Happy Hour, Gator Bites & Best Beef

I learn so much about the great dining options here in the magic city which has made me a bit of a food snob. The choices are basically endless and Birmingham has made it tough as I travel for my food expectations. For instance, Carrabba's is a chain, but there's only 1 in Birmingham. We mainly think of them for Italian food, but did you know they had an amazing "grill" side...thus the name Carrabbas's ITALIAN GRILL. They have a new summer menu and the steak is

ah-mazing with the fresh squeezed garlic on it!

But the #Happy Hour that is 7 days a week from 3-6 is fantastic. Half priced apps at the bar and some of the drinks can get your right after a long day at the office or if you need to unwind.

Just down the road is Swamp Monster BBQ and they've added their mascot to the menu...gator bites. Impressive those spicy pieces are just as tender as the ribs. They're great as an appetizer or order them as a meal with some of their homemade side items. Of course, I can't get enough of their smoked wings and fall off the bone ribs. We sample those on the Bham Eat Drink Ride Food Tour!

Finally, the awards keep coming for Smiley Brothers Specialty Food in Pelham, Alabama. They've won the Bama's Best Beef Award sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association for their beef kabobs. The cool thing, the beef filets are already seasoned so you just take them home and cook em up. You can saute or grill them to your favorite beef temperature. They also have an array of specialty deli meats and cheeses just right for a nice glass of wine.