The Fig Tree

Great food. Great hidden gem. Upscale food. Casual atmosphere. Will defiantly be back!

We stumbled on this gem of a restaurant weeks ago and have since made several visits back for lunch, dinner, and brunch. We wanted to cover all our bases before making a review! Holy cow, this place rivals Birmingham’s ample choices for fine dining– at fair prices! So far, we’ve had their pasta de frutti de mar (sp?), hoppin john bowl, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, bacon pimiento cheese burger, chicken fried chicken, and a couple of their specials. It’s impossible to pick a favorite! Service is awesome & you can’t help it strike up a conversation with the chef when he pops out of the kitchen. His enthusiasm for cuisine is contagious.

Several years ago, my wife and I took an extra-​long weekend to a resort in Mexico.
No, not the glittering hell that’s Cancun, what with all the Spring Breakers and couples working through a mid-​life crisis. Instead, we lolled about in a quiet little place a few dozen miles down the coast. A spot where we could quietly read books while drinks arrived at least every half hour, the food was great, and we could generally forget that we had kids.
Fig Tree reminds me a great deal of that place.
First, it’s a stone’s throw from the Summit and those ho-​hum chain restaurants. The ones that cater to the unimaginative, beaten-​track kind of diner. You know that freakout scene in Rainman when Dustin Hoffman doesn’t get to watch Wapner at 3 pm? Same thing with those people, except it’s PF Changs at 6:30.
Instead, Fig Tree offers the kind of cozy, out-​of-​the-​way experience you’d prefer the world to not know about, just so you could keep it all to yourself. Kind of like that band you discovered long before they hit the big time, before they were selling out stadiums.
You’d miss it if you weren’t careful, situated as it is on the backside of a dog grooming operation. And the dining room is no more than a handful of tables in a small room. So don’t expect a big dog-​and-​pony show of a dining experience with strolling violinists and fawning waiters who click their heels in obedience after jotting down your order.
Rather, you’ll get something better. Something fun and intimate. As in, JP and company cruising the room during the evening to chit-​chat, answer questions about the food, and shoot the breeze. It’s the equivalent of a symphony conductor stepping off the podium between numbers to wander out among the audience and trade wisecracks. That makes Fig Tree a neighborhood kind of place in the best possible sense of the word.
Meanwhile the food stands toe-​to-​toe with anything in town. My wife’s scallops were just astonishing, with a sauce that tempted her to shed all dignity and bury her face in the bowl to lick it all up. I had the surf-​and-​turf with asparagus and potatoes that might force me to drag my grill out to the curb in despair.
And our blueberry cheesecake and chocolate tort were less an afterthought and more a coup de grace on the evening. Think a little wedge of Las Vegas on the plate and you get the idea.
My only reservation in writing this review has to do with the fact that people will read it and say, «Honey, let’s try that place tonight.» And then we won’t be able to get reservations. Oh well. Those are the breaks.
So if dining ennui has set in and you’re looking for something a little different and something really really good, give Fig Tree a try. Less a dinner out and more of a little vacation. Without the airfare.

Service is not great. They also ought to have descriptions of the food on the menu so you don’t have to ask the server what every single thing on the menu is, since the item names aren’t terribly descriptive.
Server didn’t bring spoons for the coffee, the cups are tiny, and server seemed confused when we asked for sweetener. When we requested spoons for the coffee, she brought a single spoon for three people…
No refills on water…
My food was okay but not worth the price. Pretty sure they said the hash would have sausage, but I ended up with bacon which was underdone for my taste. Hasbrowns were oily in the center not crisp throughout.
Over all they need to get their shit together.
Edit:
Downgraded to two stars because I can’t come up with a redeeming quality about this place. Just go to Denny’s instead, you’ll get about the same thing in greater quantity and cheaper, and they’ll probably even refill your $ 2.50 coffee. The bill was $ 80 for five people, no appetizers or desert (the servers pushed that hard, so annoying). The apps are the price of a meal and not big enough to split between a table. Just don’t bother.

I walked in very hesitant. We couldn’t sit outside because it was full. The inside was cold and empty. The waitress was not very personable. But we sat down based on other Unilocal reviews. Then the chef came out. He was fantastic. He shared stories and recommendations for food and wine. He went into great detail about what we would be eating. The food was incredible. We had scallops, Jalapeño Mac n cheese, the crawfish appetiser and the sweet potato special appetizer. Every bite was like a party in my mouth. This place is not to be missed! You should go now, we just left so I know they have at least one empty table. The place was packed by the time we left.

