Helen, the contemporary Southern restaurant in Birmingham, has earned a spot on Resy.com’s inaugural “Resy 100” list, highlighting the nation’s restaurants that define modern dining.
Only Alabama Restaurant on the List
Ranked No. 73, Helen is the only Alabama restaurant featured, positioned between Chicago’s Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar (No. 72) and Far-Out in Dallas (No. 74). Resy praises the restaurant for its combination of comforting and daring dishes that encourage repeat visits and showcase the evolving landscape of Southern cuisine.
Culinary Excellence and Local Roots
Founded by James Beard-nominated chef Rob McDaniel and his wife Emily, Helen opened in August 2020 at 2013 Second Ave. North in the historic Berry Project buildings. The restaurant has received acclaim from publications such as Esquire, as well as glowing Yelp reviews, for its elegant, seasonal menu. Signature offerings include six cuts of steak, grilled Gulf cobia and flounder, Alabama tomato pie with pimento cheese, and the beloved warm angel biscuits.
Elevating Birmingham’s Dining Scene
Resy notes that Helen reflects Birmingham’s growing reputation as a culinary hub. Rob McDaniel honed his craft at local institutions Hot and Hot Fish Club and SpringHouse, bringing both technique and family inspiration—Helen was named in tribute to his grandmother—to the city’s dining landscape. The Resy 100 recognition cements Helen as a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers seeking fine Southern cuisine.
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