This is so good! Everything from start to finish is money in the bank. I have eaten their catered food many times. They have a tent over at Pepper Place on Saturdays. I have eaten in their store before. I have gotten their meal pans of delicious bake at home for family style goodness. Some kind of chicken dish once. I've had a lot of their veggies, salads, etc. Seriously, I do not remember having anything from here I did not like. Very local, very friendly, very good all around feels for this spot. I had the shrimp po boy as it was a special one time for lunch. Oh so GOOD! I will always hope that is on the chalkboard whenever I go in for future visits. Good, fresh seafood from down in the gulf. They have a sign that says something along the lines of friends should only let friends eat fresh seafood from the gulf. Honestly, their chocolate chip cookie could be better, but if I remember right the brownie or some other dessert I had before was quite nice.
(5)
Brandon W.
I had forgotten how much I love this place. Excellent food, prepared with the care that you can only find at a handful of places here in Birmingham. Friendly service. Definitely recommend it!
(5)
Jacob W.
Great lunch with variety, value, and taste. I had the Turkey Cranberry Wrap and the Potato Salad, both very good. Lots of other sides and sandwiches to chose from, and I'd like to return and give them a taste. The Pesto Chicken sandwich was delicious, especially the bread.
(4)
Lisa H.
Another Yelp find! LB and I were debating on an appropriate dinner destination, and I suggested Homewood Gourmet since it seemed like a healthier option. As much as I like burgers and fries, sometimes you need to at least pretend to be healthy. My Beef & Blue sandwich was $8.25 and included one side. After some deliberation (seriously, all the sides looked fresh and enticing), I went with the Israeli couscous. I wish that the sandwich was a little larger and that there was a stronger blue cheese flavor because I love me some cheese that is blue, but overall, it was delicious. The bread was a brioche since I bit into it and was immediately reminded of croissants. The couscous with veggies was a generous heaping. A generous tasty heaping with a pleasant dressing. LB enjoyed her chicken salad so thumbs up from us. The nice man helping us was patient as we decided what we wanted, and he seemed really eager to please and wanted us to be happy with our meals. Hints of New Orleans included gumbo as a soup of the day and king cakes. Fresh flowers, including purple tulips, on the small tables were a cute touch. It looked like there was more seating upstairs, but we didn't check it out. Come before they close at 7. You can also pick up casseroles and buy their sides by the pound. We'll have to return to try the other appetizing options!
(4)
Susan L.
We ate lunch there today and the food tasted very good. It's a tiny place, with just a few tables indoors and two tables outdoors (we ate outdoors, since the indoor tables were already taken and the weather was pleasant). We placed our order at the counter and the guy working there was friendly. Someone from the kitchen brought our food out to us and he was pleasant. I got the roasted vegetable sandwich ($7) and my husband got the pesto chicken sandwich ($8.25), both of which came on focaccia bread and they both came with a side (I chose the bow tie pasta and my husband chose the cole slaw). For dessert, I got the bread pudding (a rather small serving [$3.50]) and my husband got a (large) chocolate chip cookie ($1.50).
(4)
Anita M.
Have you ever just had a taste for a shrimp Po'Boy???? Go to Homewood Gourmet. They make the perfect traditional Po'Boy with just tomatoes and pickles on Cuban bread. The shrimp taste very fresh and are very large!! Loved it!!! Price is right. I had the butternut squash soup as a side. Delicious!!!! They're awesome. Well kept little secret over there. I need to do a separate piece for YoYo donuts right next door cause they're AWESOME too. Not tooo sweet but just right donuts!!!!!!!! Oh, add remolaude sauce to the PO BOY!!! Yums....
(5)
Erika S.
This place is so good. I always try to go on Thursday when the special is fried green tomato sandwich with goat cheese and peach chutney on focaccia bread. This is one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. I make my own version of it from time to time.
(4)
Cordelia S.
The new owners are awesome and the food is so good! Best potato salad i have ever put in my mouth!! My husband had the chicken pot pie and loved it. Great for lunch and call in a takeout order for dinner.
(5)
Yuliya C.
I don't mind paying premium money for premium food, but this lunch was a joke. Got a 10 bucks worth of sloppy mess passed to me as grilled chicken Caesar salad. No romaine or cos lettuce found, wilted mixed field greens instead, literally smothered in dressing that resembled sour ranch enhanced with soy sauce. Lots and lots of croutons and a few bites of chicken. All of this was the size of a side salad at steakhouse restaurant. Sad. I saw some nice reviews up there raving about the chef's creativity and skill, but I say I will believe it when I see it. My first impression was quite awful and I don't think I'll be going back to see if it changes
(2)
Ryan D.
