Birmingham, AL, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham’s burger culture is on the rise thanks to Trey Echols, a local food enthusiast known for his rigorous burger evaluations on social media. With over 11,000 followers, Echols travels beyond Alabama to find the best burgers, applying a strict set of criteria that values ingredients and burger construction. He highlights local favorites and addresses the uncertainty surrounding iconic establishments as Birmingham’s dining scene flourishes, including the anticipated debut of Bo Jackson’s new burger venture at Regions Field.
Birmingham’s Burger Scene Shines as Trey Echols Hits the Road for Reviews Amid Local Controversy
Birmingham, Alabama, is currently witnessing a flourishing burger culture, largely credited to local food enthusiast Trey Echols. A Birmingham native, Echols is on a mission to find the best burgers both locally and beyond. Active on social media platforms Instagram and TikTok under the handle @The_fedneck, he has cultivated a following of over 11,000 followers by providing honest and engaging burger reviews.
His discerning palate is particularly known for an explicit aversion to tomatoes, which he argues can ruin a burger. Echols has developed a set of stringent criteria for what constitutes an ideal burger. He insists that a good burger should allow for a clean bite, preventing toppings from spilling out. While he acknowledges the traditional use of lettuce, he prefers iceberg lettuce for its satisfying crunch and dismisses arugula, labeling it as “monkey grass.”
Echols’ burger specifications include acceptance of mayo and ketchup, considering onions a favorable addition when used either raw or cooked. He holds strong opinions on burger patties, emphasizing the importance of hand-formed patties and assigning low ratings to non-hand-pattied burgers; he won’t give more than a seven on a 10-point scale to such burgers. Ideal patties, according to him, should weigh about five ounces, be cooked to a solid medium, and simply seasoned with salt and pepper. The quality of meat plays a significant role in his evaluations as he feels strongly that “it’s all about the beef.”
Recently, Echols reviewed Otey’s Tavern, a dive bar well-loved for its classic Otey’s Burger, which is served with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, topped with melted cheddar. His burgeoning passion for burgers traces back to fond childhood memories of grilling sessions with his grandmother. He believes that every community, no matter its size, has a local burger joint, securing the burger’s status as a universal comfort food.
In addition to exploring the local burger scene, Echols has expanded his review range beyond Alabama, making trips as far as Montana. Despite his travels, he continues to regard Chez Fonfon burger as his favorite after nearly a year of reviews.
Adding to the local burger landscape, Hunter House, a Birmingham burger establishment cherished since 1952, faces uncertainty regarding its future as plans for a five-story development approved in 2021 loom over the property. The landlord and owner have recently resolved a lawsuit in early 2025, yet nostalgia for the beloved burger joint persists among local patrons.
In exciting news for the Birmingham dining scene, Bo Jackson, the football legend, will introduce Bo’s Burgers at Birmingham’s Regions Field this upcoming baseball season. The Bo’s Hometown Burger will include an Angus beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion ring, and special sauce. Jackson is also planning to appear at Regions Field, personally serving his burgers to fans during games.
Birmingham’s dining industry continues to thrive with the recent opening of several new restaurants, underlining a vibrant food culture characterized by diverse offerings and culinary creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Trey Echols?
Trey Echols is a Birmingham native on a mission to find the best burgers and is active on Instagram and TikTok under the name @The_fedneck.
What rating system does Trey Echols use for burgers?
Echols rates burgers on a 10-point scale and won’t grant more than a seven to a non-hand-pattied burger.
What is Echols’ ideal burger criteria?
He believes a burger should allow for a clean bite without toppings spilling out and prefers iceberg lettuce, simple seasoning of salt and pepper, and a five-ounce patty cooked to medium.
What is the status of Hunter House?
Hunter House, a burger joint in Birmingham since 1952, may be forced to relocate due to a new development. A lawsuit involving its landlord and owner was resolved in early 2025.
What new addition is coming to Birmingham’s food scene?
Bo Jackson will introduce Bo’s Burgers at Birmingham’s Regions Field this upcoming baseball season.
What other trends are noticeable in Birmingham’s dining scene?
Birmingham’s dining scene features multiple new restaurants recently opened, highlighting a vibrant food culture.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Trey Echols | Birmingham native pursuing best burgers on social media. |
| Social Media Handle | @The_fedneck on Instagram and TikTok. |
| Followers | Over 11,000 followers. |
| Burger Evaluation Criteria | Hand-pattied, medium-cooked, well-seasoned beef. |
| Otey’s Tavern Review | Features classic Otey’s Burger with cheese and toppings. |
| Hunter House | Operating since 1952, facing relocation due to development. |
| Bo’s Burgers | New addition by Bo Jackson at Regions Field this baseball season. |
| New Restaurants | Multiple recently opened venues contribute to Birmingham’s dining scene. |
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Birmingham Man’s Mission for Perfect Burger
- Wikipedia: Birmingham
- C&G News: Unique Burgers in Birmingham
- Google Search: Birmingham burgers
- Bham Now: Best Local Burgers in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- CBS News: Hunter House Hamburgers
- Google News: Hunter House Birmingham
- AL.com: Bo Jackson’s Burgers
- Google Scholar: Birmingham food scene
- Style Blueprint: New Restaurants in Birmingham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
