Opera Cake: A rich layered dessert with almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache.
Grill • Seafood • European • Bar/Lounge
"If there is a restaurant that is a Birmingham institution among the wealthier crowd, there is literally only one name that locals would bring up, and it is undoubtedly Highlands. Not that there aren't other nice restaurants, but this spot has proven itself over time and is ran by a chef that most Alabamians are quite proud of. Opened in 1982, Highland's is a place that put Birmingham on the map in a positive way at a time when the post industrial iron period was about to wind down and transform the city. Frank formalized his cooking techniques by working in kitchens of San Francisco and France, creating a medley of American Southern and French cuisine that is difficult to find elsewhere. It was not a time when it was common to see a chef from Alabama going to study cooking in Europe, thus the story was already an anomaly. Frank Stitt was trying to pioneer sustainable agriculture and farming well before anybody in Alabama knew what in the world that actually meant or for that matter, cared. One of the signature items is the baked grits that has been around since the restaurant opened. It's a tasty grits preparation and without a doubt, something to try. The pheasant was spectacular, fairly lean and with a crispy delicious skin, served with grits and green beans. Pastries here are created by Dolester Miles, who has been in the job for well over 30 years. The opera cake is absolutely spectacular, gentle and complexly layered. The basque cake is peachy and moist, with a crispy delicious exterior and Chantilly cream. Not only are these likely the best desserts to discover in Alabama, but may be some of the best to be found in America. The attentiveness got derail was clearly evident. As far as service, generally fine, but not particularly attentive. The waitress did not seem in much of a mood to welcome people to the establishment. Many items on the menu were running out by 8:30pm on a Saturday night. Nobody was particularly impressed with the flounder that got substituted for the grouper. And then there are other questions, why would you run out of grits? They know they are always filled to capacity and ingredients to make grits are not immediately perishable. Highland's has by this point in Birmingham's history become a classic. It's evident that most people here have been around for decades working at their jobs and serving the rich crowds of Mountain Brook. It's a place of great food and shows many combinations of ingredients that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere, let alone be executed this well."
Full • Hotels • American • Bar-Lounge
"Our early Saturday brunch experience was excellent. The food was marvelous. Our waitress was pleasantly attentive. We ordered some to take with us and she brought it out when we were finished along with our nicely boxed leftovers. Just wish Metropole would reopen for breakfast on weekdays."
Beer • Wine • Vietnamese • Bar-Lounge
"The seating arrangement of the restaurant was inadequate. There was no room to walk, and the tables are not big enough for two people. You could have one plate and drink on the table at a time. The staff had to stop multiple times to maneuver around the tables."
Meat • Steak • French • Chicken
"had a great experience in la colonial! our seat request was honored that eating was delicious and the service and the ambiente were excellent. restaurant had a really nice feeling. we will return."
French • Bakery • Desserts • American
"We were just walking by and decided to stop in. The desserts looked amazing. We tried 4 cupcakes: carrot, red velvet, coconut and chocolate. Delicious. And the staff was amazingly friendly and kind."
Cafés • Coffee • Bakeries • American
"Cute little European style bakery brunch spot This place is temporarily closed for remodeling I believe."
Full • Wine • American • Bar-Lounge
"We ate at the Grand Tier Restaurant as part of a special night: introducing a granddaughter to her first opera. The dinner was an excellent start: the menu selections were interesting and varied enough for everyones' tastes; the service was gracious and unobtrusive and the food was excellent!We were able to hold a conversation without having to strain to hear. The table decoration was just enough to be festive yet not overwhelming and the table itself was large enough that service pieces were not crowded.At intermission our deserts awaited us and we had an unhurried time enjoying them"
Tacos • Vegan • Mexican • Bar-Lounge
"Had been looking forward to trying this place for quite some time. They've been developing this area near Red Rocks for quite some time. It is a perfect location at the bottom of Origin Hotel Red Rocks. You are right off of I-70 and can easily run up to the mountains or down to downtown Denver!Beautiful atmosphere. The outside seating area is awesome. Decorated with string lights and firepits, it is a great environment to relax have a drink and good food.We sat inside which was also beautiful. The food was good but a bit over priced for what you were getting. Great taco options and flavors. Nachos were good as well. The service was a bit lack luster though.Overall positive experience. Looking forward to checking it out again."
