John's City Diner

Dinner with friends at John's City Diner in Birmingham before enjoying Bill Cosby's show Saturday night.  The menu incorporates the best of the South along with many Asian inspired dishes.  Don't go to John's expecting a dive type diner. 

The service was great with Ralph as our server.  He offered many suggestions and once he knew we were going to the show, he had our food out promptly but we never felt rushed.  

I began with a Razzle Dazzle.    Peach Nectar (Schnapps), Vodka, Grand Marnier & fruit juices (the bartender said equal parts OJ and cranberry juice)

And what about this Zombie?  Bacardi and Myer’s Dark Rum, Apricot Brandy, Fee Bros Falernum, Pineapple, OJ, Lime, No brains…

And Sweet Harold said the Long Island Ice Tea was delicious.

Ralph encouraged us to try one of the appetizer specials.  We're certainly glad that we did.  I will try to duplicate this one at home and post the results here.

Roasted baby Brussel sprouts with a bacon vinaigrette mixed with toasted pecans and capers.  Such a diverse flavor base that blended together to make a most excellent appetizer.   Another great choice for a serving dish.

And we all know my love of pimento cheese.  I wanted to try their version which was served with toasted bread.  Once again, serving in a canning jar was cool. The bread was in a small metal bucket.  The pimento cheese was a blend of Tillamook white and yellow cheddar cheeses.  $7.50

Now on to the entrees!

How about this macaroni and cheese?  As the menu stated, "Sorry Kraft."  Three Little Pigs Macaroni and Cheese.  Prosciutto, Fudge Farms bacon and pulled pork, topped with crispy fried onions.  $12

Sweet Harold had the Crispy Duck: Maple Leaf Farms Duck first roasted then crisped in oil and topped with honey-soy glaze, cilantro and sesame seeds. Served with smashed potatoes and baby green beans.  $19

And the pork chop NEVER disappoints.  Beeler's pure pork chop, no hormone, no antibiotic, humanely raised chop, brined and grilled to order with Bourbon-Maple glaze. Served with smashed potatoes and baby green beans.  $16

And last but not least, my chicken and savory waffle.  Cheddar cheese waffle, deep fried Springer Mountain Farms chicken, balsamic spiked 100% maple syrup $16.50

Yes, this is half a chicken.  Fried about a minute or two too long for my taste, the chicken was still extremely juicy and tender.  I added bacon to the waffle (of course!) and totally enjoyed their version of this classic dish.

A wonderful evening of delicious food, refreshing beverages, excellent service and a fun atmosphere.  John's City Diner is a MUST if you're visiting Birmingham.