Birmingham may not sit next to the coast, but when it comes to seafood, this city knows how to surprise you. The salt air may be miles away, yet plates here overflow with flavor pulled straight from the ocean’s playbook. Whether you’re craving a plate of fresh oysters or a whole fried catfish done just right, you’ll find more than enough options to tempt your appetite.
Trying seafood around Birmingham has become something of a hobby for me. From old-school counters where you grab a tray to polished dining rooms perfect for date night, the city’s seafood spots don’t just serve fish—they deliver stories on a plate. Dive in with confidence and explore this list of the best seafood restaurants in Birmingham, AL. There’s a dining adventure waiting beneath every crustacean shell.
Where to find the best seafood in Birmingham, AL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Birmingham, AL:
- Niki’s West Steak And Seafood Restaurant
- Hot And Hot On Location
- The Fish Market
- Seafood And Chicken Box The
- Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- Sharks Fish & Chicken
- Red Lobster
- Courtyard Oyster Bar
- The Crab Barrack
- The Seafood King
1. Niki’s West Steak And Seafood Restaurant
Niki’s West Steak And Seafood Restaurant draws crowds for its blend of Southern hospitality and classic seafood plates. Set on Finley Avenue since 1957, it radiates the charm of a true Birmingham staple, thanks to the Hontzas family’s warmth and consistency. The lively cafeteria line keeps things moving—every visit feels like being part of the city’s daily rhythm.
The seafood here is always fresh and never fussy. Try the catfish fillet: crisp on the outside, tender inside, and reliably flavorful. I still think about those thick, golden fried shrimp that deliver crunch with every bite. Niki’s gumbo is a sleeper hit, loaded with seafood and just enough spice.
If you love unfussy, home-style cooking with deep local roots, this is your stop. Every plate tells a story; every meal tastes like comfort.
2. Hot And Hot On Location
Hot And Hot On Location brings a polished approach to seafood, right in the heart of Birmingham’s Five Points South. Set in a sleek space, it delivers an experience that feels both upscale and welcoming. Every visit here has me looking forward to the subtle Southern touches that show up on the menu.
The chef’s focus on seasonal, locally-sourced seafood sets the tone. Think delicate Gulf fish, roasted to perfection, resting on flavorful vegetable medleys. The crab salad is worth mentioning—fresh, bright, and designed to let the seafood shine.
For something memorable, order the seafood plate, loaded with daily catches. It’s a reflection of what Hot And Hot does best: simple, beautiful food, presented with care and a bit of Southern spirit.
3. The Fish Market
The Fish Market is one of those rare finds where you can enjoy top-notch seafood in a truly relaxed setting. On busy nights, the energy in the room feels like a neighborhood get-together. With Greek and Mediterranean influences shining through, their menu breaks the expected Alabama seafood mold in the most pleasant way.
The grilled whole snapper is a showstopper—perfectly seasoned and bursting with fresh ocean flavor. I keep coming back for their gumbo, rich and loaded with seafood, vegetables, and just the right amount of spice.
Don’t overlook the shrimp and Greek salad combo. This blend of zesty, light flavors sums up what makes The Fish Market special: healthy, fresh meals with a dash of Mediterranean sunshine. It’s proof you don’t have to travel far for great seafood in Birmingham.
4. Seafood And Chicken Box The
Seafood And Chicken Box The has earned its neighborhood following with simple, satisfying plates and friendly service. After more than 35 years in Birmingham, it’s the kind of spot where locals return week after week. On my last visit, I admired how the energy inside feels upbeat, casual, and refreshingly down-to-earth.
Their fried shrimp and catfish dinners are the obvious standouts. Each order comes hot and perfectly crispy, portioned for true Southern appetites. The hush puppies and fries are the kind of sides you can’t stop picking at, no matter how full you get.
If you want a taste of Birmingham comfort food done right, this is the place. Everything is cooked to order, and nothing on the seafood menu ever disappoints.
5. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen brings a taste of New Orleans right to Birmingham, blending Cajun flair with generous hospitality. The dining room always feels lively, and there’s almost always a reason to celebrate here. The menu tempts from every angle, but it’s the vibrant seafood dishes that keep me coming back.
Seafood platters here are stacked high with perfectly seasoned Gulf shrimp, flaky fish, and crisp fried oysters. For something with a punch of flavor, try the blackened catfish paired with dirty rice—it’s smoky, rich, and worth every bite.
