Al's Deli & Grill

Mediterranean restaurant · Birmingham

Al's Deli & Grill

Mediterranean restaurant · Birmingham

1

1629 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA

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Highlights

American & Mediterranean bites, huge portions, open late  

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1629 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA Get directions

als-deli-grill.shop
@alsdeliandgrill

$10–20 · Menu

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1629 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA Get directions

+1 205 939 4278
als-deli-grill.shop
@alsdeliandgrill

$10–20 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Sep 5, 2025

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30 Essential Restaurants to Know in Birmingham, Alabama

"With its extensive hours and proximity to University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), Al’s is a popular spot for students, medical professionals, and the like. But that doesn’t mean its offerings shouldn’t be taken seriously. Al’s excels at both American and Mediterranean casual meals, including sandwiches, kebabs, and seriously loaded baked potatoes." - Sarra Sedghi

https://www.eater.com/maps/the-eater-birmingham-heatmap-where-to-eat-right-now
View Postcard for Al's Deli & Grill

Melissa Rawlins

Google
I placed a delivery order on Al’s Deli website to have delivered by DoorDash. I ordered a BLT which includes bacon, lettuce and tomato. I received two pieces of toasted bread with 7 short pieces of rubbery turkey bacon between them and nothing else. A picture is attached. I had to call multiple times before anyone would even answer the phone. When they did answer, they told me to try to get a refund from DoorDash even though the order was placed on the restaurant’s website. They told me to call back if DoorDash wouldn’t give a refund or I could come to the restaurant in the next few days and they would give me a free sandwich. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Tim Casey

Google
Great place to stop in for a quick bite. Great food at a reasonable price! The burgers and fries are good, the gyros and the bakers are awesome! The bakers are baked potatoes loaded with whatever you choose! I got the gyro Baker and my daughter ordered the BBQ chicken Baker. Definitely alot for the money. Outdoor courtyard seating and indoor diner style seating. Service was fast and helpful.

Jones street

Google
They have the best barbecue bakers anywhere in the city. All of these barbecue restaurant has these loaded baked potatoes and none of them are anywhere close to the one you will get here! It is loaded with meat and anything you want.!!!

Shavette Looney

Google
Finally got the time too stop by here and my Husband said, now these potatoes are huge. Oh My!!! I ate off my BBQ Potatoes 4 times and it was so delicious and hot. It was so big and loaded just unbelievable. This definitely will be my go too place for a potatoe. The inside is small but it's space outside, if you like outdoors.

Aakiyah

Google
I’m writing this with deep consternation. I have visited Al’s numerous times before this and never had issues with my order. To being with I ordered a BBQ Baker with extra sour cream. I didn’t receive any sour cream which I paid to have. To top it off there was an extremely long piece of hair in my food. There is no way they could not have seen this before closing the plate.

Gavin Tolbert

Google
At Al’s I ate some chicken strips, So crunchy they did little flips! Fries were crispy, golden, and bright, They made my taste buds dance with delight! A chicken strip gave me a smile, A fry did a silly dance for a while. My tummy was happy, my smile so wide, Al’s chicken strips are the best ride! 10 out of 10, I say with cheer, I want to eat here every day of the year!

Nikkole/Ethan Melvin

Google
I have been visiting Al's for 15 years. My friends and I have always loved this place, the food has always been amazing, the staff always so friendly, timing for service always decent. HOWEVER, apparently they are under new ownership or management or whatever.... The last few times my co-workers and I have went in we have been met with sour attitudes and sub-par food. Today was the final straw. I called twice before someone answered, which wasn't shocking as lunch hour is busy, and asked to place a pick-up order. The attitude I was given during that call was absolutely unnecessary. I ultimately decided not to place an order. I was so disappointed with the rudeness that has been displayed with every visit and now this call. Unfortunately, Al's has lost a few long time customers. If it weren't for being on the corner across from college campus dorms, this place would drown. Done, and sad about it.

