A new chapter in Birmingham dining begins today as Lapeer Steak & Seafood opens its doors at The Hardwick on First Avenue South. The restaurant, led by Co-Executive Chefs Blake Hartley and Andy Long, reimagines the timeless joy of dining through the lens of a modern steak and seafood house—where prime cuts meet pristine fish and oysters, and every detail is focused on quality and thoughtful dining.

 

A Second Southern Location

With locations in Alpharetta and now Birmingham, Lapeer captures the warmth of a coastal getaway paired with the richness of a classic steakhouse. The menu moves with the tides and seasons: prime and dry-aged beef, wagyu, and hand-cut steaks share the spotlight with fresh Gulf grouper, whole branzino, and briny East Coast oysters. Seasonal vegetables and inventive sides, like crispy broccolini with garlic-scallion oil or creamed corn with serrano peppers, round out the experience.

“At Lapeer, our menu is approachable yet full of playful twists,” says Chef Andy Long. “Think modern steakhouse energy with a coastal edge. We’re all about hand-cut prime beef and fresh seafood sourced straight from the Gulf, East Coast, and Northeast.” 

On the menu, you’ll find a rotating selection of oysters, lobster, scallops, and Jonah crab from Maine and Massachusetts, all shucked and served fresh. “We love a cold, clean seafood cocktail, like our West Indies Crab Salad or Lobster Maison, both served on ice with a bottle of our house-made hot sauce,” Long says.

Long’s sense of fun and familiarity carries through every dish, from buttery benne seed rolls baked fresh daily to a towering bowl of fries with steak jus. The Lapeer Burger, a favorite of Long’s, is best enjoyed kicked back at the bar with a beverage. And for dessert? “Don’t sleep on the Sticky Toffee Ice Cream Sundae,” Long recommends.

For Chef Blake Hartley, the opening of Lapeer Birmingham is also a homecoming. Hartley spent seven years living in Birmingham, working in some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants like Bottega and Hot & Hot Fish Club. “During that time, I was fortunate to learn from incredible mentors who shaped and inspired me, like Frank Stitt, Chris Hastings, John Rolen, Scott Cohen, Paul Yeck, and David Atkinson,” Hartley says. “I also met my wife, Kayleigh, when I was in Birmingham.”

Now based in Georgia, Hartley says his return to the city feels deeply personal: “Our culture at Lapeer is rooted in teamwork and passion—values that are essential when building something new.” The restaurant takes pride in sourcing from purveyors like Allen Brothers Prime Beef from Chicago, Evans Meats and Seafood out of Birmingham, and Foley Fish from Boston. “These partnerships allow us to bring Birmingham tastes from the Southern East Coast all the way to Prince Edward Island,” Hartley says.

Lapeer’s culinary excellence extends beyond the kitchen with a thoughtful beverage program led by Beverage Director Richard Ramirez. A Level One Sommelier, Ramirez curates a wine and cocktail list designed for every palate—from classic pours to inventive seasonal creations. His cocktails, divided into shaken or stirred categories, balance freshness and spirit-forward depth. And his Frozen Espresso Martini, a guest favorite since 2022, remains the only cocktail that’s never left the menu.

A Look Inside Lapeer

Inside, the 272-seat restaurant reflects owner Louis Soon’s Caribbean roots through a palette of black, white, gold, and rich walnut tones—a “steakhouse on the beach” aesthetic that balances sophistication with coastal ease. The design preserves the Hardwick’s historic brickwork and industrial details while layering in modern accents, linen drapery, and soft lighting. The result is moody yet inviting, an atmosphere that mirrors Lapeer’s culinary philosophy: timeless, but never predictable.

Guests can expect a full raw bar and desserts by Pastry Chef Elise Harshbarger, known for her pillowy dinner rolls, blackout chocolate cake, and hand-wrapped caramels that accompany each check.

Hartley sums it up best: “We’re excited to welcome Birmingham and share what we love most—good fellowship, gathering around a table, and celebrating the joy of great food and drink.”

 

Lapeer Steak & Seafood is open Monday through Saturday for dinner and Monday through Thursday for lunch, located at 2308 1st Ave S in The Hardwick, just off the Rotary Trail. Complimentary valet is available at dinner, with free parking for lunch guests. Reservations can be made through OpenTable.