Looking to uncover all that Birmingham has to offer? Get to know the city by browsing its most popular local eateries, from a classic brunch spot to a vegan cafe.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to dine in Birmingham, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Toast
Topping the list is the New American breakfast and brunch spot Toast. It's the highest rated restaurant in Birmingham, boasting four stars out of 690 reviews on Yelp. You can find it at 203 Pierce St. or visit its other location in Ferndale.
Among its signature dishes are the Chilaquiles ala Maria (organic chicken, corn tortillas, spicy sauce, cotija cheese, fried egg, avocado, radish, red onion and cilantro); the bacon fried rice with sunny-side up egg, avocado and pickled vegetables; and the Chicken-N-Waffle Benny with sausage gravy and maple syrup. (See the full breakfast, brunch and lunch menu here.)
Yelper Natalia A., who reviewed it on Aug. 5, wrote, "I'm not really a breakfast person, but this place is great! I had the chicken and waffles and wow! The gravy was full of flavor and the chicken had just the perfect crisp and spice to it! I also got the peach mimosa and it was great."
2. Cannelle Patisserie
Next up is French bakery Cannelle Patisserie, which offers coffee, tea, desserts and more, situated at 159 N. Eton Road. With 4.5 stars out of 144 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
You'll find baked goods and treats, such as croissants, chocolate bread, raisin bread, sugared brioche, citrus tarts, macarons, madeleines and more. It also has beverages like cappuccino, caramel latte and hazelnut coffee to complement your baked items.
Yelper Dalia M. wrote, "A little bit of France in the suburbs of Detroit. This place is lovely. My favorite part is the outdoor seating in the plaza. The coffee is good and the raspberry pistachio macaron is delectable."
3. Griffin Claw Brewing Company
Brewery and traditional American spot Griffin Claw Brewing Company is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 575 S. Eton St., four stars out of 379 reviews.
The taproom offers drafts of its beer, as well as a menu with dishes like the Claw-Burger (blend of chopped black Angus, short rib and chuck) served on toasted brioche with fries; the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with cucumber slaw and diced tomato; and the Prime Rib Philly Dip with caramelized onions, red and green peppers and pepper jack cheese. (See the full menu, including beers, here.)
Nora J., who visited the brewery on Aug. 9, said, "The ambiance at this place is so awesome! It's laid back enough for you to show up with friends for a card game or date night. The beer options are amazing and the food is pretty tasty too. It's totally a hidden gem."
4. Commonwealth Cafe
Commonwealth Cafe, a breakfast and brunch spot that offers sandwiches coffee and more, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 378 Yelp reviews. Head over to 300 Hamilton Row to see for yourself.
Breakfast options include the Toad-in-the-Hole (two eggs over medium, grilled challah, bacon jam, tomato confit and arugula); the chorizo hash with polenta, sunny-side up egg and red pepper coulis; and the Common Breakfast featuring two eggs, a sausage patty, two bacon strips, three potato hash and toasted sourdough. (See the full menu here.) It also serves brunch, lunch and assorted coffee beverages.
Yelper Shannon T. said, "This is my family's favorite breakfast spot. It's so hard to find a place that serves quality food and coffee. Commonwealth knocks both out of the park! They serve delicious pour-over coffees and espresso drinks and they have a full breakfast menu as well as quick bites/pastries."
5. Try It Raw
And then there's Try It Raw, a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 111 reviews. Stop by 213 E. Maple Road to hit up the vegan and gluten-free spot, which offers raw and organic food, the next time you're in the neighborhood.
Entrees include the nachos with cabbage chips, topped with walnut pate, tomato, avocado, green onion, cashew nacho cheese, red pepper hot sauce, cashew sour cream and cilantro leaves; the Veggie Sandwich with zucchini, cucumber, red pepper, olives, avocado, sprouts and spinach on dehydrated bread; and the pizza topped with veggies on a dehydrated crust made from carrots, buckwheat and flax. (See all the menu options here.)
Yelp reviewer Leora S. wrote, "Exceptional, colorful, delicious and creative food! Wonderful alternatives for vegan, gluten-free and raw eating folks. The staff is friendly and welcoming and you walk out feeling good and refreshed from a healthy, guilt-free and energizing meal."
