Saw’s Soul Kitchen 100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die

THE DISH– Pork n’ Greens at Saw’s Soul Kitchen in Birmingham is the 80^th “dish” that I have tasted on my quest to eat all dishes listed on 100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die. (Or 21st on my countdown.)

THE PLACE – The Trifecta – Saw’s Soul Kitchen  is located on the same block as The Avondale Brewery and Post Office Pies.

I found a small, casual,café-style restaurant decorated with University of Alabama Sports articles, license plates and flying swine.  I found a harmony of customers. There were people dressed casually,  people in business attire, police officers, and nurses, BMW’s and trucks.

The menu at Saw’s Soul Kitchen is printed on a chalkboard.

After one has made a difficult decision, the order is taken at the counter and food will be brought out to you.  In the short time that I was there, the line literally went out the door and the tables filled up.

On a beautiful warm fall day in Alabama why not dine outdoors?

                                                                                                                                                                

THE NEIGHBORHOOD –  Located in the Avondale neighborhood and just minutes away from downtown Birmingham is a fun place to check out.  In 2015, Thrillist has chosen this neighborhood as “The Hipster Neighborhood” in an article entitled The Brooklyn of Every State. [1] A 2016 Yellowhammer article proclaimed Birmingham as one of America’s ‘Most Misunderstood’ Cities. [2] Still don’t believe that this is a city in a renaissance? Both highly respected publications Forbes [3] and National Geographic Traveler [4] have given this Magic City their nod.

 I concur. Prior to moving to Alabama, I visited my aunt and cousins in Birmingham. Now a full-time resident of Alabama and a frequent visitor to Birmingham, I sincerely love  this city.  The Avondale neighborhood is just a few miles from historic sites, science, art and culture museums that welcome tourists from all over the world. I remember the first time that I had visited Avondale and Avondale Brewery with friends. Although these friends were clearly on their phones at the time of this photo,   absolutely LOVED the place.

Creative and interesting Avondale Brewery

On a warm day, we sat in the outdoor space overlooking their outdoor theater stage.

 

while chowing down on seriously good pizza from Post Office Pies.

I remember thinking,  “what a fun spot to visit and live.” With a growing investment in parks, residential, and business spectrums, this walkable neighborhood is full of historic homes being refurbished, young professionals, and artists; and of course, the food stops to match this breath of fresh air.

MEGastar – 5 ***** I liked this dish. Slow-smoked tender pork, sweet vinegar-based BBQ sauce, served over creamy grits, and tangy greens, topped off with killer crispy onion rings. The portion size was ginormous. The downside was that the dish was served on Styrofoam and for me, it was beyond too salty and a tad bit too spicy; my deal. According to my criteria of 5 star, I didn’t die and go to heaven when I tasted this dish. However, this was a unique dish that you can’t get anywhere else which took it to a 5* rating. Two successful Chefs own saw’s, the creativity sets this place apart from any other BBQ Joint. Right on Saw’s Soul Kitchen!

MEGatips-

1. Located at 215 41st St So.Birmingham, AL 35222
   Phone: (205) 591-1409Hours-Mon – Sun: 11:00 am – 8 pm
2. Their web site tells their story and anything else that you may want to know. Saw’s Soul Kitchen
3. Looking around the tables, I noticed a lot of people ordering this dish. Other dishes recommended are the chicken wings with white sauce, macaroni and cheese, and the Carolina Burger.
4. For the craft beer enthusiasts, The Avondale Brewery is located a few doors down. Why not make a day out of it? Avondale Brewing Company
5. Way to go Avondale for progressing to a place where we can all dine together. After this U.S. election and at the risk of overstating my belief. We are ONE, treat each other with respect, love, and empathy. Aim to be that great society that takes care of its young and elderly.
6. Feed your bodies food that helps elevate you and our world. Treat your body as that temple it was meant to be. If you have not watched this documentary on Soul Food, do so, right now. Soul Food Junkies

 

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This MEGabites and MEGastars description is found at the bottom of each post. If you are new to my 100 Dishes in Alabama escapade, this may be helpful information.

ABOUT:  *100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die,” is a compilation of food to chow down on “Bama style.”  Thanks to Tourism Alabama, www.alabama.travel my Alabama bucket list just became a little easier.  I am going to have some food fun while making my way like Ms. Pacman, in yet another state that I call home.   From the little old diner to the white cloth setting, this journey is an opportunity for me to explore my new state and experience pride in food from restaurateurs who are dedicated to local food, with some Alabama style. From the local BBQ smoker to James Beard recipients, you too will take a culinary trip across scenic and historical Alabama.  From this list, I select stops based upon convenience of location and they are in no particular order (but I already have a few favorites.)  Perhaps when I finish this list, I will rank my favorite dishes. You too may pick up the brochure at Alabama Tourism stops or download the alphabetical brochure that begins in Abbeville and ends in York.

I use a 5 MEGastar system.  For the most part, I am traveling a distance to try these dishes and these places get one shot at how I view the food and experience.   I will not be taking an average of three visit experiences and I factor this in when I give my star rating. That said, I’m very easy to please, I can overlook quite a bit and have worked in the food service industry.  I am not a paid food critic, just Meg, a curious traveler, with an interest in trying different foods and sharing my two cents on the experience.  I try to follow my own star system so that I may be fair to the wonderful dishes on this list.

• *meh food. Just wasn’t good. Maybe the food came from a can? or,  the place was not one that I would want to send someone to show pride in Alabama.   This has happened to me a few times and is a difficult write.
• ** passable – the food was “ok” but the place  was not “ok” or vice versa.
• *** good but not outstanding or unique.
• **** Very tasty dish AND meets one of the definitions set forth by Alabama Foods/Tourism, of local food and/or truly highlights Alabama Pride.
• ***** I actually died, went to heaven and came back when I ate the dish. And/Or, something is very unique, something you cannot get anywhere else.

Sources

[1] Thrillist  Hipster Neighborhood

[2] Yellowhammer News