Niki's West

Niki's West is a cafeteria-style restaurant on Finley Avenue whose line carries a dozen or so desserts a day, with a wide selection of freshly made pies among them. The flavors change from day to day and include creamy coconut, tart and sweet lemon icebox, and chocolate piled high with meringue. The line does not wait for anyone, so settle on a slice before reaching the desserts. Order whichever of the coconut, lemon icebox or chocolate meringue is on the line that day.

Picks from AL.com and Bham Now

Niki's West moves diners along a cafeteria line filled with fried chicken, vegetables, cornbread, and changing meat and three choices. The bird arrives deeply comforting, but the pleasure comes from surrounding it with sides chosen from the long steam table. Decades of repetition give the Finley Avenue institution a rhythm that newcomers quickly understand.

Picks from Bham Now, Southern Foodways Alliance, and The Birmingham Times

Niki's West turns the meat and three into a grand daily ritual. Diners move along the steam table choosing meats, vegetables, casseroles, cornbread, and pie while the room runs with remarkable speed. Generations of Birmingham families have learned their own route through the abundant choices at this Finley Avenue institution.

Picks from The Birmingham Times