Rashmee Sharif

Google
If you’re reading Google reviews after frequenting this restaurant for nearly twenty years like us, then you’ve probably had a negative service experience here. I’m sorry it happened to you too—here’s our story: We knew something was off with the service when the cashier told us not leave tips on our card because the owner takes them…a bit unprofessional, but we let it go and I actually felt sorry for the workers. After noticing our table didn’t have napkins, I grabbed a container of napkins from an empty table nearby—something completely reasonable in a casual, dive-style setting. A staff member abruptly told me, in a rude tone, to put it back and said they would bring napkins to our table. I was surprised but complied, taking a few in case it took a while. She then scolded me again for taking any napkins at all and told me to put them back. When I explained I had already touched them, she responded with, “You must not understand English.” That comment was inappropriate, offensive, and carried unmistakable racist and xenophobic undertones. At that point, we no longer felt comfortable dining there. My husband and I firmly asked for a refund, which was refused. When I asked for the employee’s name, she and the other staff refused to provide it and ended the conversation with a curt “Have a nice day.” This kind of behavior is unacceptable and her attitude was unreasonably disproportionate. There’s a way to maintain order in a restaurant without hostility—and certainly without degrading language. I hope the management/owner takes this seriously.
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Vesper C.

Yelp
This place is really chill, like, from the moment you walk in to the moment you sit down with your food. The service is pretty good, since most of the staff is focused on cooking, and they call out your number once your order is ready. They're super nice. The food isn't bad either, but if you have some sensitivities to spice, just be careful with what you order! I still liked it, I just drowned it in ranch to be honest, which helped(context: I got wings). And, their fries are good! All in all, I highly recommend this place! The seating is nice around the fountain, and there's a few spots inside, too if the outside seating isn't your thing.
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Angie M.

Yelp
LETS HUMMUS WHERE THE HEART IS! AL's Deli and Grill is a Birmingham staple. Located right across the street from the McMahon building a dormitory (part of UAB). The menu is classic Mediterranean food. Similar to Taziki's menu, but with a twist. I got the hummus and it was delicious, though I have had their baked potato before too. The baked potato is not your average potato. It weighs at least 3 pounds and is piled high with fixings. All of their menu items have went up in price so be warned on that note. Service is always fast and easy. And they are open most days until 2am. So you definitely have options, as to when to go.
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A And A.

Yelp
Bar-B-Q Grilled Chicken Baker: 7/10 Overall, this was a bit bland and the toppings were unimpressive- Barbecue sauce was tasteless and I could hardly find the sour cream or green onions. However, once we took it home and added our own toppings (chili flakes, sour cream, green onion, red onion), it was very, very good. Don't underestimate how huge these are - 1 order lasted us a good 6 meals! The newly renovated outdoor seating area is lovely for a cool summer evening, but we did have quite a few cockroaches crawling around between our feet in the seating next to the bushes. Parking: Free street parking within a walking distance should be relatively easy to find during the evening hours and weekends, but will likely be difficult during weekdays. This restaurant is easily walkable from the UAB campus
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Courtney B.

Yelp
This place used to be a 24-hour place. Now I think it stays open till about 2:00 a.m. in the morning I have very good food. The hot wings are very good. They're loaded. Potato can feed a family of three. That's how big it is. So yeah that's a good thing to have.
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Sandra M.

Yelp
All ways delicious and hot. Great service. Seats are kind of tight if eating in. GREAT! GREAT FOOD!
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John F.

Yelp
This is my new favorite food spot in Birmingham! This place stays busy, especially since it next to the university . It's open late so you can go and get your order in. The menu is extensive but my favorite item is the baker. The baker is the largest baked potato that I've ever had beating out the one I've had in Houston, TX. They stuff it with tons of meat,seafood, chicken, and veggies, depending on what you have a taste for. I ordered the ribeye baker, and I can say that it's enough for at least three meals. The inside can get a little crowded but there's seating outside if you wish, but most order to go. I can't wait to return when I go back to Birmingham. Also the prices are decent and you leave happy that you went.
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John H.

