If it's a quick, predictable, reasonably-priced breakfast or lunch you'd like to share, Courtney's is one of the few restaurants guaranteed to please. Owned by Courtney Towne, Courtney's has a friendly, diverse atmosphere that always makes you feel as if you're eating real, virtually home-cooked food.
Most of the staff at Courtney's has been around for years, and you feel as if they know you and what you like. Just look at the menu, which changes each day: catfish, turnip greens, lasagna, calf's liver, squash casserole, meat loaf, yams, butter beans...and on and on and on. No pretentious garnishes, no garden-weed salads, no snooty headwaiter, no long waits. At Courtney's you get what you ask for in a very clean and down-home setting.
And look at the prices! A meat and two for $5.95, four-veggie plate for $5.25, even a jumbo burger for $3.50. This is the best-kept secret on Birmingham's Southside--and it's been quietly doing its thing for years. Check outside the front entrance at Courtney's: a wonderful piece of sculpture by Branko Medenico, entitled "Leprechaun Lane." Now, can you get good food well priced and an original art experience all in 45 minutes anywhere else in town?
Another great secret (and let's keep this one): Courtney's is a great place to meet for breakfast. Lots of pleasant business transactions take place over grits (make sure your visitor knows how to butter-and-salt-and-pepper them properly), biscuits and an omelet to kill for. Again, the prices are not snooty! You'll get a smile and quick coffee refills and not even notice
ADVICE: If you're doing lunch at Courtney's, arrive by 11:15am or wait till 1pm. Avoid the wait and receive the same great service.