1. A Meal At The Eagle’s Restaurant Is Totally Worth Waiting In Line For
Eagle’s Restaurant has been around since 1951, but lately, you’d think that this institution was the fresh new kid on the block. Andrew Zimmern, the adventurous Travel Channel host recently came here to film a “Bizarre Foods America” episode, and ever since, this place is experiencing a line-round-the-block revival
Thankfully, this cafeteria-style restaurant hasn't wavered in its newfound fame, and you can come here every day and find something new. Oxtails, fried chicken wings, and pig neck bones—served up with the collard greens and sweet potatoes from the nearby farmer’s market—should keep you full enough until tomorrow.
2. Shouting Out The Best Lines Of Your Favorite Films Is Way More Fun With A Crowd
Set in downtown Birmingham, and adorned with opulent details, the Alabama Theatre beats your couch and a beat-up DVDs any day of the week.
Built in 1927, this landmark shows classic movie favorites—like “The Big Lebowski,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “The Godfather”—so that you can re-watch beloved scenes with fans who equally appreciate them.
3. This Barbecue Joint Is Where You Take Your Out-Of-Town Friends
You know you’re a local when you come into one of the three Saw’s BBQ locations and order without looking at the menu. This popular barbecue restaurant, which has gotten love from Paula Deen, is where you can take visitors for a down-home feast and bring home a bottle of barbecue sauce for later.
4. The Best Place To Get An All-American Pint Is At J. Clyde’s
When you want to brush up on your beer knowledge—or you just want to throw a few back—head to the J. Clyde. This bar is stocked with the best in American craft beers and international labels, and even has a pages-long “beer style guide” to make you into a true hops snob.
Keep an eye out for regular events, like “Local Brewery Tuesdays” to make the most of your time here.
5. The Alabama-USC Rivalry Is Real—And It All Started Here
Let’s get one thing straight: If you’re going to live here, you’re a football fan. And if you’re going to be a local who roots for Alabama—ahem, the Crimson Tide—then you must also hate USC.
Why? Well, USC came to Birmingham’s Legion Field on September 23, 1978 and beat Alabama 24-14 (there’s more to this story, but that’s the gist.) This should fill you with rage, and you should be eagerly awaiting the showdown of 2016 at the Cowboys Classic.
6. But, The True Home Team Has Your Undying Loyalty
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Blazers are right in your backyard, and they are the team you root for during football season and beyond. ’Nuff said.
7. Birmingham Is Home To The Original Iron Man
Standing on Red Mountain in its namesake park and museum, the Vulcan is a Roman god that watches over all of Birmingham. In fact, the Vulcan is the largest cast-iron statue in the world, and it celebrated its 110th birthday this year. Take that, Tony Stark.
8. The Vulcan Makes Also Makes Birminghamian’s Fourth Of July Extra Special
Speaking of the Vulcan, he knows how to throw a good party on Independence Day. Known as “Thunder on the Mountain,” this fireworks show is known to be one of the best displays in the state—and it doesn’t cost a dime.
If you can’t wait until next July 4 for a good view, climb the observation tower throughout the year.
9. The Heart Of America’s Pastime Beats Here
There are baseball stadiums, and then there’s Rickwood Field. This 13-acre historical site is the oldest professional ballpark in the country, and since it opened in 1910, it has embodied the heart of America’s pastime. Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Ty Cobb have all played here.
10. It Isn’t Summer Without A Birmingham Barons Game
The Birmingham Barons are a minor-league baseball team with a major fan base. In 1994, this team saw a surge in crowds when legendary Michael Jordan was at the mound—and that season has been in the record books.
These days, fans continue to flock here, and for good reason. Mike may be missing, but there is still a fun game to watch, prizes to win, and ballpark food to eat.
11. Railroad Park Is The Best Place To Get Away From It All
Set in downtown Birmingham, this 19-acre open space is the city’s version of Central Park. Come here to exercise, attend a concert, or just relax. Year-round festivals keep this place busy, and give you a no-fail hangout spot on your downtime.
12. When You’re Trying To Eat Healthy, You’re Chasing Shindigs
Shindigs is a food truck that’s known for its seasonal ingredients—and it’s a tasty health kick when you want a break from comfort food. Catch the food truck on one of its many local stops, and order a Willis grass-fed beef burger, or a crispy catfish steamed bun.
13. Garage Café Is Everyone’s Favorite “Secret” Bar
When the weather is fine and it’s just about twilight, there’s no better hideaway than the Garage Café. Tucked away in a courtyard canopied in wisteria, the Garage Café is the neighborhood hangout of your dreams: Locals share stories over concrete benches, sculptures and antiques are scattered about, and the drinks are no-fuss. When you have a beer here, you can comfortably stay a while.
