The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar
An upscale oyster bar in Mobile's historic Oakleigh Garden District, offering creative Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and inventive st...
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The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale oyster bar in Mobile's historic Oakleigh Garden District, offering creative Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and inventive starters.
"This charming spot offers farm-to-table dining with an elegant menu and a must-try biscuit service."
Reserve your spot
Make reservations in advance to secure your table at this charming spot in Mobile's historic district.
Must-try starter
Don't miss the biscuit service featuring hot buttermilk biscuits with cane syrup, whipped butter, and sea salt.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Southern
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Biscuit Service Starter
Warm buttermilk biscuits with cane syrup, whipped butter, and smoked sea salt. A must-try unique starter experience.
Lane Cake Dessert
Chef Jim Smith's take on Alabama's state dessert, a bourbon-laced cake with coconut pecan icing.
Elegant Seafood & Steaks
Indulge in delicious raw oysters and perfectly cooked steaks with delectable sides. Featuring seafood like sea bass and amberjack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve your spot
Make reservations in advance to secure your table at this charming spot in Mobile's historic district.
Must-try starter
Don't miss the biscuit service featuring hot buttermilk biscuits with cane syrup, whipped butter, and sea salt.
Tasting Menu Experience
Consider the tasting menu for a curated culinary journey through seasonal dishes prepared by Chef Jim Smith.
Celebrate here
Perfect for special occasions or intimate celebrations with personalized service and cozy ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve your spot
Make reservations in advance to secure your table at this charming spot in Mobile's historic district.
Must-try starter
Don't miss the biscuit service featuring hot buttermilk biscuits with cane syrup, whipped butter, and sea salt.
Tasting Menu Experience
Consider the tasting menu for a curated culinary journey through seasonal dishes prepared by Chef Jim Smith.
Celebrate here
Perfect for special occasions or intimate celebrations with personalized service and cozy ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar is praised for its elevated Southern cuisine, particularly its unique biscuit service and exquisite desserts like the Lane cake. Diners often highlight the attentive service and cozy ambiance, making it suitable for special occasions. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation and a perceived high price point, with one reviewer noting a defensive reaction from the kitchen staff to constructive criticism.
"We organized a special post-graduation celebration at The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar, a charming spot that immediately captured our attention. Our server, Julia, was exceptional—her attentiveness and warmth made us feel truly welcomed throughout the evening. The food we savored was nothing short of exquisite, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The drinks complemented our meal perfectly, enhancing the overall experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting and cozy, providing an ideal backdrop for our lively conversations. We never felt rushed, allowing us to fully enjoy each moment of this memorable occasion. Thank you so much for enhancing our day!"
Paulette McCall
"Truly a dining experience that you’d expect to find somewhere like New York, but it’s right here in a cozy, historic Mobile neighborhood. We went for a celebration and enjoyed a 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Local farm/surf-to-table cuisine prepared by a real chef…not a cook. Tasting menu (see photos) changes based on what’s in season. Oyster selection was very good."
C Guthrie
"Very humble yet elegant place. It’s a perfect place for a quaint unfussy meal— to catch up with an old friend or host an intimate celebration. I went on a lunch date with my husband. I got the hanger steak and eggs; he got the flounder. I have no complaints, the service was great and the food was delicious.
The hanger steak was perfectly medium rare and the flounder was also cooked well. I liked the blue cheese butter with the steak, but I think a peppercorn sauce or some light gravy would have tied it all together. I also thought the flounder dish was clever, it was cooked southern style with a twist: fried with a light cornmeal crust, swimming in a sweet savory Thai curry sauce.
For me, the highlight of my meal was actually the oyster bisque. It was very delicate and savory. The morels gave it a very earthy taste paired with the gulf oysters the flavors was reminiscent of a surf and turf dish.
Our server was very friendly and attentive. They were also very accommodating; my husband asked if they could do mocktails. The server asked what he was feeling and he asked for something savory and fruity. They took the time to craft a unique and refreshing drink for him. I thought that was awesome!"
