Updated July 2024 by Paige Townley

Birmingham’s vibrant food scene is undeniable, and its culinary landscape constantly evolves. The city boasts an impressive array of first-class restaurants and signature dishes, and we’ve curated a list of must-try summer selections that celebrate the season’s finest. From fresh salads to indulgent desserts, these gems showcase the best of the Magic City’s offerings. Dive in and savor the quintessential flavor of summer!

Heirloom Tomato Panini at Brick & Tin

Neighborhoods: Mountain Brook + Downtown
More info: brickandtin.com

Brick & Tin’s Heirloom Tomato Panini is a delicious way to savor the abundance of summer. Featuring locally sourced heirloom tomatoes, homemade aioli, basil pesto, and slices of pain de mie loaf, the panini is a classic summer indulgence and a satisfying tribute to freshness and flavor.

A close-up of a grilled sandwich cut in half, filled with tomatoes, pesto, and cheese, placed on a white plate—an essential summer dish.Pin
The Heirloom Tomato Panini is crafted with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Image: Brick & Tin

Marinated Crab Claws at Automatic Seafood & Oysters

Neighborhood: Lakeview
More info: automaticseafood.com

With a menu that reflects the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico, Automatic Seafood & Oysters lends itself to a coastal setting reminiscent of Southern shorelines. The Marinated Crab Claws are served chilled with lime, cilantro, and fish sauce and are best enjoyed outside on the patio alongside a crisp glass of wine.

marinated crab claws on icePin
Enjoy marinated crab claws on the patio. Image: Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Original Whole Hog Sandwich at Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

Neighborhoods: Homewood + Trussville
More info: rodneyscottsbbq.com

Summer and BBQ go hand in hand, and nothing embodies this delicious tradition better than the Original Whole Hog Sandwich from Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ. Featuring pit-cooked, Carolina-style whole hog topped with Rodney’s Sauce and served open-faced with crispy pork skins, this sandwich is a celebration of BBQ at its finest. Accompanied by your choice of classic sides, such as coleslaw or mac and cheese, it evokes the spirit of summer cookouts and festive gatherings.

A tray with open-faced pulled pork sandwiches topped with crispy pork cracklings, accompanied by a side of coleslaw in a small paper tray.Pin
The most popular sandwich on the menu was inspired by Rodney Scott’s experience working in the BBQ pits in his parent’s restaurant in Hemingway, South Carolina. Image: Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

Birmingham Dog at Carrigan’s Beer Garden

Neighborhood: Lakeview
More info: carrigans.com

A summer staple, there’s just something about a hot dog that tastes best when the weather is warm and the days are long. At Carrigan’s Beer Garden, the Birmingham Dog certainly hits the spot. Nathan’s Famous hot dog is served on a Hawaiian roll and dressed in a special sauce with sauerkraut and mustard. Even better, it’s served alongside homemade fries and a choice of house dipping sauce.

Hot dog covered with mustard next to pile of French friesPin
Hot dogs always hit the spot, especially during the summer months. Image: Carrigan’s Beer Garden

Tomato Salad at Hot and Hot Fish Club

Neighborhood: Pepper Place
More info: hotandhotfishclub.com

The tomato salad at Hot and Hot Fish Club became a seasonal sensation when it was first added to the acclaimed restaurant’s menu several decades ago. Simple yet complex in flavor, the salad highlights the best of Alabama’s summer produce — tomatoes, okra, field peas, and corn, all topped with bacon and drizzled with house-made aioli. The dish is wildly popular amongst locals, and it’s available from late April to early September when the South’s tomato season comes to an end.

A tower of heirloom tomato slices stacked with corn and bean salad, drizzled with creamy dressing, and topped with a crispy strip of bacon.Pin
This summer salad has a cult following, and we can see why. Image: Hot and Hot Fish Club

Neighborhoods: Brocks Gap + Cahaba Heights+ Greystone + Homewood
More info: cookiefix.com

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Cookie Fix’s irresistible Lemon Blondie. This seasonal treat features a white chocolate cookie infused with zesty lemon, perfectly complemented by a crunchy sugar coating. Available exclusively on the menu throughout June and July, it’s the ultimate indulgence for those seeking a refreshing burst of citrusy flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a midday pick-me-up or an after-dinner dessert, the Lemon Blondie promises to brighten your day with every bite.

Cookies with white chocolate chips are arranged on parchment paper next to slices of lemon on a cooling rack with a green cloth underneath.Pin
The Lemon Blondie from Cookie Fix is the perfect treat for sunny days and sweet cravings. Image: Facebook

Chicken Escabeche at El Barrio

Neighborhood: Druid Hills
More info: elbarriobirmingham.com

“Delicious” is an understatement when it comes to the Chicken Escabeche at El Barrio. This culinary delight features crispy, braised chicken thighs paired with grilled fingerling potatoes, fresh green beans, okra, and asparagus, all topped with crunchy pepitas. The smoky chipotle vinaigrette ties everything together, delivering a burst of tangy, smoky goodness. Perfect for a summer evening, this dish satisfies and celebrates the season’s freshest ingredients.

A plate of grilled chicken, one of the essential summer foods, garnished with greens and a slice of lime, set on a wooden table with green foliage in the background.Pin
The Chicken Escabeche from El Barrio perfectly blends crispy textures and bold flavors. Image: El Barrio

Gulf Fish with Ratatouille & Aioli at Chez Fonfon

Neighborhood: Five Points South
More info: fonfonbham.com

The Friday special this summer at Chez Fonfon is one of Chef Stitt’s favorite summertime dishes, and it’s bound to become one of yours, too. This quintessential French dish perfectly marries the classic combo of sweet peppers, zucchini, eggplant, garlic, basil, and olive oil with freshly grilled Gulf fish. Finished with a dollop of aioli, it’s the ultimate plate for savoring the season’s flavors.

Seared fish fillet served with a dollop of green sauce, a tomato-based vegetable medley, and a garnish of fresh basil on a white plate. Pin
The Gulf Fish with Ratatouille & Aioli is a must-eat each Friday at Chez Fonfon. Image: Chez Fonfon

Summer Salad at Greenhouse

Neighborhoods: Homewood + Downtown
More info: greenhousebham.com

Greenhouse’s Summer Salad embodies everything we love about the season. Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this summer dish features mixed greens, romaine, arugula, grilled peppers and onions, charred corn, cilantro, and sunflower seeds. What sets it apart is the creamy avocado sauce and zesty roasted red pepper vinaigrette that elevate each bite with a perfect balance of richness and tanginess. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option, this salad captures the essence of summer on a plate.

A person holds a white bowl of salad with various greens, sliced tomatoes, and a green dressing drizzle—an essential summer dish. A small cup of orange-colored dressing is on the side. Pin
Greenhouse’s Summer Salad combines just the right ingredients to make you taste summer in every bite. Image: Greenhouse

Sweet Corn Blackberry Sammie at Big Spoon Creamery

Neighborhoods: Avondale + Homewood
More info: bigspooncreamery.com

Big Spoon Creamery‘s Sweet Corn Blackberry Sammie epitomizes summer flavors. This delightful treat features sweet corn cookies enveloping sweet corn ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. The addition of fresh blackberries within the ice cream adds a burst of tangy freshness that perfectly complements the rich, creamy texture. Bonus: For those not craving an ice cream sandwich, the Sweet Corn Blackberry ice cream is also available solo.

A hand holds a half-eaten ice cream sandwich against a white wall with the text "Big Spoon Creamery" in the background, making it one of the essential summer dishes you can't miss in BHAM.Pin
The Sweet Corn Blackberry ice cream sammie is an indulgent way to cool off this summer. Image: Big Spoon Creamery

Pork Dish from The Anvil Pub & Grill

Neighborhood: Lee Branch
More info: theanvilpub.com

Don’t miss your chance to savor this iconic pork dish at The Anvil Pub & Grill, a summer-only menu item that is perfect from the first bite to the last. The dish features a grilled pork tomahawk paired with a McEwen and Sons grits cake, local mushrooms, corn, blueberry mostarda, Cipollini onions, and a zesty habañero sauce. This meticulously crafted creation celebrates summer’s flavors, blending savory pork with the sweetness of blueberries and the heat of habañero.

A grilled pork chop with crosshatch marks is plated with various garnishes, including onions, grapes, and herbs, on a white dish. A fork and knife rest on a napkin to the right of the plate. Pin
Each element of The Anvil’s pork dish is thoughtfully combined to create a symphony of taste and texture. Image: The Anvil

Pork & Shiitake Dumplings at Current Charcoal Grill

Neighborhood: Parkside
More info: currentcharcoalgrill.com

The Pork and Shiitake Dumplings from Current Charcoal Grill are the ultimate summer indulgence. Crafted with succulent pork and earthy shiitake mushrooms, these dumplings are elevated by a zesty peanut chili crisp and tangy vinegar. This delightful combination perfectly balances heat and acidity. As a seasonal special, these dumplings capture the essence of summer dining — fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.

A person holding a piece of food with chopsticks dips it into a bowl of sauce on a table, showcasing one of the essential summer dishes in BHAM.Pin
One of Birmingham’s newest restaurants brings it with its summer menu offerings. Image: Current Charcoal Grill

Happy summer, Birmingham!

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Discover more delicious local eats in our monthly installment of New Birmingham Restaurants!

Anne Henley Walker
About the Author
Anne Henley Walker

Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.