
Automatic Seafood and Oysters
Birmingham's premier seafood destination, celebrated for its fresh oysters, award-winning dishes, and chic, coastal-inspired ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Birmingham's premier seafood destination, celebrated for its fresh oysters, award-winning dishes, and chic, coastal-inspired ambiance.
"This is your sign to try Automatic Seafood and Oysters; it is everything it is hyped up to be!"
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak times or weekends.
Try the Yeast Rolls
These heavenly yeast rolls are a must-try appetizer, praised by many diners.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Seafood & Oysters
Experience Birmingham's best seafood, featuring exceptionally fresh oysters and creative dishes. A James Beard award winner!

Chic and Relaxed Atmosphere
Dine in a stylish yet comfortable space with coastal-inspired decor, perfect for a vibrant evening out.

Inventive Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with seasonal rotations and a curated wine list designed to complement seafood.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak times or weekends.
Try the Yeast Rolls
These heavenly yeast rolls are a must-try appetizer, praised by many diners.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during less busy times might improve dish timing and overall dining experience.
Don't Skip the Oysters
Explore the raw bar for a variety of fresh oysters, a signature offering of the restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak times or weekends.
Try the Yeast Rolls
These heavenly yeast rolls are a must-try appetizer, praised by many diners.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during less busy times might improve dish timing and overall dining experience.
Don't Skip the Oysters
Explore the raw bar for a variety of fresh oysters, a signature offering of the restaurant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Automatic Seafood and Oysters garners praise for its high-energy atmosphere and excellent seafood, particularly its oysters and yeast rolls. While many commend the inventive flavors and presentation, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food temperature and execution, with occasional complaints about the price point and service attentiveness.
"We had heard great things about Automatic ever since it opened and finally confirmed for ourselves that it’s one of the best spots in Birmingham. The food, the service, the atmosphere—all excellent. We had the yeast rolls, fish collars, a variety of oysters, shrimp fried rice, grouper, and key lime pie. Everything was delicious, and our server, Billy, was awesome (super friendly and made great recommendations). Strongly recommend. We’ll definitely be back."
Chase Butler
"First time eating here and the atmosphere was great. Made reservations and was seated right away. Our server was Anabelle and she was very knowledgeable and polite. Drinks were very good as well as the various oysters. The timing of the dishes were spot on except for one of the entrees being a few minutes behind the others. The temperature of my fish was on the colder side which shocked me but it had good flavor. I ordered the warm bread pudding and sent it back due to it being ice cold inside. I was shocked the manager never stopped by once to check on us as other similar restaurants in the area like Ocean’s do. Enjoyed the atmosphere but will probably explore other restaurants in the area."
S Dra
"So many people recommend this restaurant so my wife and I decided to give it a try.
We ordered 5 different types of oysters each as appetizers. Then my wife had 17 days aged red snapper (oven roasted) and I had a regular red snapper.
Then we ordered 2 desserts. Plus we had several drinks each mainly draft beer.
The bill was almost $300. I guess you should expect that at a “high end restaurant” like this.
Let’s just say the food was definitely not worth the price - red snapper dishes were $50 a plate and didn’t even come with sides - we ordered a couple of sides (red potatoes and okra - some of okra was so tough it was inedible).
Food was not bad, please don’t take me wrong. It was pretty good. And the waiter we had was very nice, courteous and knowledgeable about the food. But we can get just as tasty seafood at a place like Fish Market at 1/3 or less price.
When we go to a restaurant like this and pay that much money ($300 for dinner of 2 is a lot of money for us), we’d like to be very impressed. I could have cooked everything that we had there myself for a lot less - I guess that’s why we don’t go out to each all that much anymore.
Well, I believe this was the only and the last time we go to this restaurant."
Tokyo Blues Man
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The raw oysters and the yeast rolls are highly recommended. Many also rave about the fish collars, octopus, and specific entrees like the blackened mahi.
Yes, making reservations is highly recommended to ensure prompt seating, especially during busy hours.
The restaurant boasts a chic, relaxed, and vibrant atmosphere with coastal-inspired decor, making it ideal for a lively dining experience.
Yes, Automatic Seafood and Oysters offers weekend brunch with seafood-centric dishes as well as other options like French toast and burgers.
