Ragtime Cafe - Hoover

Wow! I asked a local for a recommendation on where to find a "smack-your-mama" burger, and they pointed me to this spot! It’s been around for ages on Valleydale Road in Pelham, close to I-65, and it definitely lives up to the hype!

We visited Ragtime last night after discovering that our initial restaurant choice was closed on Tuesdays, and we couldn't be happier about it! The service at Ragtime is clearly a top priority.

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Hoover. We discovered it by chance, and we absolutely loved it. I ordered the fried oyster Po'boy, and every bite was...

The grilled Mahi was outstanding. The Greek salad appeared appealing, but the dressing was so overwhelmingly vinegary that it was inedible. The baked potatoes were tasty, but the fruit we ordered and paid for never showed up. The service did not meet our expectations; we had heard great things about this restaurant. We plan to give it another try in hopes of having a better experience next time.

We always have a great experience at this restaurant, and every time we visit, we wonder why we don’t come here more often. Start with the Shrimp Ragtime appetizer, and be sure to request an extra roll; you’ll definitely want to soak up the leftover sauce after finishing the shrimp. If you enjoy flavorful, indulgent sides, the twice-baked potato is a must-try—you might find yourself wanting a second one after just one bite! And don’t forget to bring a long-sleeve shirt; they really like to keep the air conditioning chilly.