Urban Cookhouse — Restaurant in Birmingham

CHEWED GUM IN FOOD.

I just realized I never reviewed this particular Urban Cookhouse after what happened a few months ago. I went with some friends on 11/19/2017. I ordered a quesadilla and took some of it home as leftovers. I was eating those leftovers at work on 11/20/2017 when I FOUND CHEWED UP GUM IN MY QUESADILLA. I am not kidding. There is 0% chance it was my gum because I do not chew gum. I called them immediately, and the manager sounded sufficiently disgusted and assured me he would make everyone aware of what happened. I declined them reimbursing my food because I was so grossed out I just wanted to get off the phone and never talk to them again.

Interestingly enough, less than 24 hours later I was at the doctor's office with a 101 degree fever and a throat infection. A few days after that I came down with shingles (as a result of my immune system being down so much, not directly from the gum because that's not possible). I called them again to ask for a refund for my food since I had now paid 3 copays and bought multiple prescriptions. The manager I talked to had no idea of the event (i.e. the first one had NOT communicated the issue to him - what in the world???). He then assured me of how strict they are about gum (um, obviously not) and authorized a free meal for me for if I come back (WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I WOULD COME BACK???). At least they refunded my money.

My primary issues with this are obviously that chewed gum was COOKED INTO MY FOOD, but the bigger issue to me is the lack of appropriate management. The first manager I talked to should have over-communicated this event so that every single person who worked there knew what happened, ESPECIALLY other managers. The fact that another manager was completely unaware of the event after having had several days to have learned about it is absolutely unacceptable. This gives me 0% confidence that this event would not happen again and results in my scathing review and my disinclination to ever give them another chance.

So yeah. Don't eat there.

The attached picture shows the gum found in my leftovers...

Farm to table restaurants are catching on fast, and this small chain is a winner. We have eaten at three locations (Homewood, Summit in Birmingham area, and East Chase in Montgomery) and highly recommend all three. They are popular mostly with young adults (perhaps more middle-aged in the mix in Montgomery) and serve food that is both healthy and fast. The Homewood location has moved to a larger building along the street, closer to the main North-South artery through Birmingham, and not far from Five Points South and UAB with its hospital. The Summit location is at the top of the mall, East of the central road. Both are hugely popular but the line moves quickly. The Summit location has pleasant surroundings with hanging baskets of flowers around some outdoor seating. The East Chase location lacks shade or flowers outdoors, but uses umbrellas -- its main disadvantage is the noisy interior, because the ceiling lacks acoustic tiles. At any location we recommend the knife and fork offerings: my favorite is the lime-marinated steak plate and my wife's is the chicken special. Both come with fresh greens, rice, dressing in a pot, and a sticky mini bun. For ten bucks, it is hard to think of a better meal with cheerful and fast service. Decor is trendy urban high tech meets farm photos. Expect metal chairs, high stools and tables, with tables adorned with customer order numbers on metal stands. Wait staff are quick to deliver and to clear your plates. Portions are right sized and healthy -- not suitable for a pig out. Food quality has been excellent every time, meat always cooked just right and tender, cooked vegetables and salads...

Urban Cookhouse is a fantastic place to get a quick, healthy and satisfying meal. They do comfort food right, in a way that pleases the whole family but isn't loaded with fat and sugar (but still tastes great).

I've had salads, sandwiches, sides and kabobs from Urban Cookhouse at all their locations, and the food and service has always been excellent. They also do catering and really good take-home dinners.

They also seem to put a high premium on friendly service -- their staff is always incredibly kind, and the restaurant is clean and welcoming even when it's really busy.

Urban Cookhouse is a great locally-owned option when you're looking for a great-tasting meal at The Summit or in Crestline Village or Homewood, and it's a crowd-pleaser -- they have options for picky eaters, healthy eaters, vegetarians, comfort food...