I met Franklin yesterday. Super nice guy so I decided to swing by the restaurant for some lunch. The restaurant is small and set up like a traditional deli with a large cooler in front of a line with the menu written on a chalk board on the wall. I had the blue salad and it was great. The fresh fruit and baby greens were perfect for a quick lunch. The chicken soup was perfectly balanced and wasn't too heavy to enjoy on a hot summer day. The restaurant is set up mainly for takeout or catering, but the mismatched tables inside were a great place to sit and enjoy the day. I wrapped up my visit with an oatmeal cookie that ha the perfect level of nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Probably the best oatmeal cookie I've ever had. Franklins is a great place to order from for an event or swing by for some fresh, seasonal food while you're in the Homewood area.
(4)
John-Bryan H.
Consistent local lunch place. Franklin Biggs is a great chef. Charming place. Light fare.
(4)
mario a.
I wish I could comment on the food, but we never even got to order as three, count em three employees ignored us and when finally I got someones attention to ask the soup of the day, I was met with a rude and impatient "chili!" , like I was somehow supposed to know. I don't need attitude , so we walkked out and headed to do yi dos up the street where we were met with smiles and open arms. Dissapointed in franklins. I had heard good things.
(1)
Casey D.
Really like their casseroles to go - you get plenty of food in them for 4 people and they are phenomenal!
(5)
Boon K.
I love their baby blue salad with their homemade spicy pecan. The place is very home like and they were so nice. The menu is simple but everything we order was so good. i had a really good chicken gumbo too. I just wish I was here longer to try other things on the menu because the fish sandwich looked good too.
(4)
Julia B.
Homewood Gourmet is delicious. The Garden Club boxed lunch- a cranberry turkey roll-up with a baby blue salad- is the perfect lunch to me. I also recently tried the honey-dijon chicken salad. It has large chuncks of white meat chicken. The honey-dijon flavorings are not overpowering, but very flavorful. A scoop of this chicken salad is good on top of a baby blue salad for a filling lunch.
(4)
Mark E.
A few months ago, Franklin sold Homewood Gourmet to two of the most talented, up-and-coming chefs in town, Chris and Laura Zapalowski. Not only do they have culinary chops honed in the finest restaurants of New Orleans, but they also worked for Chris Hastings at Hot & Hot before purchasing Homewood Gourmet. Franklin did a great job of cultivating a loyal following based on simple, fresh ideas, and the new ownership has wisely kept many of the fan favorites the same. However, their new additions to the menu, bearing a strikingly Cajun and French flair, are a welcome change to the Birmingham culinary scene. Affordable gourmet is a growing niche in the "fast casual" format, but their New Orleans twist is something that's entirely unique in this market. I can't wait until all their influence is born out on the daily offerings. That said, I recently had the privilege of enjoying the Jambalaya, an off-the-menu dish that was extra from a catering run that was about to leave the restaurant. And for someone who lived and ate often in South Louisiana, it was spot on, with spice notes dialed appropriately for the Birmingham palette. It was great. I also heard rumblings of a grilled meatloaf that I really wish I'd had two stomachs, so I could have enjoyed it as well. But not only is the food great, the people are, too. Much of Franklin's best staff are intact, so the place still feels overwhelmingly local. And the owners are as genuine and hospitable as you can imagine. The inside, while small, has a fresh coat of paint and is far more inviting than before. If you haven't been in a while, make sure you go. It's well worth the trip.
(4)
Todd B.
Had to add this place to Yelp! because it deserves recognition. This is a lunch only place, but "Gourmet" in the name is not a misnomer. They have some great rollups (I always get the Turkey Cranberry) and pasta salads. They are best known for the Baby Blue Salad that must be tried to be believed. I am not a salad guy per se and I can't help ordering it almost every time I go here. The Carlene's Plate is a Baby Blue Salad with an exquisite piece of BBQ salmon on top. Ever time I go in on a non-Monday, I look at the daily specials and think, "I need to come in on a Monday and try the Chicken Pot Pie." Well today is Monday and I have been feeling under the weather, so I thought some comfort food would make me feel better. It is, bar none, the best chicken pot pie I have ever tasted (Sorry, Mom, Grand Ma). Best part is that it is only slightly more expensive than a fast food combo. The only thing keeping this place from 5-star status is the atmosphere. The entry area is crowded with tables so whether you are waiting for a to-go order or sitting there, you are awkwardly close to other patrons. The only other seating area is upstairs, but it is very plain and undecorated. In another location with more floor space, this place would be an absolute grand slam. You can get dinner here, but it will likely be to-go as they close at 7:00pm M-F. They also cater.
(4)
Merry Michael S.
the baby blue salad is one of the best in town. the wednesday lunch special,monte cristo sandwich, is outstanding. i love the atmosphere of homewood gourmet and the food is fantastic. highly recommended lunch spot!
(5)
Drew W.
I love this place. The ownership has changed, and the food is slightly different, but it's still great. Try the soup, it is always good.
