OK, so planning what you’d eat for your last meal sounds rather macabre. It’s a longtime parlor game, albeit one with serious roots, akin to listing the items you’d need while stranded on a desert island, or the famous people you’d invite to a dinner party.

The basic idea, of course, is to imagine yourself in an extreme situation and make some decisions, knowing that the sky’s the limit for whatever (or whoever) you choose. In that spirit, let’s take a look at what some folks would want for their last meal in Birmingham, tracking responses to a recent callout on Reddit.

The topic was “Birmingham last meal: If you were faced with picking your final meal what would you choose?” Here are highlights from the comments, as people pointed to their favorite restaurants and dishes in the metro area.

J WINGS

The meal: “Js Wings 20 Pc Cajun Ranch lemon pepper Dry rub with cajun ranch cheese fries and Js punch. My dessert would be my moms homemade hummingbird cake. If i cant have her cake, i refuse to die that day,” @SignificantNinja679 said on Reddit. “I live right down the road from the J Wings in Fultondale and omggggg those fries,” said @SalemHarlot. “Big shout out to j’s wings. Place is (fire). Some of the best wings in bham,” said @young_hodor.

Good to know: J Wings has two locations in Bessemer — at 2451 Crossplex Blvd. and 1011 Ninth Ave. Southwest — plus other locations throughout the metro area. AL.com included J Wings in its recent list of the top five spots for chicken wings in the metro area, and folks on Reddit evidently agree.

THE GARAGE

The meal: “A garage sandwich. Roast beef on hoagie, mayo, spicy mustard, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, banana peppers, mushrooms. Toasted. Extra pickle,” said @hunkykitty.

Good to know: The Garage, a funky bar and cafe at 2304 10th Terrace South, is an institution in Birmingham. The Southside watering hole opened in 1994 and is famed for its antiques-strewn courtyard, cordial atmosphere and laid-back charm. The menu focuses on soups and sandwiches, and some of those are pretty impressive, as this Reddit user noted.

EUGENE’S HOT CHICKEN

The meal: “Eugene’s hot chicken tendies with stupid hot heat on em, comeback sauce, fries. I would die fat and happy,” @Squishytoaster said.

Good to know: “Fried chicken nirvana? Eugene’s has earned a rapturous reputation that’s pretty close to it.” That’s what AL.com said in 2023, naming this restaurant as the No. 1 pick on its list of the top five fried chicken joints in Birmingham. There’s a downtown location at 2268 Ninth Ave. North, and another in Hoover at 3232 Galleria Circle, Suite 101. You can order chicken spiced to various levels of heat, and one Reddit user went with the most fiery option.

SAW’S BBQ

The meal: “Pork n Greens and some wings/thighs from Saw’s,” said @BigBillSmash.

Good to know: Saw’s, with six locations in the Birmingham metro area, is home to what AL.com has called “one of the most Alabama dishes ever.” The blueprint calls for cheese grits topped by pulled pork and collard greens, drizzled with barbecue sauce and finished with onion rings. And yep, this Reddit user chose that famous dish as the ultimate meal.

THE BRIGHT STAR

The meal: “Snapper throats and peanut butter pie at the Bright Star,” @danger_birds said. “My meal from TBS would be the Greek Sirloin, a Greek salad, green beans, rolls, bread pudding, sweet tea, and enough Chivas to make me numb,” said @TKMurphy2. “Greek tenderloin and Peanut Butter Pie from The Bright Star in Bessemer!” said @Emergency-Neat4959.

Good to know: Bessemer’s Bright Star, 304 19th St. North, is one of the oldest restaurants in Alabama and an iconic spot for steaks, seafood, desserts and more. Snapper throats are a signature dish here, and a top pick for these folks on Reddit. The menu also includes yummy desserts such as peanut butter pie.

CHEZ FONFON

The meal: “I’m not sure what I’d order, but I’m pretty sure it would be at Chez Fon Fon,” said @AnybodySeeMyKeys. “Yeah, steak frites, trout, or even the burger. With an orange thing and a slice of coconut cake,” said @Cytlid. “The Paillard never misses,” said @Strict_Emergency_289. “Maybe that and Liver Mousse and Escargot and a lemon tart …”

Good to know: Chez Fonfon, 2007 11th Ave. South, is a fancy French bistro that’s highly welcoming. The menu boasts a gold-standard burger — “the much celebrated and highly decorated Hamburger Fonfon,” AL.com said — and a must-have coconut cake, from a recipe created by award-winning pastry chef Dolester Miles. Reddit users sang the praises of Chez Fonfon, and even mentioned the Orange Thing, a signature cocktail at Frank Stitt’s restaurants in Birmingham.

BETTOLA

The meal: “Bettola Marscapone & prosciutto pizza,” said @malloryhair.

