Armour House — Restaurant in Birmingham

Armour House is the real deal.

My wife and I went for date night. Right from the valet, the team was exceptionally friendly and wished our experience to be wonderful.

When we walked in, the hosts greeted us as if we were old friends, like they were happy we finally made it. One of them quickly seated us, and before she left, she told us she was glad we were here, and they hoped we enjoyed it.

From there, our server, John, immediately greeted us and set the tone. He went over the building's history, the background of the Head Chef, and the intention of the menu selections. Within two minutes, the atmosphere had been solidified, something my wife says she's never truly experienced before.

John gave us some excellent recommendations, and was never pushy to upsell. My wife had the Signature Martini, while I had the Signature Gin and Tonic (I can't remember the exact names). The Martini was smooth and savory; perfect. My Gin and Tonic was refreshing and fruity, but never too sweet.

We started with the Steak Tartare, which was so good, we had to retain ourselves from scarfing it down hastily.

For entrees, my wife ordered the Duck Pappardelle, while I requested the Seared Gulf Fish.

When we got our second round of drinks, I was recommended the New York Sour, while my wife had an Old Fashioned, with a spirit recommendation from Carla, the Beverage Director. Both were equally as enjoyable as round one. The Sour was sweet with a dash a sour, but never too overpowering. My wife's Old Fashioned satisfied her and more, a drink she always uses for a litmus test when it comes to the expertise of the mixologists.

We did not wait long at all for our entrees to arrive. The Gulf Fish was exceptional; Seared to a satisfying light crunch on first bite, then hitting the light, buttery texture of the fish that melted in my mouth. The Duck Andouille complimented well, rich and creamy, and standing on its own while never taking away from the other elements of the dish. My wife's Duck Pappardelle was also wonderful, and while she wasn't expecting it to be sweet (not a nitpick, I think she just overlooked the significance of the butternut squash in the dish), she soon adjusted and fell in love with the dish, which was creamy, sweet, with the Duck bringing in the savory finish. We tasted both of ours and felt if we each had ordered the opposite, we'd have had no regrets.

On the side, I also ordered the Crispy Brussels, which were exactly as described; a nice crispy outside with an interior not too soft, and not too crunchy, just perfect. The vinaigrette added a wonderful tangy savor to it.

When we were finished, we had the Matilda Trio for dessert, a delectable combination of chocolate, cream, and cherries, which we also finished off.

That was such a big thing for us: Everything was portioned perfectly down to a science. We made it through each course and never felt too heavy by the time we finished. Mind you, we were definitely full by the end, rightfully so, but not so much that we felt lethargic. It allowed us to truly chart a course through the menu from start to finish, and I'm glad we could.

John was exceptional as our server. As I mentioned at the front end of this review, he took great care of us and we never felt ignored, nor like he was overbearing. He was a delight to talk to, and I would definitely request him by name when (not if) we return.

As we exited, we were acknowledged and thanked by every employee we passed for coming to spend our time there.

The team at Armour House should be very proud of their accomplishment. It's the real deal when it comes to an exceptional restaurant experience, whether you're looking to celebrate something special, or just to have an outstanding date night.

We look forward to returning, and we look forward to experiencing Pogo when it opens its doors.

I hope others soon recognize this place as a Birmingham staple, because it...

Reviews::

I was prepared not to like Armour House. Not sure of the reason behind my predisposition to be underwhelmed, but perhaps because I’m not a fan of steak-centric establishments in general for the reason that I can cook a very decent steak myself at home, and for the most part when dining out I seek to be inspired and/or challenged.

Well, call me surprised.

First of all, Armour House is an extremely attractive space. Thanks to a collab between Blackstone Construction and Christopher Architects, it feels warm, inviting, and contemporary without being trendy. I particularly love the separate lobby area at the entrance, which allows for a sense of anticipation before traveling upstairs to the dining area. (The only thing I would change is the fluorescent lighting in the “meat fridge” one passes through before getting to the main dining room. It felt jarring.)

