A trip to Alabama could sound appealing because of the promise of classic Southern dishes.
Yes, but that’s not the whole picture!
Just as there is a wide range of things to see and do in the state, so too does it boast a wide range of excellent restaurants that have gained national renown for their cuisine, ambiance, and service.
From fried chicken to fine fusion fare, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Yellowhammer State.
Read on and get ready to get hungry!
Top Restaurants To Try In Alabama
Bright Star Restaurant
There is a solid reason why The Bright Star is so well-known throughout the state of Alabama.
In business since 1907, this historic restaurant is renowned for its excellent seafood, steaks, and more.
Its ambiance is great for a low-key evening out with pals, and the cuisine is consistently delicious and well-prepared.
You can place an order over the phone or online, but coming into the restaurant is the best way to experience everything Bright Star has to offer.
Join the Royalty Rewards Club at Bright Star, and you can immediately begin collecting points for free meals.
Visit: 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020
Call: (205) 424-9444
Related Reading: Top Resorts In Alabama – Get The Details Here.
Wildflower Cafe
Wildflower Cafe, located in Mentone, AL, is widely regarded as one of the state’s finest dining establishments.
The cafe has lots of artwork on the walls and exudes a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, despite its modest size.
And it frequently features live performances by local musicians.
The Tomato Pie at Wildflower Cafe is its bestseller.
There have been numerous positive reviews and recommendations for this pie.
The media has even taken notice of it.
Burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, soups, and crepes are also on the menu.
Some delectable desserts can be found at the cafe as well.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions.
The welcoming atmosphere of Wildflower Cafe is another reason it’s popular.
A rustic shop selling homemade jams and jellies, candles, pottery, and jewelry may be found just next to the restaurant.
Visit: 6007 AL-117, Mentone, AL 35984
Call: (256) 634-0066
Rattlesnake Saloon
Unique in every way, this restaurant can be found in a historic mining town at the base of the Appalachians.
The Rattlesnake Saloon serves up a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure for tourists, with a menu that highlights regional specialties and historical references.
If you’ve spent the day hiking or visiting the local sights, you’ll appreciate the relaxed, rustic atmosphere of this restaurant.
There is a wide outside patio at this restaurant that looks out over the surrounding countryside and is shaded by a massive rock formation.
Visit: 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Call: (256) 370-7220
Chez Fonfon
You’ll hear conflicting opinions on whether or not this is the best burger joint in the world.
That’s a bit strange because Birmingham’s Chez Fonfon is a bistro serving primarily French cuisine.
Chef Frank Stitt, who also runs the posh Highland’s Bar and Grill, is behind both Chez Fonfon and the aforementioned establishment.
This eatery first opened its doors in 2000 and serves lunch and dinner.
Customers from near and far rave about the burgers at this restaurant.
Trout, steak, and pastries appear to be other favorites.
Chez Fonfon has a wide selection of French wines, and its customers love them.
Patio dining is available at Chez Fonfon, where the service is also top-notch.
It’s also a great place to play boule, a popular French lawn game.
Visit: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Call: (205) 939-3221
360 Grille
Breathtaking views of the Tennessee River and historic downtown Florence may be seen from 360 Grille, which is centrally located in the city.
You’ll be able to see the Riverfront Park and the historic bridge as you dine.
Traditional American dishes, fresh seafood, specialty cocktails, and a comprehensive wine list make up the menu.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or a fun night out with friends, 360 Grille is the place to go.
It serves meals Monday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
Visit: 10 Hightower Pl, Florence, AL 35630
Call: (256) 246-3660
Cafe Dupont
In the Birmingham area, Cafe Dupont is the place to go for a multi-course tasting menu.
American, French, and Southern dishes are served here in 5- and 7-course feasts.
Moreover, you won’t be let down by the menu.
The seafood, steak, and ice cream at Dupont are all top-notch. All special diets can be accommodated, too.
The service is excellent; no complaints there.
The atmosphere is nice as well.
The historic 1870s structure in which Cafe Dupont is housed is part of the restaurant’s allure.
Visit: 113 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Call: (205) 322-1282
Related Reading: Top Restaurants In Orange Beach – Get To Know Here.
Bull Pen Steakhouse
Bull Pen Steakhouse, founded in 1977 and still run by the same family, has been dishing succulent steaks ever since.
