Where you should definitely try the steak.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Located in the lobby of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Homewood, this long-time Birmingham outpost of the legendary steakhouse chain is famous for its welcoming ambiance and terrific food. Their steaks, carefully selected and aged for tenderness, are seared at 1,800 degrees and topped with fresh butter so they sizzle all the way to your table. That is the Ruth’s Chris sizzle, which surely should have either a fine drink or a captivating dance move named after it. For dessert, try the Warm Apple Crumb Tart—Granny Smith apples baked in a flaky pastry with streusel crust and vanilla bean ice cream. 2300 Woodcrest Place At the Embassy Suites Hotel. www.ruthschris.com Phone (205) 879-9995
Fleming’s is a classic American steakhouse located at The Summit. With rich wood paneling, warm lighting and a welcoming bar, the restaurant is a beacon for fine dining on Hwy. 280. The menu features the finest in prime beef, along with a variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders and indulgent desserts. The Fleming’s 100 wine list, boasts some of the finest wines in the world, all available by the glass. 103 Summit Blvd. www.flemingssteakhouse.com Phone (205) 262-9463.
Shula’s Named for the legendary NFL coach Don Shula, the Birmingham location of the national restaurant chain is located in the Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria. You’ll be surrounded by football memorabilia as perhaps befits a fine steakhouse meal, but just as memorable will be the dining experience. This is one place you make The Shula Cut ® without having to run fast or kill the other guy. You just have to be able to sit and eat. 1000 Riverchase Galleria. www.donshula.com Phone (205) 444-5750
Michael’s is the original Birmingham steakhouse, opened in 1953. The new version of the venerable restaurant is located in Hoover at Riverchase Galleria. The claim to fame for the restaurant is the prime Hereford beef and fresh seafood. Steaks are cooked over a hickory-fired grill. Michael’s Famous Cinnamon rolls are a nice traditional touch for dessert. Soon to open in the Aloft Hotel in downtown Homewood across from Soho Sqaure. 3340 Galleria Circle. Phone (205) 982-0144
Chez Fonfon Frank Stitt’s French bistro is next door to Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood. The steak frites at the restaurant is a legendary find for city steak lovers: a grilled hanger steak paired with pommes frites, salsa verde and a small salad. If the weather is nice, you can dine outside on the rustic patio. For dessert, try the pot de creme for a heavenly chocolate fix. 2007 11th Avenue South. Phone (205) 939-3221
danielgeorge is an extraordinary restaurant that has a well-earned reputation for serving great food and wine with a casual, neighborhood feel. Located in Mountain Brook Village and owned by Daniel Briggs and George McMillan III, the restaurant serves a wide variety of American dishes. Try the filet of beef, which is served with sweet potato hash, caramelized onion, poached farm egg and veal demi glace. 2835 Culver Rd, Mtn Brook. www.danielgeorgerestaurant.com Phone (205) 871-3266
Bellini’s Ristorante is located in North Shelby County and serves authentic Tuscan Italian cuisine, organic black angus beef, veal and seafood in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. Try the New York Strip with herb-roasted potatoes, sauteed spinach and a garlic sauce, or the bone-in ribeye, porcini crusted and served with braised greens. End the evening with a Bellini’s cannoli with sweet lemon impastata filling. 6801 Cahaba Valley Road. http://ourbellinis.supportlocalflavor.com Phone (205) 981-5380
The Standard Bistro has become a fantastic fine dining spot in the Mt. Laurel community in North Shelby County. You’ll find local organic produce from Mt Laurel Organic Gardens and Soul Food Organics, as well as free-range and organic meats, fowl, and lamb. Try the 12 oz. choice ribeye with truffled fries, soft poached egg, shaved parmesan; and for dessert the cupcake sampler featuring red velvet, carrot, chocolate molten. #3 Mt. Laurel Avenue. www.standardbistro.com Phone (205) 995-0512
Café Dupont From his New Orleans’ roots, Chris Dupont has built a great downtown restaurant and now an adjoining classsic bar. For an appetizer try the fried oysters and okra with cayenne butter sauce, and for dessert the classic beignets with home-grown strawberry preserves. In between, experience grilled prime beef tenderloin with potato gratin, white truffle butter, and veal peppercorn reduction. Stop in the bar for a great martini. 113 20th Street North. www.cafedupont.net Phone (205) 322-1282
Sol y Luna Chef/owner Guillermo Castro’s tapas restaurant in Lakeview is famous for its creative small plates, friendly atmosphere, and its extraordinary range of great tequilas. For a different take on beef, order the special evening entree, the beef tenderloin. It is served covered with a tantalizing combination of Chihuahua cheese and chipotle/tomato chutney, accompanied by refried pinto beans. Don’t leave without a signature margarita. 2811 7th Ave South. Phone (205) 322-1186