Stop everything you’re doing, cancel all your other plans and check this place out!!!
…Stopped in Birmingham to meet up with my friend from college for a quick girl’s trip. After scouring Unilocal to find a lunch spot, we happened to come across this restaurant. Ah-​mazing doesn’t even begin to describe! The chicken fried chicken with white gravy and greens and shrimp salad were to die for! The epitome of Southern comfort food just bursting with flavor. Would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. An absolute hidden gem! Two thumbs up from both a Northern and a Southern girl. Can’t wait to swing back in on my next trip through town!

This was definitely a little out of the way place. The food was very good, nice variety for a relatively small menu. You could tell they cared very much about the food they were serving. Service was friendly but a little half-​hazard. We ordered the sausage gravy and biscuits, with two eggs. It was very good. Gravy was very thick and nicely seasoned. The eggs were done to perfection. We also tried the chicken and waffle. It was cooked perfectly… very juicy chicken. We can only give 4 stars because of the service. We had to ask for several things a couple times or just wait. All in all though it was very good.

So before I begin this review I want to be clear, I had lunch/​brunch here on Mothers Day. So some (but certainyl not all) of the problems noted below may have been solely related to them not handling things well on super busy days.
Atmosphere: Because it was Mothers Day we called ahead to be sure they had availability and were told only on the patio… first come first serve… which was fine since it was nice out… maybe a little warm but nice. When we arrived there was in fact a patio table but truly they should be embarrassed to serve food on this patio. The furniture was not even second hand it was third, fourth or fifth hand. All of the tables were covered in rust so beware of light colored clothing. This problem could be fixed with some newspaper on the ground and $ 20 worth of spray paint… unacceptable. Also the patio backs up the kitchen… which is fine except that they use the area by the patio for storage of random junk. Again… easily fixable… just clean up a little. In addition to the clutter and mess around the patio even the tables and chairs were disorganized. All in all it could be a quaint little patio… but currently it is not.
Drinks: Not sure if this is the norm but they only had three beers available… and one was Coors Light… I hesitate to even categorize it as a beer. Given the limited selection I thought I would opt for a cocktail instead… every summery drink I could think of (since it was warm and we were outside) they didn’t have (Moscow Mule, Mojito, etc wtc). I asked for a drink menu and there was none. The drink situation was not good.
Food: Thankfully the food saved the day for this place. It was reasonably priced and very tasty. We had the Alabama Carnitas soft tacos as an appetizer and they were super tasty. For our entrée we had the Crab Cake Situation which also was very very good. So generally food is where they redeemed themselves… however I would point out some issues the large table next to us had. First, it was two or three oclock when we were there and they were out of many of their items and there were plenty of tables still arriving who were about to find out that despite it being so early, many of the menu items were gone… a serious lack of planing. Also the other table that was outside with us had 6 or 7 people. None of them received their plate at the same time… one entrée would come out, then another 3 – 5 minutes later, then another 3 – 5 minutes after that… so on and so forth until all of them had their plate. I hate when restaurants do this because I am one who waits until everyone has their food… and between when the first person got their food and the last had to have been 20+ minutes.
So I want to give this place a better rating… after all our waitress Hailey was super nice and she worked hard to keep everyone happy and the food was very tasty. However, in good conscience I can’t go higher than 3 stars with this place. So much potential but everything just seems very disorganized. The clutter and junk outside by the patio, the rusted tables and chairs, the failure to plan for enough food on a holiday, and the random way tables received their plates… such a great menu and good food… but its overshadowed by the disorganization.

Great food. Eggs Benedict with a twist Fried green tomatoes with crab cake and egg cooked any way you want topped with béarnaise sauce.
Will come back again soon.

Oh… My… Gosh… If I could give this place a billion stars, I would. Honestly, the best meal I’ve probably ever had. I almost don’t want people to know about this hidden gem. It’s a small place so expect a wait, but the staff is so courteous and accommodating. The other posts were right. You HAVE to try the Crawfish Eggroll.

Excellent fish and appetizers. Small cozy intimate setting and great food. Owners are very attentive and fish was fresh and cooked expertly.

Awesome brunch option in Birmingham! We went at 12:30 on a Saturday. Be prepared to wait on the food, it does take a while. We called ahead and made a reservation just in case, but at that time, it wasn’t needed.
We started with the Crawfish Egg rolls, which were delicious. We also had Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas along with the Chicken & Waffle and the Fig Tree Hash. Great options! Like I mentioned, be prepared to wait, they are slow but it’s worth it! We will be back!

