For fresh Gulf Coast seafood, a side of history, and a fun, casual vibe, check out one of Southside's newest eateries, Magnolia Point. This casual seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, may be in the middle of the state and not the beach or fish camp, but it sure goes hard after those moods and flavors.

It's clear Magnolia Point is using the right lures to catch on. Don't just take my word for it: Excellent customer reviews began pouring in the first week after opening. From comments like "10/10 overall score" to raving over the "incredible" food and "most attentive" staff in town, Magnolia Point is a must-try for Magic City food explorers and convenient for a day trip for most folks in the state.

Magnolia Point is the latest offering of Pihakis Restaurant Group, known for other successful Southern food brands like Rodney Scott's BBQ, HERO, Little Donkey, Tasty Town, and Luca Lagotto – the latter having opened in February 2024. PRG partnered with Alabama Business Hall of Famer Michael Mouron on the Magnolia Point venture, which opened six months later.

Here's some background on the restaurant, what you should expect, and what to order.

You'll find Magnolia Point at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and 23rd Street South in the bustling Southside area. The building's history adds to the charm, as it's been a neighborhood staple for generations. Most notably, it hasn't always looked so lovely, having been covered in siding for many years.

You really would not recognize the building now compared to older photos. The renovation had to have felt like pulling up ugly carpet to find pristine hardwoods – in this case, original 1930s architecture and pretty brick, including the building's trademark name spelled out in raised brickwork on the facades that front the cross streets.

The food focus is on fresh, Gulf Coast seafood, prepared in just about every way you can imagine – from fried fish platters and blackened shrimp to peel-and-eat shrimp and rich gumbo.

The giant po'boys do not skimp on authenticity, with bread straight from New Orleans' famous Leidenheimer Baking Company. Zooming out from the seafood options, you'll find that Magnolia Point has plenty of other tasty choices, like salads, burgers, wings, and a New York strip with a choice of two sides for the extra-hungry.

And let's not forget the cold beer, wine, and fantastic cocktails to complement your meal. The shareable fishbowl cocktails were an instant hit. Folks are welcome to just drop in for drinks and light bites, like the black-eyed pea hummus, jalapeño cheddar hushpuppies, or a slice of key lime or coconut pie.

With the flavors of the beach locked in, Magnolia Point took care to create an atmosphere that's as inviting and laid back. Still somewhat sleek and refined with modern touches, there's still nothing stuffy about the dining room – and especially not the spacious, pup-friendly patio equipped with TVs for sports fans.

The bar area feels even more refreshing and natural with lots of light, high ceilings, cozy booths, and a live-edge wooden bar top made from a huge magnolia tree that fell in Tuscaloosa.

Another special touch to this restaurant is its mural emblazoned across its back wall honoring a local legend, the late "Batman" Willie Perry, who passed in 1985. Perry was known for piloting his brightly lit and decorated 1971 Ford Thunderbird he called the "Rescue Ship" doing exactly that – assisting stranded motorists.

At the time of the mural's unveiling, Perry's daughter told local news station WBRC that she hoped it would inspire people to consider how "Every day can be a Willie Perry day," and carry on his spirit of helping their neighbors however they can.

We think you'll enjoy visiting this new casual seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Let us know when you go and what you think! You can see the whole menu on the Magnolia Point website and keep up with the latest news and specials on the Magnolia Point Facebook page.

While you're in the Birmingham area, take advantage of Viator's multi-attraction pass for savings on admission when exploring all the Magic City has to offer.