Famous Local Steakhouse Reopens In Negro Southern League Museum

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A legendary part of Birmingham's restaurant community has a new home. Michael's Restaurant, founded in 1953 in downtown Birmingham, has reopened in the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham's Parkside District.

Michael's, which has been one of the most famous eateries in the city for decades, was frequented by some well-known clientele during its heyday, including Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer and Yogi Berra. It was a favorite of Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, who would sometimes bring the whole football team to the restaurant.

The restaurant had moved to Homewood from downtown Birmingham, and now find its new home in the museum.

In 2016, Bernadine Birdsong bought the restaurant while it was in Homewood. And when she later heard there was an opportunity to have a restaurant at the back of the Negro Southern League Museum, she thought Michael’s would be a good fit.

"It just never felt exactly right in Homewood or Hoover. But with it being back in Birmingham, this feels like the perfect place to be," Birdsong said. "It feels right to be here."

Birdsong runs the business with investors: her mother; Amelia Williams; and her son, singer/songwriter Sebastian Kole. Other relatives such as her daughters and brothers are also involved in the restaurant. For them, it’s definitely a family affair.

"This has been a family venture that we took on together, and I’m excited to see it come to life," Kole said. "Food is all about family and sharing experiences. And that’s what music is about, too. This Sunday, I will do a pop-up performance for brunch."

"I’m excited about this opportunity for Ms. Birdsong and her family," Mayor Randall Woodfin said. "For Michael’s to have a home at the Negro Southern League Museum, where Birmingham’s African-American baseball history has deep roots, is important. Her family has planted a seed in Birmingham, and I celebrate them as they grow their business into a tradition that will impact people as well as our city."

Michael’s will be open Monday – Friday for take-out lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. for dinner with reservations on the rooftop; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch on the rooftop, with reservations. All visitors must have their temperature taken and sanitize their hands before proceeding to their table.