Salem’s Diner in Homewood has earned its latest accolade as Alabama’s best diner from national foodie website Tasting Table, making it the third different national publication to recognize the eatery in just over three years.
National recognition
2022: Named best diner in Alabama by Food & Wine
May 2025: Named best diner in the state by Mashed.com
March 2026: Named best diner by Tasting Table
Jennifer Andress, Mayor of Homewood, praised the recognition:
“Salem’s Diner is the very best of Homewood, located right in the heart of downtown and serving the best breakfast, burgers and cheese steak sandwich around.”
About Salem’s Diner
Salem’s Diner traces its roots to the 1950s when famed Crimson Tide quarterback Ed SalemEd Salem opened a series of Ed Salem’s Drive-Ins in the Birmingham area. His son, Wayne Salem, took over in 1983 and opened the Homewood location at 2913 18th St S in the mid-2000s.
Wayne Salem reflected in 2025:
“When we moved operations to Homewood in 2006, I wasn’t ready for retirement but I wanted to do something small to keep me occupied. But Salem’s Diner just took off—I never imagined I would be this busy.”
Menu and hours
The diner is celebrated for its hospitality, philly cheesesteaks, breakfast, and burgers, and is open 6:30AM to 1:00PM daily except Sunday.
Salem’s Diner continues to be a favorite destination for locals and visitors seeking classic American breakfast and lunch in the heart of Homewood.
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