn’t get mentioned enough in these discussions as well
Favorite Bham burger time. In no order: Saw’s Back 40 Ollie Irene Chez Fon Fon FoodBar Tony’s Jack Brown’s Hero Marty’s Honorable mention shoutout to Mudtown and the Ridge for pretty solid burgers.
I feel spoiled living in a city with so many good burgers. Toss in the very special Birmingham hot dog scene and it’s just an embarrassment of riches.
also rougaroux has a highly underrated burger (not sure if they always have one on, but everytime i've had a speciality option it's top tier)
I’ve never had a HotBox burger. I don’t even know where HB is anymore. Is it still at Parkside? Is Parkside even open?
Back 40 Saws Chez Fon Fon Carrigans (downtown, not the weird one at beer garden) Hero Doughnuts Hot Box
First time I went to Ollie Irene in the old location. We order lots of overpriced small plates we weren't super enthused with. We get our food and notice nearly everyone in the restuarant is eating a great looking burger. Server says that it is a secret off menu item and now I have a reason to come back. I was so pissed and never went back. I did actually get some cocktails there last week while waiting for a table at Slims and they were pretty solid.
“please don’t ask for lettuce and tomato we keep our burgers simple. Anyways, here’s today’s special burger topped with onion fries, queso, and a fried egg”
Oh man I love hot dogs. Recs please. How crowded will back 40 be on a Saturday night? Can I even get a table after dinner?
Only time I've eaten there I got this and it was phenomenal. Don't remember what my friend had but I do know he liked it.
Gus’s downtown on 4th Ave n That really should be number one and it’s open on Saturday. A lot of the other hot dog spots shut down for the weekend
Back 40 has a solid hot dog. It will probably be crowded, but you'll be able to find a table. The inside is all long tables, so it's not too hard to find a spot.
There may be too many hot dog spots to name. Gus's downtown is probably your best bet for a true Birmingham Greek-style hotdog on a weekend. https://gusshotdogs.com/