Birmingham’s Best Sit-Outside Restaurants

        Summertime in Birmingham is undeniably hot and muggy, but we southerners have learned to embrace it. During this time of year, the last thing I want when I go eat dinner or have a drink after work with friends is sit inside. We’re inside all day working and all night sleeping, so when the summer breeze is blowing, at least we can relax outside.  With a cold Delirium beer in hand (Thanks, Free the Hops!) and some appetizers on the way, sitting outside at any local restaurant really is a summer treat.

        Anytime my friends or I have mentioned getting together at a restaurant after work or on weekends, our deciding factor is of course always, Where could we sit outside? After a summer of outdoor dining, I have definitely found my favorites. Taking into account ambiance, seating, quality of food, drink selections, and prices, I have come up with my personal list of Birmingham’s best sit-outside restaurants.

They are:

Rojo. Known for its pineapple salsa and eclectic crowd, Rojo is a very popular summer spot to stop by for a quick beer or sit outside and stay for hours.  Having been a few times in the past couple weeks, I can tell you that the food there is delicious, and its location on Highland Avenue makes for an excellent place to people watch and sip on some margaritas. Like a little kick to your food? Try the spicy habanero puree sauce. An avid lover of extra spicy foods, not even I can handle that heat. If you’re up for the challenge, give it a try! 

Jackson’s Bar & Bistro. Dining outside at Jackson’s in Homewood is always fun and easy going, and if you don’t run into at least one person you know there, you either a) don’t live in Birmingham, or b) just moved here. Be sure to go on Tuesday night for half-price beer, but be prepared to wait for a very worth-it outside table on Jackson’s enormous outdoor seating area in Soho Square.

Jinsei Sushi. It’s difficult to go to Jinsei and not want to order at least ¾ of the menu.  Since my eyes are always bigger than my stomach at the ultra-chic, ultra-delicious Jinsei, I’ve discovered that the secret is to keep going back to test different menu items each time. A good time to do this is on Sundays when all sushi rolls are eight dollars each. If I had it my way, I’d be sitting on Jinsei’s outdoor patio with an order of Kadoma Tuna every Sunday night. 

Dram Whiskey Bar. Evoking the feeling of being in a ski lodge inside and at a beachy California lounge outside, Dram does not disappoint. This new, trendy hot spot offers some pretty stout drinks and a menu full of burgers and other American grub. Outside, comfy couches and strings of white lights really take you somewhere else. The word “lounge” takes on a literal meaning on the multi-level patio at Dram. If you’re up for a more upscale fine dining experience, venture right upstairs to avo, Dram’s sister restaurant that has amazing service and a large, but cozy outdoor terrace overlooking the smack-dab center of Mountain Brook Village. 

Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub. This Italian restaurant in Crestline is a great place to meet up with friends and sit at a table outside or inside. Listen to a little live Jazz on Tuesday nights when Mafiaoza’s offers its Two for One Tuesday pizza special. Not up for pizza? Try the Pucetti salad! I can honestly say it’s my favorite salad I’ve ever had in Birmingham. If chicken salad, fried balls of goat cheese, dried cranberries, and lemon poppy seed dressing sounds appealing to you, order it. If not, order it anyway; you won’t be disappointed.