Bayonet, a seafood-forward restaurant on 2nd Avenue North, has earned a coveted spot on the New York Times “America’s Best Restaurant 2025” list, giving Alabama a fresh reason to celebrate its dining scene.
National Spotlight on Local Flavor
The Times praised Bayonet as “a spirited raw bar and an innovative seafood-forward restaurant,” highlighting its rotating selection of sustainable fish and vibrant, locally inspired dishes. The editors visited restaurants incognito—booking real reservations and paying for meals—to ensure an authentic experience before naming just a handful of winners across 33 states.
Meet the Team Behind Bayonet
Bayonet is led by James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel, a Haleyville native, and his wife, Emily McDaniel, a Birmingham native. Their menu blends traditional Southern flavors with inventive seafood creations, anchored by a raw oyster bar that draws diners from across the region.
Symbol of Strength and Endurance
The restaurant’s name references the Spanish bayonet plant, chosen to represent strength, endurance, and the creative spirit the McDaniels bring to their craft.
Bayonet is open for lunch and dinner, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. CT, offering Birmingham locals and visitors a nationally recognized taste of coastal cuisine.
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