Heritage Archive

Fancy's on 5th

Oyster Bar & Burger Bar — Avondale, Birmingham, Alabama
Archived page. This restaurant is permanently closed.

🔒
Permanently Closed (2021) Fancy's on 5th closed its doors in 2021. This page is preserved as a historical record of the restaurant. The information below reflects the restaurant as it operated from 2016 to 2021.
📍
Address
430 41st Street South
Avondale, Birmingham, AL 35222
📞
Phone
(205) 777-3662
🕑
Hours (archived)
Tuesday–Saturday
5:00 pm until close
🍳
Cuisine
Oysters • Burgers
Cocktails • Small Plates

About Fancy's on 5th

Fancy's on 5th was an oyster bar and burger bar located at 430 41st Street South in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama. The restaurant opened in March 2016 and quickly became a neighborhood staple known for its fresh daily oyster selection, handcrafted burgers, and inventive cocktail menu.

The restaurant was owned by Harriet Despinakis and Paget Pizitz, who also own MELT Avondale, another beloved Birmingham dining institution. The name "Fancy's on 5th" was a tribute to "Miss Fancy," the elephant that was the star attraction at the old Avondale Park location of the Birmingham Zoo — a beloved piece of Birmingham history.

Located at the corner of 41st Street and Fifth Avenue South, the restaurant became a destination for its unique atmosphere: an illuminated iron octopus sculpture, Edison bulbs hanging from nautical rope, a gleaming white marble bar, exposed brick walls, and samurai swords adorning reclaimed wood panels. Fancy's on 5th drew praise from AL.com, StyleBlueprint, and Birmingham food media for its distinctive character and quality food.

The restaurant closed permanently in 2021.

Gambling should be entertaining, not a financial strategy. 21+ only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org.