Absolutely! The restaurant is known for its well-crafted cocktails with seasonal rotations and an impressive wine list.
Yes, with its chic ambiance and excellent food, it's a popular choice for date nights.
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Opened in April 2019 in Birmingham’s Lakeview neighborhood, Automatic swiftly became a darling of the city’s culinary scene. “Our James Beard–winning trophy is my fave place for seafood, especially fresh oysters,” LeNell says.“ Usually I drink stout or Champagne with my oysters, but their Collins and Daiquiris are fantastic.” In addition to classics, the cocktails rotate seasonally and the wine list aims to highlight smaller, lesser-known producers, all complementing the seafood-centric menu. “Even their in-house crackers made to pair with the oysters are worth the trip—you know when you rave over even the crackers that the attention to detail is spot-on.
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With a dining room outfitted with wicker light fixtures, Adirondack chairs on the outdoor lawn, and fresh seafood sourced from the nearby Gulf, Automatic Seafood and Oysters transports diners to a relaxed beach town. The food has the same elegant yet relaxed vibe; enjoy Gulf, East, and West Coast oysters at the expansive raw bar, or settle into a booth for favorites like the tender Octopus a la Plancha and duck fat poached fish. Automatic also serves weekend brunch, offering up seafood-centric dishes like a tuna breakfast sandwich and fish terrine as well as French toast and a double-stack house burger.
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Automatic Seafood & Oysters opened its doors to Birmingham in April 2019. A dream collaboration between Chef Adam Evans and Designer Suzanne Humphries Evans, ASO aims to blend fine dining with a friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome, always. Our menu offers a variety of seafood dishes, featuring fish primarily sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, oysters from waters along the Southern and Eastern coastlines, as well as a selection of land-based produce and proteins.
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It would be a bold move to make a list of restaurants in Birmingham and not include Automatic Seafood & Oysters, a (mostly) straight-from-the-gulf seafood space dreamed up by husband-and-wife duo Adam and Suzanne Evans. A James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2020, a nominee for Best Chef Of The South in 2022, a feature on Esquire, Automatic Seafood & Oysters has a lot of accolades to back its reputation. If the hype doesn’t intrigue you, it should.
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There was considerable buzz surrounding this opening from Chef Adam Evans of beloved Ford Fry and Atlanta institution The Optimist. Since opening in 2019, Automatic has more than lived up to the hype with its elegant, coastal-inspired dining room and menu of dishes like duck fat poached swordfish, fish collars with Calabrian chili butter, and octopus a la plancha with harissa and yogurt. automaticseafood.com; 2824 5th Ave S,, Birmingham, AL 35233; 205-580-1600
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Automatic Seafood has quickly earned billing as one of the best seafood spots in town. Located in Lakeview, their comfortable, elegant, and classic space is an ode to Americana and lends itself to a coastal setting. They've not only been highlighted in many publications such as Birmingham Business Journal, Food & Wine, and Eater Atlanta, but have also been named the 8th Best New Restaurant in America by Esquire!
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If you’re in the mood for the freshest Gulf Seafood in Birmingham, look no further than Automatic Seafood and Oysters!. Automaticputs a modern twist on classic seafood dishes, primarily sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, with oysters from the Southern and Eastern shoreline. Chef Adam Evans won the James Beard award for Best Chef in the South in 2022, which is a significant accomplishment!
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2824 5th Ave S | @automaticseafood | Comfortable, elegant, and classic, the atmosphere at Automatic is an ode to Americana that draws inspiration from the nation’s shorelines while serving coastal meets Southern-style fare. Enjoy unbelievably fresh seafood dishes, a delectable raw bar, a selection of land-based proteins prepared according to seasonality, and luscious libations.
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The 2022 James-Beard Best Chef: South winner, Chef Adam Evans's restaurant dazzles. Start with their expertly curated array of oysters and work your way through a menu that highlights the best seafood the Gulf has to offer. If you’re not in the mood for something from the sea, Chef Evans’s fantastic selection of land proteins and vegetarian dishes are also noteworthy.
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The 2022 James-Beard Best Chef: South winner, Chef Adam Evans’s restaurant dazzles. Start with their expertly curated array of oysters and work your way through a menu that highlights the best seafood the Gulf has to offer. If you’re not in the mood for something from the sea, Chef Evan’s has a fantastic selection of land proteins and vegetarian dishes to boot.
