Social Profile: 
✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
NOW OPEN for dinner service on MONDAY. Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Helen is a contemporary Southern grill led by six-time James Beard semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily. Since opening in 2020, Helen has been named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America and featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and Food & Wine. Inspired by Rob’s grandmother cooking over hardwood coals, Helen pairs timeless elegance with Southern warmth, offering thoughtfully sourced dishes, family-style portions, and hospitality that lingers long after the meal. Reserve your table on Resy or give us a call—we look forward to welcoming you.
Cool venue with a regional menu featuring burgers, seafood & meat plates, plus cocktails & wine.
Hours
| Tuesday | 11 AM–1:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–1:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–1:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–1:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2013 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 438-7000
Website: http://www.helenbham.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: helenbham.comresy.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Menus – Helen Restaurant
Helen brings to life a memory of food prepared over hardwood coals — a … – BIRMINGHAM, AL. $10. $11.00. ITALIAN PILSNER. BACK FORTY BEER CO. – BIRMINGHAM …
Helen Restaurant
Located in downtown Birmingham, Helen is a contemporary Southern grill led by Chef Rob … BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 205.438.7000. 040425_helen_final_0042.jpg.
H E L E N (@helenbham) • Instagram photos and videos
29K followers · 7.2K+ following · 500 posts · @helenbham: “ Birmingham, AL Lunch: Tue-Fri | Dinner: Mon- Sat Classic dining reimagined, inspired by Chef …
Reviews
Bailey R
I visited Helen a few nights ago, and I found the experience to be a mixed-bag. Based on the reviews, I was expecting an above-the-norm fine dining experience. Based on the price tag, that’s what I was owed. However, I just had a middle of the road dining experience, akin to a Texas Roadhouse, but for quadruple the price. Parking was good, we skipped valet and parked in the convenient garage right across the street. Our server was notably inattentive, probably due to my wife and I being younger and the assumption that younger people don’t tip well. We had the Warm Angel Biscuits, which were the highlight of the evening. The drinks were strong and tasteful. After about an hour-and-a-half of waiting (tables that arrived later than us were served earlier) we received our entrees. My wife got the roasted chicken, and I got the New York strip. We shared the Yukon potatoes. My steak was cooked well, but the seasoning was bland and it was, once again, akin to a much cheaper steak from a chain restaurant. My wife’s chicken, along with the potatoes, were good, but not the best we had ever had. Due to the long wait time (despite a reservation), inattentive wait staff, and average steak, I would probably not be willing to visit again. There are much better restaurants in Birmingham that provide a better experience for a fraction of the price.
… morevivi tsarouhas
From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable, making us feel welcome and taken care of throughout our entire visit. We asked for wine and I was in between 2 so the waiter was so kind that he was able to give me 2 half glasses one of each to try and charger for a glass. Amazing service and very attending to your needs. As for the food, it was nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish was carefully thought out, with each ingredient complementing the others perfectly.I was in between trying 2 different appetizers so I needed up with the beets and okra which where phenomena! The waiter surprised me and gave me another appetizer that I was in between which was beyond tasteful. Love went dish here and would always come back. Truly a dining experience that exceeded expectations in every way.
… moreWestyn Hilliard
This restaurant is top notch! I’m from out of town, and was in birmingham for the weekend. I had dinner reservations somewhere else for the wife and I and ended up canceling once we came across this place. They welcomed us last minute. Walked in and the restaurant smelled so good. Was seated and promptly welcomed with a glass of water. We ordered the biscuits (are pictured) as the appetizer and the butter was SO good. we split a salad, that was so fresh and the dressing was light. She had the roasted chicken and i had a CAB Filet, and we shared some potato’s. The potato’s were really good with a nice crust on the outside and soft on the inside. Chicken was good, and the filet was one of the best ones i’ve ever had. Spot on! Our waiter also mentioned that they change the menu every few days which is great because the same thing gets old. We also got two drinks, that were really good as well.
