1. Unplugged

Relive all your ’90s nostalgia at this new “underground” bar and restaurant that serves up classic comforting dishes and drinks with a modern twist. On the menu, you’ll find updated takes on suburban favorites like Hamburger Helper, Bagel Bites, and Hot Pockets. Be sure to wash it all down the bar’s signature Frozen Gushers drink made with tequila, pineapple juice, orange juice, banana, and ice.

2. Seafood King

You don’t have to head to the coast for an authentic seafood boil experience. Seafood King’s new Hoover location offers all the classics, from mussels and crab legs to crawfish and clams. For those who prefer their seafood on the crispy side, the restaurant also offers fried fish and shrimp baskets.

3. McFly’s Bird Shoppe

One of Five Points’ newest eateries has perfected the art of the chicken tenders. McFly’s is a fast-casual concept that specializes in crispy, fried tenders served with your choice of 16 different sauces. Creative offerings include bourbon bbq, lemon dill remoulade, black garlic ranch, Nashville hot mayo, pesto, smoked Caesar, and more.

Chicken tenders with various dipping sauces, fries, and tater tots from McFly's Bird Shop. Photo by BCJ Creative Agency.

4. Flying Biscuit

This Atlanta-based breakfast and brunch spot made a splash when it opened in the Colonnade on Highway 280 in late 2019. The restaurant serves an all-day menu brimming with breakfast food favorites like scrambles, Benedicts, French toast, and of course their signature fluffy Flying Biscuits with housemade cranberry apple butter.

5. Mayawell Bar

Agave-based spirits are the focus of new bar Mayawell, which opened this month. The bar is named after Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of the agave plant and the mother of 400 divine rabbits that promote mayhem and revelry. The bar focuses on tequila and mezcal primarily, but also offers a selection of local craft and Mexican beer, in addition to wine and spirits. The space features a patio and rooftop. Look for a colorful mural of a rabbit to find the building at the corner of Fourth Avenue South and 29th Street downtown.

6. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

The Columbus, Ohio-based company has quickly become one of the most beloved ice cream shop chains in the country, and Birmingham is soon getting one of its own. The shop will be a new build-out in Pepper Place located near the Martin Biscuit Building, and is planning to open in spring 2020. Birmingham can’t wait to get its hands on Jeni’s one-of-a-kind artisan flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Butter Cake, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, and Boston Cream.

A Jeni's shop will open in Pepper Place in spring 2020. Photo courtesy of Jeni's.

7. Hot & Hot Fish Club

It’s technically not new, but the downtown institution is moving from its original location off Highland Avenue to a new home in Pepper Place. After ringing out the new year with their “Last Supper Series” at the end of the month, the restaurant will roll out a new menu along with its new location in the new year.

Closing Time

We’re sad to see these Magic City establishments go.

Whistling Table: This Forest Park restaurant from Shindig’s chef closed in October

Johnny Rocket’s: Long-running diner at the Summit closed in September

This story appears in Birmingham magazine’s December 2019 issue. Subscribe today!