Of course, you all remember that movie, Fried Green Tomatoes?! Until I moved to Birmingham, I had no idea that the original Whistlestop Cafe was right here in this city and is now called the Irondale Cafe. My friend, Sandi, at Whistlestop Cafe Cooking filled me in on that when I met her in blogland and we became friends and I found out her hubby’s family were one the original owners of the Whistlestop and owned it when Fannie Flagg wrote the book, which then became the movie that so many of us enjoyed. Click here for the story of the original Whistlestop and how Sandi’s inlaws came to own it. It’s fascinating! Being from Georgia, I thought that the Whistlestop originated down in Juliette, GA since that town gained fame after the movie came out and that is in fact where the movie was filmed, but the truth is, this cafe is the one and only original version. So, on a recent Friday, my friend, Debbie and I stopped by on our way to The Lovelady Center (which is not far away) and had lunch at the Irondale Cafe. I had heard about the place ever since I moved here and it was a lot of fun to experience it in person. I have a feeling it hasn’t changed a whole lot over the years and you can imagine the movie taking place right here in this little quaint area of Birmingham, called Irondale.
Complete with it’s own train stop right beside the railroad tracks, it’s a throw back to simpler times. Kind of like Mayberry.
So I sat on the bench for a photo op.
And we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at the cafe, where the wall of photos greets you coming in the front door.
Movie posters are everywhere.
Framed and placed in a prominent spot.
And you go through the line cafeteria style ordering up meat, fresh veggies and dessert. This is a typical meat and 3 and the food is very tasty, just like yo’ Mama would make.
Love the green walls in here, it’s a cute place.
And here’s what Debbie and I had that day, fried catfish for me, smothered steak for her and we split dessert and fried green tomatoes. Hard to keep that girlish figure eating like this, but it sure is good. I figure that’s one of the reasons I go to the gym.
Then, while you’re still in Irondale, you must check out this home decor store called Stray Cats. They use old salvaged wood to build things with and they have some very unique home items. 
They make a lot of these vintage beadboard hook boards that I think are just adorable. I’m trying to figure out where I can put one of these.
Lots of old salvage pieces, doors, iron things, mirrors. 
You can see here a large bookcase made out of old shutters and wood molding. 
And this is a long piece that someone had them custom build for a flat screen TV to sit on. I thought this one was really pretty.
More vintage beadboard lines the back of this large bookcase storage piece. If you get a chance, go by and take a look. They are on Hwy. 78 right in Irondale in a small shopping center. The guy that runs the place is really nice too. Check it out and if you go by tell him you read it on my blog. I told him I’d love to get the word out for him since it’s such a unique shop.
I LOVE fried green tomatoes!
Funny enough, I remember eating them as a kid in California! Now I’m in the midwest and I don’t know of any place that serves them.
I love that green color on their walls too.
Oh, Rhoda. I want your life. Sigh. But I can travel vicariously through your pics! Visiting your blog is always like a mini-vaca.
So cool to actually visit and eat at the Whistle Stop. I adore that movie and put in the DVD player often to watch again and again. I love Kathy Bates’ humor! Anyway, it’s been a trip to go along with you to the Cafe 🙂
Oh Rhoda…Thank you for posting these pictures. This was just a couple of miles from where I lived when we lived in Irondale. I have so many fond memories of walking from my house to the library which is located right across those tracks. Thank you again for sharing!
What a great post, loved this story and I loved the movie too.
I tried to blow up your pics but can’t I love to get in real close and peek in those little shops !!!
I can’t imagine the sign said anything bad and besides we’re all grown ups here right ???
Fun post Rhoda,
Kathy 🙂
Hi Rhoda,
I,like Joanna,(who is my best friend in real life)grew up only 3 blocks from the Irondale Cafe and still go to Irondale every week to visit my mother.
You may not have noticed but there is a large old house close to the cafe.One of my friends used to live there and it was the basis for the Threadgoode home in the book.I remember her family also knew Fannie Flagg;wish I did:)
Rhoda,
You always go to the neatest places! You and your friends have so much fun. If you’re ever in TX you’ll have to look me up!
I want to go shopping with you!! 🙂
Rhoda~ I’m glad you enjoyed the meal. It sure looked good enough to eat. Just like sunday dinner at Mom’s!
I have to stop in at the Stray Cats… I’ve seen it often enough, but I’ve never been in.
I love the pictures!! I love fried green tomatoes too…….mmmmm…..come on over to my blog and get your awards.
I loved that movie!!! I ate my first fried green tomato about 11 years ago… can I say heaven! Didnt think I would like them but who knew! I love em”
As always thanks for taking us along on your little Rhoda field trips. Always an adventure with you. By the way did you get a look at Eddies new farm house? Sweet~
Our family just watched that movie! Hey, is Sandi going to Bliss? Would be so fun to meet her. Sounds like a great time and great food 🙂
Delish!! Sounds wonderful and what a great movie.
Lisa
Thanks Rhoda for sharing this post!! Fried Green Tomatoes is one of my all time favorite movies. And the food in your picture looks to die for!! Ok, now I am HUNGRY!! LOL!!
Hugs!! Carrie♥
Loved that movie, Fried Green Tomatoes. Looks like you have a super day.
. . . gotta ask though, what does that sign say in the last picture? It looks like “Shut the
_ _ _ _ Up.” Now, I’m very curious. I can’t image someone putting out a sign like that in a place of business.
Blessings,
Sher
I need to find this place next time I’m in Birmingham!
I love that movie…it is a classic in my opinion.
Thanks for the virtual shopping trip. I never get tired of those!
One of my favorite books – still. Thank you for this post! Be well, The Hostess
I love that movie and I’ve always wanted fried green toms and always wanted to go there…
great post Rhoda
Sarah
Oh – how I loved the movie and how I love this charming place! I saw a piece of stained glass I would love to have and few other pieces as well … wish I lived closer!
You had a fun afternoon! Looks like a wonderful lunch and a fun shop to boot. I’ve always had a thing for beadboard. ~ Robyn