The 2019 SBC is almost here, so it’s with great pleasure that we introduce our seventh annual ERLC guide to food and fun at the convention. We want to bring you the best of what Birmingham has to offer so that you can make the most of your time at the annual meeting. For other guides, check out this episode of “SBC This Week” and visit Jared Cornutt’s blog.
While you’re at the SBC, be sure to make plans to join the ERLC at these events:
Sexual Abuse and the Southern Baptist Convention: Join the ERLC as we have a candid conversation on "Sexual Abuse and the Southern Baptist Convention" at the SBC Annual Meeting on Monday, June 10, at 9 p.m.. With everything that is happening around us, this is a conversation that Christians desperately need to have. Speakers will include Russell Moore, J.D. Greear, Beth Moore, Rachael Denhollander, and several others.
B21 Luncheon: The B21 Panel will take place on Tuesday, June 11, immediately following the morning session (approximately 11:30 a.m.). Register to hear from Russell Moore, J.D. Greear, Albert Mohler, Jen Wilkin, Dhati Lewis, and Danny Akin. Lunch and books will be provided to all paying attendees.
Food
Birmingham has a variety food options, including soul food, BBQ, Mexican, seafood, and burgers. With the help of a few friends over Twitter, we’ve compiled a list of options around the Birmingham area.
The Convention Center’s address is 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N. Birmingham, AL 35203. You can plug these restaurants into your phone to see what’s closest. We hope you enjoy!
Bob Sykes BBQ | @SykesBBQ “Serving REAL Southern BBQ, Sides & Desserts. BBQ goes from the Pit to the Plate.” Address: 1724 9th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020. Phone Number: (205) 426-1400.
The Bright Star | Serving “specialty Greek- style snapper and steak, signature seafood gumbo, luncheon specials, and famous pies.” Address: 304 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35020. Phone: (205) 426-1861.
Whataburger | @Whataburger “Circa-1950 fast-food chain for counter-serve burgers.” Address: 1601 Main Street, Fultondale, AL 35068. Phone number: (205) 849-2933.
El Barrio | “Inspired by multi-regional Mexican cuisine, urban design and locally sourced ingredients … Our fresh, inventive menu is brimming with bold flavors and regional classics.” Address: 2211 2nd Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: 205.868.3737.
Eugene’s Hot Chicken | Located conveniently within walking distance of the Convention Center. Brick and mortar address: 2268 9th Ave North, Birmingham, AL, 35203. Phone: (205) 322-7555. Check out their food Truck: @EugenesHotChicken.
Trattoria Centralem| “Popular, petite cafe serving pizzas with creative toppings & other Italian fare in a trendy space.” Address: 207A 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: 205-202-5612.
Pizitz Food Hall | This food court is only a mile away from the Convention Center, and you can find the following food options there: Alabama Biscuit Company, Busy Cheese Corner and Provisions, Eli’s Jerusalem Grill, Ethiopian Cuisine, JuicedUp Essentials, Lichita’s Popsicles and Ice Cream, The Standard, Waffle Works, and more. Address: 1821 Second Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.
Niki’s West | Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Address: 233 Finley Ave. West, Birmingham, AL 35204. Phone: 205-252-5751.
Dreamland | “Local BBQ chain serving hickory-fired ribs, plates & sandwiches, plus wings & comfort sides.” Address: 1427 14th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205. Phone: (205) 933-2133.
Salem’s | (Breakfast and lunch only) Known for their Philly Cheese Steak. Address: 2913 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: (205)-877-8797.
Sam’s Super Samwiches | (Breakfast and lunch only) Hotdogs, hamburgers, sandwiches. 2812 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: 205-871-0046.
Little Donkey Mexican Restaurant | Born out of a “love of the vibrant flavors and brilliant combinations that traditional Mexican cooks have created for centuries.” To-go taco and fried chicken packs are available. Address: 2821 Central Ave #101, Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: (205) 703-7000.
Holler and Dash | @holleranddash Biscuit house serving breakfast and lunch daily from 7:00am to 2:00pm. Address: 2801 18th St. S.,Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: (205) 414-0999.
Saw’s BBQ | @sawsbbq “The original Saws Proclaimed Best BBQ in America by Men’s Journal’s try out the distinctive white barbecue sauce popular in northern Alabama.” Address: 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: (205) 879-1937.
Johnny’s Restaurant | Serve fresh, local foods. Open for lunch only Sunday- Friday. Address: 2902 18th St South Suite 200 Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: 205-802-2711.
Saw’s Juke Joint | “Self-proclaimed "upscale dive" serving Southern barbecue fare like pulled pork & chicken & waffles.” Address: 1115 Dunston Ave, Birmingham, AL 35213. Phone: (205) 745-3920.
Costa’s BBQ |“Finest ingredients combined with true Southern hospitality creates a unique and unforgettable dining experience.” 2 locations: 215 Lakeshore Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35209. Phone: (205) 263-0145 or 613 Springville Rd, Birmingham, Alabama 35215. Phone: 205-853-9933.
Fancy’s on Fifth | Oysters and Gourmet Burgers. Address: 430 41st Street South, Avondale, AL 35222. Phone: (205) 777-3662 (Closed on Mondays).
Saw’s Soul Kitchen | “Humble restaurant with pig decor, specializing in Southern eats such as BBQ & soul food.” Address: 215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222. Phone: (205) 591-1409.
