Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bessemer, AL

BESSEMER. Sure, it's a ways from downtown Birmingham. And sure, you'll pass a lot of restaurants getting here. But if...

BESSEMER. Sure, it's a ways from downtown Birmingham. And sure, you'll pass a lot of restaurants getting here. But if you can make it to Bob Sykes, you'll be rewarded with what several regional and national publications hail as THE place for bar-b-q. The tradition of the Sykes Family's signature, slow-cooked pork and beef dates back more than 50 years, and regulars claim it's nothing short of perfection. After the long drive, treat yourself to a Big Bob Special ­ a large helping of Q with a drink and two sides. A word to the wise: their onion rings are homemade!

Hours: Mon-Thu 10:30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

HOMEWOOD. Open for dinner every night except Sunday, Lavoy's embraces the time-tested goodness of the traditional...

HOMEWOOD. Open for dinner every night except Sunday, Lavoy's embraces the time-tested goodness of the traditional Italian-American eatery, from the red and white checked tablecloths all the way down to amazing red sauce dishes like veal parmigiana, baked lasagna, and meat-filled ravioli. If you care to shake up your routine a bit, the kitchen also cooks up baked oysters (the house speciality) and a number of fish and seafood numbers.

Hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Taking into account the classic green, white and red signage and old school brick exterior, it's not...

DOWNTOWN. Taking into account the classic green, white and red signage and old school brick exterior, it's not surprising that this Gable Square establishment has been on the scene for quite a while. Homemade sauces, pizzas, calzones and pasta dishes dominate the menu, and all of them are fairly priced. If you come in with a group, go for the 16-inch Greek Delight (a pie topped with fresh feta, garlic, black olives, tomatoes, onions and oregano), or you can even build your own pizza.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

HOMEWOOD. Looking for B-Ham's top Philly-style cheese steak sandwich? It's a sure bet that locals (and The Late Late...

HOMEWOOD. Looking for B-Ham's top Philly-style cheese steak sandwich? It's a sure bet that locals (and The Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson) will point you in the direction of Salem's. Smothered in mayo and served with grilled onions on a hogie, this tatsy number is worth the calorie indulgence. Their other lunch eats ­ hot dogs, burgers, and chicken fingers ­ are tasty alternatives if you want to try a different direction. Stop in early, and you can have a homemade omelet or biscuits & gravy for breakfast.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-3pm

HOMEWOOD. Demetri's opens early for breakfast (hey, the folks who are up at 6am need their hotcakes, french toast, and...

HOMEWOOD. Demetri's opens early for breakfast (hey, the folks who are up at 6am need their hotcakes, french toast, and hashbrown poatoes just like the rest of us!), but it's the lunch and dinner fare that makes this rustic road-sider really stand out. A Disbeliever? Try their BBQ pork plate, spareribs, or turkey breast with a down-home side or two, and some sweet tea (can't forget that!). You'll be a convert in no time flat!

Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-8:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

IRONDALE. The inspiration for the Whistle Stop Café in the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes," this...

IRONDALE. The inspiration for the Whistle Stop Café in the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes," this cafeteria-style eatery sits beside train tracks and does, in fact, serve fried green tomatoes (between 60 to 70 pounds of them a day!). The menu changes daily but includes all of your Southern favorites, such as fried chicken, meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Hours: Sat-Mon 11am-2:30pm; Tue-Fri 11am-7pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Sometimes simplicity is the best bet, and Gus's quite simply makes the best hotdogs in town. Started by Gus...

DOWNTOWN. Sometimes simplicity is the best bet, and Gus's quite simply makes the best hotdogs in town. Started by Gus Alexander back in the late 40s, this casual downtown joint always draws a packed house during the lunch hours as locals just can't seem to get enough of their signature grilled dog accented by mustard, onions, and sweet, thick special sauce. If you leave after downing just one, then you've shown incredible restraint.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

SOUTHSIDE. Artistically displayed dishes set the stage at this renovated home, where inside there are nine individually...

SOUTHSIDE. Artistically displayed dishes set the stage at this renovated home, where inside there are nine individually decorated dining rooms, exquisite stained glass windows, and a snazzy bar area named Papa's (in honor of Ernest Hemingway). Appetizers simply tantalize the palate, especially the homemade crawfish boudin. From there, the choices only get tougher: iron-seared scallops or Alaskan halibut seared in a pan, rib-eye with Creole smashed potatoes or smoked pork shoulder dusted with mustard? Fortunately, regulars assert there's no wrong answer.

Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm; Sun 11am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

FIVE POINTS SOUTH. More laid-back and casual than big sister Bottega, this café serves contemporary Italian dishes...

FIVE POINTS SOUTH. More laid-back and casual than big sister Bottega, this café serves contemporary Italian dishes and cuisine from the wood-fired oven and rotisserie grill, with an emphasis on pizzas (either gourmet or traditional), chicken, and beef. Al fresco dining is also available.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MOUNTAIN BROOK. The spirit of independence assumes a pie shape at this popular pizza joint. Locally owned and operated,...

MOUNTAIN BROOK. The spirit of independence assumes a pie shape at this popular pizza joint. Locally owned and operated, Jim Davenport's Pizza Palace has been a popular gathering spot for years for two main reasons. First, it's a great place to bring the entire fam. Second, the pizza's just that good ­ especially the Meat Lover's Special (topped with pepperoni, ham and sausage).

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 4:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express