About
They say that the best gifts come in small packages. This saying is especially true of Eagle's Restaurant. Since 1951, this tiny dining spot has been dishing out stick-to-your-ribs soul food.
A railroad man named W.M. Owens opened Eagle's Cafe in 1951 and built it to last with wood planks and rafters from train box cars. Owens also wanted the soul food cafe to "fly like an eagle, " so he named it Eagle's. And based on its longevity, the prolific eatery is still soaring.
The decades rolled by, and in 1974, Joe Rucker purchased the diner from Mr. Owen's widow. Joe had been eating at Eagle's since the mid-1950s when he worked at the American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO.) Over many burgers washed down with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, Owens and Rucker became friends. When Joe mentioned that he'd love to purchase the restaurant, Owens listed one stipulation: Joe could never change the restaurant's name.
A man of his word, Joe managed Eagle's until 1993, when he sold it to Delores Banks, his son's mother. Since then, "Miss D," as locals know her, has kept the eatery flying high with help from her family. She, too, respected the time-honored vow to keep the restaurant's name with one slight change. She dropped "cafe" and inserted "restaurant."
Visiting this timeless treasure is a must when in Birmingham. It offers mouth-watering Southern fare that attracts diners worldwide. With one bite, you'll understand why!
Vibe
When W.M. Owens built the restaurant, he focused on a straightforward design that would weather the decades. While the no-frills facade may not win design awards, it is nonetheless a poignant reminder of bygone eras, such as when Birmingham underwent turbulent social unrest.
Its downtown location makes it convenient to explore the Civil Rights District. Grab takeout from Eagle's for a picnic in Kelly Ingram Park and then walk to 16th St. Baptist Church across the street. The soul food will enhance your soul searching in this historic part of town.
Inside, the throwback decor sports a classic diner vibe. Picture black booths, tile floor, and an ordering counter. With only room for 24 visitors, most visitors order take-out.
The vibe is warm, lively, and distinctly Southern. You'll spot regulars chatting with staff, business professionals in suits, and vacationers in t-shirts. No matter who you are, you'll feel welcomed and like you're in a home, not a diner.
The ambiance at Eagle's Restaurant is a snapshot of the city's authentic, down-to-earth culture, making it a must-visit.
Eagle's Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
In the classic meat-and-three style, your main course includes two sides, such as collard greens, black-eyed peas with okra, and macaroni and cheese.
Additionally, the entrees shift daily and according to the season, so check online before arriving for daily specials.
The ox tails are the eatery's flagship entree. This classic Southern meal was elevated to international fame when Andrew Zimmern featured the diner in 2013 on "Bizarre Foods America." Zimmern deemed the ox tail the best he'd ever eaten, and word spread like wildfire globally.
Other soul food meals include pig feet and ears, neckbones with potatoes, and occasionally chitterlings.
If these are out of your comfort zone, you'll find safer (and equally satisfying) options. Crowd favorites include oven-baked chicken with dressing, fried pork chops, BBQ chicken, meatloaf, and chicken wings. Any of these is ideal as take-out for an outdoor concert at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.
While Eagle's no longer serves alcohol as it did when Owne's ran the cafe, you'll find fresh-brewed teas and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Kids will enjoy the Kool-Aid, while bottled soft drinks and water will quench your thirst after a day at McWane Science Center.
Dining at Eagle's Restaurant combines regional hospitality with unforgettable flavors unique to this corner of the South.
Local Tips
- The Sunday rush begins 30 minutes before opening. Get there early!
- The portions are generous, so consider sharing!
- Check social media for specials.
- Parking can fill up fast, so plan accordingly.
