re: Where to eat in Hoover/Birmingham?

quote:

---

BBQ:
Saws Juke Joint
Martin’s

Downtown:
The Essential
East West
El Barrio (one of my favorites)
Roots and Revelry

Fancy:
La Fresca
Helen
Ovenbird
Automatic

---

Good list and definitely second El Barrio if you get a choice (make sure to get the chorizo queso), though i'm not big on La Fresca. If you're feeling that type of food, just go to Bottega Cafe. You'll be paying the same amount and Bottega is just better. Bettola is another good option for Italian that is a little more casual.

Paramount is a solid option if you've got kids with you as it is part arcade bar and part sports bar. Food is pretty good.

Rojo is solid for lunch or dinner and not very pricey for a simpler and more casual option.

Chez Fon Fon is another great option for a fancier dinner or lunch.

Slim's Pizzeria is good as well.

These are all mostly downtown Bham or close to it. I don't venture out to Hoover very much, so can't help out with things around there.

Some breakfast spots around Bham:
Salem's Diner (true hole in the wall diner, but great food. Love their philly omelet wrap) They also have a great lunch.

The Original Pancake House (while not a Bham exclusive, it is just a great spot for breakfast).

Hero Donuts (also have a fantastic burger)