Galley & Garden (2220 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham) is one of Highland Park’s neighborhood gems, set in the historic white-columned Merritt House built in 1896 (which puts it at almost 130 years old!) and lived in as a residence until 1978. It has that old-timey Southern charm, but with a restored elegance. Check out all the restaurant has to offer:
- Bright white interiors and cozy nooks
- A locally-sourced marble-topped bar
- A wine cellar (with a few bottles that are over 100 years old!)
- An upstairs with multiple private dining event spaces
- You can even dine on the terrace if your event is in the larger private dining room!
- If you enjoy wine, you’ll appreciate that it was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America.
- Free valet parking
Wanting that “formal setting” environment to elevate date night to an extra fancy occasion? Eat in the Fireplace Room. If it’s a warm night (because let’s be honest, it’s Alabama), consider eating under one of the darling black-and-white striped umbrellas in the outdoor dining area near the fire. You can also dine off a custom-made Cyprus tree table made of wood from the 13th century in another of the dining spaces inside. Regardless of where your table is, the low lighting and artful table pieces cultivate an intimate environment that’s perfect for date night.
Be sure to peek into the kitchen through the large windows in the central dining room to see what’s cooking—literally! Galley & Garden uses all locally sourced ingredients, and many menu items change seasonally. My personal favorite seasonal item is, you guessed it, the dessert: Mike’s Seasonal Creation is (at the time of writing) a Mocha Chocolate Trifle, everything a chocoholic dreams of. The Butterscotch Crème Brûlée is a fair contender for a favorite, however—crunchy and creamy, it’s simply delectable.
The Tiramisu Martini is like a dessert in a cocktail; if you prefer your cocktails fruity, however, the Sage Ube is unique and refreshing. If you’re going all out on date night, start off strong with one of their starters like the Crispy Brussel Sprouts. As for salads, the Beet Trio is not something you’ll see often, and it’s certainly worth trying (especially if you like goat cheese).
Galley & Garden offers a wide selection of fresh seafood and high-quality meat options as entrees, including the chef’s daily choice of fish. The Lobster Ravioli is creamy, and the Conecuh sausage provides a fun Alabama spin on the dish. The filet is everything a good steak should be: tender, juicy, and glazed, paired with red potatoes and served over asparagus. Basically, if your mouth isn’t watering yet, teach me your ways, because I’m hungry just thinking about it.
When asked what sets Galley & Garden apart Executive Chef Jessica Lindeen explains, “It’s the history of it all. I think our crew, the fact we like each other, you can feel that when you’re in the room.” The overall experience is unmatched: the service is impeccable, and the food is delicious. Call (205) 293-0353 or visit galleyandgarden.com to plan your next date night; they accept reservations Tuesday–Saturday 5–8 p.m.
