The 15 Best Restaurants In Birmingham, Alabama - Birmingham - The Infatuation

"Niki’s West has a long history in Birmingham, dating back to 1957—it’s still owned by the same Greek family that opened it. While the bones of a traditional meat and three are all there—a cafeteria line and trays, classic Southern sides, hearty proteins—Niki’s feels a bit more elevated than your typical meat and three, but in a very ‘80s Steak and Ale kind of way. Maybe it’s the black awning guiding diners into the restaurant out front, the chandelier-esque lighting inside, or the dress code before you enter (no tank tops, folks), but it’s clear that this grand dame hasn’t lost her touch with age. The genuinely homespun quality of the lemon pepper catfish, fried pork chop, and creamed corn should make Birmingham proud, right along with the warm bowls of banana pudding." - jackie gutierrez jones 2