An inky interior and red highlights set the scene at this ramen shop, where you can find noodles, Japanese beer, sake and plenty of punk rock.

This bar-centric izakaya in the heart of downtown Birmingham’s theater district is helmed by Adeeba Khan, who “embodies hospitality best in all of Bham,” says LeNell. “I literally just sat at her bar and said out loud, ‘I am struggling this week, and this is where I go to feel safe and loved.’” In addition to a rotating roster of creative, original cocktails like the Salt and Pepper (Japanese vodka, oloroso sherry, fresh strawberry, lemon, salt, and pink peppercorn syrup), LeNell adores Shu Shop for “making the best wet Martini, plus sake on draft and lotsa whiskey.

Few indulgences are as divinely satisfying as slurping up a steaming bowl of ramen at midnight. But we’re not talking about tiny flavor packets in your pajamas at home…though previously your kitchen might have been your only option given the early-to-bed nature of Birmingham's dining scene. Lucky for us, Shu Shop arrived on the scene in 2017—the savior we never knew we needed in the form of a late-night izakaya and ramen-ya.

Located in the Theatre District, this restaurant is part ramen shop, part late-night izakaya—dark, moody, and perfect for post-show snacking. Grab a seat at the long bar, the outdoor patio, or one of the intimate indoor booths and enjoy shareable snacks like shishito peppers, edamame, and tako puppies (octopus hush puppies served with yuzu mayo). For something more filling, order up a steaming bowl of hot ramen.

Moody lighting, hidden alcoves, and hip décor make a big bowl of noodles all the cozier. At this Japanese Izakaya and ramen shop, there are five ramen varieties including seafood, vegetarian, tonkotsu, spicy miso, and shoyu. Start your meal with small plates like hot and sour Brussels, soy butter scallops, and pork gyoza, then tuck into a warm bowl of noodle soup for the perfect cold-weather dinner.

This bar-restaurant on 3rd Avenue boasts a casual, comfortable atmosphere, serving some incredible food. Their ramen and small plates menu features some of Japan’s most popular bar foods, providing the perfect refuge after a long day at work. Chef Templin takes pride in serving dishes that are always up to standard, which ensures you’ll always leave happy!

Roscoe Hall is not only a chef, but also an accomplished artist who works in a variety of media. He was introduced to fine dining at a young age and immediately wanted to get into the kitchen. He started as a dishwasher at a small local restaurant until he landed a job as a line cook at Chez Panisse, where he trained for two years under Alice Waters.

This hip spot offers a tasty menu filled with Japanese ramen noodles and toppings, snacks and small plates. One of the coolest parts about Shu Shop is that it sells specialty items for your pantry so you can stay home and cook like the true chef you are—or wish you were!. Items range from Wasabi remoulade to Katsuo salt and Kombu brown butter.

Shu Shop - This place is jam packed on any Friday night - whether it’s hot or cold outside. A good bowl of ramen will always set you right. When you’re in the Magic City, stop by this spot and get yourself the Spicy Miso Ramen + the Spice Bomb.

1830 3rd Avenue North | @shushopbham | Located in Birmingham’s Theatre District, Shu Shop offers some of the best handcrafted ramen and Japanese-inspired small plates. Be sure to bring your ID because you must be 21+ to dine!