Hazel's: Your Premier Destination for Seafood and American Cuisine

I was there today with a large group, for brunch. We had one server, Kayden, who did an absolutely fantastic job of waiting on all of us at the same time. Plus, everyone had extra demands and he kept up with all of that very well. Our food came out fresh, and hot. We’ve had issues with multiple servers bringing out food for everyone at different times, but Kayden really had it anll under control. I had the chicken biscuit and the breakfast potatoes, both were excellent!

I’m not much of a seafood person, but Hazel’s in Downtown Birmingham definitely had some standout items that made the dinner worth it. The cheesebread, Caesar salad, and Wrecking Ball dessert were all excellent and memorable. On the other hand, the lobster roll and fish and chips were just okay for me and didn’t feel worth the price—but to each their own. The service was very slow, and our waiter had a hard time hearing us, though she genuinely tried her best. The ambiance was a highlight, especially the entrance with its charming nautical and submarine-inspired decor. It’s a cute spot overall, but I’d probably stick to non-seafood dishes next time.

Hazel’s is alive, fun and bustling. Better yet, the food equals the best of any New England seafood joints. Everything is hot, fresh, and tasty. We started with the lobster Cobb and clam strips. Yum! Then the whole fried Bronzino, lobster roll and green beans (had to have something healthy!). All really good and authentic. Busy bar with great cocktails, fresh Guinness on draft and decent wine list. Reserve in advance. Note: no outdoor seating.

This past Sunday, Kayden served our party of 9 and was absolutely fantastic. He made sure everything was perfect for us while also adding hilarious jokes and his incredible charisma to our night. He helped my sister who has celiac's find a bunch of great options, treated our 10yo son very respectfully, and remembered that we were there to celebrate a birthday. The food was all phenomenal, not a single complaint. My friends said they loved it so much that they would be coming back on their own, and they also said they hoped Kayden was their server every time. My boyfriend and I have been coming to Hazel's frequently for about 4 years now, and we ALWAYS request Kayden. His shining personality and positive attitude make him an absolute delight to interact with, to the point that it makes the food taste even better. We have been there on extremely busy nights when Kayden's section is full, and he still stops by to say hello. And when we do get to be one of his many tables on those busy nights, we are never left waiting or wanting. Truly the best server we've had anywhere, and I have a lot to compare it to. A gem of a person that I cannot compliment enough. In addition to Kayden being the Best Server In Southeast Michigan, the kitchen here has been KILLING IT lately. A few years ago it was a bit hit-or-miss, but they are absolutely AMAZING now. The lobster bisque is the best I’ve tasted anywhere, better than anything i’ve had in Maryland. Their food is fresh and prepared with love every time and I seriously cannot express how impressive that is for me as a chef of 12 years. If you’re considering going to Hazel’s, it’s perfect for any occasion. Casual, date night, meetings, parties- their fun and chic interior design make the restaurant feel clean and bright, even when the lights are dim. If I could give 20 stars, I would.

Hazel's is a great looking space with some really good food, but some choices are better than others. Even with reservations, we still had about a 20 minute wait on a busy weekend night. You can sit at the bar, if you like. The room looks amazing, with nice lighting levels. If they got rid of the TV's, it could pass for any contemporary joint in Chicago. Hats off to the design crew. They have an Oyster Bar with a giant shell above it. You won't miss it. Service was top notch. Dishes were brought out in a staggered fashion, much better than food sitting around waiting to be brought out all at once. Hush Puppies: Crunchy and perfectly seasoned. Clam Chowder: lots of clams, but really bland. It had great texture, but needs a seasoning rework. Typical Salad: lots of fixings, good and fresh. Fries: the skinny kind. Pretty good. A few different flavors are available, but no one in our party got any of them for me to try. Popcorn Grouper Bites: Really good! Comes with a perfect Calypso sauce. Don't skip this! Coleslaw: creamy, but totally bland. C'mon guys, a good seafood restaurant should have some knockout slaw. Fried Chicken Sandwich: very good. Breaded and seasoned perfectly. Comes with shredded lettuce on it, so be aware. Fish & Chips: only a single piece of fish for $25 (see picture). Wet and oily in the center. Would not order again. Lobster Roll: it comes in an actual roll, rather than the traditional slice of bread (which I think is a good thing). It did not come with the expected little cup of butter to pour over it (make sure you ask!). Snapper: really good. Nice complimentary sauce. Key Lime Pie: The real thing with the yellowy filling. Dexter Morgan would approve. Banoffee Pie: Banana pie with gravity defying topping. Just right sweetness. Restroom was clean, but stall door did not lock. So kinda a mixed bag food wise, but there are some standout dishes if you choose wisely. A few recipe tweaks could take this place over the top.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hazel’s, and I can confidently say it is a fantastic destination when you’re craving high-quality seafood in a relaxed, welcoming setting. From the moment we walked in, the service was immaculate—attentive without being overbearing—and the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between casual comfort and polished professionalism. It felt like a place where you could unwind, enjoy great conversation, and truly savor every bite. I ordered the Connecticut-style lobster roll, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The lobster was fresh, buttery, and generously portioned, nestled in a perfectly toasted roll that complemented the richness without overpowering it. Every bite was indulgent yet balanced. Alongside it came their housemade hush puppies, which were nothing short of exceptional—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They were so good that we found ourselves reaching for “just one more” until they were gone. My wife chose the fried chicken sandwich with fries, and it was equally impressive. The chicken was crispy, juicy, and seasoned beautifully, layered with fresh toppings and served on a soft bun that held everything together perfectly. The fries were hot, golden, and addictively good—honestly giving even McDonald’s a run for their money in terms of classic fry satisfaction. We started our meal with fresh-brewed iced tea, which was crisp and refreshing, and an order of their house French onion dip with chips. That appetizer alone was worth the visit—rich, savory, and clearly made with care. The chips were perfectly crunchy and sturdy enough to scoop up generous portions of the dip, making it an ideal way to kick off the meal. Overall, this was an A+ dining experience from start to finish. The combination of welcoming atmosphere, top-tier service, and genuinely delicious food makes Hazel’s a standout spot. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. We’ll absolutely be back to explore more of the menu and relive that incredible lobster roll.

Excellent lobster rolls, we had the cold and the hot and also had the crab cake appetizer. Service was good but little slow. All good though and we will definitely go back and try other things on the menu.

Met my friend for brunch here and ordered off off their brunch menu. When we walked in we were greeted by a smiling face (the hostess) I had a cranberry mimosa which was delicious. We both ordered the shrimp and grits and added lobster and it was so good. There is an up charge ad expected to add lobster as they do it by the oz but it was so worth it. They have other items like pancakes, breakfast sandwich, and they still offer their full menu.