BAM Sports Grill becomes Saturday football destination

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Restaurants

When one hears the word “bam,” a number of things may come to mind. Sean Berry thinks of listening to football announcers in the South.

“It can relate to Alabama, to Birmingham, anything you want,”  he said. “It’s just a high-impact word.”

He now hopes it will become a favorite restaurant name for Vestavia Hills residents. Berry opened BAM Sports Grill in the former Yankee Pizzeria in Heights Village at the end of June. 

Originally from Texas, Berry moved to Birmingham last fall after scouting out different locations. His goal was to open a restaurant that served familiar Southern classics.

“This is the food I grew up on,” he said.

Stacks of firewood stand on either the side of the bar, which Berry said is a direct signal to the type of grill the restaurant uses. The unique menu includes dishes inspired by places such as Texas and New Orleans. For starters, try something outside the box such as the Grilled Peach, Chicken and Goat Cheese salad topped with crispy fried tortilla strips and tossed in a grilled peach vinaigrette. 

For a hearty appetizer, look no further than the Big BAM Nachos smothered with queso, pinto beans, lettuce, tomato and sliced jalapenos or the Okra Fries & Remoulade. Entrees include Stuffed Shrimp & Stone Ground Grits and the Tex Mex Pork Carnitas. Berry’s favorite item is the Build-Your-Own BAM Burger. Diners can choose from a variety of meats, cheeses, sauces and toppings, including fried pork crackling and roasted green chiles.

“Even if I didn’t work here, I would come eat our burger several times a week,” Berry said.

And don’t leave before trying  the Sweet Potato Pie, two deep fried pies dusted with powdered sugar and served with homemade marshmallow ice cream. BAM’s bar features Birmingham’s locally crafted brews on tap and an ample selection of bottled beer, wine and liquor. Glass-bottled sodas, fresh-squeezed orange juice and frozen limeade and lemonade are also available. 

For those looking for a place to watch football games this fall, BAM has you covered. Eighteen televisions strategically placed around the one-room space allow diners to see every bit of the action.

“We were packed during the World Cup, and that was just soccer,” Berry said. “We’re excited about football season. There’s not a seat in the house where you can’t see a television.”

Berry has noticed that people in Cahaba Heights enjoy going out to eat, and he wants to continue to serve them and the surrounding community the best way he knows how: through good Southern food.

“I wanted a place that could be the neighborhood ‘Cheers,’ a place you could take your family,” he said. “I love Birmingham and love the people here.”