Birmingham, Alabama | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
By Chef Adam Evans
“Birmingham is a working town that made huge mistakes in the past, but the community is evolving from those mistakes into one that is vibrant, open-minded, and up for a good time. ”
Photograph courtesy of Automatic Seafood & Oysters
About Chef Adam Evans and Automatic Seafood & Oysters
Chef Adam Evans
Adam Evans is the co-owner and executive chef of Automatic Seafood & Oysters in Birmingham, AL. The restaurant is named after the building’s past life as the Automatic Sprinkler Corporation’s manufacturing facility. Located in the Lakeview neighborhood, Evan’s menu highlights seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.
Prior to opening Automatic Seafood & Oysters in 2019, Evans worked in Atlanta at The Optimist and at chef Jonathan Waxman’s Brezza Cucina.
A native of Muscle Shoals, Evans and his wife, interior designer Suzanne Humphries Evans, returned to Alabama to open a restaurant that creates “a retro-coastal vibe that transports guests right to a place where our fresh-caught, seafood-centric menu makes sense.”
Chef’S Menu Recommendations
“The menu changes daily depending on what is available, but the Gulf oysters are a must-try. The vegetable sides always highlight the best of the season, and the 'simple fish' is just as it sounds — six ounces of the most pristine fish that comes in that day. We roast it as minimally as possible and then finish it with olive oil, sea salt, and lemon. Personally, it’s my favorite way to taste what happens when you actually take care of the fish.
Keep an eye out for the raw bar menu. The crudos and ceviches combine high-quality seafood with the best fruit, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings available to us at that time.”
Automatic Seafood & Oysters
2824 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
T: 205.580.1600
www.automaticseafood.com
Photograph courtesy of Automatic Seafood & Oysters
CHEF’S BIRMINGHAM GUIDE
Breakfast & Coffee
Photograph courtesy of Urban Standard
Photograph courtesy of The Essential
Urban Standard
“When we were planning Automatic, my wife and I literally worked out of this coffee/breakfast/lunch/afternoon treat destination (and we would enjoy all four). They always have a gluten or grain free treat option, which is fun for her and not always easy to find around town.”
2320 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
T: 205.250.8200
www.urbanstandard.com
Woodlawn Cycle Cafe
“This is the best stop in town for coffee. Epilogue Roasters is their house brew and more often than not, you can find the man behind the brand, Jimmy Truong, pulling the shots. It's rich and clean with low acidity and super smooth.”
5530 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35212
T: 205.224.4011
woodlawncyclecafe.com
The Essential
“Reliably delicious — order whatever is served on toast.”
Note: Also listed in Dinner section.
2018 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203
T: 205.703.3012
essentialbham.com
Domestique Coffee
“My cold brew go-to.”
3017 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Al, 35233
www.domestiquecoffee.com
Shops
Photograph courtesy of Billy Reid
Apparel
Billy Reid
“This is his Billy Reid’s first Birmingham outpost. This man and the company he founded have been huge sources of inspiration for me and my wife. He runs a national label out of Florence, AL, my hometown, and has proven that you can move back to the South and still hang in the creative world, one that only used to revolve around New York City.”
Pepper Place, 2807 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233
T: 205.588.4533
www.billyreid.com
Photograph courtesy of Civil Stoneware
Tableware
Civil Stoneware
“This is hands down the coolest mix of modern and local happening within the maker world in Birmingham. Call ahead to make an appointment to visit the studio because the space is amazing. Or check out their website for local retailers who carry the brand.”
1710 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
T: 205.737.1526
civilstoneware.com
Photograph courtesy of Chocolatà Artisanal Chocolatie
Photograph courtesy of Golden Age Wines
Chocolates
Chocolatà Artisanal Chocolatier
“They make very pure and clean confections.”
1927 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
www.chocolatachocolate.com
Wine Shop & Bar
Golden Age Wine
“We love visiting Golden Age for a light dinner of charcuterie, olives, almonds, and other delicious snacks. They offer natural wines, local cheeses, and meats. It’s so thoughtfully designed, you feel like you’ve been transported to a modern, urban environment where everyone cares about each sip and bite you are taking. They are forward-thinking with a diverse wine selection.”
