Highlands Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Birmingham

Little did I know when I arrived in Birmingham how much that city features amazing restaurants, and during my stay none of my visits epitomized this more than my visit to Highlands, which was not only the best meal I had in the city, but one of the best meals I've ever had.

Reservations are definitely a good idea if you're looking for a table, though I after calling ahead to confirm, I was able to easily score a seat at the bar. I was dressed a little less formally, too, so it serves as an easy way to score some great food even if you didn't pack your jacket.

Before the meal began I was given some complimentary fresh, sourdough, wheat, and corn breads, that latter of which was a little heavy on salt, but otherwise were great - you can't beat fresh bread.

Speaking of fresh breads, my meal consisted of lamb sweetbreads, perfectly fried and wonderful tender with a hint of gaminess that worked well with the meatiness of chantrelle mushrooms, the earthiness of shaved truffles, and the sweetness of cooked apples. Served over a bed of creamy grits, it was Southern cooking, but a world of difference from the fried green tomatoes and fried chicken that many consider when they think of traditional Southern cuisine.

I'm not traditionally a restaurant dessert kind of guy, but there was a woman eating a delicious-looking peanut butter chocolate pie that I wanted inside me... until I saw the sweet potato pie on the menu. It's served as a little tart, and with a scoop of bourbon ice cream, it was another excellent slice of traditional Southern cooking with a gourmet flair.

It was almost pointless detailing my meal, as the rotating menu ensures it will probably not been seen again for a while, but it goes to show how advanced Birmingham can be with regards to its restaurants. I loved eating in Birmingham, especially in Five Points, and it's largely in part thanks to the wonderful meal I had...

We booked a month out to get a 6:15 reservation for a Saturday night. Overall a solid meal but not the wow I was expecting. The service was good ... water glasses never went dry but my iced tea was not refilled as you would expect. The waiter was both knowledgeable and professional. Our party of three tried a variety of appetizers, main courses and desserts. The appetizers we good but not great. I sampled the fried mixed seafood fry as an appetizer. The seafood was fresh but the batter was a little heavy and unevenly cooked. It appeared to be a spin on tempura batter but came off too thick. My main course was Gulf Flounder with new potatoes and haricot vert. I also chose a side of asparagus. The portion of fish was good but again it was cook uneven. Flounder is a thin fish so in my opinion this dish would have been better prepared using a snapper or grouper. My wife tried the duck breast. I sampled hers and the flavor was good but the meat was a little tough. The dessert round was the best by far. I enjoyed the banana ice cream bar while our table also ordered the coconut cake and warm strawberry cobbler. I sampled all three and found them all to be on point with my expectations. My favorite was the coconut cake. Overall a nice dinner is a comfortable atmosphere but at this price point I am not sure it...

I made a reservation here a month in advance for my wife’s birthday. I mentioned that to the gentleman on the phone. The moment we walked in the host immediately said happy birthday and seated us towards the front beside the window. Our waiter came shortly and also wished my wife a happy birthday.

My wife likes sweet wine and so she ordered the Riesling. Our waiter informed her that this particular Riesling she was ordering was more on the dry side and recommended another wine that he thought she would like and she absolutely did.

We shared the stone ground grits for our starter and it did not disappoint. She got the pork two ways and I got the New York strips. Both were amazing.

We then ordered the Apple crostata for dessert. They wrote happy birthday on the plate and brought a small glass of the wine that was paired with that desert.

Overall, we had never been treated this well at a restaurant. It cost us 150 including tip, but to celebrate a special occasion and be treated so well I would say it...