Birmingham has firmly established itself as a sought after town for foodies. Thanks to the talent and mentorship of Frank Stitt, (whose restaurant Highlands Bar & Grill won James Beard’s most outstanding restaurant in the country) Birmingham now has numerous white tablecloth dining experiences in addition to these old favorites below.
Irondale Cafe specializes in Southern comfort foodDreamland Barbeque’s Southside location.
But The Bright Star in Bessemer, claims the title of Alabama’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Established in 1907, the 300 seat restaurant is a James Beard “American Classic Winner”with down-home cooking, hand-painted murals, and a legendary star sign welcoming guests for over 100 years.
The Bright Start restaurant in 1915 (4th location)
For a list of over 25 historic eateries and their locations, check out Birmingham by the Book (pg. 11)!
Birmingham Historical Society President, Wayne Hester, greets members of the Heritage Society as they gather to celebrate nearly 40 years of culinary excellence at Highlands Bar &Grill. Chef Frank Stitt opened his award winning restaurant in the historic Spanish Stores building in Five Points South in 1980 in what was then a ’fine food desert’. Since then he and Pardis have received multiple awards including James Beard’s Best Restaurant in the United States, as well as training many of the restaurant/entrepreneurs that have made Birmingham a fine food destination.
From “The Heritage Society Goes to Highlands” by Marjorie L. White, Editor, November 13, 2021
