Bonehead

The story

Bonehead Birmingham: Award Winning Fried Chicken & American Eats

Behind the Stickered Walls

Tucked around the back of New Street station’s metallic shell, Bonehead Birmingham serves straightforward American comfort food where heavy metal and rock riffs fill the air. Black painted surfaces and layers of venue stickers create a gritty backdrop for casual dining. This unpretentious spot recently earned a Local Gem designation from The Good Food Guide, largely because it draws frequent visits from top local chefs who appreciate its focused menu and lively service. Guests arrive for walk-ins only, settling into a room that prioritizes loud music and messy plates over formal rituals.

Southern Fire and Buttermilk

The kitchen builds every dish around a custom southern style seasoning that anchors their buttermilk fried chicken. Pieces, tenders, and thighs get coated and fried until crisp, then tossed through distinct flavor profiles like the Nashville inspired Hot Head or the Tennessee style Lizard King glaze. Bourbon and brown sugar mingle with crispy shallots to transform the latter into a smoky sandwich staple when pressed onto buns alongside white slaw. Each batch relies on careful frying techniques rather than complicated sauces, letting the spice blends carry the weight.

Plates Built for Sharing

Diners typically start with platters of wings dressed in sriracha honey butter or zesty lemon herb seasoning before moving to loaded sides. Waffle fries arrive piled high with house slaw, gherkins, and a tangy comeback sauce that ties the whole meal together. Burger orders cycle through the Dragon variant featuring kewpie mayo and sesame, or the classic Buffalo version paired with blue cheese dip. Every component leans toward bold, accessible flavors designed for hands on eating and quick turnover between sets.