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DINING

Otey s Tavern 224 Country Club Pk 205-871-8435 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Don t miss this kid-friendly neighborhood grill and bar. You ll feel right at home with a regular crowd while you enjoy a menu featuring everything from salads to burgers, televised sports and live music almost every night. Great atmosphere for food and drink. Jay W.

Pho Que Huong Vietnamese 430 Green Springs Hwy # 15 205-942-5400 HOMEWOOD

Hidden in a strip mall, this restaurant is home to some of the best Vietnamese food in Birmingham. Right off of Greensprings, Pho Que Huong has been a local secret for years. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is served up at inexpen- sive prices. The best Asian food in town, rea- sonably priced, with an extremely knowledgeable staff who takes the time to explain the complexity of the dishes. All of the food is delicious, but the Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a standout among standouts. Bill S.

Ragtime Café 2080 Valleydale Rd 205-988-5323 HOOVER

From hand-cut steaks to gourmet pizzas, this full-service

bar and restaurant has a casual neighborhood atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more. One of the very best independent restaurants in the city! Their homemade desserts are to die for. Bruce A.

The Red Pearl 243 W Valley Ave 205-945-9558 HOMEWOOD

Enthusiasts will argue (with much vigor) that The Red Pearl is the most authentic Chinese joint in town. Your first clue they might be right is that The Red Pearl is located in the back of the Super Oriental Market, purveyors of everything from fresh squid to Kill Bill prop swords. But the delightfully quirky atmosphere is not the star here: it s the distinctly delicious dishes, ranging in adventurousness from Fried Bamboo Pork to Hot & Spicy Fish Head Soup. Try the roast duck on Thursdays, and thank me later. John R.

The Red Zone 1108 20th St S 205-983-7522 BIRMINGHAM

There s a reason why they call themselves the ultimate sports bar and grill. Opened in 2013 by popular local DJ Brian B. Money Hedrick, owner of 3000 Bar, The Red Zone features 31 big-screen TVs, a fully loaded

game room, gourmet foods, and an extensive beer selection. It s awesome to finally have a sports bar in Five Points. I come here for all of the big games. Brandi C.

Rib-It-Up 830 1st Ave N 205-328-7427 BIRMINGHAM

Excellent authentic Southern- style barbeque and soul food with a huge variety of home- cooked veggies, desserts and weekly specials. It was excellent! I loved it! There really isn t anything better than that beautiful meat falling off the bones! Matt A.

Roadside Bar-B-Que 7303 1st Ave N 205-833-9616 BIRMINGHAM

Do you want a knuckle sandwich? Or a rib sandwich, or a chicken sandwich? Called Roadside because it began outside on the corner of the current location, they re known for their sticky, chewy ribs and smoky chicken. They have all the key ingredients for a classic Birmingham bar- beque experience: good people and savory ribs in a red brick building on the corner. Nelson B.

Rocky s Pizza 715 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S 205-252-8282 BIRMINGHAM

Founded in 1982, this Birmingham tradition is owned