Coffee • Cheese • Drinks • Desserts
"I am extremely disappointed with the quality of macarons and cookies I received from this bakery. My order included 24 macarons of various flavors and a heart-shaped biscuit and cream tower. The macarons were dry and crumbled easily, with some having an artificial taste. The stale taste from the display cooler was also noticeable. However, there were a few flavors that were fresh and moist. The cookie lacked sweetness and the cream was unpleasant. This was given to me as a Valentine's Day gift, making it difficult to tell my loved one that I did not enjoy it. I had hoped for a better experience."
Wine • French • European • Bar-Lounge
"Second year visiting during restaurant week. I LOVE this location and look forward to visiting new location in October!"
Cafés • French • European • Bakeries
"that is a jewel of a theater. I love the seats lying and sitting small bowls for everyone. that makes a good movie theatre when they come."
Wine • European • Vegetarian • American (New)
"What a pleasant surprise we received for our 51st anniversary. We didn't know what to expect but we fell in love with the place. I wish try had an elevator so we could enjoy the upstairs. Menu was very confusing but we made our way through it with the fantastic help of our waiter. Cocktails were perfectly prepared along with the appetizers; salads were to write home about; entrees were perfectly prepared. With everything perfect to this point we were forced to hold out for desert- glad we did- perfect ending to a wonderful occasion. Will we be back? Absolutely Pricey but oh so worth it. Our waiter as far as I'm concerned went far beyond the call of duty. THANK YOU Gary Sharyn Chlebowski"
Cafe • Café, American
"This place is a bargain for sure. Good variety of plates. Their food combinations though… they can be eclectic. The veggies that come on the side are usually under seasoned and undercooked but the main protein good. The service is quick, food is cheap and I’d recommend anyone needing to satisfy a big party to come here. There’s a little something for everyone and it won’t break the bank. The sauce bar is cool too"
Cafe • Cafés • European • Vegetarian
"I have heard many things about this place, but was not aware that they discriminate against African American males. I wanted to pick up a delivery order. the three servers that worked on this day ignored my annoyance as I asked for the order. another man went after me after waiting for 10 minutes and was immediately helped. insecure what policy or procedures are, but the disregard has lost any future business with this company, and I will call and alert them to their company's inferiorities for others from a lighter skin tone. no place to be if you African American."
Chicken • American • Cocktail • Bar-Lounge
"Went for a special Birthday luncheon with family. Was disappointed they were only serving the brunch menu. I was planning on having a nice steak for my special day and they didn’t have any on the brunch menu only dinners. Then they never sang to me or brought any treat out for my birthday and that was another added disappointment. We had to go outside next-door to sprinkles and get our own cupcakes to celebrate. So if you’re planning to go there for your birthday bring your own treats and don’t expect any special treatment or a very good selection on the menu! Our waitress was nice the food was adequate. We ordered the Montecristo sandwich it was good but very rich and sweet so I split my chicken with my daughter. It was also very messy with jelly on the outside instead of inside it! My birthday lunch was OK but Luckily my family made up for it by being special"
Steak • Kosher • Burgers • Barbecue
"Absolutely LOVED this place! We ordered the bbq beef nachos, chicken appetizer, beef stroganoff, and the burger. Each item was so delicious, the waiters and staff and very sweet and kind, and we cant wait to come back here on our next visit to Las Vegas. Very highly recommend!"
Full • Cafe • Wine • Coffee
"Nice, affordable spot for a casual brunch and coffee. Would probably go back for their lattes, but food is average."
Full • Wine • Pasta • American
"I was very impressed with the food at Parkwoods. The seafood was my favorite because it was very fresh. I ate quite a bit of oysters The Mac cheese and the salmon were also very delicious. It was a Christmas morning buffet so they also had a carving station for prime rib, charcuterie, belgian waffle station and an omelet station. The omelet station was made to order and the omelet tastes amazing. We also had a mimosa. The mimosas were $10. The mimosas were not the strongest i,ve had but it did taste good. They also had a dessert making station and cookie decorating station. I'm always skeptical when it comes to macaroons because they are usually hard and rubbery at some places, but the ones on their dessert bar were soft and tasted fresh. The vibe was very peaceful and laid back. The server was polite and attentive. I think her name was Latisha. The restaurant makes you feel like you're eating in a glass house. It's beautiful, serene and earthy. Someone was playing jazz music on a keyboard so that enhanced the ambience even more. There is a lot of beautiful art and statement pieces placed throughout the lobby and restaurant. The Christmas Brunch buffet was $49 per adult(without tax) and worth EVERY penny. We paid $8 to park in the parking garage of the Crowne Plaza Rivina hotel."