Sunday (specifically nights) in Birmingham

[Dax]

One of my main laments is that very few up the middle and higher end places are open on Sunday nights for dinner. I realize we're talking Sunday in the South, but all the good places like Highlands/FonFon, Oceans/26, GianMarco's, Hot and Hot, John's City Diner, etc. are all closed for dinner. I guess I could opt for Icon but where do you go here on Sunday nights when you're not just looking for pizza, burgers, etc.?

[Big Daddy]

Go to Chez Lulu in English Village. Funky atmosphere and great food. But they also have accordion players providing music that night. It's fun. (I also need to check out Saturday night with the Spanish -- flamenco? -- guitar player).

[Dax]

Thanks you two, forgot about Fire and haven't been to Chez Lulu since the first weekend I moved here. Great ideas!

I also recalled Jinsei right after I posted but counted it out since I had only recently eaten there on a Sunday.

I think Grey House Grille is a poor joke on my wallet and even more so on my taste buds. Is anything there good tasting and a decent value?

[pinotboy]

The hamburger is pretty good and is the best value on the menu. Of course, your original post indicated that you were looking for something other than a burger, so stick with Fire and Chez Lulu.

[eatyourveggies1]

Sunday nights have always been hard in the HAM, and I hate when special occasions fall on a Sunday. I think the best thing to do is eat a good brunch out, and then cook at home.

But I agree with Chez Lulu for a good choice. You can never go wrong there. As for Grey House, I'm not sure who keeps them in business, but apparently there are enough people willing to shell out money for food with no taste.

Some other suggestions—though not stellar—are pasta at DaVinci's and Taj India.

I wish someone like the B'ham Weekly would keep a running list of independent restaurants open on Sunday nights on their Web sites.

But with all that said, chefs need a weekend too, so I don't blame them for being closed on Sundays and Mondays.

[Dax]

I was about to head to Lulu last night when I noticed they are closed on Mondays!

[pinotboy]

You are correct--there are not many mid-to-high-end places open for dinner on Sundays. Aside from Icon (which you mention), and excluding some of the better chains (Ruth's Chris, PF Chang's, etc.) which I assume you are not looking for, the places that I know that are open that fit into that category are:

Fire
Jinsei
Grey House Grille (although the prices there are not justified)
Surin

I hope that helps.