The Lab is bringing Southern comfort to a whole new level, offering Southern-inspired classics with a local twist, handcrafted cocktails, locally made spirits, domestic and artisan crafted beers and internationally recognized wines. From local Gulf oysters dressed up with cucumber granita to our homemade pimento cheese spread, every dish on our menu offers a taste of the South mixed with a little creative flavor.
We're your go-to spot for the game day and every day. For lunch, dinner and anything in between. Visit us in the new Hilton Birmingham Downtown @UAB. Located on campus, we're one of the best restaurants in historic Five Points South and an easy place to grab a bite before or after work, or even between classes.
We're your go-to spot for the game day and every day. For lunch, dinner and anything in between. Visit us in the new Hilton Birmingham Downtown @UAB. Located on campus, we're one of the best restaurants in historic Five Points South and an easy place to grab a bite before or after work, or even between classes.
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Committed to our goal of becoming the best locally focused restaurant in Birmingham, our culinary team balances a respect for Southern food traditions with a forward-thinking approach to local cuisine. We're proud to be pushing the envelope in Birmingham's burgeoning Five Points South neighborhood with a menu based on tradition but full of surprises.
Whether you're looking to plan a special event for 20 or a special dinner for 2, we're here to help answer any questions and make sure all your needs are met at our restaurant in Birmingham, AL. From our fried green tomatoes to the best shrimp and grits in town, our menu is designed to give you an authentic taste of the South.
Need a little pick-me-up? That's what we're here for. Our cafe in Birmingham is an all-day getaway, offering freshly brewed coffee, teas, and delightful pastries sourced from local purveyors. Located on the southside of UAB campus, we're also a great study spot or a place to meet up with friends to kick off the weekend with a croissant and cappuccino.
The Lab is located in the heart of Birmingham's Medical District and UAB campus, at the corner of University Boulevard and 20th Street South in the new Hilton Birmingham Downtown @UAB. This high energy local gathering spot is the perfect choice to stop in for a bite to eat, meet friends for happy hour, watch all sporting events, or just to take a break.
Your next event in Birmingham deserves the best, so why not have it at The Lab? We can accommodate groups large and small, from business luncheons to wedding rehearsal dinners to cooking classes for 12 or more people. We offer custom menus and a dining space which holds up to 14 people to celebrate the occasion.
Reviews (29)
Brittney Bradford
Jan 16, 2022
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Dazsh Cheatham
Jan 04, 2022
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Jacob Luna
Dec 27, 2021
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The Lab definitely lives up to its name! They have unique / experimental takes on the many dishes they serve. We ordered the hummus, ceasar salad, lamb shank, mountain chicken, and champagne custard parfait for desert. The restaurant didnt have many guests when we visited, but the service was incredible.
The entrées were fantastic and the parfaits were phenomenal! The ceasar salad's dressing is unique as it is blended with cherry tomatoes and spices. It is a must try.
The hummus is made with navy beans instead of the usual chickpeas. Navy beans are similar in taste to pinto beans, so their hummus
The entrées were fantastic and the parfaits were phenomenal! The ceasar salad's dressing is unique as it is blended with cherry tomatoes and spices. It is a must try.
The hummus is made with navy beans instead of the usual chickpeas. Navy beans are similar in taste to pinto beans, so their hummus
Wei W.
Dec 21, 2021
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Callie J.
Oct 23, 2021
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Located on the LL of the Hilton Hotel.
We entered into the restaurant and there was a hostess station, however no one was manning it. We had to peak around the corner for anyone to even see us standing there.
Denise, our server, approached the table to greet us. A bit dry in the personality department, so it was much less than what we expected.
We ordered the friend Green tomatoes for an appetizer. My husband ordered the meatloaf dinner and I ordered the fried Green tomato BLT, and we had 2 blond draft beers.
I will have to say that the best part of the meal was the two draft beers. Both
We entered into the restaurant and there was a hostess station, however no one was manning it. We had to peak around the corner for anyone to even see us standing there.
Denise, our server, approached the table to greet us. A bit dry in the personality department, so it was much less than what we expected.
We ordered the friend Green tomatoes for an appetizer. My husband ordered the meatloaf dinner and I ordered the fried Green tomato BLT, and we had 2 blond draft beers.
I will have to say that the best part of the meal was the two draft beers. Both
Sarah K.
Oct 15, 2021
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Wedge salad was very good. Service is so-so. I sat at the bar since I'm a table of one, the bartender doesn't communicate and barely acknowledges that you exist. I had to flag him down for a glass of water and a second drink. He had zero recommendations for dinner. Said he never tried anything. Honestly???
Debbie Henderson
Sep 23, 2021
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Bk G.
