The book ( later a film ) Fried Green Tomatoes , by Irondale native Fannie Flagg , is loosely based around the town and the landmark Irondale Cafe , known as The WhistleStop Cafe in the book & film . The book ( later a film ) Fried Green Tomatoes , by Irondale native Fannie Flagg , is loosely based around the town and the landmark Irondale Cafe , known as The Whistle-Stop Cafe in the book & film .