Justin W.
This is so good! Everything from start to finish is money in the bank. I have eaten their catered food many times. They have a tent over at Pepper Place on Saturdays. I have eaten in their store before. I have gotten their meal pans of delicious bake at home for family style goodness. Some kind of chicken dish once. I've had a lot of their veggies, salads, etc. Seriously, I do not remember having anything from here I did not like. Very local, very friendly, very good all around feels for this spot. I had the shrimp po boy as it was a special one time for lunch. Oh so GOOD! I will always hope that is on the chalkboard whenever I go in for future visits. Good, fresh seafood from down in the gulf. They have a sign that says something along the lines of friends should only let friends eat fresh seafood from the gulf. Honestly, their chocolate chip cookie could be better, but if I remember right the brownie or some other dessert I had before was quite nice.
(5)Brandon W.
I had forgotten how much I love this place. Excellent food, prepared with the care that you can only find at a handful of places here in Birmingham. Friendly service. Definitely recommend it!
(5)Jacob W.
Great lunch with variety, value, and taste. I had the Turkey Cranberry Wrap and the Potato Salad, both very good. Lots of other sides and sandwiches to chose from, and I'd like to return and give them a taste. The Pesto Chicken sandwich was delicious, especially the bread.
(4)Lisa H.
Another Yelp find! LB and I were debating on an appropriate dinner destination, and I suggested Homewood Gourmet since it seemed like a healthier option. As much as I like burgers and fries, sometimes you need to at least pretend to be healthy. My Beef & Blue sandwich was $8.25 and included one side. After some deliberation (seriously, all the sides looked fresh and enticing), I went with the Israeli couscous. I wish that the sandwich was a little larger and that there was a stronger blue cheese flavor because I love me some cheese that is blue, but overall, it was delicious. The bread was a brioche since I bit into it and was immediately reminded of croissants. The couscous with veggies was a generous heaping. A generous tasty heaping with a pleasant dressing. LB enjoyed her chicken salad so thumbs up from us. The nice man helping us was patient as we decided what we wanted, and he seemed really eager to please and wanted us to be happy with our meals. Hints of New Orleans included gumbo as a soup of the day and king cakes. Fresh flowers, including purple tulips, on the small tables were a cute touch. It looked like there was more seating upstairs, but we didn't check it out. Come before they close at 7. You can also pick up casseroles and buy their sides by the pound. We'll have to return to try the other appetizing options!
(4)Susan L.
We ate lunch there today and the food tasted very good. It's a tiny place, with just a few tables indoors and two tables outdoors (we ate outdoors, since the indoor tables were already taken and the weather was pleasant). We placed our order at the counter and the guy working there was friendly. Someone from the kitchen brought our food out to us and he was pleasant. I got the roasted vegetable sandwich ($7) and my husband got the pesto chicken sandwich ($8.25), both of which came on focaccia bread and they both came with a side (I chose the bow tie pasta and my husband chose the cole slaw). For dessert, I got the bread pudding (a rather small serving [$3.50]) and my husband got a (large) chocolate chip cookie ($1.50).
(4)Anita M.
Have you ever just had a taste for a shrimp Po'Boy???? Go to Homewood Gourmet. They make the perfect traditional Po'Boy with just tomatoes and pickles on Cuban bread. The shrimp taste very fresh and are very large!! Loved it!!! Price is right. I had the butternut squash soup as a side. Delicious!!!! They're awesome. Well kept little secret over there. I need to do a separate piece for YoYo donuts right next door cause they're AWESOME too. Not tooo sweet but just right donuts!!!!!!!! Oh, add remolaude sauce to the PO BOY!!! Yums....
(5)Erika S.
This place is so good. I always try to go on Thursday when the special is fried green tomato sandwich with goat cheese and peach chutney on focaccia bread. This is one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. I make my own version of it from time to time.
(4)Cordelia S.
The new owners are awesome and the food is so good! Best potato salad i have ever put in my mouth!! My husband had the chicken pot pie and loved it. Great for lunch and call in a takeout order for dinner.
(5)Yuliya C.
I don't mind paying premium money for premium food, but this lunch was a joke. Got a 10 bucks worth of sloppy mess passed to me as grilled chicken Caesar salad. No romaine or cos lettuce found, wilted mixed field greens instead, literally smothered in dressing that resembled sour ranch enhanced with soy sauce. Lots and lots of croutons and a few bites of chicken. All of this was the size of a side salad at steakhouse restaurant. Sad. I saw some nice reviews up there raving about the chef's creativity and skill, but I say I will believe it when I see it. My first impression was quite awful and I don't think I'll be going back to see if it changes
(2)Ryan D.