Aug 08, 2021
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The atmosphere of the restaurant is super cool, the service was slow but friendly and apologetic of the wait for some things. The food,however, I thought was pretty average. I was also somewhat confused when I asked if I could have fries with a side of queso and was told they can't do stuff like that, then was brought the chips & queso appetizer and a side of fries and had to pay the full price for both. Not a huge deal but the chips & queso appetizer was $10 so it was a little more money than we were planning on spending. We decided to split the voodoo pasta as it was $22, and it
Jonathon Peterman
Aug 01, 2021
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I've learned not to get my hopes up from a hotel kitchen. The majority of the time, you'll get a passable meal that let's you get to sleep in your frozen room. Maybe the soup was tossed in the jukebox to heat it up. Maybe your veg was boiled in bags.
The Lab Bar and Kitchen was none of the above on this particular evening. I called in near closing time for a take away, ordering the Blazin' Burger, as well as the chips and queso. Back of house could have easily phoned this one in, and I would have ate it anyway, no complaints regardless. They did anything but. Hot side absolutely nailed the burger
The Lab Bar and Kitchen was none of the above on this particular evening. I called in near closing time for a take away, ordering the Blazin' Burger, as well as the chips and queso. Back of house could have easily phoned this one in, and I would have ate it anyway, no complaints regardless. They did anything but. Hot side absolutely nailed the burger
Keith Delguercio
Aug 01, 2021
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Melissa M.
Jul 31, 2021
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Yaz E.
Jun 19, 2021
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The Staff: Friendly. The epitome of Southern Hospitality
The Chef: Matthew, a true Southern Gentleman came out to light the outdoor fire pit for our party and to welcome us for dinner.
The Food: Simply Amazing!
Crab Cakes
Fish Tacos
Fries
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Everything is delicious.
And, if you're wondering. There is no need.
I will be back!
The Chef: Matthew, a true Southern Gentleman came out to light the outdoor fire pit for our party and to welcome us for dinner.
The Food: Simply Amazing!
Crab Cakes
Fish Tacos
Fries
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Everything is delicious.
And, if you're wondering. There is no need.
I will be back!
Elizabeth Cheatham
Apr 28, 2021
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Horrible!! I made reservations weeks in advance for my birthday dinner when I got to the restaurant. I walked up to the bar to tell the bartender my group a has made it. She looked shocked and upset because she wasn’t told that a group of 15 people will be arriving at 7pm. She tells me that they are short handed and only three of them are working. We waited a hour and a half to be seated and then waited 30 minutes until someone came to our table. So we got up and left. If I could leave 0 stars I would !!
Robert H.
Apr 08, 2021
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The Lab has been on our list of restaurants to try for a while and we finally went on a Tuesday night for dinner. We walked into the restaurant and there was a bartender there and 3 tables with 2 people and 1 table with 1 person. She said she would get us seated in a minute and went by 2 tables before coming to get us seated. 5 minutes later we were seated. She was the only person waiting tables, and we made it a total of 5 tables. 9 total people shouldn't be too hard to serve at 7 on a Tuesday night.
We ordered our drinks and waited a while for our drinks. We thought multiple times by now
We ordered our drinks and waited a while for our drinks. We thought multiple times by now
Kelsey C.
Feb 03, 2021
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Was here for a conference for work and decided to eat lunch at the hotel one day. This place was surprisingly fantastic! I ordered the Fried Green Tomato BLT with mashed potatoes as my side. Everything was fresh and delicious. The staff working a the time was so friendly! The place was very clean. I definitely plan to go back here again.
Jocelyn Dennis
Jun 29, 2020
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I went to this restaurant because I was staying at the hotel and got in pretty late and needed dinner. I ordered my food and was told to come pick it up in about 30 minutes. I show up 30 minutes later and me and this man are just sitting in the completely empty restaurant for close to 20 minutes with not a single worker in site. A worker comes out and then give food to the man. I then get my food and as I walk down the hall I notice that it doesn’t smell like something I’d order. They definitely gave me his food and gave my food to him. At this point, I had already signed the receipt and tipped
Deyon J.
Jan 26, 2020
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I have nothing but good things to say about this spot. It is a Bham gem that's hidden in plain sight. Its located within the Hilton on the Southside.
The ambiance here is very quaint and a bit romantic. As a May baby, I loved the emerald green decor. We came here for a ladies night. Although only 4 of us showed, we were all impressed with everything.
Our waiter Christian was soooo nice and helpful. He explained everything to us, offered recommendations and just made us feel so welcomed. I first tried the Blazer cocktail. It came separate for Christian to blend like a science experiment
The ambiance here is very quaint and a bit romantic. As a May baby, I loved the emerald green decor. We came here for a ladies night. Although only 4 of us showed, we were all impressed with everything.
