Surf Hound Opens Its Doors in Mountain Brook Village
MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — A new dining spot is set to delight local residents and visitors as Surf Hound gears up for its grand opening this Thursday, September 19. The coastal-inspired restaurant and bar is the brainchild of chef Abhi Sainju, who has already made waves in Birmingham with his other establishments.
A Coastal Escape
Surf Hound, located at 2721 Cahaba Road, takes over the space previously occupied by Dram Whiskey Bar and Carrigan’s Public House. Situated downstairs from Sainju’s celebrated Abhi Eatery + Bar, this new venue promises to transport diners to a sun-soaked beach atmosphere with its wide range of coastal culinary offerings.
Sainju describes the menu as a collection of dishes that reflect his childhood memories of the beach in Pattaya, Thailand, combined with the American coastal food he has come to love as an adult. “Each item on this menu holds a special memory for me,” he shared in a media release. “We had a lot of fun elevating these beach classics, and I can’t wait for Birmingham to experience our take on them.”
A Diverse Menu
Patrons can expect to find a variety of enticing options at Surf Hound. Some menu highlights include birria chicken nachos, Thai lemongrass wings, and soft-shell crab sandwiches. For fans of burgers, Surf Hound features a selection made from Wagyu beef, bison, and turkey patties. One of the standout entrees is the Cry Cry Cry, which features Wagyu steak marinated in a spicy Thai chili sauce served with lettuce wraps. There’s also the Octo Reef Salad, made with tender octopus and complemented with peanuts, sesame seeds, and a refreshing coastal vinaigrette.
Drinks and Atmosphere
Pairing the delicious food are cocktails such as Sea Foam, Chop Water, and Frozen Hound. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, mocktails like the cucumber mint cooler and pineapple ginger fizz will also be available. Additionally, general manager Ashish Pradhan has crafted an extensive beer and wine list, featuring a signature Surf Hound Lager created in partnership with Voodoo Brewing Company.
The design of Surf Hound aims to evoke a 1960s-70s California coastal feel, with white-washed wood, shades of blue, and surfboards creating a laid-back yet stylish ambiance. There’s also a cozy patio for al fresco dining and ample TV screens for catching the latest games.
Casual Vibes with Quality Food
Sainju emphasizes the importance of a relaxed dining experience, stating, “You can come in casual, just like you’re at the beach—flip flops and all that, no problem—but you’re going to get a high standard of food and a good atmosphere.” With a focus on both the food and the overall experience, it appears that Surf Hound is set to be a new hot spot in Mountain Brook.
Opening Hours and Details
Surf Hound will operate for dinner from 4:30 p.m. until closing on Mondays through Saturdays and offer lunch service from 11 a.m. until closing on Sundays. The restaurant will welcome guests on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations required.
For those unfamiliar with Abhi Sainju’s journey, he moved to the United States from Nepal in 1996. After a desire to share the flavors of his homeland ignited his culinary passion, Sainju opened his first restaurant, Abhi Eatery + Bar, in the Summit retail center in 2017. Since then, he has become a respected name in Birmingham’s food scene, and the opening of Surf Hound marks another exciting chapter.
As residents prepare to try the new offerings, Surf Hound aims to carve out a special place in their hearts and palates. The anticipation is building for this coastal getaway, right in the heart of Mountain Brook.
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.
