Hunter House Hamburgers

Hunter House has been smashing sweet onions into little hamburgers since 1952, which makes it the longest continually operating restaurant in Birmingham — and a rare down-to-earth counter in a decidedly upscale town. The formula hasn’t changed: griddled sliders with steamed buns, ordered by the handful, plus fries, shakes, and a full diner breakfast. It’s the kind of place people have stayed loyal to for three generations.

One important note: the tiny landmark building at Woodward and Maple is no longer Hunter House — a different, unaffiliated burger shop took over that corner in early 2026. The real Hunter House has moved up Woodward to 33900, where the same family cooks the same sliders. We have it on our list as Birmingham’s most beloved cheap eat and a happy antidote to white-tablecloth fatigue. Order more than you think you need; everyone always does.