Birminghamsouthern heartland

Don’t look for your typical Southern comfort food here. Chef Frank Sitt elevates the traditional by marrying the classic dishes of the region with a French-inspired technique—all with local, fresh ingredients. With a menu that changes both seasonally and daily to reflect peak harvest times, the James Beard Foundation has nominated Highlands Bar and Grill for its culinary excellence more than once. The stone-ground baked grits with country ham, mushrooms, fresh thyme and Parmesan are what you’ll catch locals ordering, along with a pre-dinner libation and oysters on the half shell.