2828 Culver Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
T: 205.848.8877
www.goldenagewine.com
Lunch
Photograph courtesy of Niki’s West
Photograph courtesy of Johnny’s
Niki’s West
“This is an old school cafeteria version of a meat and three.”
233 Finley Avenue West, Birmingham, AL 35204
T: 205.252.5751
www.nikiswest.com
Saigon Noodle House
“Always order the pho and always finish with an iced coffee.”
4606 US-280 #108, Birmingham, AL 35242
T: 205.408.1800
www.saigonnoodlehouse280.com
Johnny's
“Offering the best version of a meat and three, fusing Greek Southern homestyle with seasonally grown local ingredients.”
2902 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
T: 205.802.2711
www.johnnyshomewood.com
Sweets
Photograph courtesy of Bandit Patisserie
Bandit Patisserie
“This is only place to get a proper pastry. We also buy our bread from them to serve at the restaurant. Pastry chef Kristen Hall has done our city a favor by opening this new addition to her empire.”
2821 Central Avenue Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35209
T: 205.460.1069
www.banditbham.com
Dinner
Photograph courtesy of El Barrio
Photograph courtesy of Highlands Bar & Grill
El Barrio
“It's always good, mostly healthy (I have a queso habit), and super fresh.”
2211 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
T: 205.868.3737
elbarriobirmingham.com
Highlands Bar and Grill
“Chef Frank Stitt put this city on the map. Our favorite move is to start early at the bar here with oysters and sparkling wine.”
2011 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205
T: 205.939.1400
highlandsbarandgrill.com
Photograph courtesy of Chez Fonfon
Photograph courtesy of The Essential
Chez Fonfon
“We always order burger and fries and finish with the coconut cake. It’s our favorite treat; it's delicious and special. My wife and I had pastry chef Dolester Miles’s legendary creation as our wedding cake, so it's always a treat to eat a slice. Insider tip: save a few bites for breakfast and have it with a cup of strong black coffee.”
2007 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205
T: 205.939.3221
fonfonbham.com
The Essential
“Known for their house-made pastry program, the pastas are always super fresh and paired with local produce. Chefs Kristen Hall and Victor King make a great duo and created a cozy cafe with elevated dishes.”
[Also listed in Breakfast]
2018 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203
T: 205.703.3012
essentialbham.com
Bars
Photographs courtesy of The Atomic Lounge
Cocktails
The Atomic Lounge
“This is our go-to bar. The owners changed the game in town. You can get the best craft cocktail or a cheap beer and a shot. The music is almost as cool as the team behind the bar. I never put on a costume, but love watching those who do.”
2113 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
T: 205.983.7887
www.theatomiclounge.com
Mayawell Bar
“This is the new spot in town and around the corner from Automatic. The drinks and food truck tacos are super popular with our staff for post-shift refreshments.”
2900 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
T: 205.957.4485
www.mayawellbar.com
Queen's Park
“They make incredibly creative drinks and it’s great for a date night drink.”
112 24th Street North #102, Birmingham, AL 35203
www.queensparkbham.com
Photographs courtesy of TrimTab Brewing Co.
Beer
TrimTab Brewing Co.
“The environment is chill and dog-friendly, and it’s such a great spot for beers. ”
2721 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
T: 205.374.8749
www.trimtabbrewing.com
Beyond Eating & Drinking
Photograph courtesy of Iron City
Live Music
“A ton of good music comes through here, especially on the weeknights as groups are traveling from New Orleans, Atlanta, and Nashville. Iron City, Saturn, and WorkPlay are just a few of the many cool venues Birmingham has to offer.”
IRON CITY
513 22nd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
T: 205.202.5483
www.ironcitybham.com
SATURN
200 41st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222
T: 205.703.9545
www.saturnbirmingham.com
WORKPLAY
500 23rd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
T: 205.3804082
workplay.com
Sloss Furnace | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Sloss Furnace
“Now a historic landmark and host to several music and arts festivals, you can take a tour or just walk around, and learn more about Birmingham’s industrial roots. It’s always best to visit during an event.”
20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222
www.slossfurnaces.com
Photograph courtesy of the Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum
“The Vulcan statue and the trail around him offer stunning city views.”
1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
visitvulcan.com
More Alabama Guides
