What would you eat for a last meal in Birmingham? These people made food

OK, so planning what you’d eat for your last meal sounds pretty macabre. It’s a long-standing parlor game, albeit one with serious roots, akin to listing the items you’d need when stranded on a desert island or the famous people you’d invite to dinner.

The basic idea, of course, is to imagine yourself in an extreme situation and make some decisions, knowing that the sky is the limit for whatever (or whoever) you choose. In that spirit, let’s take a look at what some people would like for their last meal in Birmingham by following the responses to a recent Reddit thread.

The topic was ‘The last table in Birmingham: if you were faced with choosing the last table, what would you choose?’ Here are the highlights from the comments as people pointed out their favorite restaurants and dishes in the metro area.

J WINGS

Table: “Js Wings 20pc Cajun Ranch Lemon Pepper Dry Rub with Cajun Ranch Cheese Fries and Js Punch. My dessert would be my mom’s homemade hummingbird cake. If I can’t take his cake, I refuse to die that day,” said @SignificantNinja679 on Reddit. “I live right next to J Wings in Fultondale and omggggg those fries,” said @SalemHarlot. “A big shout out to the wings of j. The place is (fire). Some of the best wings in bham,” said @young_hodor.

Good to know: J Wings has two locations in Bessemer – at 2451 Crossplex Blvd. and 1011 Ninth Ave. Southwest – plus other metropolitan area locations. AL.com included J Wings in its recent list of the top five places for chicken wings in the metro area, and the folks on Reddit obviously agree.

GARAGE

Table: “A garage sandwich. Roast beef on hoagie, mayo, spicy mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, banana peppers, mushrooms. Fried. Extra pickle,” said @hunkykitty.

Good to know: The Garage, a funky bar and coffee shop at 2304 10th Terrace South, is a Birmingham institution. The South Side Water Pool opened in 1994 and is renowned for its antique-strewn courtyard, friendly atmosphere and laid-back charm. The menu focuses on soups and sandwiches, and some of them are pretty impressive, as this Reddit user noted.

EUGENE’S LIGHTHOUSE CHICKEN

Table: “Eugene’s hot chicken with silly heat, dressing, fries. I would die fat and happy,” said @Squishytoaster.

Good to know: “Fried Chicken Nirvana? Eugene’s has earned a delightful reputation that’s pretty close to it. So said AL.com in 2023, naming this restaurant the No. 1 pick on its list of the five best fried chicken joints in Birmingham. There is a downtown location at 2268 Ninth Ave. North and another in Hoover at 3232 Galleria Circle, Suite 101. You can order spiced chicken at different heat levels, and one Reddit user opted for the hottest option.

SAW’S BBQ

Table: “Pork n Greens and some wings/legs from Saw’s,” @BigBillSmash said.

Good to know: Saw’s, with six locations in the Birmingham metro area, is home to what AL.com called “one of the most Alabama dishes ever.” The plan calls for some cheese topped with pork and collard greens, drizzled with barbecue sauce and topped with onion rings. And yes, this Reddit user chose that famous dish as his ultimate meal.

STAR LIGHT

Table: “Rice necks and peanut butter pie at Bright Star,” said @danger_birds. “My TBS meal would be Greek tenderloin, a Greek salad, green beans, rolls, bread pudding, sweet tea and enough Chivas to make me numb,” @TKMurphy2 said. “Peanut Butter Greek Meat Pie from The Bright Star in Bessemer!” said @Emergency-Neat4959.

Good to know: Bessemer’s Bright Star, 304 19th St. North, is one of Alabama’s oldest restaurants and an iconic spot for steaks, seafood, desserts and more. Snapper necks are a signature dish here and a top choice for these folks on Reddit. The menu also includes delicious desserts such as peanut butter pie.

CHEZ PHONE PHONE

Table: “I’m not sure what I’d order, but I’m pretty sure it would be at Chez Fon Fon,” said @AnybodySeeMyKeys. “Yes, steak frites, trout or even the burger. With an orange thing and a slice of coconut cake,” said @Cytlid. “The Paillard never misses,” said @Strict_Emergency_289. “Maybe that and liver mousse and escargot and a lemon tart…”

Good to know: Chez Fonfon, 2007 11th Ave. South, is an elegant French bistro, very welcoming. The menu boasts a golden burger — the “much celebrated and highly decorated Hamburger Fonfon,” said AL.com — and a must-have coconut cake, from a recipe created by award-winning pastry chef Dolester Miles. Reddit users sang Chez Fonfon’s praises and even mentioned the Orange Thing, a signature cocktail at Frank Stitt’s Birmingham restaurants.

BETTOLA

Table: “Bettola Marscapone and prosciutto pizza,” said @malloryhair.

