Whether you're looking for a place to dine at lunch or a meal to satisfy a 3 a.m. craving on a Wednesday night, head to Al's Deli and Grill. Located near the UAB campus and medical centers, Al's serves American and Mediterranean food 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The portions are hearty and the service is quick. When the weather is warm, sit on the patio and enjoy the people-watching opportunities.

MELT began as a food truck and soon gained so much fame that it opened this restaurant in Avondale. The food truck still runs around Birmingham but this sit-down eatery allows you to sample their food in leisure. Its quirky patio and interior decor use reclaimed wood in innovative ways, creating an ambiance that is cool and casual. The menu is high on American comfort food, with several gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. They also have vegan cheese to flavor grilled sandwiches. Enjoy Ragin' Cajun Sandwich made by stuffing Texas toast with coleslaw, blackened chicken and Habañero Jack cheese. Try Autumn Apple Salad, Tomato Basil Soup and Deep Fried Oreos as well. Grilled cheese sandwich is available here in many variations, including the classic style. Local craft beer, vodkas, craft cocktails and cold bar snacks are the bar favorites.

This chain of oven fresh goodies is a must visit. The interiors are simple and welcoming giving a comfortable feeling. The premises are scattered with tables and is always buzzing with diners, babbling youngsters and coffee-sipping readers. The place boasts of having over two dozen different kinds of bread, apart from bagels, sweet muffins, rolls, soups, salads and sandwiches. All delicacies carry the panera bread trademark and most outlets offer free wi-fi connectivity. So this is a place where business and pleasure mix well.

An institution in itself, the Green Top BBQ is an iconic restaurant in Alabama. Standing firm on its ground since 1950's, this restaurant proclaims to serve the best barbecue on planet Earth. Located in the small city of Dora, Green Top serves some amazing barbecue dishes, that are hard to find anywhere else. The Alabama-style chicken sandwich, with white sauce is a signature dish of Green Top; and has seen customers coming over the years, just to taste this amazing preparation. For a mere USD4.95, you get this wholesome sandwich, which can be gulped down with a large cola or beer. Bar-B-Que Plate, Smoked Chicken Plate and Loaded Bacon Potato are some other delicacies that are highly recommended on their menu.