14. When Birminghamians Are Itching To See A Live Show, They Head To The Bottletree
Known as an independent music hub that gives bigger cities a run for their money, the Bottletree has established itself as the place to see a live band in the city. Since it’s opening in 2006, bands like Rogue Wave and Band of Horses have performed here, and audience members feel at home in the thrift store-esque digs.
And be sure to play a video game in the Airstream trailer. Of course.
15. When Birminghamians Want Chill Out There’s No Better Place Than Moonlight On The Mountain
Moonlight on the Mountain is a cozy venue of homespun décor and a simple love of music. Everyone comes here when they want to unplug and listen to music like folk, country, and bluegrass.
Major bonus: You can bring your own drinks and snacks.
16. When Folks Here Fancy Something Fancy, There’s No Substitute For The Highlands
So, there are white tablecloths here. And Courteney Cox is known to stop by. Sometimes, you just want to be a little fancy, and the Highlands Bar and Grill is where you can feel proud doing it.
Southern cooking gets a French makeover here, and the menu changes daily (although the baked grits are a staple worth trying again and again).
17. The Best Marathon In Birmingham Involves Sitting Down
The Sidewalk Film Festival takes over Birmingham at the end of August to screen 200 films in a three-day weekend. The festival is spread throughout the city at eight venues, and it’s the perfect excuse to see every space—not to mention, after-party with fellow movie buffs.
18. When You’re Craving Mexican Food, Look No Further Than Taqueria Guzman
Simply known as the “taco truck” by locals, Taqueria Guzman is an award-winning food truck that serves up everything from chicken tacos to asada tacos to cow tongue – yes, tongue – tacos. You can get as adventurous as you want, since a nice nap usually follows, anyways.
19. The Best Place For A Cuppa And A Cookie In Birmingham Is Church Street Coffee & Books
Church Street Coffee & Books, is the tastiest. Theirchocolate chip cookie treats are baked fresh throughout the day, and they are a perfect pair for the local coffee on hand. Order a couple and get lost in a book—that’s how things are done here.
20. Follow The UAB Students To Great Late Night Eats
The Mediterranean-American restaurant Al’s Deli and Grill is a must for UAB students who live nearby or any other local that needs a 24-hour place to grab delicious food in large portions. And if it’s been one of those nights, you need a chili baker.
21. Want To See A Birminghamian’s Eyes Twinkle? Take Them To The Zoolight Safari
The Birmingham Zoo turns into a twinkling wonderland during the Zoolight Safari, and adults generally become as excited about it as kids. More than half a million lights are strung around the property, so honestly, it’s easy to love this.
22. Folks In Birmingham Get In Touch With Their Inner Child At Doodles
Doodles is a kid-friendly outpost that serves up homemade ices and sorbets, including cookies and cream, apple pie, and peanut butter and jelly. If your friends grew up here, they have a soft spot for this place.
23. In Birmingham Summer Fun Equals A Day On The Cahaba River
Set southwest of Birmingham, the Cahaba River is a local favorite for canoeing, hiking, or fishing. But in the summer, you can rent an inner tube at Brierfield and drift downriver with your friends—and some beverages, of course.
24. Birminghamians Wake Up Early For The Pepper Place Market
Running from mid-April to mid-December, the Pepper Place Market is the only reason why you’d want to get up early on a sacred, time-for-sleeping Saturday morning. Pick up a breakfast burrito while you shop for produce, like heirloom tomatoes in the summer and sweet potatoes in the fall.
25. Savvy Birminghamian Beer Lovers Head To The Avondale Brewery
Known for their handcrafted beers, Avondale Brewery has a taproom where you can sample the latest concoctions every day. Be on top of your game when you schedule a tasting the same day as a live music concert on the brewery’s outdoor stage. It’s a genius move for when you can’t wait for a music festival.
26. All Birminghamian Bibliophiles Should Make A Mecca To Alabama Booksmith
Alabama Booksmith is a tiny independent bookstore located right outside Birmingham in Homewood, where the carefully curated library is entirely made up of signed copies. Famous authors who have signed their books for the store include John Updike, Anne Rice, and Kathryn Stockett, to name a few.
27. Birmingham Does Krispy Kreme Better Than Anywhere Else
Flip Burger Boutique was dreamt up by Top Chef All-Stars winner Richard Blais, and the cool atmosphere and inventive menu draws crowds at multiple locations. While you’re here, order the Krispy Kreme milkshake. It’s something you didn’t know that you always wanted.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Dave Hamster
Did we miss anything? Tell us something you can only learn from living in Birmingham in the comments below! 
