220 & Edison's

11/18/2007 Posted by marpop

This is a really lively place, especially during the weekends when well-to-do forty-somethings come for the bar action. The food is decent and the decor is sort of Old Hollywood glam -- caricatures of famous faces line the wall and dark wood accents dominate the rooms. The downstairs Edison bar in the basement is pretty cool for some live underground jazz -- just be prepared for it to be really loud.

Pros: Location, live music in the basement

Cons: Pricey drinks, lots of social climbers

07/18/2007 Posted by elibutton

My friend told me about 200 & Edison's so we checked it out on a Wed. night. I was immediately fond of it's character and decor - you could tell that it's has been a landmark / historical establishment that's been around for a long time. The first half of the restaurant includes a large open bar area w/ cocktail tables - a good social setting. Behind the bar on the other side of the wall is the dining area. We called ahead and made reservations (I recommend) and noticed most all of the tables were taken (a good sign). As for the atmosphere - it was not as quiet as I had hoped. Your conversations can travel so if you're looking for peace and quiet I would recommend looking elsewhere. The dishes were simple yet robust in taste, and the food quality was very high. The menu does not have an "array of dishes" like I've seen at other Italian restaurants. We started w/ the twice baked potato (heads up - it's huge) which was excellent; the garlic mashed potatoes were pretty good (I've had better). Our main courses were the Penne Pasta w/ Grilled Chicken and the Lobster Ravioli w/ cream sauce (excellent dish - awesome sauce). I personally felt they went light on the sauces, but just ask and you shall receive. The penne pasta was olive oil based but I felt it was somewhat dry so I asked for red sauce on the side, and the chicken was high quality breast. I'm going for the sausage next time - looked really good. No issues w/ the service, it was excellent. It's not the best Italian I've ever had (Washington D.C. was) but it's several notches above Olive Garden (for your baseline). Total bill for 2 appetizers, 2 main dishes, 1 glass of good red wine and1 ice tea totaled around $90 (including the 20% tip). I highly recommend 220 & Edison's, it's a great social setting for a team dinner with good quality food and service. I'm definitely going back, especially if it's on "The Man".

Pros: Quality ingredients, Tasty Ravioli, Customer Service, Social Setting

Cons: Noisy crowd levels, minimal privacy, more sauce please

06/19/2007 Posted by irisfitz

I am from out of town so I'm always making sure I don't become sick. The place has a great atmosphere and the staff was very friendly. I was limited on time as I was heading to the airport and they made arrangements for transportation. The food was delicous, I had pasta after tasty appetizers. The scenery is nice if your sitting outside. Great spot.

Pros: Ambience, Customer Service

05/23/2007 Posted by kimmoon

With my friends who are a big fan of 220 Merrill, I went here on a Friday evening before a movie. Two appetizers we ordered, crab cake and toasted ravioli, were both good. They were actually my favorite part of the whole meal, especially the lobster sherry cream sauce that comes with the ravioli. The lamb shank was very soft, and though the risotto that was served with lamb was a little soaky on the bottom, the top part was nice. The spicy tomato cream pasta was very good, both the sauce and the penne that was cooked just right. Yes, this place is more of Italian inspired American food rather than authentic Italian, but it tastes good that way. I did not like the Manhattan seafood chowder very much, but others say the 220 Creamy Minestrone soup, which I didn't get to try yet, is good. Overall, the service and food was nice. Though some dish may seem a little bit overpriced, it's not bad for downtown birmingham and the pasta pricings are pretty reasonable.

Pros: Good service, good food

Cons: A little pricy

12/07/2006 Posted by missstarstatus

A few of my friends and I frequent 220 for drinks after work and it's always a great crowd -- mostly professionals, young and older -- and there's a warming, jazzy vibe in the air. Dinner is delish, as well -- order anything and expect to smile! Downstairs, Edison's is so much fun -- live music, great martinis, pleasant service...truly everything you want and need to wind down after work, any day of the week! You must go!

Pros: People-watching, energetic atmosphere

Cons: None

12/06/2005 Posted by ratto

Italian?! This is about as Italian as the "spaghetti" at Big Boy. Puhlease.

05/07/2005 Posted by sgiard

Always a wonderful expierence at 220. The food, fair, service and ambience are tops. You will not regret taking out someone special to this very classy restaurant. The food is very delectable, especially the creamy house special ministroni soup. Be sure and come back after a movie for some drinks at the bar, they are great, especially the martinis.

Pros: Good Parking, Great Food, Amazing Service

08/04/2002 Posted by luciamm

Great Italian Fare. We were visiting the city and found the restaurant on City Search. We were extremely pleased. Fun energetic atmosphere, and wonderful food.

Pros: Great Food, Wonderful Atmosphere

Cons: Crowded