Good to know: Bettola, 2930 Third Ave. South, serves artisanal pizza baked in an Italian wood-fired pizza oven. Fresh ingredients are important here, and chef James Lewis, who opened Bettola in 2006, strives for authenticity in his Neapolitan-inspired pies. AL.com directed readers to Bettola in a recent article for National Pizza Week, listing five pizzerias to try in Birmingham. This Reddit user also gives the restaurant a big thumbs up.

AUTOMATIC SEAFOOD AND OYSTERS

Table: “It would involve oysters, so I think Automatic at that point because the money wouldn’t be in play for the last table. But if I could get it all: Milo’s, Guiseppe’s and a meat and three would be on the list,” said @TheCowKitty. “A huge selection of appetizers, small plates, oysters, entrees and desserts from Automatic Seafood,” @CMsirP said.

Good to know: Automatic Seafood, 2824 Fifth Ave South, opened in 2019 in Birmingham’s Lakeview neighborhood. The elegant restaurant quickly developed a reputation for the quality and creativity of its dishes. Chef Adam Evans has been named Best Chef of the South at the 2022 James Beard Awards, and Reddit users are applauding his delicious menus.

BLUE PACIFIC AT HOOVER FOOD MART

Table: “Chicken Panang or Chicken Pad Thai from Blue Pacific. Hands down,” @MickyJaggy said.

Good to know: Gas station food for this Reddit user? You bet. Hoover’s Blue Pacific, 3219 Lorna Road, has earned a stellar reputation over the past nine years, serving up a flavorful coconut soup, fiery curry, Pad Ka Tem-Prik Thai (grilled garlic meat topped with a fried egg) and an exceptional pad thai. In 2022, celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern named Blue Pacific as one of the best restaurants in Birmingham, calling the food “incredible”.

SHU SHOP

Table: “Seafood ramen at Shu shop with some of their veggie dumplings,” said @Mars-To-Venus.

Good to know: Shu Shop, 1820 Third Ave. North, specializes in ramen (or noodle soup), Japanese-inspired small plates, and more. Birmingham Magazine named the trendy eatery as one of Birmingham’s 10 best restaurants, and Shu Shop fans agree. This Reddit user didn’t mention the extensive sake list, but it’s definitely a plus.

MORE LATEST TABLES FROM REDDIT

“Back 40 burger and fries – hot hot tomato salad – chainsaw smoked wings with extra white sauce – Helen Angel biscuits – red velvet baby bites from pastelate art bake shoppe.” — @coconuthead95

“A hearty cheeseburger, a le fresca pizza, back40 fries, and RIP, but a slice of Johnny Rays chocolate pie.” — @jenandjuice10

“Chicken tikka masala and garlic naan from Bay Leaf in 5 Points or a double cheeseburger with fries and onion rings from Otey’s in Mountain Brook.” — @live_positively

“That eggplant boy (at Rougaroux) owns my soul.” — @BruciePup.

“Creekside BBQ’s Pulled Pork and Smoked Gouda BBQ Sandwich.” — @alison_bee

“Purple onion. Hummus and pita, a sweet mint tea and either a chicken wrap or a kafta wrap! Maybe a side of cheesy fries if I feel like it.” — @qeorqia

“I’d eat one of those Al’s bakers.” — @arolloftide

“Great Wall sesame tofu with two orders of spring rolls.” — @ThecamtrainR6

“Jack Browns. Whatever the burger of the day is…and a Back Forty Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale.” — @xboxlivedog

“Marty’s Patty Melt with an over medium egg!” — @FunctionEmotional604

“Davenports pepperoni pizza with green olives, O’Carrs’ meat and cheese platter, and Demetri’s Greek chicken sandwich.” — @Mgp4me.

“Good BBQ at Jim and Nicks.” — @manuvns

“Gianmarco’s chicken parm and a bottle of Frank Family Cabernet.” — @Gullible_Blood2765

“A dozen Southern Belle oysters from Automatic Chicken & waffle plate from Yo Mama’s, hash browns spread, covered and cut into chunks from Waffle House on 4th Ave S, double biscuit and gravy from Jacks in Homewood, a Sticky Maple from Maple Street Biscuit washed down with a Coke from McDonald’s from St. Vincent’s.” — @ConcentrateEmpty711

“A prime rib plate with mac and cheese and a lemonade from Hit Different in Pelham.” — @LittleBlazer

“Like 17 Chicken Tenders and like 10 sides of fries from Hattie B’s.” — @Richard080108

“Fultondale Whataburger. I will extend my life by a few hours just waiting for them to get the food ordered, made and returned to me.” — @ultraparadisemonster