5 Comments

1. I was born and raised right on the Northside of Birmingham and had never been to Niki’s West. I’d heard about how great the food was and so many positives. So, I had it on my bucket list to try it. I ordered steak, corn, and cabbage. And I wasn’t disappointed. My son enjoyed his meal as well. And the place was huge. So, don’t let a full parking lot deter you from stopping. There is plenty of room to accommodate.

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2. It is a unique concept to bring back high school cafeteria memories. The prices are reasonable with many side dash choices. The taste isn’t too bad. This place gets really packed during lunch hours. The line moves very fast, so know your orders ahead. The meat+3 is more than enough for lunch because the portion is big. Big parking lot, so no worries, looking for a spot during rush hours.

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3. I understand from friends who live here that Niki’s West is a Birmingham area institution. It was certainly bustling at 1:30 in the afternoon this Tuesday! People from all walks of life arrived in a steady stream to choose a meat plus 2 or 3 sides with bread, cafeteria style. Dessert and beverages are extra.

   I chose Greek baked chicken.
   My portion was a delicious lemon, olive oil, and sage seasoned breast with its wing that probably weighed 10 ounces. My sides were baby potatoes, yams, and succotash. The sides were good, but the chicken starred on my plate. The fifteen friends who shared our table sampled nearly every item offered, from Tilapia, to liver and onions, to fried green tomatoes. Many friends added desserts, of which the cheesecake and pies were clear favorites. Everyone truly enjoyed their meal.

   The suggestions for comments don’t mention that Niki’s makes fresh in-house yeast rolls. I cannot eat these, but my friends raved that the rolls were delicious, hot, and light as a feather. They smelled wonderful and looked to be perfectly baked. If you’re a bread lover, try them!

   The staff was patient as our large group gathered in the lobby. They quickly set up a large meeting table in a more private area for us.

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4. Food-wise this place knocks it outta the park Southern Style and really satisfies (meat and 3? I wanted about 17 of the sides!!). Iconic and recommended, food for everybody and all types dining there (laborers, businessmen, retirees…all here with good reason). Actual dining is a RUSHED experience though, even after prime lunch hours: machine-gun choices lobbed at you, hurried to your table, and be careful using the restroom–you might come back to a bussed & cleaned table!. Meat+3 w/dessert/drink=$24. Nice to see management assisting elderly customers by taking their trays for them. Ample free parking. Large cafeteria seating area. Catfish in Fridays. Would def come back and bring others. Place could prob stand to reinvest and spruce up interior some if possible to not compromise its old timey feel.

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5. I have been here every other week for the past few weeks and all of my meals have been hot, flavorful and delicious! I tend to get the veal or fried shrimp. My sides are usually macaroni and cheese, cabbage, and candied yams. Sometimes I get a garden salad with their home made ranch on the side. All the sides are good too. A tiny bit pricey for me, but well worth it!

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