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.
You always make me wish I was a Southern Belle!
xoxo,
Cathleen
Looks like a fun place to come visit. I love your new napkins with the monograms.
Hi Rhoda,
I’m making your Hot Artichoke Dip” for a Super Bowl party we are having. My next door neighbor is moved from B’ham several years and knows this recipie well…she told me I need to double it because everyone LOVES it sooooooo much!
Thanks for sharing the recipie!
Desiree
PS – You also inspired me to paint a thrifting find…some cute stools. They were a horrid teal color but had “rush” seats! I found them at Goodwill for $12 each! I painted them black and they came out BEAUTIFUL. I don’t have a blog (Yet?!?!) but maybe I’ll post a photo on RMS! (I’m desid on RMS)
I love fried green tomatoes, the movie and the real thing. I may have to try to make it to Irondale this summer. One time a few friends got together and I said something about fried green tomatoes. My friend who was hosting, said she had some green tomatoes in her garden and wanted me to fry some up. These people had never had any. One lady just thought it was a book and movie. She did not realize that we really eat green tomatoes. The same lady was over at my house once and could not believe people really drink out of Mason Jars. She was excited to drink out of one of mine. Anyway, the fried green tomatoes were a hit! I am so glad I brought a little culture to Bulverde, TX.
What a great little shop! I love the beadboard!
I’ve given you a blog award, you may already have received it, but when you get the chance stop by and view it!
What an interesting story behind the movie. Your lunch looked so very yummy.
OK, girls for all of you who wanted to know what the sign says, I went back by there today (and bought something…you’ll see it on Monday!). The sign says: Shut the Duck up. I’d say that’s a definite play on words, don’t know what it means exactly, but Barney said he wouldn’t have anything in there that was was obscene.
So, there you have it!
That is exactly what I thought it said!
Thanks for visiting my home on RMS too! I’ll try to post the stools this weekend and leave you a note on your blog.
Desiree aka desid
Yo Rho! 🙂
I lived in Irondale for a year about 18 years ago and loved it. I never ate there, but spent alot of time at the library in that area.
I’ve heard of Stray Cats, but never been…I’ll have to check it out next time I’m out that way. I’ve been going to the Mission Possible Thrift Store lately when I’m in a thrift store mood. While you are out that way…you should head up Crestwood Blvd. going towards downtown and check out some of the cute neighborhoods on both sides. Avondale is up past those on the left and I believe several of the Cottage Living girls live/lived over there. I also lived in Crestwood and there used to be several antique stores on the right at the stop light. Lots of changes going on over there, but still such a charming area.
I always enjoy your posts…it’s like a personal tour of Bham for me! Thanks for your sweet words…sorry I’m so behind!
Yeah I agree that is a strange saying !!!
Perhaps someone lived near a duck pond and had enough of the quacking and went a little quackers themselves LOL
Kathy 🙂
Yes that is me oozzing with total envy! What a wonderful trip that must have been from beautiful sites, furniture to eating at the cafe! That looks like so much fun!
love the Irondale Cafe and Stray Cats!
Thanks for sharing! I have added these two places to my “Lazy Days” list of places to visit. I can’t wait to check both of these places out.
Hi there – I found your blog – through another blog – through another blog…BUT today I went to Stray Cats – and LOVED it! I have been looking for a “Z” for our home – and they actually had one. I told the man, Barney (i think) that I found his store through your blog and he thought that was great. Thanks for sharing these neat places!