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DINING

Bottega offers beautiful Italian cuisine on both the casual café side and the upscale restaurant side.

some of the city s most elegant burgers. Avo s covered outdoor terrace and Dram s two-level courtyard provide plenty of space for dining and lounging outdoors. The terrace outside Avo is the perfect place to relax with a great friend and a glass of wine. Oh, and the food s great too! Cindy A.

Bettola 2901 2nd Ave S 205-731-6499 BIRMINGHAM Super fresh ingredients make up this Italian fare, featuring authentic Neapolitan pizza from their wood-fired oven, antipasti, pagniottelle and pastas. For lunch, try one of their specialty salad and sandwich combos. Located in Pepper Place. The authentic menu reminds me of the café-style dishes I dis- covered while traveling in Italy. Brittany B.

Billy s Bar & Grill 2012 Cahaba Rd 205-879-2238 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Billy s is a favorite neighborhood eatery for lunch and dinner, specializing in patty melts, sandwiches and salads. Be sure to try the famous chicken sandwich with signature white and mustard sauces. Featuring a separate bar, Billy s doubles as a popular nightspot for live music. Second location at Liberty Park off Overton Rd. A great place to watch the game, eat good food, hear great live music and dance the night away." Kammie A.

Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy 205-824-1505 VESTAVIA A lot of Bistro V s menu items

will sound familiar: shrimp and grits, po boys, vegetable plates, hamburgers, chicken pot pie. What is quite unexpected, however, is Bistro V s knack for making these Southern staples seem special and new. Doing that with a culinary classic is no small feat but it is a delicious one. Bistro V does it right. Their dishes have a classic foundation with modern inspiration. John W.

Bogue s 3028 Clairmont Ave 205-254-9780 BIRMINGHAM

Open since 1938, Bogue s offers some of the city s best hearty breakfasts and meat- and-three lunch plates. Make sure to try the sweet sticky rolls. Second location on Hwy 280. Best breakfast, friendliest staff and terrific lunch. Carol S.

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