Roy Wood Jr. says these are Birminghamâs best soul food restaurants
Roy Wood Jr. knows his Birmingham restaurants. Why wouldn’t he? The star standup comic grew up in Alabama and shouts out his hometown on national television whenever he gets the chance.
When author and frequent “Around the Horn” panelist David Dennis Jr. asked on Twitter, straight-up, which Birmingham restaurant has the best soul food to offer, Wood stepped up with two picks readers will no doubt support.
“Downtown, Yo Mamas and also Nikki’s West. About 10 mins from downtown,” Wood tweeted.
Wood did not play with this response. He is absolutely correct. First, Niki’s West Steak & Seafood Restaurant, which opened in 1957, is every bit the institution you either know or have heard it is. AL.com’s Mary Colurso calls it “the undeniable king of meat-and-three restaurants in Birmingham.”
MORE: Conan O’Brien exalts Roy Wood Jr.: ‘You’re always funny’
“Regulars flock to the place for a daily lunch fix, and plenty of folks who move away say Niki’s is a must when they return to the city for visits,” she wrote. “Niki’s extensive menu features several main dishes, from hamburger steak to Greek chicken to liver and onions to fried pork chops. There are more than 20 sides, including yams, fried okra, field peas, broccoli rice and cheese, pinto beans, creamed potatoes and turnip greens.
“Everything at Niki’s hits the spot, so diners can mix and match at will. Here’s a pro tip for newcomers: Be ready with your order as you approach the line at the steam table, or you’re likely to get fussed at by the employees on duty. Staffers at Niki’s are welcoming, but they like to keep things moving.”
Wood didn’t specify which dish to order, but he previously told AL.com he’s a fan of the country fried steak, meatloaf, fried chicken, fried okra, greens, mac and cheese. “Niki’s West is so good, they can curse you out,” Wood says, laughing. “At minimum, I’ll get the food to go.”
His general approach to the meat-and-three format? “I’m a dude who loves food,” Wood said in 2017. “Whatever I’m in the mood for, that’s what I’m going to eat. You say I can’t have a potato and rice? Watch me. Part of the beauty of Niki’s West is that you’re not going to be judged for your food choices. You could tell them to put gravy on carrot cake, and the only question would be, ‘White or brown?’”
READ: Roy Wood Jr., ‘dude who loves food,’ on 6 must-have dishes in Birmingham
Birmingham’s best meat-and-three: Our top 5
As for Yo Mama’s, Wood’s second pick in the tweet, Colurso included it on her picks for the best fried chicken in Birmingham — and for good reason,” she wrote. “Yo’ Mama’s serves food with heart and soul, specializing in home-style dishes with Southern flavors. You can bet they’ve got fried chicken on the menu, and the scrumptious wings here have earned praise from ordinary folks, restaurant critics and celebrity chefs alike.
“Founded in 2015 by Denise Peterson and her daughter, Crystal Peterson, Yo’ Mama’s quickly became a mainstay on the Magic City restaurant scene. The downtown eatery received even more attention with a featured spot on Netflix’s “Fresh, Fried and Crispy” in 2021. Yo’ Mama’s plans to move to a new location at 2098 Fourth Ave. North, thanks to a $1.3 million investment from the City of Birmingham.”
She said the Chicken & Waffle is “a mouthwatering treat” featuring Belgian waffles, six fried chicken wings, a dollop of syrup and fruit toppings.
So yes, Roy Wood Jr., we agree with your picks — and we’re not alone.
The 44-year-old Birmingham-raised comic’s star has risen the last several years through his hilarious work as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” (which he guest hosted in April), several standup specials and a growing number of acting roles in film and television. He also recently served as entertainer at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which drew national raves, and appeared on Conan O’Brien’s popular podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.”
More on Birmingham’s best food:
Birmingham’s best breakfast: Our top 5
Birmingham’s best hot dogs: Our Top 5
Birmingham’s best burgers: Our Top 5