The countdown is on for the largest Historically Black College and University football game in the country.
And the Regions Bank team wants to share a few of our favorite foodie spots with you! Let us help fill your plate with fantastic cuisine from some of the city’s best local eateries!
In just a few days, Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University will face off in the 81st annual Magic City Classic. The historic rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Hornets returns to Birmingham’s Legion Field on Saturday, Oct. 29.
So, during your visit for the Magic City Classic, look no further than our handy food guide to fantastic breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks!
First, we’ll take you on a tour of East of the Mississippi Diner. A local eatery with plenty of southern charm, this is where good food and good times unite. Their slogan is, “we focus on our southern style cooking that tastes just like home, and for you to feel at home while dining with us.” We agree. The atmosphere and food feel just like home as soon as you step through the door. A place where familiar faces are recognized, everyone knows your name, and the salmon croquettes, pancakes with crispy, buttery edges, oxtails with perfect gravy, fluffy homemade biscuits, yummy sides and desserts will make your breakfast trip worthwhile.
Are you hungry yet?!?
Now, we’re on to lunch, and a few celebrity friends joined us as we toured SOCU Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar! Here we found an elevated southern dining experience. This tour highlights and celebrates fresh Gulf seafood, farm-grown vegetables and a fun environment with flavorful food for the soul. You are in for a treat! Here you will find delectable options such as lobster deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, mouth-watering shrimp and grits with crab gravy – there’s something for everyone! Come along with us and check out the experience here!
As you saw, SOCU Southern Kitchen and Oyster bar was nothing short of amazing. For dinner, we take you on a tour of Chez Fonfon – a bustling bistro in the heart of Birmingham’s Five Points South that will whisk you away to a dinner reminiscent of Paris, Lyon or Nice – perfect for a posh night on the town. Here you will find French fare that boasts an impeccable wine list, fan favorites such as the Salade Fonfon, and roasted flounder with crab beurre blanc, to name a few! Take a look at the video below and see this fabulous cuisine for yourself.
So, you’re out on the town, and you’ve had tons of fun participating in everything the Magic City Classic has to offer for the week and you’re looking for great mixology and small bites. Well, look no further. Check out The Lumbar – a local pub where the owner says, “good food is brain fuel, and each dish on our menu is specially crafted to feed your wildest ideas.” Here you will find seasonal wine from all over the world, crafted cocktails, and favorites such as jalapeno wings, burgers, and the signature matrix tots!
The Magic City Classic will be full of exciting events! And your meals (and snacks!) while visiting can be just as exciting, too. So, plug these into your phone or GPS, and let us know how you like it!
East of the Mississippi Diner
3103 Ensley 5 Points West Ave
Birmingham, AL 35208
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7am – 3pm
Saturday 7am – 12pm
SOCU Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar
120 19th St. North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Hours of operation:
Lunch:
Monday, Wednesday – Friday 11am – 2:30pm
Tuesday – Closed
Dinner:
Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 4pm – 10pm
Brunch:
Saturday and Sunday 11am – 3pm
Chez Fonfon
2007 11th Ave. South
Birmingham, AL. 35205
Hours of operation:
Tuesday – Friday11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The Lumbar | Pepper Place
212 29th St S
Birmingham, AL 35233
Next to Ignite Cycle, Across from Jeni’s ice cream
Hours of operation:
Tuesday – Thursday 12 – 9PM
Friday – Saturday 12 – 10PM
Sunday 12 – 7PM
Monday – Closed