Now onto the main event: upon discovering it was our first visit, our server took the time to give a brief history of the building, lending purpose to the beef-focused menu and made us feel connected to the space. Throughout the experience, the service was excellent. Our server noted that she, along with much of the staff, had done a “stint with Stitt,” and it showed. (No one trains staff like Frank.) This is in comparison to another newish steak restaurant in town, whose staff feels unpolished and unknowledgeable about fine cuisine.

Is it expensive, yes, but again, to compare it to the aforementioned steak restaurant which feels expensive for expensive sake, Armour House earns its value because of the high quality of the food. Do we wish it was less expensive so we would feel inclined to eat there more often? Sure, but we wouldn’t want to sacrifice the quality of the food. Notably, we have already have plans to return with friends in a few weeks.

I appreciated that the menu wasn’t full of the usual staid steakhouse suspects (I’m looking at you, creamed spinach, as much as I love ya). The tuna crudo and pork belly starters were absolutely delicious, and very shareable in their generous portions. Fresh bread service from local Henkel‘s Bakery was a nice compliment.

We have been upsold on “special beef” numerous times over the years and never found it to live up to the hype. However, AH’s Australian Wagyu beef delivered, with my husband declaring the tenderloin he ordered as “the best steak he’s ever had.” I tasted it and indeed, this is no ordinary beef. For my own entrée, I ordered a beautiful piece of grouper that was so perfectly cooked I realized I needed to improve my own skills in preparing fish! Because the steaks are served à la carte, my husband ordered the frites (with romano, rosemary, garlic oil and a ramp aioli) as a side item. They arrived hot and crispy in a cast-iron skillet and were no regular fry but rather like a steak fry and homemade potato chip had a baby.

As satisfied as we were, we are dessert people, so shared a chocolate number that could best be described as frosted chocolate cake in a glass. Maybe not the most sophisticated offering but no matter because it was rich and yummy.

Other notes: my husband and I are teetotalers, therefore appreciated the zero proof options on the drink menu. He enjoyed a kombucha and I a...

A New Favorite in Birmingham – A Must-Try for Locals and Visitors Alike! If you're in Birmingham and looking for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Armour House. From the moment you walk through the door, it’s clear this place is something special. It’s a perfect blend of outstanding food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it not just a meal, but an experience. Atmosphere: Inviting and Elegant The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, yet sophisticated ambiance. The decor is polished and historic, yet comfortable—think soft lighting, plush seating, and an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary magic happen. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for both a romantic dinner or a lively group gathering. The gentle hum of conversation combined with the occasional sizzle from the kitchen creates a buzz that’s lively without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal, whether you’re a local or a visitor to the city. Service: Above and Beyond What really sets Armour House apart, however, is the service. From the moment we walked in, we were treated like family. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, offering helpful suggestions from the menu and ensuring we had everything we needed throughout the meal. It’s clear that the staff here is highly trained, genuinely knowledgeable about the food, and passionate about providing top-tier service. Whether you’re asking about a wine pairing or looking for a recommendation for your first time visiting, they go above and beyond to make sure your experience is flawless. Food: A Culinary Masterpiece And then there’s the food—oh, the food. Each dish is a testament to the skill and creativity of the kitchen. We started with an oyster selection from the raw bar and a spinach salad, which were a perfect introduction to what was to come—light, flavorful, and beautifully presented. For the main course, we chose the beef tenderloin and fresh catch snapper, which were cooked to perfection. The flavors were bold but balanced, and the textures were a delight to the senses. Every bite was a reminder of why this is my new favorite restaurant in Birmingham. The dessert—apple spiced bread pudding—was the perfect way to end the meal. We also enjoyed expresso and chocolate Bon Bon service. Sweet, decadent, and with just the right amount of richness to leave you satisfied but not overstuffed. It’s hard to say enough good things about the food at Armour House, but suffice to say, every dish exceeded my expectations. There’s something truly special about Armour House. It’s the perfect mix of fantastic food, impeccable service, and a vibe that feels both chic and cozy. It’s the kind of place you want to return to again and again, and I have no doubt it will quickly become a favorite for both Birmingham locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, this restaurant offers an experience that’s worth every penny. In a city with a growing culinary scene, Armour House stands out as a shining gem. I can’t recommend it highly enough—if you’re in Birmingham or planning a visit, this place is a must-try. You’ll leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and a craving for...