Alabama is home to many unique restaurants. Some of these restaurants even have a bit of quirkiness that adds to their overall charm. Of all the restaurants in Alabama, the quirkiness of them all is The Garage, a bar and sandwich shop in Birmingham that's considered to be one of the South's true hidden gems.
The Garage, established in 2014, was formally known as the "Garage Cafe," which was established in 1994.
From the front, The Garage might not look like much. However, once you discover the eclectic courtyard area, you'll soon realize that looks can be very deceiving.
The Garage is best known locally, and across the nation, for its junk-like courtyard that consists of metal and concrete patio furniture, in addition to...
At The Garage, if you're really lucky, you might even have the chance to experience a live musical performance. These special musical performances tend to really liven the place up.
The Garage is located in Birmingham at 2304 10th Terrace South, and it's one of Alabama's most unique restaurants. For more restaurants in Alabama that are somewhat hidden and offer a bit of quirkiness, click here.
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.
advertisement
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. 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.
Chicken with white barbecue sauce means something special to us. Alabama is well known for serving up all kinds of delicious food, but this is the state's most famous local dish. To learn all about this specialty entree, including where to get it, take a look below.
advertisement
Chicken with white barbecue sauce was made famous by Bob Gibson after he created his unique sauce in 1925.
Most of the time this dish consists of a whole smoked chicken that's been dipped into a pot of flavorful white barbecue sauce.
advertisement
advertisement
Smaller pieces of smoked chicken available on the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que menu are also sometimes served with a drizzle of this famous white barbecue sauce.
In fact, we think this is one of the best ways to eat a pulled pork sandwich here in the South.
If you've never tried smoked chicken smothered in Alabama's famous white barbecue sauce at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, you're truly missing out. It's a definite must-try!
Big Bob Gibson's white barbecue sauce is sold at most food stores throughout the South. It's also offered on the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que website. Or make Alabama's most famous dish at home if you wish - you can do it.
Chicken with white barbecue sauce is something worth trying. Have you ever enjoyed this famous local dish? If so, what do you think? Was it worth the hype? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Try your hand at some other delicious Southern recipes.
