with savory fare

MEET ME ON THE PORCH

Hoover’s Front Porch combines community with savory fare

BY JULIA SAYERS GOKHALE

Nestled in a quiet area of Hoover, Ross Bridge is a family-friendly neighborhood that also happens to be its own thriving community. And what’s a community without a restaurant gathering spot? Two longtime Ross Bridge residents thought the same thing when they decided to open an eatery in the area’s quant downtown. Realizing Ross Bridge lacked a causal, family-focused gathering spot, owners Jeremy Hackney and John Griffin opened Front Porch in March 2016.

The restaurant, located on Grand Avenue at the heart of Ross Bridge, consists of a spacious and bright dining room, large outdoor patio, and a statement-making wood bar with subway tile backsplash and hanging pendant lights. On any given day—lunch or dinner—you’ll find families nestled in the blue leather booths inside, couples lingering on the patio, or friends chatting on barstools.

Front Porch caters to a varied crowd, as the menu offers options for everyone. With a focus on American and Southern food, Front Porch’s dishes are unique but accessible. Take the Candied Bacon Bombs for example. This inventive appetizer teases the meal with meaty kielbasa sausage pieces wrapped in candied bacon and served alongside flash-fried Wisconsin cheese curds. It’s sweet, salty, and cheesy—what more could you want? Other appetizers to note include the Low Country Dip (a cheesy baked dip with turnip greens and smoked sausage) and the Burrata Cheese served with tomatoes, cucumbers, and balsamic drizzle.

Moving on to the main course, Front Porch offers a large variety of burgers and sandwiches perfect for lunch or a lighter dinner. If you like a little spice, try the Pimento Cheese Burger with spicy pimento cheese and bacon or the Buffalo Chicken Wrap with crispy chicken tenders coated in hot sauce and ranch. Vegetarians can choose from a Veggie Burger or a Portabella Sandwich, in addition to salads and grain bowls. All sandwiches are served with your choice of crispy battered fries or sweet potato fries with caramel drizzle.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONT PORCH

Kids and adults alike love the pizzas at Ross Bridge. Specialty creations include a Conecuh sausage pizza and the Grand Avenue pizza with pepperoni, sausage, red peppers, portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic, olives, and basil. If you’ve got picky eaters, they can build their own pizzas from a selection of meats, veggies, cheeses, and sauces.

One of the great things about Front Porch is its affordability. There isn’t an entree on the menu more than $17, and most fall between $12-15. One of the best deals is the Porch Plate, which is $13 and includes your choice of wild rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, or roasted potatoes; a side salad; and your choice of one protein, from options including grilled mahi, grilled flank steak, chicken kabobs, grilled shrimp, and more.

And don’t forget dessert! Popular items include White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake served in a jar. After a great meal at Front Porch, you’ll feel like you’re part of the community, too.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant is offering curbside pickup in addition to socially distanced dine-in service.

Your Health Can’t Wait

Your safe care is our #1 priority.

Take time now to get the healthcare you need. Our surgeons are here to help you resolve a variety of health issues, often using minimally-invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Hernia repair Gallbladder surgery Appendectomy Colon resection Small bowel obstructions Biopsies Skin and soft tissue removals including melanoma Weight loss surgery

Our Surgeons:

Denis Budrevich, MD - Talladega Michael Littleton, MD, FACS - Brookwood Vivian Yeilding, MD - Brookwood Kyle Packer, DO - Jasper and Gardendale

Make an appointment – BBHCareNetwork.com

Please see our surgeon pro les for the procedures performed by each doctor.