Here’s the latest edition of AL.com’s Birmingham food news roundup, a newsletter-style rundown of food and drink-related news and culture in the Birmingham metro area. We’ll publish this roundup a few times a week. To read our previous editions, go here.

The Seafood King is now open in Hoover

The second location of The Seafood King, the build- your-own seafood boil restaurant, is now open in Hoover. The new 4,000 sq. ft location officially opened on Sunday, Oct. 20 in the former Swamp Monster BBQ location.

The mural at the Hoover location of The Seafood King (Shauna Stuart for AL.com)

The Seafood King’s specialty is boiled seafood bags with a variety of shellfish options including shrimp, snow crab legs, clams, and green and black mussels. On the higher end, the restaurant offers dungeness crab, king crab legs, and lobster tails. The boils come in varying degrees of spice, from mild to extra hot, tossed in sauce — Cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper or King Special (a combination special recipe of all three flavors)— served with a side of corn and a potato. Additional sides such as Cajun fries and boiled eggs can be added at an extra cost.

Looking to enjoy multiple seafood options? One of the restaurant’s most popular items is the seafood boil combo— customers can choose a half pound of at least two seafood dishes.

A seafood boil combo of lobster, shrimp, mussels, and potatoes at The Seafood King (Courtesy: The Seafood King)

Those dining in can enjoy all of the seafood, sauce, and seasoning with complimentary bibs and gloves.

In addition to the boils, The Seafood King also serves fried seafood baskets including shrimp, tilapia, catfish, and oysters, served with french fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries. For starters, the menu boasts a selection of raw or steamed oysters, hush puppies, and fried pickles. For non-seafood eaters, the restaurant offers chicken tenders or chicken wings breaded or tossed in a selection of one of the house sauces.

The first location of The Seafood King opened in Homewood in November 2018 on State Farm Parkway.

Details:

The Hoover location of The Seafood King is located at 1843 Montgomery Hwy #105, Hoover, AL. 35244

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday- Saturday ,11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Looking for Sam Adam’s Utopia beers? Sorry, you won’t find them in Alabama

Due to its high alcohol content Samuel Adams’ Utopias can’t be sold in Alabama.Samuel Adams

We’ve got some bad news for beer lovers on the search for Samuel Adams Utopia beers — you won’t find them in Alabama. Trying to cross state lines? You also won’t be able to find the beer over state lines in Georgia or Mississippi. Due to it’s high alcohol content — 28 percent – the beer can’t be sold in Alabama or 14 other states. Alabama caps the maximum beer strength at 14 percent ABV.

Do you have food news about the Birmingham metro area? Send us a note. Fall menu? Tell us about it. Restaurant opening? Let us know. Think we suck? Keep it to yourself. Send tips to features writer Shauna Stuart at sstuart@al.com. And remember, this rundown is evolving, so bear with us as it grows.

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