Best food in Birmingham, Alabama. This place is only going to get better and keep growing.
The entrance is in the back of an old house. You’ll smell all the deliciousness as you’re walking in. The inside is weird and awesome and absolutely charming.
Above all else. THE FOOD. The crab cake situation is excellent. The crawfish egg rolls are mind blowing. And I can’t wait to try dinner.
This chef truly knows what he’s doing and can compete with the best of them. Keep on keepin’ on, Fig Tree.

Birmingham’s BEST kept secret!!! We had the most incredible experience. Sunday Brunch adventure led us to Fig Tree. Amazing one on one dining room experience that gave us direct access to Executive Chef JP and Manager Justin. Service is top notch. JP’s creations are out of this world. They are jaw dropping and will make you say OMG more than once. The truffle fries, crawfish/​shrimp egg rolls, chicken and waffles, and crab cake situation were making us all beg for more. This is a MUST on your Birmingham restaurant list.

A quaint and unique place to stop in for a complete meal. The seasonal menu is creative and will keep you coming back.
I recommend brunch or breakfast for dinner… My wife and I tried the crab cakes/​egg Benedict and chicken and waffles. Both were excellent and full of flavor.
The menu is reasonably priced for the quality the Fig Tree presents. I’m can’t wait to see what JP has in store for the future!

Upon first driving up on a Sunday I almost turned around because, certainly, this tiny place couldn’t be a restaurant. I saw a sign for more parking in the back and and small entrance on the back porch of a house-​turned-​business. The dining space is minimal to the extreme: a few old framed posters, and mix-​and-​match dining sets.
Our waiter explained all of the brunch items to us, and how they were each named, and I decided on the Fig Tree Hash: base of home fries (their hashbrowns), red onions, green onions, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage gravy. The waiter claimed this to be the ultimate hangover cure, but I thought it was tasty as a hearty post-​church brunch! The flavors and seasoning were magnificent!
My boyfriend got Mimi’s Truck Stop Breakfast, which included a Truck Stop Back Forty brown waffle, eggs, home fries, and bacon. He also said it was amazing.
An amazing brunch, and I definitely wanna come back to try more things. Don’t judge this book by the cover!

Had one of those «OMG this is one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time» dinners last night at the Fig Tree. On a whim, the Hubs decides he’s going to plan date night and make reservations. It’s a surprise and a new place and no hints except that it’s in Cahaba Heights. Well, I was so excited about the possibilities I didn’t even TRY to ruin the surprise (very unlike me!).
We drive into Cahaba Heights and end up in a parking lot in the back of a building that looks nothing like a restaurant (hint: you could pass this place a few times before figuring it out). Walk up the steps to a very non-​descript door, walk into a very small (like, 8 tables small) room with no «décor» to even speak of. There’s a sign above the kitchen door that says «Vive la Chef» … AND. THAT’S. IT. tables. chairs. no linens. We sit. There’s an awkwardness with the waitress, as she’s the hostess and waitress and bussing tables and trying to take orders. No rush, altho she’s plenty prompt with us and checks in when we can’t decide which (if not all) of the starters we want. We look at the menu — Then we’re «done» with the atmosphere and we’re totally into the menu. It was amazing! The «starter» section was enough in itself. ANYTHING on that menu could have been on the table and I would have been soooooo happy!
We started with the crawfish eggrolls. YEP. Tastiest thing I have had in some time with crawfish in it! Those ran us $ 9.95 — and I would have paid $ 12+ for the dish — it was enormous and SO GOOD. I had to have the truffle fries ($ 8)with parm — very well cooked. Truffle fries seems to be a tough one for some chefs. Not Jon Holland though. Not greasy, not too «truffle-​ey» just yummy. I also snuck in an order of fried green tomatoes ($ 8.95) which were cooked to perfection. They were thin, so you weren’t biting into a GLOB of tomato — one has to be careful with FGTs — they can be a bit much if the tomato is cut too thick. The remoulade was on fleek too!
The hubs ordered a main of Chicken Fried Chicken ($ 14.95 — not kidding you, folks — the prices at this place were such a pleasant surprise), which came with mashed spuds, gravy and greens. Chef Jon was afraid MrSS9 wasn’t going to get enough greens (either that or he wanted me to try them too, without losing a finger) and sent out a little cup of them for the table — PERFECT. He cooks them for about an hour and a half and then braises them. Ya gotta try ‘em! AWESOME DISH.
I ordered the very famous (it’s been in the paper and Bham Mag recently) snapper. I’m picky about my fish and need it to have a bit of texture — this fish had the most beautiful «crust» on it. It was caramelized to perfection and the fish was not overcooked. Not sure how he did that, but it was amazeballs! The snapper was served over a bed of jalapeño cream corn, some fresh greens and topped with a runny yolked fresh farm egg — and when I say «fresh farm egg» — Im not talking about some egg that has been labeled that at your fancy grocery store — It’s the real deal. That egg yolk was the richest color or orange, you guys! It was beautiful. I did just as instructed and put a piece of fish on my fork, scooped up some of the corn (perfect spice with the jalapeño, BTW), then popped the egg and got some of that yolk on the fork … Down it went. WHAT A TREAT! Who would have ever paired a runny egg with fish? It was great.
Since we wanted to order everything on the menu (and it felt like we did), we wanted the dessert (he’s got a special desert gal who makes these treats that are out of this world) we had to take home one of each! I didn’t want to miss out on what the other tables were oooh-​ing and aaah-​ing over!
BEST. MEAL.
You need to go pay this chef some respect. Make a reservation — there are only 8 tables. It’s an adorable little place and once you sit down and start chowing on his fabulous food, you won’t even notice the lack of décor! Not sure how long they have been open but I don’t believe they have their liquor license yet (and no special wine glasses) — we brought our own of both, and obviously, they don’t charge a corkage — a total plus for us because we bring our own wine anyway!

