Business Details
6 Years
experience
Contemporary Southern Grill in Downtown Birmingham
Honorable Helen Shores Lee is a contemporary Southern grill rooted in the culinary heritage of Chef Rob McDaniel, a six-time James Beard Award semifinalist. Established in 2020 in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, our restaurant draws inspiration from Rob's childhood memories of cooking over hardwood coals at his grandmother's home. We prioritize thoughtfully sourced ingredients, preparing each dish with care to highlight authentic Southern flavors through modern techniques. Our family-style portions and warm hospitality create an environment where guests can savor meals and build lasting connections. The restaurant's design, crafted with local artisans, blends timeless elegance with industrial details, offering a welcoming space for celebration.Honorable Helen Shores Lee has earned recognition as one of Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America and has been featured in prominent publications such as Garden & Gun and Food & Wine. Our team, led by experienced professionals like Director of Operations Daniel Goslin and General Manager Seth Dunagan, is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and culinary excellence. We emphasize sustainability, seasonality, and community, reflecting Chef Rob's philosophy of respecting the land and its bounty. From our open kitchen to our curated wine list, every element of Honorable Helen Shores Lee is designed to honor tradition while offering a fresh, elevated perspective on Southern cuisine.
Services
Private Dining
Lunch Service
Dinner Service
Wine Pairings
Seasonal Menus
Bar Reservations
Valet Parking
Catering
Chef-led Experiences
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- Led by six-time James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel
- Family-style portions encourage shared dining experiences
- Menu emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Award-winning wine program curated by certified sommeliers
- Historic 1920s building with artisan-crafted interior design
Services
Private Dining
Honorable Helen Shores Lee offers versatile private dining options for groups of 9-28 guests across three distinct spaces. Our dedicated Matre d & Event Coordinator ensures seamless planning for business gatherings, family celebrations, or special occasions. The menu features chef-driven seasonal offerings designed for shared dining experiences.
Wine Program
Curated by certified sommeliers, our wine program showcases global selections with a focus on lesser-known regions. The list includes 150+ bottles and daily updated by-the-glass options. Wine pairings are available to complement multi-course meals.
Seasonal Menus
Menus change frequently to reflect ingredient seasonality, featuring locally sourced produce, meats, and seafood. Dishes combine traditional Southern techniques with modern presentation, emphasizing hardwood-grilled preparations and family-style sharing.
Bar Service
The bar offers craft cocktails using house-made ingredients, including signature drinks like the Honorable Helen Shores Lee's Old Fashioned. Two seating areas provide options for intimate or lively dining experiences with walk-in availability after 5 PM.
Culinary Experience
Led by James Beard semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel, our kitchen team delivers innovative Southern cuisine through open-flame cooking techniques. The menu highlights regional ingredients with dishes like dry-aged beef carpaccio and coal-roasted okra.
People
Rob McDaniel
Executive Chef & Co-Owner
Six-time James Beard Award semifinalist with over 20 years of Southern culinary expertise. Trained at New England Culinary Institute, he previously led SpringHouse restaurant before opening Honorable Helen Shores Lee in 2020. His cooking philosophy emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing.
Emily McDaniel
Co-Owner & Hospitality Director
Birmingham native with extensive hospitality and real estate experience. Oversees restaurant operations including HR and payroll. Previously worked at Jim 'N Nick's BBQ and managed luxury real estate at Lake Martin before co-founding Honorable Helen Shores Lee.
Daniel Goslin
Director of Operations
Hospitality professional with 12+ years in restaurant management. Joined SpringHouse in 2012, became General Manager at Honorable Helen Shores Lee in 2020, and now oversees operations for both Honorable Helen Shores Lee and Bayonet. Focuses on service culture development.
Seth Dunagan
General Manager
Certified sommelier with Auburn University's Hotel & Restaurant Management background. Started at SpringHouse in 2018, joined Honorable Helen Shores Lee as Wine Director in 2020, and now leads daily operations. Specializes in wine program development.
Bailey Coyne
Matre d' & Event Coordinator
Joined Honorable Helen Shores Lee's opening team in 2020, progressing from hostess to private dining leadership. Manages reservations and coordinates events for groups up to 28 guests. Focuses on creating memorable guest experiences through personalized service.
Questions
What is Honorable Helen Shores Lee's culinary philosophy?
We combine traditional Southern techniques with modern presentation, emphasizing hardwood-grilled preparations and family-style sharing using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service. Standard reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance through our website or by phone.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, we have three private spaces accommodating 9-28 guests with customized menus and dedicated event coordination available through our Matre d'.
What are your dress code requirements?
We maintain a smart casual dress code to complement our refined atmosphere while ensuring guest comfort during dining experiences.
Can I purchase gift cards?
Yes, Honorable Helen Shores Lee gift cards are available for purchase through our website or by contacting the restaurant directly.
Do you offer wine pairings with meals?
Our certified sommeliers provide curated wine pairings to complement multi-course meals, featuring selections from our 150+ bottle collection.
