I’m officially back in the full blogging swinging. Apologies for the lack of posts over the last few weeks but boy do we have some catching up to do! If you aren’t tired of me talking about it, June is here which means Everyday May is over! But it also means I have a few places I’ve been over the last month to share with you. Today’s restaurant was recently discovered on a trip to Birmingham, Al and I’m excited to tell you all about it. Let’s talk about Ollie Irene.
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT IT?
Tucked in the heart of Mountain Brook, it’s definitely a foodie’s place for dinner. The menu is curated, and the waiters are incredibly helpful. Everything about the dishes is well thought out. We were suggested wine & drink pairings for our meals from the moment we ordered. And Our waiter made sure to offer samples of wine to try during our meals as well.
WHO CAN EAT THERE?
As with a lot of foodie places, I wouldn’t expect to make loads of changes to the dishes. There is something for everyone but if you have dietary restrictions I’d be sure to check the menu ahead of time. If you’re gluten free, there’s options that are available, but I’d be prepared for cross contamination. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, the options are a bit more limited. And for my parents, I wouldn’t consider this the most kid friendly restaurant.
WHAT’S THE PRICE?
Surprisingly, the prices aren’t too bad. The highest listed drink is $13 for a glass. And the menu gives options for several budgets. If you’re looking to spend less, the starters are a nice size and priced well. But if you’re in the mood to indulge, there are always specials that aren’t on a menu and they run a little more than the average pricing ($20-$40).
WHAT ARE THE PORTION SIZES LIKE?
Personally, I found the portions to be just right. Because we split a starter, we both ended up leaving a few bites of dinner. But if I’d just ordered a meal, I would have been good to go. My dinner is pictured above and was very filling!
WHAT’S THE SEATING LIKE?
Ollie Irene is a smaller restaurant so you’re going to be close to those around you. However, they offer indoor and outdoor options. It’s significantly quieter outside so if the weather is nice, I’d suggest sitting outside.
WHAT’S THE PARKING LIKE?
There’s plenty of parking in the area. However, I wouldn’t count on getting a front row spot because there are several restaurants on the strip. You may have to walk a little and there are larger parking lots just a block down.
DO THEY TAKE RESERVATIONS?
No, they do not.
CAN I FIND THE MENU ONLINE?
Yep. You can Ollie Irene’s menu here.
WOULD I GO BACK?
Absolutely! We loved it.
Anything Else I Should Know?
I had a brilliant time with my friend Lauren. We both came out smiling and enjoyed the entire experience. Our waiter was the best and made the experience even better! However, there were a few things I noticed that might deter others.
It was loud. With so many people in such a small space, it’s hard to escape the noise. And it can be a challenge to hear people. We walked out feeling like we had shouted at each other for a while. There was a wait to be seated since they don’t take reservations. However, we were able to walk around the area and shop. And lastly, the food isn’t particularly quick. Everything was delicious and HOT. You could tell it was made to order. So if you’re starving, I’d suggest ordering a starter.
Nevertheless, I really loved it and can’t wait to go back. But if you’re not feeling particular patient or not really in the mood for the experience, you might not enjoy Ollie Irene. That being said I think it’s a wonderful restaurant and will be making sure I can go again soon!
Glad that you’re back. This post if complete details. We’ll definitely dine here.