Al's Deli & Grill, Birmingham

The food is a great value, but the lines can be long.

oh, man! you've never had worse food in your life, but you've never had more fun eating it! no, i'm just kidding... the food is okay... my favorite is the chicken gyro with seasoned french fries, but the grilled cheese sandwiches are great, and i swear to god their baked potatoes are the size of your head. the main reason people go to al's, though, is the atmosphere. show up at 3 am and the place will be packed... full of kids who just got out of the clubs and need some sobering-up food, doctors who just got off their shift at the hospital, cops who are on their "lunch" break, university students taking a break from an all-night study session, and everyone else in-between. the guys who work there are friendly, you can watch them cook your food, you can pick up a copy of Black and White magazine or Birmingham Weekly, AND if you have a student ID you get a free drink with purchase! can't beat that.