I met Franklin yesterday. Super nice guy so I decided to swing by the restaurant for some lunch. The restaurant is small and set up like a traditional deli with a large cooler in front of a line with the menu written on a chalk board on the wall. I had the blue salad and it was great. The fresh fruit and baby greens were perfect for a quick lunch. The chicken soup was perfectly balanced and wasn't too heavy to enjoy on a hot summer day. The restaurant is set up mainly for takeout or catering, but the mismatched tables inside were a great place to sit and enjoy the day. I wrapped up my visit with an oatmeal cookie that ha the perfect level of nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Probably the best oatmeal cookie I've ever had. Franklins is a great place to order from for an event or swing by for some fresh, seasonal food while you're in the Homewood area.
(4)John-Bryan H.
Consistent local lunch place. Franklin Biggs is a great chef. Charming place. Light fare.
(4)mario a.
I wish I could comment on the food, but we never even got to order as three, count em three employees ignored us and when finally I got someones attention to ask the soup of the day, I was met with a rude and impatient "chili!" , like I was somehow supposed to know. I don't need attitude , so we walkked out and headed to do yi dos up the street where we were met with smiles and open arms. Dissapointed in franklins. I had heard good things.
(1)Casey D.
Really like their casseroles to go - you get plenty of food in them for 4 people and they are phenomenal!
(5)Boon K.
I love their baby blue salad with their homemade spicy pecan. The place is very home like and they were so nice. The menu is simple but everything we order was so good. i had a really good chicken gumbo too. I just wish I was here longer to try other things on the menu because the fish sandwich looked good too.
(4)Julia B.
Homewood Gourmet is delicious. The Garden Club boxed lunch- a cranberry turkey roll-up with a baby blue salad- is the perfect lunch to me. I also recently tried the honey-dijon chicken salad. It has large chuncks of white meat chicken. The honey-dijon flavorings are not overpowering, but very flavorful. A scoop of this chicken salad is good on top of a baby blue salad for a filling lunch.
(4)Mark E.
A few months ago, Franklin sold Homewood Gourmet to two of the most talented, up-and-coming chefs in town, Chris and Laura Zapalowski. Not only do they have culinary chops honed in the finest restaurants of New Orleans, but they also worked for Chris Hastings at Hot & Hot before purchasing Homewood Gourmet. Franklin did a great job of cultivating a loyal following based on simple, fresh ideas, and the new ownership has wisely kept many of the fan favorites the same. However, their new additions to the menu, bearing a strikingly Cajun and French flair, are a welcome change to the Birmingham culinary scene. Affordable gourmet is a growing niche in the "fast casual" format, but their New Orleans twist is something that's entirely unique in this market. I can't wait until all their influence is born out on the daily offerings. That said, I recently had the privilege of enjoying the Jambalaya, an off-the-menu dish that was extra from a catering run that was about to leave the restaurant. And for someone who lived and ate often in South Louisiana, it was spot on, with spice notes dialed appropriately for the Birmingham palette. It was great. I also heard rumblings of a grilled meatloaf that I really wish I'd had two stomachs, so I could have enjoyed it as well. But not only is the food great, the people are, too. Much of Franklin's best staff are intact, so the place still feels overwhelmingly local. And the owners are as genuine and hospitable as you can imagine. The inside, while small, has a fresh coat of paint and is far more inviting than before. If you haven't been in a while, make sure you go. It's well worth the trip.
(4)Todd B.
Had to add this place to Yelp! because it deserves recognition. This is a lunch only place, but "Gourmet" in the name is not a misnomer. They have some great rollups (I always get the Turkey Cranberry) and pasta salads. They are best known for the Baby Blue Salad that must be tried to be believed. I am not a salad guy per se and I can't help ordering it almost every time I go here. The Carlene's Plate is a Baby Blue Salad with an exquisite piece of BBQ salmon on top. Ever time I go in on a non-Monday, I look at the daily specials and think, "I need to come in on a Monday and try the Chicken Pot Pie." Well today is Monday and I have been feeling under the weather, so I thought some comfort food would make me feel better. It is, bar none, the best chicken pot pie I have ever tasted (Sorry, Mom, Grand Ma). Best part is that it is only slightly more expensive than a fast food combo. The only thing keeping this place from 5-star status is the atmosphere. The entry area is crowded with tables so whether you are waiting for a to-go order or sitting there, you are awkwardly close to other patrons. The only other seating area is upstairs, but it is very plain and undecorated. In another location with more floor space, this place would be an absolute grand slam. You can get dinner here, but it will likely be to-go as they close at 7:00pm M-F. They also cater.
(4)Merry Michael S.
the baby blue salad is one of the best in town. the wednesday lunch special,monte cristo sandwich, is outstanding. i love the atmosphere of homewood gourmet and the food is fantastic. highly recommended lunch spot!
(5)Drew W.
I love this place. The ownership has changed, and the food is slightly different, but it's still great. Try the soup, it is always good.
(5)