Highlands Bar & Grill

Since opening its doors in 1982, Highlands Bar & Grill has served as a cornerstone of modern Southern fine dining, seamlessly harmonizing French bistro technique with deep-rooted Alabama culinary heritage under Chef Frank Stitt. Located on 11th Avenue South, this Birmingham icon elevates humble regional ingredients into world-class fare, setting a high standard for hospitality and kitchen precision.

French Bistro Sophistication in Five Points South

The interior strikes a refined balance between an approachable French brasserie and a soulful Southern home. Warm ambient lighting, mahogany accents, and a classic Alabama marble bar frame a room filled with lively conversation. Whether seated for a formal celebratory dinner or pulling up a chair at the oyster bar for chilled seafood and aperitifs, guests experience an atmosphere that feels at once historic, upscale, and effortlessly welcoming.

Benchmark French-Southern Offerings

• Stone-Ground Baked Grits: Rich and comforting, these local stone-ground grits are baked with sharp white cheddar, sweet caramelized onions, and delicate herbs, elevating classic Southern staples into a refined luxury.
• Roast Quail: A masterclass in classic technique, featuring tender pan-seared quail stuffed with rich foie gras and cornbread, nestled over spinach and leek pirlau with a glossy red wine reduction.
• Greg Abrams Triggerfish: Locally caught Gulf triggerfish roasted alongside sweet Cipollini onions, fennel, preserved lemon, and a bright sauce Provençal for a clean, coastal showcase.
• Famous Coconut Cake: Crafted from pastry chef Dolester Miles' award-winning recipe, this legendary 12-layer masterpiece features delicate cake layers filled with luscious pastry cream and wrapped in fluffy coconut frosting.

Pricing & Value Expectation

Reflecting its place among America’s premier dining institutions, price points lean into high-end fine dining. Entrées average between $35 and $42, while starters range from $14 to $22. Portions are intentionally structured, offering rich, satisfying profiles without feeling overly heavy, making a multi-course progression of appetizer, main, and dessert ideal.

Dining Advice & Dietary Adaptability

Highlands Bar & Grill offers notable flexibility for dietary restrictions, particularly for gluten-free guests who can safely indulge in items like the raw Gulf oysters, ginger-marinated crab claws, roasted triggerfish, and braised beef cheeks. Reservations are essential well in advance, though early arrival for bar seating offers a fantastic walk-in alternative for oyster lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.