The Birmingham Restaurant Raider: The Southern Kitchen & Bar- "Providing Southern Comfort Uptown Style"

Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE celebrating my birthday. Especially when someone takes me out to dinner! This year, a good friend treated me to dinner at one of the new kids on the block. The impressive, new Southern Kitchen & Bar in the new Uptown Entertainment District in Birmingham offered pleasant surprises with both the atmosphere and the food. Miraculously, I found a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. YES! The dinner angels were watching over me.

Atmosphere: The décor has a kind of country-meets-city feel. It is stylish, yet not so distracting that it takes away from the dining experience. Contemporary country music played in the background while much of the modest crowd watched various television programs.
This restaurant is VERY spacious and even features an outdoor patio seating area.

What I/ we had: From the small plate menu, we shared the dish called "The Devil Went Down To Birmingham" . One bite of these delicious deviled eggs and I quickly changed my mind about sharing. They are topped with chow, chow, diced tomatoes and paprika. For my entrée, I had The Jefferson- a healthy portion of blackened shrimp over creamy gouda grits with a side of spicy (and I do mean spicy) turnip greens. My companion had the Vulcan burger, a juicy black angus burger, topped with smoked bacon, a slice of cheddar cheese, onion & tomato on a brioche bun. We also shared a dessert. The banana pudding crème brulee- to die for, to die for, to die for.

The Staff: Friendly & knew the menu very well. I did not get my glass refilled as needed. Lots of water was needed to help offset the spiciness of the dish I ordered.

Prices: The prices here start at $6.00 on small plates.Salads and sandwiches start at $8.00 and entree's start at about $13.00.

Over all experience: I had a wonderful time!

Fore more information & to see a full menu, visit their website at http://thesouthernbirmingham.com/