Yelp
Gyro was cold, no napkins on the tables, place is date and needs TLC. My last trip here.
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Laura M.

Yelp
Ate here with a group of out of town adult students and everyone said their food was awful- I agree. Everyone had a mediterranean dish - gyro, shawarma etc. i was very embarrassed to have suggested it on a recommendation from another colleague. When questioning the colleague that recommended Al's- he says the only things he ever orders are the cheeseburger or big baker. Never ever again!

Annie D.

Yelp
What an unexpected gem. Late night food at its finest. It's pricey, but portions are huge and will last many meals. bbq chicken baker is a must!

Tamara P.

Yelp
Absolutely love this place! Best baked potatoes ever. I always get the barbecue chicken baker with extra bbq sauce. They never miss with this one!
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Maria Aimen J.

Yelp
I was ecstatic to find a halal place while stopping by for the night, and even more happy to see that they were in business for so long and were reasonable. We were only getting the cheese burger and a Philly cheese roll and cheese fries, but after reading the reviews about the mahi Mahi, I had to get that as well. I liked everything but I think the Philly cheese roll was good. I think it would be better on a soft roll type of bread, but it was good this way as well. I liked how they put the cheese on the side of the cheese fries, like I asked, because that shows that they actually listen to what I asked. I would definitely go here again when in this area.
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Aamyia L.

Yelp
For this week's assignment, I decided to stop by my tried and true favorite spot near UAB's campus. This place has, what I consider, the best Mediterranean food in downtown Birmingham and what tastes like the best veggie burger in all of Alabama. Today I came in and was greeted by familiar faces, and as always the service was amazing. They do a good job of making their customers feel like family. I ordered the veggie burger combo, which is on the pricier side compared to other veggie burgers. I ate in their outside dining area and there were lots of birds to feed, the weather was nice so I enjoyed the ambiance.
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Akita Z.

Yelp
I'm not one for Mediterranean food but this place is quite good! I love their bakers especially the Philly baker. It is full of amazing flavors and the meat is so tender and the potato is just crazy good. This place also makes me feel healthy when I get their wraps which is full of veggies. I feel clean when I eat here for the most part. Great customer service too! So warm and welcoming and I love the outdoor seating area during the warm days.
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Caitlyn S.

Yelp
I have fallen head over heels for Al's Deli and their wonderful bakers! The BBQ Chicken baker is absolutely delicious and worth every penny! I swear I could use the pure weight of it as a bat if I needed to protect myself and still get home and enjoy it. They workers are always so nice and are quick to get your stuff out even at high times like lunch and dinner! They've even been able to hire some more workers to start increasing their hours again. There is not much seating inside (and sometimes the tables can be really close to the seats leading to a tight squeeze) but there is plenty of seating outside. Additionally they have updated the outside with a new coat of paint and it looks so pretty! Over a years worth of photos and they are always consistent!!

Nykia E.

Yelp
For the last 6. Months the customer service has been piss poor! The little girl with the scar on her face as well as the older lady that always has the bluetooth in her ear have terrible attitudes. They do not provide the same service as the staff that have been working there over the years. They do NOT answer the phones, if they do they tell you to hold, & will leave you on hold, keeping the phone line tied up to where not only can you not order but no one else. What is the purpose in a call in order if you still have to walk in to place your order just for them to run out of what you wanted because you weren't able to place your order over the phone due to their negligence & lack of attention to customers.
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Ciara D.

Yelp
I went to UAB, but haven't been back to Birmingham in years and haven't had Al's since longer than that. So when in Birmingham for UAB Black Alumni Weekend, I had to visit Al's. I went on a Thursday evening after arriving in time and the place was just as I remembered - hole in the wall, long lines, the smell of grease stained in your clothes, and amazingly good food lol. I waited in line for about 10 minutes to order my bbq chicken baker with everything on it. I waited another 10 minutes or so for my baker to be ready and went back to my hotel room to devour it. It was just as good as I remembered - tender chicken, sweet and tangy bbq sauce, melted cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon - yum! I savored every minute of eating it. Al's will forever been a Southside staple! So glad to see they're still in business!