Good to know: Bettola, 2930 Third Ave. South, serves hand-crafted pizzas baked in a wood-fired Italian pizza oven. Fresh ingredients are important here and chef James Lewis, who opened Bettola in 2006, strives for authenticity in his Neapolitan-inspired pies. AL.com pointed readers to Bettola in a recent feature for National Pizza Week, listing five pizza places to try in Birmingham. This Reddit user also gives the eatery a big thumb’s up.

AUTOMATIC SEAFOOD AND OYSTERS

The meal: “It would involve oysters so I guess Automatic at that point since money wouldn’t be in play for a last meal. But if I could get it all: Milo’s, Guiseppe’s, and a meat and three would be on the list,” said @TheCowKitty. “An enormous spread of starters, small plates, oysters, entrees, and desserts from Automatic Seafood,” said @CMsirP.

Good to know: Automatic Seafood, 2824 Fifth Ave South, opened in 2019 in Birmingham’s Lakeview neighborhood. The elegant restaurant quickly developed a reputation for the quality and creativity of its food. Chef Adam Evans was named Best Chef in the South at the 2022 James Beard Awards, and Reddit users applaud his scrumptious menus.

BLUE PACIFIC AT HOOVER FOOD MART

The meal: “Panang chicken or chicken pad Thai from Blue Pacific. Hands down,” said @MickyJaggy.

Good to know: Gas station food for this Reddit user? You betcha. Hoover’s Blue Pacific, 3219 Lorna Road, has earned a stellar reputation over the past nine years, serving a flavorful coconut soup, fiery curries, Pad Ka Tem-Prik Thai (stir-fried meat with garlic, topped by a fried egg) and an exceptional pad Thai. In 2022, celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern pointed to Blue Pacific as one of the best restaurants in Birmingham,calling the food “incredible.”

SHU SHOP

The meal: “Seafood ramen at Shu shop with a side of their veggie dumplings,” said @Mars-To-Venus.

Good to know: Shu Shop, 1820 Third Ave. North, specializes in savory ramen (or noodle soup), Japanese-inspired small plates and more. Birmingham magazine named the hip eatery as one of the 10 best restaurants in Birmingham, and fans of Shu Shop heartily concur. This Reddit user didn’t mention the extensive sake list, but it’s definitely a plus.

MORE LAST MEALS FROM REDDIT

“Back 40 burger and fries – hot & hot tomato salad – smoked wings from saws with extra white sauce – Helen Angel biscuits – red velvet baby bites from pasty art bake shoppe.” — @coconuthead95

“A milos cheeseburger, a le fresca pizza, back40 Fries and RIP but a piece of Johnny rays chocolate pie.” — @jenandjuice10

“Chicken tikka masala and garlic naan from Bay Leaf in 5 Points or a double cheeseburger with fries and onion rings from Otey’s in Mountain Brook.” — @live_positively

“That Eggplant po’boy (at Rougaroux) owns my soul.” — @BruciePup.

“Pulled pork sandwich and smoked gouda grits from Creekside BBQ.” — @alison_bee

“Purple Onion. Hummus & pita, a sweet mint tea, and either a chicken philly wrap or a kafta wrap! Maybe a side of cheese fries if I’m feeling it.” — @qeorqia

“I’d be eating one of those Al’s bakers.” — @arolloftide

“Great Wall sesame tofu with two orders of spring rolls.” — @ThecamtrainR6

“Jack Browns. Whatever the burger of the day is … and a Back Forty Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale.” — @xboxlivedog

“Marty’s Patty Melt with an over medium Egg on it!” — @FunctionEmotional604

“Davenports pepperoni pizza with green olives, meat & cheese tray from O’Carrs & the Greek Chicken sandwich from Demetri’s.” — @Mgp4me.

“A good barbecue at the Jim and nicks.” — @manuvns

“Gianmarco’s chicken parm and a bottle of Frank Family Cabernet.” — @Gullible_Blood2765

“A dozen Southern Belle oysters from Automatic Chicken & waffle plate from Yo Mama’s, hash browns scattered smothered covered & chunked from Waffle House on 4th Ave S, double biscuit & gravy from Jacks in Homewood, a Sticky Maple from Maple Street Biscuit washed down with a Coke from McDonald’s by St. Vincent’s.” — @ConcentrateEmpty711

“A rib plate with collard greens and mac n cheese and a lemonade from Hit Different in Pelham.” — @LittleBlazer

“Like 17 Chicken Tenders and like 10 sides of fries from Hattie B’s.” — @Richard080108

“Fultondale Whataburger. I’ll extend my life by several hours just waiting for them to get the food ordered, made and handed back to me.” — @ultraparadisemonster