5 Old Birmingham Restaurants We Miss the Most
As the city of Birmingham has blossomed into one of the South’s premier culinary destinations, boasting numerous James Beard Award-winning chefs and a vibrant array of dining options, it’s only fitting to reminisce about the culinary institutions that paved the way. Although we now possess an abundance of dining destinations, there are some old favorites that no longer grace our cityscape—favorites that remain deeply ingrained in the hearts and taste buds of many lifelong residents.
Joy Young Restaurant
Revered for its egg rolls and chop suey, Joy Young Restaurant was a downtown institution for about 60 years. Many Birminghamians celebrated special life events within the restaurant’s curtained private booths. Immigrant Mansion Joe and his three partners opened the city’s first Chinese restaurant, initially named King Joy in 1920. The restaurant changed its name and location, moving to 20th Street North across from Birmingham’s old Tutwiler Hotel, where it remained for another 55 years. Despite relocating to a new location after the downtown one closed in 1980, Joy Young eventually closed its doors for good.
John’s Restaurant
For more than half a century, John’s Restaurant was a beacon in downtown Birmingham for both casual lunches and elegant dinners. Opened by Greek restaurateur John Proferis in 1944, the restaurant remained in the family until it changed hands and was eventually renamed John’s City Diner. The epicurean staples of the restaurant included trout almondine, broiled Greek snapper, and crabmeat-stuffed flounder, but a visit wasn’t complete without tasting their signature cornbread sticks and shredded cabbage with house-made dressing.
Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs
A true Birmingham tradition, Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs was a well-loved establishment in the city. Located in a tiny cubbyhole on Second Avenue North, owner Constantine “Gus” Koutroulakis held court here for sixty-three years with his charmingly gruff demeanor, making Pete’s Famous a rite of passage for many locals. When Gus passed away in 2011, a little bit of downtown Birmingham went with him.
Browdy’s
Browdy’s was a family-run delicatessen that opened in downtown Birmingham in 1913 and remained in business for three generations and a whopping 96 years. Known for its corned beef sandwiches and crispy fried chicken, the deli also included a meat market and bakery. Browdy’s eventually relocated to Mountain Brook in 1944, yet closed for good in 2009.
Cobb Lane Restaurant
Finally, there was nothing better than sitting in the oak-shaded courtyard of the Cobb Lane Restaurant on a perfect Birmingham day, enjoying a cup of their signature she-crab soup or indulging in a slice of its famous chocolate roulage. What began as a dress shop run by Virginia Jemison Cobb in 1948 serving tea sandwiches to customers, evolved into a full-service restaurant. It closed its doors in 2009 after 61 years in operation, due to economic downturn.
In conclusion, while Birmingham continuously boasts a burgeoning culinary scene, we can’t forget the culinary gems from the city’s past. They played a significant role in Birmingham’s culinary identity and have left an indelible imprint on the hearts of local food enthusiasts.
