A Contemporary Classic

I admit. I am probably one of the most unique teaching assistants in the physics department. How many TA's interrupt class to ask their students what they recommend as the best eatery in Birmingham or the surrounding area? Now, some might think this completely out of place for a physics classroom, but I like to use the excuse that I am building camaraderie with my students. After circling the room and creating a list of their favorites, I ended with over thirty new locations to visit.

While I was not that hungry but still desired a unique food experience that day, I perused down my students' list and found the perfect choice. There is practically nothing more traditional to have for lunch than soup and a sandwich, and that is exactly what I was in the mood for. Grabbing my friend Amanda in the graduate department, we headed out for a quick bite.

Melt - Birmingham, AL

The location is different to say the least. Packed among a number of older homes and buildings in Avondale, stands this little garage. I am not exaggerating by calling it a garage, because the structure actually began as such. It seems completely appropriate, considering that even before that, the restaurant started out as a food truck (a truck named Matilda in fact).


The environment was pleasant. As soon as Amanda and I walked in the door, I was surprised by the number of well-dressed visitors that were there, for I thought that due to the casual environment, it would attract a different crowd. The majority, however, were taking their lunch break from work or were groups of girlfriends gathering for a casual midday hangout.

The rustic tin signs on the wall or the antique metal lunch boxes on the table that held the napkins and utensils only further added to the "garage" feel. All the food items were served on aluminum baking pans, a detail I thought fitting. On top of all of that, with the kitchen area completely open to the public view, one hears the pans clanking and food sizzling against the back wall while boisterous voices of customers echo across the tight space. Crammed for sure, but intimate nonetheless.

Amanda ordered the Rajin' Cajun sandwich slathered in creamy coleslaw with a side of beer battered fries, and I ordered the Classic Melt grilled cheese with a side of tomato basil soup. Both of the sandwiches were made with thick, buttery Texas toast, something unique to all the Melt sandwiches. It was fun, it was different. The food was a twist for comfort. It was definitely a neat little location and a place worth visiting.

I think my favorite part of this little adventure was the people. The atmosphere was conducive for conversation, and the others that were present seemed genuinely like they were there for a good time. Right before I left, I wanted to be sure to snap a picture of the sign out front. There was already a beautiful lady sitting out on the bench in front of the large wooden letters, so explaining my purpose for taking the photo, I asked if I might include her in the shot. She seemed slightly taken aback and asked what she should be doing for the picture. "Just smile real big," I said. After capturing the moment, she laughed and thanked me. My only regret from this visit was that I never got her name.