This spring, the Magic City is really hot, and not just because of the weather. In and around Birmingham, Alabama, four new restaurants are starting or growing. They serve a wide range of foods, from fancy brunch to bold Mexican-Southern chicken fusion.
Here’s what’s new and coming up in Alabama’s food scene, whether you want a scratch-made breakfast, a hibachi-style spread, or real fried chicken.
1. Big Bad Breakfast Opens in Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hills now has one of the best places for lunch in the South. Big Bad Breakfast, which was created by cook John Currence, winner of the James Beard Award, opened for business on May 13 at 1467 Montgomery Highway.
This is another step in Vestavia’s plan to make Montgomery Highway better. The building is on the site of a former Days Inn. The city bought the land in 2022 and started to rebuild it.
Since they serve hearty meals like the Creole omelet, cathead biscuits, and classic breakfast skillets, BBB is ready to become a local favorite for breakfast.
📍 Address: 1467 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
🕖 Hours: 7AM – 2:30PM daily
2. Crazy Chicken Brings a Bold New Flavor to Gardendale
Wish you could find something different? Crazy Chicken has a new location at 617 Decatur Hwy. in Gardendale.
It is owned by Milton Rivas and offers chicken cooked in a Mexican style with a Southern twist. Think roasted chicken that is juicy, tamales, shrimp plates, and sauces from different parts of the country that combine the best of the two cultures.
📍 Address: 617 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL 35071
🕐 Hours:
Mon–Wed: 11AM–9PM
Thurs–Sat: 11AM–10PM
Sun: 11AM–9PM
3. Yoki Buffet Joins Bessemer With 80+ Menu Options
Want a huge spread with food from all over Asia? It just opened over Mother’s Day weekend at 5020 Academy Lane in Bessemer as Yoki Buffet.
Yoki serves food in the styles of Szechuan, Cantonese, and Hunan, and it also has a sushi bar and a hibachi grill. The buffet is open all day and has more than 80 items on the menu. This is a great addition for families and big groups who want value and variety.
📍 Address: 5020 Academy Lane, Bessemer, AL 35022
🕥 Hours: 10:30AM – 9PM daily
4. Craft’s Chicken Coming Soon to Highway 280, Birmingham
Now for the news that chicken lovers can’t stop talking about: Craft’s Chicken is coming to Birmingham on Highway 280, where Wendy’s used to be. It will be located near the Hampton Inn and Finch Wines.
The exact opening date has not yet been set, but the food is already getting a lot of attention. You can get quesadillas, wraps, bowls, mac & cheese, fresh soups, and Southern fried chicken with a modern twist.
Craft’s already has a good name for comfort food, and this new location hopes to become the place to go in the 280 area for fast-casual chicken hungry people.
📍 Address: 2727 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35223
📅 Opening: Coming soon (TBD)
A Foodie Summer Ahead in Central Alabama
Alabamans have a lot to be happy about because there are so many new and coming soon choices. Birmingham’s food scene keeps growing, with everything from classic comfort food to foreign buffets. This is more proof that the Magic City knows how to serve.
As soon as these new businesses open, please show your support. Also, if you come by, let us know what you loved or are most looking forward to trying.
**This article was written by Kayla McFarland. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.**
