Birmingham is known for its food and drink scene. From James Beard award-winning chefs to one of the many local breweries, there is something for everyone. But taking advantage of all the area has to offer might be tough when visiting for a weekend dance competition.
Schedules are tight, the days are long, and the kids get hangry.
I compiled a quick list of our favorite restaurants around the area. Many of these are kid-friendly, or if you are looking for an adults-only spot while the kids are in convention classes, there are a few of those too.
While I have been to almost all of these (more than once) please be sure to check their google listing for the most accurate restaurant information. Many of them are open later in the evening when competitions wrap but not all and some may not be open on Sundays.
Quick Serve Staples
Find these favorite restaurants in multiple locations all around Birmingham. You can’t go wrong with kid favorites like Chick-Fil-A, Mcdonald’s and Subway but consider trying one of these for a change of pace. All are kid approved and well-loved by locals.
- Tazikis Mediterranean Grill
- Urban Cookhouse
- Ashley Mac’s
- Full Moon BBQ
- Newks
Sheraton/BJCC/Downtown Area
Uptown is the name of the entertainment district surrounding the Sheraton and BJCC area. It has a lot to offer if you have time to walk the area and possibly wait a bit for a table. There are several popular lunch or dinner spots within a quick drive from the downtown hotels.
- Southern Kitchen
- Top Golf
- Mugshots
- Todd English PUB
- Pizitz Food Hall
- Paramount {great late night spot downtown, has arcade games for kids}
- Rodney Scott BBQ
- Slice Pizza
- Hattie Bs
- Tasty Town
- The Essentials {recommend Sunday Brunch spot downtown}
Galleria/Hoover Area
If you are away from downtown for the weekend, look for some popular options in the suburbs. Downtown is just a short drive by car but there are plenty of other options. Again, always check the google maps listing for hours and the exact locations closest to you.
- WalkOns
- Big Whiskeys
- Beef O Bradys
- Jim N Nicks BBQ
- Melt
- Moe’s BBQ
- Taco Mama
- Jubilee Joes
- Baha Burger
- Casual Pint {recommend for a Sunday brunch spot}
- Dave & Busters
Adult-Friendly Options
While the kids are away learning, there is no reason the adults can’t play. There are many great spots to check out if you have time to sit down and enjoy an adult beverage. Here are just a few of our favorites that are easy to get to from either location. Kids are allowed at these spots and many serve food or offer food trucks on-site.
- Back Forty Beer Company {downtown}
- Good People Brewing {downtown}
- Monday Night Brewing {downtown}
- Farrelly’s Southern {Hoover}
- Brocks Gap Brewing {Hoover}
- Freddys Wine Bar {Highlands}
- Trey Luna {Hoover}
For more recommendations from Birmingham moms, check out this list of family-friendly favorites.
Forget something important?
It happens sometimes. You think you have it all and notice something important is missing when you arrive on site. Forté Dance Essentials can help.
Find dance basics like shoes and tights, convention wear, garment bags, performance undergarments, bobby pins and more. Shop Forté in Hoover on weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Follow Forté Dance Essentials on Facebook and Instagram, or look us up on Google Maps to find the best route to our location.
Good luck dancers and dance parents!