Certainly a dining experience at The Fig Tree! I must rate it four stars for several reasons, not to be critical, but putting forth an honest review. This place is a hole in the wall, rustic décor is stretching it a bit, but let’s go with it. After all, you are not there for the atmosphere, but for the food!
Getting to the food. Could not wait to try the truffle fries, but apparently the truffle oil had a tragic accident rendering the chef without the key ingredient. That’s ok, we ordered the wings to start along with the chop special for hubby and the fish special for me.
Wings came and were great, albeit so darn hot (temp wise) they had to sit before we could possibly start to eat them properly. Here is where we leave 5 stardom… Dinner is then served with half the wings not eaten. Let’s talk basic timing. There are no more than 8 tables in the whole place, three of which have diners. All the chef has to do is stick his head out and know we are no where near ready for the entrée. My fish special is truly great, delicious snapper on a bed of sweet corn and peppers, wow, so good. Chop special was some sort of special cut of ribeye. No doubting an excellent cut of beef, but ordered medium rare and served cold and raw. It is so rare the center is questionable to eat and no truffle for the fries…
Lastly, must comment on the dessert which is not so much on the restaurant, but still a part of the experience. Cherry cheesecake would have been very good if not half frozen! So frozen as inedible. Not the restaurants fault the baker did not take into account thaw time prior to delivery, but must be considered in reviewing the whole dining experience.
The Fig Tree is fine dining with training wheels. The chef is talented, no doubt, but still much to learn in running a full serve restaurant. Go without high expectations and you will not be disappointed. Do expect to pay fine dining dollars, however. One app, two entrees and one dessert, $ 75, no alcohol.
We will go back, maybe for brunch.

So there is a growing trend of caterers opening their own restaurants. And The Fig Tree brings their great culinary genius to a brick and mortar business. Well except there is no sign of brick or mortar. The house it is in is historic and charming. Also note, you may drive past this place and miss it 5 times… but I promise you, do NOT miss your opportunity to go. The entrance is in the back with additional parking. Make sure you know that going in. Otherwise you will end up walking into the kitchen.
Based on my review so far, this is obviously not the place for everyone. But if you love divey restaurants with INCREDIBLE food, you have to go. This is a new must not miss in Birmingham. These guys are working from the ground up and doing everything the right way. This is only the second place I have found in Birmingham that ships in their French bread from New Orleans. And that is the only way to make a real po-​boy. It is all about that bread. My only regret for going to this place is that I did not get a po-​boy (because I didn’t know about the bread yet).
JP came out and waited to hear what we wanted before he even started cooking. That is as fresh as it comes. The crawfish egg rolls were incredible. And the remoulade that accompanied was spot on. For my entrée, I went with the Chicken Fried Chicken. It was piping hot and delicious. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes with a side of perfect seasoned greens. I rarely leave food on my plate. You will not leave here hungry… that is guaranteed.
They did tell me about the brown bag alcohol. So I cannot wait to go for brunch and bring my own champagne! They told me about their breakfast burger on that delicious French bread… WHY CAN’T THE WEEKEND BE SOONER!

Fig Tree is a total hole in the wall place with AMAZING food! John and Justin do an amazing job. The décor is great, very rustic. Went for lunch and had the buffalo chicken po boy. Of course any good po boy is all about the bread and it does not disappoint, the bread is trucked in from New Orleans. The chicken was fried to perfection and then covered in a great buffalo sauce. Definitely will get that again but excited to try even more on the menu.
The location is a little tough to find but there is plenty of parking around back. Excited to go back and try their brunch menu which looked phenomenal as well. A definite must try!