The Fish Market Restaurant in Birmingham, AL
Looking for fresh seafood in Birmingham, Alabama? The Fish Market has been a local favorite for decades, serving everything from grilled fish and shrimp to Greek-inspired specialties in a casual, family-friendly setting. Whether you’re visiting the city or simply passing through on I-65, here’s what you can expect before you order.
Just a couple of blocks from the Kirklin Clinic in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, is The Fish Market Restaurant. The Fish Market Restaurant was started by George Sarris and his been serving hungry folks in Birmingham for over 35 years. It’s where fish, Greek food, and Southern hospitality converge.
Stepping through the beautiful wooden double doors, diners are invited into the warm interior which is decorated with a nod to both Greece and the fishing industry.
There are jars of sea salt from Greece, as well as bottles of olives, olive oil, and vinegar available for purchase.
Items on the menu reflect George’s Greek heritage, such as the Chargrilled Octopus which is grilled and drizzled with The Fish Market’s house Greek vinaigrette, the Big Fat Greek salad whose toppings include Kalamata olives and Salonika peppers, and a Greek Cole Slaw with feta cheese.
At the time of this post, The Fish Market Restaurant is ranked #152 out of 737 restaurants in Birmingham according to reviews on TripAdvisor. That puts it roughly in the top 20% of restaurants. Its location makes it a plus for those who are downtown, whether it be for business, pleasure, or medical purposes.
Cajun Catfish Strips
My husband and I had heard really good things about The Fish Market, so we decided to check it out. It was barely 11:00 am on a sunny, yet chilly weekday. Our waiter took us to a section away from the doors so that we wouldn’t be chilled.
Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. (I suspect he might be related to George. The Fish Market is a family-operated business, so the odds are favorable.) He promptly took our order and then returned with our drinks.
Being the good Southerner that he is, my husband ordered Cajun Catfish Strips with slaw and french fries ($11.49) along with a soft drink ($2.29). I am a big fan of Shrimp and Grits, so I ordered that and took a bit of an adventurous route and got it with a side of the Greek Cole Slaw ($12.99).
Shrimp & Grits – Gulf shrimp sauteed with bacon, mushrooms, and tomatoes, finished with a creamy white wine sauce, topped with green onion
My husband was not all that impressed with his dish. I, on the other hand, really enjoyed the shrimp and grits. They were a bit different from other versions that I have had, but they were really quite delicious. The Greek Cole Slaw was refreshing, but it had just a little too much feta in my opinion.
Before tip, our lunch came to a total of $29.45. Would I dine there again? Yes, I would. Would I order the Shrimp and Grits again? I would be hard-pressed not to, though I might have to pass that dish up so that I can try their Shrimp Po Boy.
Hours
The Fish Market Restaurant (Southside) is open:
- Monday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm
- Friday & Saturday, 10am – 10pm
- Sunday, 11am – 5pm
At a Glance
| Cuisine | Seafood, Greek, Southern |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $$ |
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Good For | Lunch, dinner, families, casual dining |
| Reservations | Not typically required for small parties |
| Parking | Free on-site parking available |
| Known For | Fresh Gulf seafood, Greek specialties, generous portions |
| Takeout | Available |
Location
The Fish Market Restaurant is located at 612 22nd Street South in downtown Birmingham.
Things to Do Near The Fish Market
One of the best things about dining at The Fish Market is its convenient location. Whether you’re visiting Birmingham for the day or spending the weekend, you’ll find several popular attractions just a short drive away.
- Railroad Park – Stretch your legs with a stroll through this 19-acre green space featuring walking trails, gardens, and skyline views.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – Learn about the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement through powerful exhibits and historic landmarks.
- Vulcan Park and Museum – Visit Birmingham’s most recognizable landmark and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower beside the world’s largest cast-iron statue.
- McWane Science Center – A fun stop for families, with hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater.
- Regions Field – If you’re visiting during baseball season, catch a Birmingham Barons game just minutes from the restaurant.
With so much to see nearby, The Fish Market makes a convenient place to enjoy lunch or dinner before heading out to explore more of Birmingham.
If your travels are taking you beyond Birmingham, Alabama has plenty more delicious stops to add to your itinerary. Heading north? Treat yourself to a meal with spectacular views at 360 Grille, the state’s only revolving restaurant. Traveling south? Check out my recommendations for Where to Eat in Montgomery to discover more local favorites. If you’re making a road trip out of it, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself pulling into one of Buc-ee’s Supersized Gas Stations for a brisket sandwich, Beaver Nuggets, or just one of those famously clean restrooms. And if you enjoy discovering local flavors, don’t miss the Alabama Wine Festival, where you can sample wines from vineyards across the state while supporting Alabama’s growing wine industry.
Final Call
The Fish Market has earned its reputation as one of Birmingham’s go-to seafood restaurants, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re stopping in for fresh Gulf seafood after a day of exploring the city or making it a destination on your Alabama road trip, it’s a place that’s worth considering if seafood is on the menu.
Have you eaten at The Fish Market? I’d love to hear what you ordered and whether you have a favorite dish. Leave a comment below and help fellow travelers decide what to order on their next visit to Birmingham!
