COMING SOON: BAYONET Celebrated Chef Rob McDaniel announces his second concept, slated to open in early 2025

Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily McDaniel, are thrilled to announce their second restaurant concept, Bayonet. Known for their critically acclaimed restaurant, Helen, the husband-and-wife team is expanding their vision with a bold, seafood-forward concept in downtown Birmingham. Slated to open in early 2025, Bayonet will feature an innovative menu of sustainably sourced seafood and raw bar offerings, served in a vibrant and lively atmosphere.  

The name Bayonet is inspired by the striking Spanish Bayonet plant, symbolizing strength, resilience, and endurance—qualities that reflect the restaurant’s ethos and vision. Located directly adjacent to Helen, Bayonet aims to introduce guests to an elevated dining experience that pushes the boundaries of Southern seafood. 

The Menu 

Bayonet will serve as both a spirited raw bar and an innovative seafood-forward restaurant, presenting thoughtfully composed dishes with vibrant, locally inspired flavors. Drawing inspiration from culinary traditions across the country, the menu will include both familiar raw bar classics and bold, unexpected creations. Guests can expect frequent menu changes with offerings such as salads, chowders, crudos, sandwiches, toasts, and elevated entrees.  

The raw bar will be a central feature, showcasing an extensive selection of raw seafood with an emphasis on purveyors committed to sustainable sourcing practices. Each dish will be crafted with advanced preparation techniques to highlight its quality and freshness.  

“We’re excited to introduce Birmingham to an unexpected dining experience that’s as bold and vibrant as the seafood we serve,” said Co-Owner and Executive Chef Rob McDaniel. “Bayonet will challenge expectations by presenting new and creative ways to enjoy seafood while remaining approachable and fun.” 

The Experience 

Bayonet will offer an all-day menu starting at 11 AM, with dinner options available beginning at 5 PM. The beverage program will feature an array of cocktails, champagnes, and a curated selection of wines, all carefully chosen to complement the seafood fare.  

The space has been thoughtfully brought to life through a collaboration with Clement Architecture & Design and Prier Construction—marking their second project together—as well as custom metalwork artist John Howell, whose craftsmanship adds a distinctive and artistic touch. Bold interiors, designed by Ivy Schuster of Hatcher Schuster Interiors, will evoke excitement and adventure, featuring soaring 17-foot ceilings, a custom-built raw bar, and statement commissioned artwork from local artist Roscoe Hall. The space will seat 54 guests, which includes 10 raw bar seats and 12 bar seats, as well as an inviting parlor ideal for gathering over drinks, light bites, and oysters. 

Adding to the dining experience, Civil Stoneware, a neighbor on 2nd Avenue North, has crafted custom pottery and plateware, infusing the space with vibrant colors and textures that enhance each dish’s presentation. The creative vision is rounded out by Matt Harris, whose thoughtful design of the brand identity and assets ties together the restaurant’s adventurous spirit. 

The Team  

The restaurant team is comprised of Rob McDaniel as Co-Owner and Executive Chef, Emily McDaniel as Co-Owner, Daniel Goslin as General Manager, Jesse Legg and Taylor Harris as Sou Chefs, and Candace Foster as Pastry Chef. The team plans to announce additional hires in the coming months. 

Bayonet is located next door to Helen at 2015 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Hours of operation will be 11 AM – 9 PM Monday through Saturday, with valet service beginning at 4:30 PM. The restaurant will not offer reservations. 

About Bayonet: 

Bayonet is the second concept from celebrated Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily McDaniel, with Daniel Goslin as the General Manager. This spirited raw bar and innovative seafood-forward restaurant features an extensive menu of sustainably sourced seafood. Each dish is thoughtfully composed and paired with vibrant, locally inspired flavors. Guests are immersed in bold, lively interiors designed to evoke excitement and unpredictability. The space boasts soaring 17-foot ceilings, a custom-built raw bar, and walls adorned with statement commissioned artwork. Bayonet offers an intimate yet dynamic dining experience with seating for 54 guests that includes 10 raw bar seats, and an inviting parlor perfect for gathering over drinks. The name Bayonet, inspired by the bold and edgy Spanish Bayonet plant, symbolizes strength, resilience, and endurance—qualities that define the restaurant’s ethos. Located directly adjacent to the McDaniels’ acclaimed debut concept, Helen, Bayonet promises an elevated and unforgettable dining adventure. 

Bayonet 

2015 2nd Avenue North  

Birmingham, AL 35203 

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