Late Night in Birmingham

[teeleebee]

I am meeting an old friend in Birmingham, Al in a few weeks for a quick reunion. We both arrive at the airport around 9pm on a Monday night and would love to go somewhere cool and comfortable that is close to the airport for a drink and a bite to eat. I'm looking for someplace quiet with a nice wine/cocktail list. I haven't been to Birmingham in ages so any suggestion would be appreciated.

[Dax]

Birmingham is far from a late night dining town, well for good food. I agree that 26 and Jinsei are both awesome. Jinsei is best if someone else is paying.

[teeleebee]

Thank you so much for the feedback! All of these suggestions sound great. We are both big sushi fans and I always loved Homewood - not to mention, I'm suddenly craving some Mercury- so I think we'll check out Jinsei. Appreciate the help. Cheers!

[pinotboy]

One caveat: On rare occasions the "last diner" leaves before you get there. To be on the safe side, you should give them a call once you land and let them know that you are en route to ensure that they are still open. The phone # is 205-802-1440.

I highly recommend the Kadoma Tuna to start with.

[teeleebee]

I just wanted to say "Thanks" for a fantastic recommendation. I had dinner at Jinsei last night and it was exactly the kind of place for which I was looking. We sat at the sushi bar and started with the Kadoma Tuna and a glass of Gruner Veltliner. I knew from the first bite I had found a new favorite restaurant in B'ham. Cheers!

[sheilal]

Most of the fine dining places in Bham are closed on Mondays and the ones that are open usually stop accepting diners about 9 or 9:30. There's nothing close to the airport at all. So you'd have to take a cab into downtown. The only place that comes to mind is Icon located at the Tutwiler Hotel downtown. It's very pricey, but offers a nice quite atmosphere. http://www.birminghammenus.com/icon

26 is a more casual place with a really cool vibe. It's a little farther south of downtown (by about a mile) and they offer a late night menu. http://www.birminghammenus.com/26/

[pinotboy]

Jinsei at SOHO in Homewood has great sushi and, like 26, is on the hip side (quiet it is not). They have no set closing hours--they are open until the last diner leaves. It is about a 15 minute drive from the airport.