Lapeer Steak & Seafood Brings Boutique Dining to Birmingham’s Historic Hardwick Building
Birmingham’s dining scene is about to get a bold new addition. Lapeer Steak & Seafood, the Alpharetta, Georgia–based restaurant known for its boutique approach and daring flavors, is crossing state lines and setting up shop in Alabama. The highly anticipated opening is set for November 3, 2025, inside The Hardwick—a 110-year-old warehouse reimagined as one of Birmingham’s most talked-about mixed-use developments.
@ClaudiasWorkshop 
A Historic Setting Meets Modern Flavor
The Hardwick, once a steel processing plant, has been carefully transformed into a 60,000-square-foot urban hub along the Rotary Trail. With neighbors like Ballard Designs and Epice, a Lebanese bistro that debuted earlier this year, Lapeer will help anchor the historic building as both a dining and cultural destination.
The Birmingham outpost will mirror Lapeer’s original Alpharetta concept an upscale yet inviting spot where steakhouse classics meet pristine seafood. Expect a menu that ranges from Wagyu strip steaks and Delmonico ribeyes to whole roasted branzino, Gulf red snapper, and yellowfin tuna. For those who prefer a splash of coastal flair, the raw bar will showcase oysters, shrimp, and other chilled delights. Starters like shrimp toast, calamari, and wedge salad keep things approachable, while desserts, cocktails, and an extensive wine list round out the experience.
The Chef Comes Home
Guiding the Birmingham kitchen is Blake Hartley, a Tuscaloosa native whose culinary journey has come full circle. At 35, Hartley already boasts a resume many chefs would envy time spent under the mentorship of Frank Stitt (Bottega) and Chris Hastings (Hot & Hot Fish Club), plus a stint at Evangeline’s in Tuscaloosa. Today, he serves as culinary director for both the Alpharetta and Birmingham locations.
“I cut my teeth in Birmingham’s kitchens, learning from some of the South’s best chefs. Now I get to come back and contribute to the city’s nationally recognized food scene.”
Off the line, Hartley describes himself as more than a chef—he’s a husband, father, cyclist, sculptor, and, as his Instagram bio quips, “Tastebuds est. 1990.” His recent appearance at Birmingham’s Southbound festival, where he teamed up with Andy Long of Maven Restaurant Group for a pop-up dinner, hinted at the kind of bold creativity he’s bringing to Lapeer.
A Design That Sets the Mood
If the food promises elegance with edge, the space promises no less. The 6,500-square-foot restaurant will feature a moody, intimate palette of dark browns, greens, and black, softened by live plants, Balinese custom furniture, and warm wood accents. At its heart: a buzzing lounge with a central bar and two towering wine cages. Guests can choose between multiple dining rooms or reserve the private dining room with access to outdoor seating ideal for celebrations and business dinners alike.
Hours and What to Expect
Lapeer Birmingham will open for both lunch and dinner service, offering:
Monday: 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5–10 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Why It Matters for Birmingham
For a city already on the culinary map, Lapeer’s arrival is both a nod to Birmingham’s growing reputation as a Southern food capital and a celebration of its deep culinary roots. With Hartley at the helm, the restaurant isn’t just another steakhouse it’s an Alabama homecoming with flavors designed to impress locals, wow visitors, and keep Birmingham buzzing long after the doors officially open.
