Phoenicia Restaurant: A Birmingham Classic Through George Helms’ Eyes

Few restaurants hold a place in George Helms’ heart quite like Phoenicia Restaurant in downtown Birmingham. More than a favorite dinner spot, Phoenicia represents decades of tradition, hospitality, and culinary excellence.

The Legacy of Sameer Eid

The late Sameer Eid, who passed away at 85, was the beloved founder of Phoenicia. Arriving in the United States in 1961, he built a life rooted in family, hospitality, and his Lebanese heritage. He purchased the Highland Park restaurant that became Phoenicia in 1971, later relocating it to Birmingham, where it has thrived for over 40 years. For more than five decades, Sameer personally oversaw every detail, shaping Phoenicia into one of Michigan’s most celebrated restaurants.

His meticulous care earned praise from critics like Molly Abraham, whose 1973 review first put Phoenicia on the map, and Bob Talbert, who famously wrote, “Sameer serves the best rice pudding in the world—if that rice pudding doesn’t turn your taste buds on, you will need a taste bud transplant.” In 2018, Phoenicia was named the Free Press’ inaugural Restaurant of the Year Classic, and Sameer received the Sylvia Rector Lifetime Achievement Award for Hospitality—a testament to his unmatched influence on Michigan’s dining scene.

Ribs That Define Comfort Food

George always recommends Phoenicia’s legendary ribs, slow-cooked to perfection and glazed with Sameer’s original BBQ sauce. It’s a recipe that carries the history of a restaurateur who believed every plate should feel personal and memorable.

Chicken Rice Soup: An Insider Tip

For those in the know, George offers a pro tip: order Phoenicia’s chicken rice soup with an extra scoop of rice. It’s warm, hearty, and delivers the kind of comfort that only a restaurant steeped in tradition can provide.

The Bar Scene and Community Spirit

Part of Phoenicia’s charm is its welcoming bar. George loves grabbing a stool, chatting with bartenders who know their craft, and catching up with the regulars who make the space feel like a second home. Benny, in particular, is a staple behind the bar—a familiar face whose hospitality and skill help make Phoenicia’s bar one of Birmingham’s friendliest spots. It’s the kind of place where new faces quickly become friends, and the energy of Birmingham’s dining community comes alive.

A Timeless Birmingham Institution

For George Helms, Phoenicia is more than a restaurant—it’s a piece of Birmingham’s soul. Its combination of exceptional food, a storied founder, and a vibrant community atmosphere continues to set it apart. Whether you’re craving unforgettable ribs, a bowl of chicken rice soup, or a friendly conversation at the bar, Phoenicia is the perfect place to experience genuine hospitality and culinary craft.