Ease of access is important to me when rating a restaurant, and most downtown restaurants don’t cut it. Luckily i was staying across the street and was able to walk, but for their sake i will say there is a parking garage across the street. If im ever back in Birmingham, I WILL be back!
… moreEase of access is important to me when rating a restaurant, and most downtown restaurants don’t cut it. Luckily i was staying across the street and was able to walk, but for their sake i will say there is a parking garage across the street. If im ever back in Birmingham, I WILL be back!
Kendal Gerrity
I have been 3 times at this point and every time is extremely sensational! I live out of town, but if I am in Birmingham I will go to Helen to eat. I have now introduced at least 4 other people who say it’s some of the best food they have ever eaten. Last two time, my waiter was Alex who was fantastic. My favorite restaurant of all time.
… moreLindy R
My friend and I sat at the bar, but the service and experience were still amazing! I would sit at the bar again. Rolls were amazing and so was the banana pudding. Cocktails were good too!
… moreKellet
Helen, never disappoints! On this visit, one of many, I ordered the smoked fish croquettes, and they were absolutely delicious. After chatting through flavor profiles, Christine behind the bar went above and beyond, mixing a personalized cocktail, it was spot on. Experiences like this are why I keep coming back.
… moreIlya Vorobyev
Impeccable service and delicious food!
It is a pricier place for sure, but it’s a no-frills, great food experience. You will not leave hungry- and even the drinks are well-crafted and priced. Reservation a must because it’s not the biggest place. Parking easily done outside.
… moreIt is a pricier place for sure, but it’s a no-frills, great food experience. You will not leave hungry- and even the drinks are well-crafted and priced. Reservation a must because it’s not the biggest place. Parking easily done outside.
Taylor Land-Mailloux
After years of anticipation, we finally dined at Helen, and it was truly worth the wait. Undoubtedly, it was the finest meal I’ve ever experienced in Birmingham. The drinks were expertly crafted, the service was impeccable, and the food was extraordinary! For the best experience, I’d recommend ordering family style, allowing you to sample multiple proteins and sides. Each dish was a delight in its own right, offering a rich blend of flavors that left a lasting impression. Helen is a must-visit for anyone seeking a high-end dining experience in the city.
… moreEmily Smith
I’ve visited Helen many times over the past few years, hoping each visit would reflect the reputation and price point it’s so well known for in some circles. Unfortunately, I’m done giving it more chances. While I’ve had some amazing experiences, those evenings are the exception. The inconsistency that so many people mention is very real, and it’s bad enough to ruin the entire dining experience for me. Courses that should feel polished at such a high price point are always inconsistent. At this point, the angel biscuits are the only part I can count on the be amazing (and they are amazing).
The service staff are easily the strongest part of Helen. Servers are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. They’ve had to cover the failures of the kitchen many times, though. When a restaurant positions itself as fine dining and charges well over $100 per person (assuming you’re at dinner), consistency should be a given. Eating here too often feels like a gamble rather than a curated experience worth the price. There are restaurants all over Bham that provide consistently high-quality food and are far more consistent. I tried and it wasn’t always bad, but I’m done trying. My money is better spent elsewhere and I think yours is too.
… moreThe service staff are easily the strongest part of Helen. Servers are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. They’ve had to cover the failures of the kitchen many times, though. When a restaurant positions itself as fine dining and charges well over $100 per person (assuming you’re at dinner), consistency should be a given. Eating here too often feels like a gamble rather than a curated experience worth the price. There are restaurants all over Bham that provide consistently high-quality food and are far more consistent. I tried and it wasn’t always bad, but I’m done trying. My money is better spent elsewhere and I think yours is too.
Devin Fredericksen
Had an absolutely amazing meal! Our server, known as Couch, was fantastic all the way around. Calm and cool while so thoroughly immersed in the food and sourcing of the ingredients. The vibe of the restaurant was cozy, warm and eclectic. An absolute must visit As a private chef, regenerative farmer & consultant, and food enthusiast to my core, I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. I’m still thinking about the meal days later! Go, now, this is your permission slip if you didn’t need one.
… more