Birmingham Restaurants
After living in Birmingham for the past 5 years, it’s safe to say that this city is a foodie city. There are so many incredible restaurants to choose from, I will probably be trying them all for years to come. We have James Beard award winners, successful owners that have been able to branch out into franchises, and up-and-coming chefs that are cementing their status in our town as some of the best in the business. Innovative dishes and interesting restaurant concepts are nothing new to Birmingham, and with the new Pizitz Food Hall having its grand opening later this month, it’s easy to see why Birmingham needs to be the top destination on every foodies wish list. 
What is Pizitz Food Hall?
Located on 2nd Avenue North, in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Pizitz Food Hall offers Birmingham residents new and exciting options when it comes to their take out or dine-in choices. The concept is similar to a cafeteria, but because that word brings up distant (and maybe not too fond) childhood memories for some, they’ve coined the term “food stalls” to describe the offerings inside. I believe that term is appropriately used as that’s exactly what most of the “restaurants” are.
Pizitz Food Hall Offerings
My first foray into the food hall saw me wandering around in awe and wonder at the sights, sounds, and smells of the entire space. It’s brightly lit throughout, and there are plenty of options for seating both indoors and out. While most of the food stalls are permanent, there is a space called “Reveal Kitchen” where up-and-coming chefs can rotate through and try out their latest creations before committing to opening their own restaurant. Pizitz Food Hall offers:
- Busy Corner Cheese + Provisons: a sandwich stall featuring gourmet meats, cheese, and olive oils
- Alabama Biscuit Company (opening in April): sweet and savory toppings on stone-milled, old fashioned biscuits
- Choza Taqueria: street style Mexican food (I ate a taco salad from here and it was incredible!)
- Eli’s Jerusalem Grill: Middle Eastern style food, including hummus, falafel, and schwarma
- Ichicoro Imoto: jazzed up ramen with meat and vegetable broth (my friend ate here and said it was delicious)
- Lichita’s: authentic Mexican paletas (frozen ice pops)
- mo:mo: bah mi and dumplings from the former sushi chef at Bamboo on 2nd
- Ono Poke: classic Hawaiian poke dishes
- Revelator Coffee: local coffee and complimentary delicacies
- The Standard: traditional hamburgers and hot dogs
- Waffle Works: sweet and savory eats like chicken and waffles, beef waffle dog, and peach cobbler waffle topped with whipped cream
Food Hall Restaurants
There will be two anchor restaurants in the Pizitz Food Hall. One will be Birmingham’s first Ethiopian restaurant, Ghion Cultural Hall, and the other will be Fero, a modern take on rustic Italian cuisine. Both of these restaurants will anchor the corners of the food hall, and will be full-service experiences with ample seating indoors and out on the plaza.
Pizitz Food Hall Non-Food Offerings
Another awesome addition to the food hall are the non-food shops. Yellowhammer Creative, a Birmingham design company, will sell its locally themed merchandise featuring distinct logos and graphics on shirts, mugs, koozies and more. Warby Parker, a fashion forward eyewear company, will open up shop later this spring. Central to the hall is The Louis Bar, named for the building’s original owner, Louis Pizitz. The Louis will feature classic cocktails along with specialty drinks and craft beers that are local to Birmingham.
Know Before You Go
Pizitz Food Hall will have it’s grand opening March 16-17 with live music, giveaways, and loads of fun! Most food stalls are open now if you just can’t wait to go. Parking is easy to access from the adjacent deck on the corner of 18th and First Avenue North. The rates are also very feasible.
- 2 hours or less: Free
- 2-3 hours: $5
- 3-4 hours: $10
- 4 hours or more: $20
Which food stall will you try first? I can’t wait to go back and try them all!