Kayla Trinh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The biscuit service, featuring warm buttermilk biscuits with cane syrup, whipped butter, and smoked sea salt, is highly recommended. The Lane cake is also a standout dessert.
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak times or for special occasions.
The restaurant offers a variety of raw and prepared oysters, as well as other seafood dishes like sea bass, snapper, and amberjack.
While the focus is on seafood, the menu does include some vegetable-centric dishes, and the restaurant is confident in meeting dietary restrictions.
Yes, it's known for being a perfect place for intimate celebrations and special occasions, offering personalized service and a cozy ambiance.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with dishes and a tasting menu priced accordingly.
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Featured in these publications
The Best Things to Do in Mobile, Alabama
When it comes to cuisine, Mobile may be best known for its Gulf seafood and Southern specialties. Find both at The Hummingbird Way, chef Jim Smith’s upscale oyster bar. Start with the biscuit service, sample local Murder Point oysters and clever twists on regional classics, like creole braised duck and grits.
21 dishes to try in the Mobile area in 2021
After serving as the executive chef for two Alabama governors since 2011, Chef Jim Smith relocated to Mobile and opened his own restaurant, The Hummingbird Way, in a charming spot in the Oakleigh Historic Garden District. The elegant menu focuses on seafood, the chef’s own passion, but his Biscuit Service is a must-order starter: hot buttermilk biscuits topped with cane syrup, whipped butter and smoked sea salt for $10.
Top Indoor Venues For Weddings In Mobile, AL
For an intimate celebration with a culinary twist, The Hummingbird Way stands out as Mobile’s premier choice for food-focused weddings. This boutique venue, known for its farm-to-table dining experience, provides cozy interiors and a warm ambiance. Located in the Oakleigh Garden District, it’s a hidden gem for couples who value exceptional cuisine and a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Best Afternoon Tea in Mobile, AL: Top 20!
351 George St, Mobile, AL 36604, USA(251) 408-9562 View Menu Open in Google Maps. The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar, nestled at 351 George St in Mobile, AL, offers a delightful afternoon tea experience that stands out for its charming ambiance and delectable treats. Upon entering, the cozy and welcoming atmosphere immediately sets the stage for a relaxing tea time.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Mobile, AL
For a more laid-back yet equally romantic setting, The Hummingbird Way is a must-visit. This charming spot offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere with a menu that’s full of flavor. Known for their oyster bar, creative Southern-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails, it’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxed evening with your partner.
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Mobile, Alabama
Find both at The Hummingbird Way, chef Jim Smith’s upscale oyster bar. Start with the biscuit service, sample local Murder Point oysters and clever twists on regional classics, like creole braised duck and grits. Finish with Smith’s take on Alabama’s official state dessert: the bourbon-laced Lane cake with coconut pecan icing.
New dining scene in Mobile, Alabama, is a draw for foodies | Entertainment/Life
Likewise, the lauded Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar focuses on fresh catch expertly prepared and elevated Southern staples. A slice of "Top Chef" contestant Jim Smith’s decadent, Bourbon-soaked Lane cake — the state dessert of Alabama — makes the journey outside of downtown well worth it.
Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Mobile by Diners
- Rating: 4.5/5 (90 reviews)- Address: 351 George St. Mobile, Alabama - Categories: seafood, bars- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Zeynep Guler Tuck, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 282 metros.
Dive Into Mobile’s Melting Pot of People, Cultures and Dangerously Delicious Fusion Food
Head to Southern National for a modern take on southern comfort foods and cocktails; nosh on chicken and waffles at the legendary SOCU Southern Kitchen; and duck into The Hummingbird Way for a fresh take on local seafood fare. You’ll never go hungry here.
Restaurants in Mobile, Alabama | #site_title
The Hummingbird Way is one of Mobile’s favorite neighborhood restaurants, located in the Historic Oakleigh District. Chef Smith utilizes local seafood catch and produce to deliver a fresh take on Southern cooking.
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