3 Best Black-owned Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama- During the month of February, all of America celebrates Black History Month. Throughout February all peoples are to remember the important events and people that shaped this nation. Wabe sums up the premise of the month well, saying, “Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history.”. With all that in mind, one of the most delicious ways to celebrate and support Black communities is through uplifting black-owned restaurants. By drawing attention to black and minority-owned businesses, the public can be directly a part of the empowerment of these communities. When minority-owned businesses are given a platform not only does everyone involved succeed, but also the local economy. Black History Month shouldn’t limit those to one singular month of support, but rather act as a stepping stone for the public to find new, tasty restaurants that they’ll visit year-round. Residents and tourists alike should consider visiting one or all of the following 3 Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama.
Here are the 3 Best Black-owned Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama
Red Sea Ethiopian and Mediterranean Restaurant
T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Each establishment was chosen based on personal experience and online reviews. If you’re looking for a delicious new restaurant to try out this February and beyond, continue reading to learn more.
Red Sea

Red Sea Ethiopian and Mediterranean Restaurant is located in Birmingham, Alabama. This establishment is owned and operated by two Ethiopian natives and Birmingham transplants, Giniyat Mohammed (Gini) and Kedija Teyeb. These two friends had shared their love of cooking traditional dishes with friends and family for years, so when they opened their restaurant on Eid, they were stunned to find a line of 300 people waiting to eat at their restaurant. Red Sea is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 9 pm.
Its menu features delicious Ethiopian and Mediterranean food for all to enjoy. Co-owner Kedija spent many years in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to obtain extensive experience cooking Mediterranean food. The menu includes a wide variety of delectable food to try. Some Ethiopian dishes customers can expect to try are Sumbus, Dolmas, Chicken Doro Wot, and Gomen. Accompanied by these Ethiopian dishes, Red Sea hosts Ethiopian coffee ceremonies weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. A few Mediterranean dishes include Kabobs, Lamb Shank, Falafel, and Fattoush. Residents and tourists alike should consider branching out of their comfort zone and indulging in Red Sea’s exquisite menu.
Location of Rea Sea
Red Sea
22 Green Springs Highway
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
(205) 848- 5154
Red Sea – Ethiopian and Mediterranean Restaurant (redseabham.com)
Review of Red Sea
“We went searching for hole in the wall places to eat and Red Sea knocked it out of the park. The owner took his time to explain the whole menu to us with out being asked as he sat us and let us know the difference between each type of food since it’s a Ethiopian/Mediterranean/Cajun offering. Each and every dish was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. Our dishes came out at different times to ensure our meals were fresh to the table as well. We were checked on multiple times to ensure we were happy with our experience and given a very personal experience. We will definitely be back.” – Lauren P.
T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks

T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks can be found in the state of Alabama. The first establishment is located in Center Point, Alabama, and has been operating since 2002. After years of wonderful business, owner, and operator Anthony Crawford was able to open a second location. Found on the Southside of Birmingham, Alabama, T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks has now been downsized to one location for all customers to enjoy. T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks attracts loyal customers from far and wide, to enjoy their delicious cheesesteaks.
This restaurant firstly cooks and serves cheesesteaks, but hoagies are also a part of Chef Crawford’s reputar. Each sandwich is served on genuine Amoroso rolls that have come straight from Philadelphia. A few yummy options off T-Bone’s menu include the famous Philly cheesesteak, the naked on shrooms, and the mexicali steak. Whether you’re wanting to try T-Bone’s in-store or for a catering event, they’ve got you covered. Visit T-Bone’s the next time you’re looking for a delicious meal, it’s bound to wow you.
Location of T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks
T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks
1017 20th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
(205) 582- 9993
https://www.tbonescheesesteaks.com/
Review of T-Bone’s Cheesesteaks
“This is the third time we have been here and each and every time the food and service is outstanding. This is a no frills fantastic place to have a great meal whatever your in the mood for. Thank you T-bones you have never disappointed me. Can’t wait to go there again.” – TeakeyMan
Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Rodney Scott’s BBQ can be found in a few different places across the Southeast United States, but today we’ll look into the location found in Birmingham, Alabama. This restaurant was created between close friends Rodney Scott and Nick Pihakis back in 2017 in Charleston, South Carolina. Their mutual respect through friendship allowed them to make time to perfect the technique required to cook up the spectacular barbecue. What drives these two friends is the history of BBQ, flavor profiles, and the art of whole hog barbecue.
Paying close attention to heat placement and temperature allows the coals to regulate the cooking process. Customers can expect to indulge in smoky and satisfying flavors within each type of meat. Rodney Scott has trained each pit chef the same way he’s been barbecuing his whole life, allowing for consistency throughout each location. This restaurant is committed to passing down the tradition, knowledge, and enjoyment of hog barbecue to the younger generations. So if you’re in the area searching for mouth-watering barbecue, consider eating at Rodney Scott’s BBQ.
Location of Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
3719 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35222
(205) 506- 2711
Rodneys (rodneyscottsbbq.com)
Review of Rodney Scott’s BBQ
“You can just tell that this is an award winning restaurant. I’ve tried lots and lots and lots of BBQ. This is just hands down better than the rest. My order: 1/2 rack ribs, collard greens and hush puppies. How delicious all of it. My experience with collard greens isn’t extensive so I’m not going to comment on them. They were good and I ate them all. The hush puppies were hot, fresh, crispy on the outside, served with honey butter, and so good I could cuss. Now, the ribs. Where to start? Perfectly seasoned. No need for any sauce whatsoever. They were moist, and dry in all the right places. You could taste Rodney Scott’s rib rub. But it wasn’t over done. Again, they were seasoned absolutely perfectly. Hands down.” – Rainy.
Find a Black-owned Restaurant near you in Birmingham, Alabama
I hope that this article helps you when choosing where to eat your next meal. Consider supporting one or all of the previously mentioned black-owned businesses this black history month. For more black-owned restaurants visit Bham Now.