Nisha G.

Yelp
Durning my experience, I called to order a steak baker without the vegetables and was asked " what vegetables " with an attitude . Unfortunately, I was not aware of all vegs on the baker so I told her I would could in to order. Once , I arrived to place the order in person she was still at the counter . I didn't mind ( thinking this would be a different environment ) but the same attitude continued . Not looking at the menu , I placed my order once again saying " no vegetables " and once again being asked " what vegetables " and this took me by surprise . I continued to look over the menu and said no onions or bell peppers and the attitude continued . Once my food was paid for I asked if she could take a break and talk and once again the attitude continued with her saying " Why ? I can take my break whenever I want " and " I just took my break " . Annoyed much but I continued to asked if she could step to the side to discuss her attitude. Again the attitude continued . So I signed my receipt and moved alone feeling disrespectful and unvalued as a customer so I proceeded to ask for a manager to other employees to find out she was a manager ( sadly ) . Customer service is built on being able to put your differences aside , being respectful and being knowledgeable of the whole establishment and this manager is not it . I love this place but Day Shift Needs To Do Better With Their Employees ! But overall the food is Amazing , A Hit Out The Park !
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Linda R.

Yelp
If you have never been to Al's, you need to stop by. It is located near UAB and is your typical dive where you can get Mediterranean food at 2 am. If you are looking for something else, they are also known for their BBQ Baker potatoes and their chicken fingers and fries. They also serve soups, salads, wings, grilled chicken sandwiches and hamburgers.Two of my favorites are the falafel plate and their vegetable kabab. A lot of students frequent this place as well as other people who maybe in the area. They have a large outside sitting area as well as a small inside seating area which can get pretty cramped. I prefer to sit outside, but if it is raining there is no choice. Regarding service, sometimes when I have visited there has been a line. Also, there is no table service, so if you are in a hurry, keep this in mind. Prices aren't bad especially for the amount of food you get. When you visit, remember this is a student, late night hangout place not a family or date night dining experience and you won't be disappointed.
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Allysa O.

Yelp
Great food. Reasonable prices for the portion you get. My favorite is the gyro. Try the potatoes!
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Jennifer H.

Yelp
I rarely, if ever, leave a negative review for anything. But y'all. Do not eat here. This was honestly the worst food I've ever eaten. And by eaten, I mean 5 bites before I almost threw up and had to stop. It was the same for my husband and son, too. We didn't complain. We just got up and left. It was a $42 lesson. Allow me to save you $42 on tasteless gyros, mushy fries, and "sweet tea" that tasted like dish soap. I don't think they rinsed the container well when it was washed. Rather than replacing the teas when we (politely) told the restaurant this, they made us pay for the bottled waters we got instead. Again, I'll say: do not eat here. This doesn't even pass as hangover food.
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Adais R.

Yelp
Had not been here in years; Purple Onion was still next door on my last visit! Al's was known for the stuffed potatoes (potato bakers) back then (bbq chicken) & that is still a winner. Chicken finger plate was good (still miss Purple Onion's), as well as burger meal, & philly steak plate. It was all good food w/ large portions. Nice array on the menu to satisfy most customers. My kids did NOT want to eat here, but were glad I insisted upon it, when they enjoyed their food. Peppermint tea is still served; my favorite! Parking in rear & on street next to it. Very small dining inside, but new covering being built for large, outdoor patio area.

Mo M.

