The inspiration for the Whistle Stop Café in the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes," this cafeteria-style eatery sits beside train tracks and does, in fact, serve fried green tomatoes (between 60 to 70 pounds of them a day!). The menu changes daily but includes all of your Southern favorites, such as fried chicken, meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

DOWNTOWN. "Hold to your hat!" ... That's always good advice for folks planning to visit this downhome Southern fav, whose first restaurant opened in B-Ham back when Bear Bryant was running things. Pork, chicken and savory brisket are lovingly prepared the old fashioned way ­ slow-cooked over a hickory wood fire ­ and will satisfy even the heartiest appetite. Exposed brick walls, dark wood, and historic pictures of Birmingham give the 11th Avenue Grill a cozy feeling that will have you coming back again and again.