Have a Real Dinner at Highlands Bar & Grill
Not everything great in Alabama is fried and cheap. Since 1982, chef Frank Stitt’s Highlands Bar & Grill has quietly been one of the best restaurants in the American South — French technique married to Alabama ingredients — and after years of nominations it was finally named the James Beard Foundation’s Most Outstanding Restaurant in the country. The baked grits and the house-made charcuterie are the stuff of legend.
| Cost | $$$ (splurge) |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Best season | year-round; reserve ahead |
| Where | Birmingham · Birmingham Metro Alabama |
Common questions
When's the best time to visit Highlands Bar & Grill?
Best season: year-round; reserve ahead.
How much does it cost?
$$$ (splurge). Prices drift — confirm before you go.
How long should I plan for?
Plan for about 2 hours.
Is it actually worth the trip?
Our rating: Non-negotiable. Proof that Alabama cooking reaches the very top. Some meals you save up for, and this is one.
One of 120 in Kick the Bucket List: Alabama
The full book is 120 checkable picks like this one — with a Bucket Rating on every entry telling you what's worth the drive and what to skip. A keepsake you fill in and score.
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