Five | Gulf to Table. Address: 744 29th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233 . Phone: (205) 868-3841 (Closed on Mondays). Taco Mama| It’s been called “The best taco joint in Alabama.” Address: 707 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S #103, Birmingham, AL 35233. Phone: (205) 644-8355.
Jim and Nick’s | @JimNNicksBBQ Ribs. Pork. Chicken. Brisket. Sausage. Community BBQ. Address: 1660 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235. Phone: (205) 547-3602.
Coffee and dessert
Bizarre: The Coffee Bar | A spot for coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and more. Address: 217 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: (205) 201-5764.
Urban Standard | “Anchoring the Second Avenue North neighborhood, Urban Standard offers some of the most beautiful espresso-based beverages in town, as well as a creative menu of sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, their Thai noodle bowl, hummus plate and ‘hippie gumbo,’ among other offerings.” Address: 2320 Second Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: (205) 250-8200.
O’Henry’s Coffees | “Relaxed local coffeehouse chain serving espresso drinks, breakfast, sandwiches & desserts.” Address: 1901 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: (205) 323-1198.
Octane Uptown | “From coffee to customer service and community events, Octane is dedicated to being a creative hub where connectivity can happen.” Address: 2221 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203.
Revelator Coffee | “Bright, modern cafe serving craft coffee, local donuts & other bites amid industrial-chic decor.” Address: 1826 3rd Ave N Unit 101, Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: (205) 224-5900.
FILTER-Coffee Parlor | “FILTER-Coffee Parlor goes beyond a typical American coffee shop and connects with our community by providing a place that allows patrons to engage with each other. Our focus is on offering high quality coffees, teas, specialty drinks, and seasonal eats within a space that nurtures our community and provides a place for all to enjoy – a space that fits their needs.” Address: 1927 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205. Phone: (205) 202-6422.
Cookie Fix | "Cookie Fix is a small batch cookie shop located in Homewood, Alabama. Visit us for fresh baked, Frozen Dough to Go, seasonal desserts, and more.” Address: 2854 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209. Phone: (205) 582-2623. Big Spoon
Creamery | "Contemporary counter serve for traditional & seasonal ice cream scoops, sandwiches & sundaes.” Address: 4000 3rd Ave S #104, Birmingham, AL 35222. Phone: (205) 703-4712.
Lucy’s Coffee and Tea | “Coffee, tea, sandwiches & baked goods in a cozy American cafe with couches & colorful paintings.” Address: 2007 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233. Phone: (205) 328-2007.
Red Cat Coffee House and Gourmet Coffee Roasters | “The Red Cat offers the Birmingham community a gathering place for connecting over great coffee and wholesome food.” Address: 2901 Second Ave. S., Pepper Place. Birmingham, AL 35233. Phone: (205) 616-8450.
The Church Street Story: Books, Coffee & Breakup Cookies | "Church Street Coffee & Books is an independent bookstore and coffee shop in Birmingham, Alabama. We’re the home of the famous Breakup Cookie (the best chocolate chip cookie you’ll ever have), we carry a fantastic book selection, and we proudly serve Octane Coffee, roasted locally in Homewood, Alabama.” Address: Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village at 81, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. Church Street. Phone: (205) 870-1117.
Things to do and see
If you have extra time while in Birmingham, there are several things to do and see. Whether you want to visit a museum or spend your time outdoors, you’re sure to find something interesting. Here a few options:
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum | “Contemporary, glass-enclosed setup for 1,200+ motorcycles & race cars with an adjacent road course.” Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, Alabama 35094. Phone: (205) 699-7275.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute | “A large interpretive museum and research center in Birmingham, Alabama that depicts the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.” Address: 520 16th St N. Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: (205) 328-9696.
McWane Science Center | “The McWane Science Center is a science museum and research archive located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The state-of-the-art science center, aquarium, and 280-seat IMAX Dome Theater is housed in the historic and refurbished Loveman's department store building.” Address: 3117, 200 19th St N. Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: 205-714-8300.
Vulcan Park and Museum | “Statue symbolizing city's industries sits atop Red Mountain, surrounded by a park & a museum.” Address: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209. Phone: (205) 933-1409.
Red Mountain Park | “A 1,500-acre public urban park that encloses a 4.5-mile-long section of Red Mountain, a prominent ridge that passes through Birmingham, Alabama. The woodland park contains closed mines and other artifacts of the city's industrial history.” Address: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211. Phone: (205) 202-6043.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens | “The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is 67.5-acre of botanical gardens located adjacent to Lane Park at the southern foot of Red Mountain.” Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd. Birmingham, AL 35223. Phone: 205-414-3950.
Birmingham Zoo | “A zoological park that opened in 1955. It is the largest zoo in Alabama. The 122-acre zoo is home to almost 800 animals representing over 200 species, including many endangered species from six continents. Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd. Birmingham, AL 35223. Phone: 205-879-0409.
Regions Field | “A minor league baseball park in the Southside community of Birmingham. It is the home field for the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League.” Address: 1401 1st Ave S. Birmingham, AL 35233. Phone: (205) 988-3200.
Top Golf | @Topgolf “Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range.” Address: 1111 24th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35234. Phone: (205) 847-5757.