Our waiter Christian was soooo nice and helpful. He explained everything to us, offered recommendations and just made us feel so welcomed. I first tried the Blazer cocktail. It came separate for Christian to blend like a science experiment
Staci J.
Dec 26, 2019
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Went to the Lab for a Sunday brunch. It was four people in our party. We met around 11:30. We were the only ones there.
I ordered the duck w greens. It came with corn grits but I had to send the grits back. There was no flavor.
Others in my party returned their grits too.
For the good part.... the duck was delicious. Moist and seasoned well. The greens were tasty. Portion size was good for brunch.
Management exchanged my grits for a salad. Very accommodating.
I ordered the duck w greens. It came with corn grits but I had to send the grits back. There was no flavor.
Others in my party returned their grits too.
For the good part.... the duck was delicious. Moist and seasoned well. The greens were tasty. Portion size was good for brunch.
Management exchanged my grits for a salad. Very accommodating.
Meena C.
Oct 19, 2019
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I've been to the Lab several times, and as a UAB employee, the location is super convenient and saving 20% on my meal with my employee badge is always a plus!
I love that parking is super convenient when I'm meeting non-UAB people for lunch. They can park in the deck for free with validation! You can't get that anywhere else in Bham!
And to the food! I like the Lab Burger... those spicy pickles are the best! And those fries are to die for! I've also enjoyed the pork skins and pimento/cheese.... just be careful because it can be bubbling hot and will burn your mouth if you
I love that parking is super convenient when I'm meeting non-UAB people for lunch. They can park in the deck for free with validation! You can't get that anywhere else in Bham!
And to the food! I like the Lab Burger... those spicy pickles are the best! And those fries are to die for! I've also enjoyed the pork skins and pimento/cheese.... just be careful because it can be bubbling hot and will burn your mouth if you
Rachel Houghton
Sep 24, 2019
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Atmosphere was nice. Server was friendly and attentive.
We had the pimento cheese and pork rinds to start off with and it was not only delicious, it was fun because of the popping sounds the rinds made when they hit the hot cheese.
The shrimp and grits were a Tad disappointing, just not a whole lot of flavor. But that may be personal taste.
We did NOT enjoy the grilled peach cobbler. It tasted burnt and not at all sweet.
I think the highlight of the whole meal was the basil smash drink. It was AMAZING. And I’m going to attempt to recreate it.
We had the pimento cheese and pork rinds to start off with and it was not only delicious, it was fun because of the popping sounds the rinds made when they hit the hot cheese.
The shrimp and grits were a Tad disappointing, just not a whole lot of flavor. But that may be personal taste.
We did NOT enjoy the grilled peach cobbler. It tasted burnt and not at all sweet.
I think the highlight of the whole meal was the basil smash drink. It was AMAZING. And I’m going to attempt to recreate it.
Cheryl M.
Sep 08, 2019
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Came here for restaurant week since we liked the menu and I had wanted to try this anyway. We tried the pimento cheese and pork rinds for an appetizer and the skillet corn bread. The pork rinds were very good and they gave you a lot of them. Pork rinds are not my thing and the fact that I ate more than one says a lot. It was interesting dipping them in the pimento cheese. I'm glad I tried it and recommend it if you are wanting to try something different. The skillet corn bread was pretty good and the honey pecan butter was awesome.
For my entree, I got the pork tacos. They were really good
For my entree, I got the pork tacos. They were really good
Jenn C.
Aug 23, 2019
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Second visit here.
I tried the spicy peach something that was the drink of the day. It had absolutely no alcohol in it. I asked the bartender what alcohol was supposed to be in it and she said she "think" it was tequila but SHE made it. So I wanna know how she's making drinks and don't know what she's using.
I tried the happy hour jalapeño cornbread bites with honey butter. They came out hard, dry and with a butter full of pecans apparently. I asked what was in the butter after I took a bite and was told by the same bartender she didn't know and a male manager
I tried the spicy peach something that was the drink of the day. It had absolutely no alcohol in it. I asked the bartender what alcohol was supposed to be in it and she said she "think" it was tequila but SHE made it. So I wanna know how she's making drinks and don't know what she's using.
I tried the happy hour jalapeño cornbread bites with honey butter. They came out hard, dry and with a butter full of pecans apparently. I asked what was in the butter after I took a bite and was told by the same bartender she didn't know and a male manager
Kevin L.
Aug 07, 2019
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Came here with a group of about 12 and we sat in the curtained off private room. It was quite nice and we had 3 wait staff along with the chef checking on us regularly.
We ordered so many things off the menu I felt like we had a sample of everything. I will outline what I felt like was good and what was alright below. Overall, I give the service and environment a solid 5 and the food a very solid 4.
