I'll be in Birmingham a few days. Can someone tell me the name of a little family owned non-chain type restaurant thats serves great vittles?  Steak, hickory BBq, anything.  I travel a good bit and am so tired of the corporate chains.

Thanks!

exactly! we NEVER eat chains. Can't help in Birmingham, but let me know if your ever in Tulsa Area.

I try to avoid eating chains myself.  I might have a good belt though once in a while.

+1

The Tinf Roof BBQ is pretty good... Southlake Plaza Shopping Center.  I've heard Jim and Nick's is ok... http://www.jimnnicks.com/ , haven't had it myself.  The Golden Rule, this place anyway, is supposed to be pretty good... http://www.goldenrulebbq.com/... a friend of mine raves about it... the original Original Golden Rule is in Irondale (2506 Crestwood Blvd. Irondale). It started in 1891 as a beer stop on an old wagon road, but has grown into a full service restaurant today. It is presently owned by Michael Matos, founder of Birmingham's classic Michael's steakhouse, once located downtown.

Without a doubt, don't miss Dreamland Bar B Q

http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Directions to Dreamland Birmingham:

From the Airport:
Take I-20/59 toward Birmingham, take
 I-65 South to the 4th Avenue South Exit, Stay on 4th Avenue until 14th Street take a right onto 14th Street South, Dreamland is at the corner of 15th Street South and 14th Avenue South.

From South of Town:
Follow I-65 North to University Blvd. Exit, Stay on University Blvd., Take a right onto 14th Street South,Dreamland is at the corner of 15th Street South and 14th Avenue South.

1427 14th Avenue, South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone 205-933-2133
Fax 205-933-9770

Haven't been in a while, but John's City Diner used to be a good spot too....  Comfort Food with good atmosphere.

112 21st St N
Birmingham, AL 35249

One more for variety.... The Fish Market

http://www.birminghammenus.com/thefishmarket/

And no food there, but please tell me you're going to Barber's Motorcycle Museum if you haven't been.   

And no food there, but please tell me you're going to Barber's Motorcycle Museum if you haven't been.   

He has been. He was part of the Flowriduh Steve-s Flotilla that went up for Vintage Weekend last October. Cool place. Going again this year. Linky:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1924.0

Thanks zgirl, I had already left and didn't see your post. But I'll be back up there and loaded this info in my phone.   And the trip to Barber SteveJ is talking about was a BLAST!  Wish you'd have been with us!