Yelp
Even tho the guy at the cash register thought he was a little slick. (I care not to elaborate). The food (stuffed potatoes) I ordered was good. The portion was wet well enough for two. Maybe even three or four, for just one person. I ended up with one steak potato and one chicken. It was so much I ate it for two days. A little insight before you go. The prices on Yelp are wrong. Yelp has one price, the menu on their wall has a slightly higher price than the one on Yelp and the price at the register has a higher price than the one on the wall when you first walk in. So I'm just giving you guys a heads up. But you really shouldn't be eating out if you're gonna complain about the prices anyway. It's not unaffordable nor unreasonable either way. Just a heads up before you take the amount on yelp. Over all. 4 stars. Wont give it five because we don't have one back at home and I'm a hater :)
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Chelsie K.

Yelp
Very small establishment with lots of outdoor seating. The kitchen is mostly open for you to see, which i actually like. The food was delicious and the portions were generous! I waited quite a while for my food, so I'd suggest ordering ahead.
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Val W.

Yelp
I'm not going to lie. I was very skeptical about trying this place out. The vibe reminded me of Purple Onion and I don't really care for Purple Onion. However, my friend insisted that they make their chicken wings in a way that I would love. Since she knows how I like my wings, I decided to give it a try. I like my chicken wings extra crispy. I don't want them hard per say but, I do not like soggy, soft wings. I actually prefer breaded wings and the breading has to be on point! The wings here were definitely a 10! These are probably my favorite wings in Birmingham now. They were perfectly crispy and flavorful. The sauce is served on the side, which is great to me. I also got their cheese fries and they were good! The prices are fair and the portion is great. I'll definitely be back. The only reason for 4 stars is I don't really like how small the booths inside are and there's a bit of a wait. The food, however, is phenomenal!
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Ranita S.

Yelp
I've been going here since I was 18. It is the most nostalgic place for me. It has seen me in all phases of my young adult life. The after club phase of my early years, to the religious phase of MSA meetings of late night banter, to the after hospital visits of a family friend who has since passed. Currently it is the place where my friends and I all reunite and reminisce about the good ol days. Al's has truly seen some things. And this place is a hug for me. You see they have this thing they call a baker. It's a ginormous loaded baked potato with never ending cheese, butter, sour cream and chicken or gyro meat. It is meant for indulging, long talks and comfort. They also have these amazing crispy wings and fries that can be smothered in cheese sauce or ranch. I never said this place was healthy. This place has been the reason of weight gain for so many UAB students but they regret nothing! I know they're going through new management/ownership but I hope they keep EVERYTHING the same. The only thing I'd want them to change is maybe get some outdoor heaters for when it gets cold. Seating inside is super cramped and limited. Here's a few tips if you're new to Al's: It's middle eastern/Sudanese owned so they have great hummus and kebabs but people come for the bakers so definitely try one of those. If you get a bbq baker you might want to get the super sweet bbq sauce on the side. If it is cold you can sit inside but seating is super limited. This place stays open really late and feeds students, club goers and hospital staff so be prepared to wait if you come in after 10pm. I know we all rave about the baker but it isn't life changing, it's mostly just huge and comforting. This is not a fancy establishment so leave your health code standards at the door. I know a guy who was sitting outside and heard gunshots so he grabbed his baker and ducked under the table lol. Yeah so try the baker!
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Holly H.

Yelp
Good food. Not very fast. They didn't have hot water in the girls' bathroom. It took almost 45 minutes to stand in line and wait to get my food. So not fast food.
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Catherine K.

Yelp
A small establishment with diverse menu choices. UAB students can pay with Dining Dollars/Blazer Bucks, and get a free drink. I got takeout with falafels this time, and I think the food portioning is decent for the price. Al's always seems to include fresh fruit, a salad with a pickled pepper, a block of cheese, an olive, and chips with hummus along with what you order. For some reason, the flavor of the wild rice keeps reminding of my high school cafeteria, but it could be worse! No COVID-19 precautions. Overall, a location close to campus that offers good vegetarian options.

Abubakar A.

Yelp
Best halal cheese burger in town its so amazing and there menu is mostly halal and no pork item served in restaurant so that is a plus and avoid any cross contamination give it a try it's awesome.
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Nakema G.