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Upon walking up to Automatic Seafood and Oysters, you might think you’ve been transported to a lazy beach town. Striped awnings adorn a bright white building; waiting diners lounge on Adirondack chairs on a grassy lawn. Automatic, the work of Alabama chef Adam Evans, was the most anticipated restaurant opening of 2019—luckily, it more than lived up to the hype.
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Believe it or not, one of the best dinner restaurants in town also serves weekend brunch. Recent James Beard Award winning Automatic Seafood & Oysters is serving brunch this Mother’s Day 10AM-2PM. Get your mom a mimosa, some delicious French toast and a few fresh oysters and she’ll be a happy clam. Location:2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
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Want to have a laid-back meal in a comfortable setup or have a casual lunch with friends?. Head over to Automatic Seafood and Oysters, an oyster and seafood house in a warehouse setting with a counter displaying the freshest local catches. For breakfast, try the bananas foster French toast and the cheeseburger or fried oysters for lunch.
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Automatic Seafood and Oysters is the place to head if looking for casual places to eat in Birmingham. The specialty here is seafood direct from the Gulf of Mexico, and the Southern Coast. Located in the Lakeview district in Birmingham, they focus on serving up devious seafood and steaks in a casual setting with a large outdoor patio.
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Housed in the former Automatic Sprinkler Corporation manufacturing facility, Automatic opened in 2019. Expect lots of seafood dishes primarily sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, oysters from waters along the Southern and Eastern coastlines. Try the fried Florida rock shrimp with ponzu mayo, grilled red snapper and key lime pie.
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Automatic Seafood in Pepper Place is a great spot for yummy seafood in a cool atmosphere. The Easter brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the menu includes favorites like the brunch fish dip, donut holes, and the Benedict, which features butter-poached crab, fried green tomatoes, a poached egg, and hollandaise.
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Automatic Seafood and Oysters: For seafood lovers, Automatic Seafood and Oysters is a must-visit destination. This stylish restaurant showcases a menu that highlights fresh seafood sourced from both coasts. Enjoy innovative dishes, such as their Gulf oysters, whole grilled fish, and creative seafood preparations.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (57 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Seafood, American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233-2820- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in Birmingham that don't require a college degree
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2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233Phone: 205-580-1600 Visit Website. A post shared by Automatic Seafood and Oysters (@automaticseafood). Named for the Automatic Sprinkler Corporation building in which it’s located, Automatic Seafood and Oysters is the newest fine-dining addition to the Lakeview neighborhood.
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Here’s another James Beard nominated restaurant – a 2020 finalist for best new restaurant in the U.S. While relatively new to Birmingham, Automatic Seafood has amassed quite the reputation for its flavorful food, ambiance, and service. If you’re a seafood fan, this should be the first place you visit.
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When it’s dinner time, head to Automatic Seafood and Oysters, a must-visit spot for seafood lovers. This trendy restaurant offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience with a menu that showcases the freshest Gulf seafood. Try the oysters on the half shell or the perfectly grilled Gulf fish.
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2824 5th Ave SBirmingham, AL 35233(205) 580-1600 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Set in Lakeview, Automatic Seafood and Oysters (ASO) is among the newest restaurants in the city. It is situated in the building where the Automatic Sprinkler Corporation, a manufacturing facility, once stood.
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If you’re looking for fresh seafood, Automatic Seafood and Oysters is the place to be. From their oyster selection to their Gulf shrimp, each dish is expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. Try the famous crispy fried fish collars or Murder Point oysters, my favorite dish on the menu.
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This is seafood like you’ve never had it before, and it can all be had on Automatic’s covered patio space!. Enjoy fresh oysters, a raw bar, and a curated entree menu that will leave you booking your next Automatic reservation before dessert is even served!
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Our last meal in Birmingham was at Automatic Seafood and Oysters and this place was hopping!. The design and interior is so funky and intimate, and the food was top notch. The yeast rolls with honey butter are the perfect way to start off your meal.
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The restaurant offers a wide arrange of seafood from the Gulf of Mexico along with the southern and eastern coastlines. With their fresh seafood and the cozy vibes of the place, ASO is the place to be.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit