Categories: CulinaryEvents/What's HappeningNews

Helen Restaurant Advances in South’s Best Steak House Contest

Cozy dining area in Helen restaurant showcasing steak dishes

News Summary

Helen, a downtown Birmingham steakhouse, has advanced to the second round of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious South’s Best Steak House bracket. Celebrated for its dry-aged ribeyes and Kansas City strips, Helen defeated Old Hickory Steak House of Mississippi in the first round. Now, Helen faces Folk’s Folly from Memphis, amid intense competition. As the only Alabama restaurant in the original selection, Helen’s journey through the bracket highlights its excellence in southern cuisine. Supporters are encouraged to vote and help raise Helen’s profile in the culinary world.

Exciting News from Birmingham: Helen Restaurant Shines in Steak House Bracket!

If you’re a steak lover, you’re probably aware that not all steakhouses are created equal. Enter Helen, a remarkable steak-focused gem nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama. This fabulous dining spot has recently made headlines after advancing to the second round of Garden & Gun magazine’s highly competitive South’s Best Steak House bracket. Yes, you heard that right – our very own Helen has a shot at steakhouse glory!

Unbeatable Flavors and Winning Cuts

Let’s talk about what makes Helen truly special. Known for its delectable dry-aged ribeyes and mouthwatering Kansas City strips, this restaurant is taking the steak game to a whole new level. Foodies across the South have embraced Helen’s menu, and it’s clear why! During the first round of this exciting contest, Helen eliminated Old Hickory Steak House from Columbus, Mississippi, in a clash of flavor and culinary expertise that left judges—and diners— begging for more.

Next Challenge: Facing Off Against Folk’s Folly

Now, as Helen enters the second round, the stakes are even higher! Up next, the restaurant will go head-to-head against Folk’s Folly, a renowned Memphis establishment that has made a name for itself in the culinary scene. The competitive spirit is heating up, and supporters of both establishments are ready to rally behind their favorites. Remember, voting for this round is happening now and will remain open until 10:59 p.m. Central time on Thursday. So make sure to cast your vote and help put Birmingham in the spotlight!

A Unique Alabama Standout

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Helen is the only restaurant from Alabama represented in the original lineup of 32 Southern steakhouses for the competition. This is no small feat! Each steakhouse was carefully selected for its distinctive flavors and exceptional dining experiences, making Helen’s advancement even more remarkable.

A Culinary Journey

Chef Rob McDaniel, alongside his wife, Emily, unveiled Helen to the world back in August 2020. Despite launching during challenging times, the restaurant quickly garnered a dedicated following thanks to its commitment to quality ingredients and a passion for crafting unforgettable dishes. Earlier this year, the McDaniels decided to expand their culinary footprint by introducing a second restaurant next door called Bayonet, which focuses on seafood—providing an exciting option for those who might prefer the catch of the day over a juicy steak.

Joining the Ranks of Southern Icons

As Helen continues its journey through this illustrious bracket, it’s worth noting that other iconic Southern steakhouses also advanced alongside it. Notable establishments like Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville, Mississippi, and Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida, are in the running too. The competition is fierce, but Helen has proven it can hold its own against the best of the best!

Mark Your Calendars

The overall winner of this exciting contest will be announced on April 9, 2025. Until then, the excitement builds! Diners are urged to showcase their support for Helen, adding their votes and helping this brilliant restaurant make its mark on the culinary map of the South. So, whether you’re team ribeye or rooting for the Kansas City strip, it’s time to rally behind this Birmingham favorite. Go, Helen!