Yelp
I couldn't come back to Birmingham to celebrate my 10 year UAB Homecoming without coming to Al's. When I use to live on campus this spot was one of my go to's. I'm so happy to see it's still open & the chicken fingers/fries are still on point. Thanks Al's for giving me soooo many great college memories & good food.

Taylor V.

Yelp
My friends and I stopped to get lunch at this place a few days ago, and it was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their food. I got the greek salad and it tasted so fresh. The staff were very nice and brought everything out in a timely manner. There is a very spacious outdoor seating area. I would recommend this place to anyone.
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Jahnae B.

Yelp
Always a good eat from this place! Small place that gets crowded gives it a home feelings. If you like purple onion this place is 10x better! Full of flavor! Bigger portions for the price! Food always nice and hot! Keep in mind that they cook the food once you order so if you don't like waiting 20 'minutes for food call ahead. They're pretty good about answering the phone. A good local place to eat that's not a chain restaurant. They give free drinks to UAB students. Great place to go that is open late as well. Been a loyal customer since '18
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Christopher T.

Yelp
This is a five star late night go to place for big portions of good food and fun! It never disappoints either with the food or the atmosphere or the entertainment. They are known well for the huge bake potatoes, which is a great thing to absorb the fluid intake that got one there! Also, they have a great lamb gyro, get two the one for breakfast the morning after going out is great too! The seasoned shoestring fries are a great compliment to the gyro. Another great staple is the chicken finger plate it is an ample serving of the childhood favorite anyone can enjoy after midnight. Note: Parking can be a challenge at times. I cannot speak to their burgers and wings as I haven't ventured past the above three. However, they do get a lot of orders for them! They take call in orders as well. The wait is not that long however they are not an in and out place. Recommend this adventure to anyone, who has been out, or for lunch. Been a decade long customer with no complaints!
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Zach J.

Yelp
Really great food with incredible portions. Made for a really good stop on our long drive to Florida. They also took COVID precautions very seriously, which is a must for us. All employees wore masks. No indoor dining. Plexiglass between the cashier and the customer.
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Karyzma P.

Yelp
OH, AL! My very good friend... long time, no see. Back in the day, when I was a UAB student, my friends and I would ALWAYS go here for study breaks, during hang-out sessions, late-night food runs when hunger hit us at 3am... no matter what the occasion was, Al's was always the answer. Fast forward 14 years later... to today. I'm in Birmingham visiting family and friends, and going to Al's was at the top of my list of things I must do before I leave. So, tonight I ordered the exact same thing I used to get, a Philly Steak Roll Up, fries, and a large side of liquid gold that they call honey mustard. Let me tell you, the food tasted just as good as I remember it being back in 2001-2006, and it's such a blessing that my little brother, who is currently attending UAB, has also adopted the tradition of going to Al's with friends. As I savored each bite, it brought back so many wonderful memories of my good ole college days. Thank you Al's for continuing to provide some of the best food in Southside. You're the OG and the real MVP.
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Fernando P.

Yelp
My friend dragged me here after finishing up a Halloween party last year. We had the munchies and it was literally about 2AM which is how I found out that this place stays up open late. They have so many options to choose from on the menu that it can be a bit daunting, but this is also good as it most likely will have something for anyone. They have vegetarian options which is honestly so great to see. I had the veggie burger and it was amazing. The food was really great and hit all those late night cravings. The portions are also pretty large and it is worth the cost. The only setbacks are that the place is somewhat small inside and not the prettiest looking, but that is also part of the appeal as it has that hole-in-the-wall look. Another thing is that there is usually a long line if you come anytime around or later than midnight; however, you can't beat good food this late at night. Definitely recommend, especially if you need to find a late night snack with friends.

Lee F.

