New Seafood Restaurant ‘Bayonet’ Opens in Downtown Birmingham

News Summary

Bayonet, a new seafood restaurant and raw bar by Chef Rob McDaniel and Emily McDaniel, is set to open in downtown Birmingham on March 10, 2025. Located in the Berry Building, Bayonet will feature a menu of sustainably sourced seafood, diverse cooking techniques, and a stunning ambiance. With a focus on an all-seafood menu and a welcoming atmosphere, Bayonet promises to be an exciting addition to Birmingham’s dining scene.

New Seafood Restaurant ‘Bayonet’ Set to Make Waves in Downtown Birmingham

Exciting news for seafood lovers in Birmingham! Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily McDaniel, are getting ready to unveil their brand new seafood restaurant and raw bar, Bayonet, on March 10, 2025. Located in the Berry Building at 2015 Second Ave. North, right next to their first successful venture, Helen, Bayonet is poised to bring a fresh take on seafood dining to the vibrant downtown scene.

A Deep Dive into the Menu

At Bayonet, the McDaniels are keeping it all about the ocean’s bounty! Expect a menu overflowing with sustainably sourced seafood that includes delicious options like triggerfish, swordfish, yellowtail snapper, and the ever-popular Nantucket Bay scallops. Soon after the opening, they might even add some Alaskan king crab to the mix! Seafood enthusiasts can look forward to indulging in a spectacular raw bar featuring oysters harvested from local Alabama oyster farmers, as well as selections from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

What makes Bayonet truly special is its focus solely on seafood, steering clear of any animal proteins other than eggs, milk, and butter. Unique creations like the swordfish Reuben and an impressive seafood tower brimming with oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and caviar promise to tempt your taste buds like never before.

Cooking Techniques that Stand Out

Goodbye grilling and hello to an array of exciting cooking techniques! Bayonet will highlight diverse methods such as broiling, steaming, poaching, and sautéing, allowing the flavors of their quality seafood to shine. The restaurant will accommodate 54 guests, with seating options that include 10 at the raw bar and another 12 at the cocktail bar, creating an intimate atmosphere for diners.

The Meaning Behind the Name

Bayonet comes from the Spanish bayonet plant, a symbol of strength and resilience, perfectly reflecting the restaurant’s core values. Its design boasts impressive 17-foot ceilings, a stunningly crafted raw bar, and charming subway tile trim. Local talent will shine through with artwork commissioned from Birmingham chef and artist Roscoe Hall, making the ambiance both inviting and lively.

Meet the Team

The team behind Bayonet has vast culinary experience. General manager Daniel Goslin will ensure smooth operations, while sous chefs Jesse Legg and Taylor Harris whip up delightful dishes. Pastry chef Candace Foster will add her sweet touch to the restaurant’s offerings. With Rob McDaniel being a six-time James Beard Award semifinalist, known for his work at both Bayonet and SpringHouse, you can trust that the culinary experience will be out of this world!

Hospitality with Heart

Emily McDaniel will be serving as the hospitality director, helping to ensure every guest feels right at home. With the duo’s passion for good food and a welcoming atmosphere, you can expect an experience that is both enjoyable and memorable.

Hours of Operation

When it comes to visiting Bayonet, initial hours will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, with plans in place to launch lunch service at 11 a.m. after a few weeks. So whether you’re looking for a delightful dinner with friends or a leisurely lunch in the heart of Birmingham, Bayonet will be the perfect spot.

So mark your calendars, seafood lovers! Bayonet is set to open its doors on March 10, and it promises to be an exciting new addition to downtown Birmingham’s flourishing dining scene. Don’t miss out on what could be your new favorite seafood getaway!

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: James Beard Decorated Alabama Chef Announces Opening Date
• Wikipedia: Seafood Restaurant
• Bham Now: Owners of Helen Opening New Birmingham Restaurant
• Google Search: Bayonet Restaurant Birmingham
• CBS 42: Team Behind Helen Opening New Seafood Raw Bar
• Google Scholar: James Beard Award
• AL.com: James Beard Lauded Alabama Chef’s Second Restaurant
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• Bham Now: 10 New Birmingham Restaurants in 2025
• Google News: Birmingham Restaurant News