Pappadeaux excels at lively, crowd-pleasing plates. Their gumbo, loaded with seafood and Creole spices, tastes like Louisiana itself. This is the spot for festive meals with friends or family in Birmingham.
6. Sharks Fish & Chicken
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Sharks Fish & Chicken is where you go for simple seafood pleasures done right, no fuss or frills required. This spot stays busy for a reason: the portions are generous, the food is always hot, and prices friendly enough to keep you coming back. There’s something comforting about seeing your order cooked to order every single time.
The catfish fillets stand out—crispy outside, tender inside, seasoned just right. Their shrimp dinners are a close second, packed with flavor and never too oily. I’ve lost count of how many combo baskets I’ve enjoyed here after a long day.
Pair any meal with their famous seasoned fries. For a straight-up satisfying seafood fix in Birmingham, Sharks is a local staple you can always rely on.
7. Red Lobster
Red Lobster in Birmingham delivers familiar flavors in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The menu covers all the classics, making it a dependable stop when you want that seafood craving handled with ease. Every visit reminds me of big, laughter-filled tables and a steady stream of biscuits you can’t say no to.
The Ultimate Feast is a highlight—bringing together shrimp, flounder, and a snow crab cluster for a little bit of everything. The wood-grilled salmon is a lighter favorite, always flaky and fresh. Red Lobster’s signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits are impossible to ignore and a beloved part of every meal.
If you’re after reliable tastes and a sense of celebration, Red Lobster is a classic Birmingham seafood choice.
8. Courtyard Oyster Bar
Courtyard Oyster Bar is the laid-back spot for seafood lovers who want good food without any pretense. With a casual, lively energy and plenty of local regulars, it’s a great place to gather with friends and catch a game. I’ve found myself lingering here late, sharing stories over generous plates.
The oysters—raw, grilled, or fried—are the main draw and always fresh. The shrimp baskets hit all the right notes: crispy, hot, and great with house-made sauces. For something more filling, the catfish platter consistently delivers classic Southern flavors with a side of nostalgia.
If you’re searching for relaxed seafood and a lively crowd in Birmingham, Courtyard Oyster Bar serves up both in equal measure.
9. The Crab Barrack
The Crab Barrack brings the boil-house experience right to Birmingham, and it’s easy to see why crowds gather here for a seafood fix. The aroma alone is inviting, filled with spices that promise flavor in every bite. The casual, energetic vibe makes every visit feel like a bit of a celebration—no white tablecloths required.
The seafood boils are the headliner. Piles of crab, shrimp, potatoes, and corn arrive steaming and tossed in your choice of spice level. I still think about their garlic butter seasoning days after a meal; it clings to everything in the best possible way.
For those hungry for bold flavors and hands-on dining, The Crab Barrack is a standout in Birmingham’s seafood scene.
10. The Seafood King
The Seafood King knows how to turn a simple seafood dinner into something memorable without stretching your budget. It’s a family-friendly spot, always buzzing, with staff who greet you like an old friend. I enjoy how the laid-back atmosphere pairs perfectly with plates piled with ocean-fresh fare.
The standout is their seafood boil, customizable with options like shrimp, crab, and corn, all tossed in flavorful house seasonings. The garlic butter option is a personal favorite—each bite is rich, savory, and satisfying.
When you want great value and big coastal flavor right in Birmingham, The Seafood King delivers. It’s a place where seafood cravings and casual outings find their happy intersection.
More Things to Try in Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants in Birmingham, AL?
Some top picks include Niki’s West, The Fish Market, Hot And Hot On Location, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, and The Seafood King. Each offers something different, from classic Southern plates to spicy Cajun-style boils.
Are there affordable seafood options in Birmingham?
Yes, you’ll find spots like Sharks Fish & Chicken and Boston Fish Supreme known for generous portions at wallet-friendly prices.
Where can I get fresh oysters in Birmingham?
Try Courtyard Oyster Bar, 5 Points Public House Oyster Bar, or Automatic Seafood and Oysters for some of the freshest oysters in town, served raw or grilled.
Do Birmingham seafood restaurants offer takeout?
Most seafood spots offer takeout, with many providing easy online ordering. The Fish Market and Pappadeaux are popular options for quick, high-quality meals to-go.
Are there family-friendly seafood restaurants in Birmingham?
Absolutely. Niki’s West, The Seafood King, and Red Lobster are all great for family outings, offering hearty dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.