Yelp
I discovered Al's through a friend that lived in Birmingham about fifteen years ago. I stop in whenever I'm in the area now - and its consistently excellent food with HUGE portions. The parking situation around there has gotten worse - it's all been claimed for UAB permit holders :( and their lot is TINY. It looks exactly the same as it did when I first started going in 2006 - but I'm there for food not looks! I got three meals out of the Gyro Baker.
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Tyler B.

Yelp
This spot is a little hole in wall place in the middle of UAB campus. Food was amazing. I would definitely recommend
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Christine N.

Yelp
Good place to grab some late night food. I've been here a few times and the food is good but I decided to give it three stars because its not away consistent! I usually get the gyro plate and a couple times I got it and it was completely burnt. Unfortunately I took it home already so I could let them know. Foods: Gyro plate - tasty if not burnt, lots of food and inexpensive. Gyro sandwich - good, they use a different type of sauce then I'm use to though, almost seems like a thousand island sauce? Fries - very tasty!! Get them with cheese if you like cheese Prices: priced well, perfect for hungry college students Overall, there's lots of items on the menu that I still want to try so I may come back one of those late nights!
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Farah M.

Yelp
I can't believe I've never written a review of Al's. It is certainly a college campus dive kind of a place, but I went to UAB and lived on campus, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Al's is known for its bakers, which truly aren't anything that revolutionary, but they are so good. For me, it's a meal that's reminiscent of long nights in college spent with lots of great friends, and that is a big part of the appeal. But, it really is a tasty meal- just not particularly healthy! They actually have a large and diverse menu with lots of great options besides the bakers. Their burgers are really good, they also have salads, kabobs, wraps, chicken fingers, cheese fries, etc. Honestly, there's something for everyone. As a rule we never sit inside, but there is plentiful outdoor seating ideal for large groups. Being back in Birmingham means I get to (occasionally! College days are long past) indulge in a place that feels like home to me, so that is nice. Would still rec for the nostalgia and also for the consistently tasty, no-frills food.
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David L.

Yelp
I had heard a lot about the popular Al's and was excited to finally try the food. Al's is a popular eatery for nearby UAB students especially late into the evening on the weekends. It's located on a corner of 10th Ave S and 17th St S. Parking on the street will be difficult to find but there's a large parking deck right next door which should be available during the weekend but not during the week. Decorations outside are simple with large signs and even a huge wall menu as you enter. There is a nice fountain in the enclosed courtyard area with many tables with shade. There were more tables to sit outside than there were inside. Thumbs up for their generous of air conditioning because they keep the inside as cold as a meat locker. Everything about Al's reminded me of being at the Purple Onion in Homewood. The look, the feel, and even the food. You place your order at the register and get a table placard. There is a help yourself soda dispenser right around the corner. A nice gentleman brought our food to our table which didn't take very long for a late and slow Wednesday lunch crowd. Matthew ordered the combination plate with beef and shrimp. I got the traditiontal pita roll up Gyro, ranch fries and a garden salad. My friend Josh tried the chicken finger plate. Josh devoured his chicken fingers because he said he was starving. He reported that he would "come back". Matthew's combination plate had a skewer of meat, a skewer of shrimp and a skewer of veggies all served on a bed of rice. It also came with a few sections of pita bread and a container of hummus. The shirimp were cooked nicely and seasoned well. The beef was supposed to be a medium rare, but it was overcooked. I was disappointed that the lettuce they used in my garden salad were on the brink of freshness. The pita bread was a little hard (not soft and fresh). The hummus was as tasteful as any hummus could be, but it was thick and hard. I also really wanted to enjoy the Ranch fries, but they drowned it in ranch and the fries were not fried recently. My garden salad was large. It was served with slices of pita bread (but no hummus), a couple of wedges of pineapple and a slice of orange. My gyro was very good and very tasty. Purple Onion... I mean Al's is a great spot for night eats on the weekends. They make a range of food from a hamburger to kabob plate. They will undoubtedly continue to flourish especially from students, but today's visit was not impressive.
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Meena C.