Things that really popped out for me were the tuna with the crispy chips made from taro plant. Marinated and soaked for a while, the tuna itself was very good. The larger fish dish we had though
We ordered so many things off the menu I felt like we had a sample of everything. I will outline what I felt like was good and what was alright below. Overall, I give the service and environment a solid 5 and the food a very solid 4.
Things that really popped out for me were the tuna with the crispy chips made from taro plant. Marinated and soaked for a while, the tuna itself was very good. The larger fish dish we had though
Orlando M.
Jul 03, 2019
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Downstairs in the Hilton UAB. Awesome environment and great servers. Everyone is kind and the food is delicious. Had the catfish tacos and it was crisp, tasty, and presentable. Was a little late on the fries but that's fine with me as long as I had my catfish tacos at a reasonable time. Military discount included! Didn't even ask for it. Awesome. Hotel is also amazing. Don't want to stay to close to the airport then just stay at the Hiltons at UAB.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Claudia W.
May 30, 2019
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We went to The Lab Bar & Kitchen for Mother's Day, which I thought was unconventional, but ended up being really good! The manager said it was their first time doing Mother's Day brunch and I am glad they did! We started with mimosas, of course! Mom's favorite. I got the pork medallions on top of grits and it was delicious. My mom got the filet (painfully undercooked) with fantastic roasted potatoes and sunny side up eggs. She loved it so I would call it a success!
Thanks guys! We will definitely be back.
Thanks guys! We will definitely be back.
Mariah C.
May 24, 2019
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We met here for a post-protest round of beers and flatbreads, and burgers for the truly hungry. Whole beer prices were crazy - $5 for a Coors Light - food prices were reasonable and the food was quite good.
One in our group had the Blazer Burger and liked it quite well. The addition of sweet with spicy made the flavor unique. The burger was large enough to satisfy, and the potatoes that came with it were really very good. Sort of potato wedges, crispy outside and creamy inside, and nice and hot. The two flatbreads were good - one with pork and the other more like a sausage and pepperoni
One in our group had the Blazer Burger and liked it quite well. The addition of sweet with spicy made the flavor unique. The burger was large enough to satisfy, and the potatoes that came with it were really very good. Sort of potato wedges, crispy outside and creamy inside, and nice and hot. The two flatbreads were good - one with pork and the other more like a sausage and pepperoni
Chip C.
Apr 01, 2019
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Came here for a UAB function the other day that had part of the proceeds going to a local charity - a nice thing for them in which to partake.
The wait staff was great, constantly checking on us throughout the night. The appetizers were good, but definitely make sure which section you are ordering from - the small plates (1-2 people) or big plates (table sized). They were all great, but several of them left me wanting more since it was a smaller portion. The drinks were decent - esp the blazer. The Blazer is a green drink in a flute shaped glass which literally has smoke coming out of it throughout
The wait staff was great, constantly checking on us throughout the night. The appetizers were good, but definitely make sure which section you are ordering from - the small plates (1-2 people) or big plates (table sized). They were all great, but several of them left me wanting more since it was a smaller portion. The drinks were decent - esp the blazer. The Blazer is a green drink in a flute shaped glass which literally has smoke coming out of it throughout
Will B.
Jan 30, 2019
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I had a work meeting that I was interested in doing over lunch. I had heard some things about this place, but didn't really know where it was. So I was surprised to learn that it was in the downtown Hilton. Parking was not the easiest on the street, so I parked in the Hilton deck. I thought I could make it through the hotel, but never figure out how. So I eventually just walked outside and around to the front entrance.
There was not another person in there besides the person I was meeting and it stayed like that the entire meal. Our server arrived quickly to take drink orders. But then it
There was not another person in there besides the person I was meeting and it stayed like that the entire meal. Our server arrived quickly to take drink orders. But then it
Ashley H.
Jan 05, 2019
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I pass by the Hilton literally everyday on my way to work ,and to my surprise one day I saw an actual restaurant and bar pop up so of course the hubs and I decided to stop by for dinner and drinks tonight.
You can access the restaurant two ways one way is from the side entrance on 20th street or through the hotel lobby and walk downstairs.
Upon entering we decided to sit at the bar. We were greeted by the nicest bartender. I believe his name is Steven.
To drink I ordered the Marco cocktail ,and we shared quite a few small plates: crab cakes, bbq bacon wrapped shrimp, deviled eggs, and the pimento
You can access the restaurant two ways one way is from the side entrance on 20th street or through the hotel lobby and walk downstairs.
Upon entering we decided to sit at the bar. We were greeted by the nicest bartender. I believe his name is Steven.
To drink I ordered the Marco cocktail ,and we shared quite a few small plates: crab cakes, bbq bacon wrapped shrimp, deviled eggs, and the pimento