Yelp
The parentals and sibling arrived in town and after moving even more of my stuff, we were hungry and too tired to go out. Not wanting fast food or pizza, I knew AL's would be a winner. We got three bakers to share amongst the four of us: and still had plenty leftover! The bbq chicken baker, the gyro baker, and fried chicken baker were what we all sampled. Each one had plenty of meat, and even more cheese and buttery goodness. I called in the order, and was told 15-20 minutes. I arrived 15 minutes after calling, and they were almost done with the order, so everything was piping hot and fresh. My favorite was the fried chicken baker, with the gyro being my second favorite. One note: must love BBQ sauce to order these bakers. Though I guess you could ask them to hold the sauce if you aren't a fan.

S C.

Yelp
My sister and I were in Birmingham for a day trip, and I'm so glad we ate here! If I lived nearby, I might go almost every day. It's a small place on a hillside, with a little parking lot uphill behind, booths inside, and more outdoor seating in front. At first we thought it was closed, but then there was a steady stream of UAB students and other locals, including families with kids, coming in. They serve huge stuffed potatoes, salads, burgers, most with a Greek or Mediterranean flavor. I got a Greek salad topped with seasoned chicken which was absolutely delicious - and filled my takeout box. There were warm foil-wrapped pita wedges and hummus for dipping as well. I could only eat half, so got to bring the rest home! The mint-flavored sweet tea was also delicious and refreshing. The staff were friendly and service was timely. Highly recommend!
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Hannah B.

Yelp
It's a lot of food made 4 meals out of the BAKED potato with chicken it was huge but good. It definitely needs a remodel and new parking lot but that cost money and with this high inflation now it wouldn't be good timing right now. It has good food. Lots of different items on the menu to satisfy your tastebuds and cravings yummy so much to choose from love the Mediterranean meals too. We travel to Birmingham Alabama once a year but will try other places to eat. My first and last here. It's good for the campus life and easy for this community. Too many other places here to try for once a year.
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Kristen J.

Yelp
It's been awhile since I've visited this place and it still looks the same as it did when I was in high school. I ordered the Mahi Mahi special and I really enjoyed it but it was a little over cooked but pretty good. The hummus on the other hand tastes like water but other than that I think I will go back. Oh and went around 7-7:30 p.m and that was perfect timing. The crowd was very small and great parking was still available.
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Kandace M.

Yelp
Really good food, prepared fresh. Love their gyro platter, tons of food . Could feed 3 people. Their wraps are great as well as their gigantic potatoes
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Alison W.

Yelp
This place is fantastic ! I started gong in the 90's bc it's close to UAB but the gyro plate keeps me returning! The prices here are very good too! I've never had a bad meal here ! Enough said !
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Jenn C.

Yelp
These baked potatoes should be in the Guinness book of world records. They are the best thing you will ever eat from here. PERIOD. No matter what time of day or night they will be flawless. I had the shrimp and steak combination Baker with extra scallions and no bbq. That damn potato saved my life that night. Man oh man. I will forever love Al's I've a long time customer here and the always order a baker. If they ever close. I'd boycott.
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Eliana T.

Yelp
Al's is a Birmingham staple. Open 24/7, you'll see many a post bar crowd pile in here for late night grub and hangs. They're known for their bakers, a GIANT (and I mean GIANT) potato with delicious topping options. I love that the menu here is extensive, I usually try to go for lighter options and I understand this isn't really the place for that? That being said, I've had many overpriced and mediocre meals here. Gyro roll up was nothing special, kind of dry. Greek salad with shrimp was $17 and pretty average, shrimp was tasty but the salad had one limp tomato slice and a pound of feta. Al's is a good, fast, late night food joint but don't come expecting anything groundbreaking food wise in my opinion.
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Alexis C.

Yelp
First time back since pre-Covid visits and the food is as good as ever. Only outdoor seating is available but it is always so nice on the patio. All workers are practicing proper health safety and everything is hot and delicious. Such a staple restaurant of downtown Birmingham.