This restaurant in the middle of Oakman, Alabama, is famous for its superb steaks, delicious seafood, and tasty homemade sides.
In addition to its lengthy food menu, the restaurant also features a comprehensive wine and beer list.
Try to make a reservation for dinner at Bull Pen Steakhouse, which is open Tuesday through Saturday.
It’s almost always packed.
Bull Pen Steakhouse offers delicious meals and friendly service, guaranteeing a memorable experience.
Visit: 244 School St, Oakman, AL 35579
Call: (205) 622-3999
Bottega Dining Room & Cafe
One of the premier Italian dining establishments in all of Alabama can be found in Birmingham as well.
Locals fondly refer to is the Bottega.
Only the freshest ingredients are used, and the menu is always evolving to reflect this.
Bottega Cafe is renowned for its high-quality fare and friendly service.
Very hip architecture serves as the setting for this eatery.
You may dine indoors or take advantage of the restaurant’s outdoor seating.
Since 1988, Birmingham has been served by The Dining Room.
It was expanded by including the Cafe a few years later.
Some of the most popular dishes at the Dining Room are spaghetti with scallops, hanger steak, and parmesan soufflé.
As for pizza, word on the street is that the Cafe serves up some of the city’s finest!
Visit: 2240 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
Call: (205) 939-1000
Half Shell Oyster House
Half Shell Oyster House is the place to go for delicious and healthy seafood.
Every one of the three Alabama branches — in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile — features the same menu of delicious, locally sourced seafood.
Oysters, shrimp, and crab legs are available at the raw bar in the Birmingham site.
There’s no better location to get together for a relaxed supper than at The Half Shell Oyster House.
In the same way that their food is creative, so are their specialty cocktails and martinis.
Visit: 616 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Call: (205) 882-8080
Kowaliga Restaurant
Southern-style dishes have been served at the family-run Kowaliga restaurant since 1947.
The restaurant’s location on the Lake Martin shoreline makes for spectacular scenery.
Traditional Southern fare such as fried chicken, catfish, and hush puppies are all available.
The eatery boasts a well-stocked bar and hosts weekend performances by local musicians.
Chicken and waffles are Kowaliga’s specialty, and you should try them with the honey-butter sauce. Yum!
Visit: 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd, Alexander City, AL 35010
Call: (256) 215-7035
Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken
Champy’s Fried Chicken is the epitome of a bustling eatery, with menu items including (but not limited to) fried chicken, tenders, hot wings, tamales, and chicken po’boys.
They also provide salads and desserts for you to enjoy.
All signs point to Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken’s hot, juicy, and freshly prepared chicken as the restaurant’s major attraction.
Prices are friendly, and the portions are generous.
The state of Alabama is home to four Champy’s locations: Alabaster, Daphne, Muscle Shoals, and Madison.
Its first restaurant opened in 2009 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The 40-year-old family recipes and techniques are what have helped the chain grow to 8 locations.
Visit: 8020 Madison Blvd, Madison, AL 35758
Call: (256) 325-1633
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been serving up some of Alabama’s best smoked meats since 1925, when 6-foot-4 railroad man Bob Gibson first started selling his dishes from his backyard.
Gibson’s grandson, Don McLemore, and McLemore’s son-in-law, Chris Lilly, are the current owners more than 90 years after Gibson’s passing.
Their barbecue has been recognized with nearly every honor possible, including a record-setting four grand championships in the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is famous for its smoked chicken, which is cooked over hickory wood and then doused in a white sauce made from mayonnaise and vinegar that was devised by Bob Gibson.
The barbecue-packed baked potato, which features your choice of chicken, turkey, pork, or brisket on top of butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chives, and crumbled bacon, is another crowd favorite.
Visit: 1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601
Call: (256) 350-6969
Related Reading: Restaurants In Dauphin Island – Check Them Out Here.
Acre
Acre is an Auburn, Alabama, bistro. David Bancroft, the chef, opened the establishment in 2013.
Salads, pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches are just some of the options available at Acre.
The restaurant also features a bar where guests can order drinks, both alcoholic and otherwise.
Customers have raved about Acre, praising the excellent meals and helpful staff. Critics have also given the restaurant great marks, with many applauding the uniqueness of the food.
If you find yourself in Auburn and in search of a fantastic eatery, look no farther than Acre.
Craft cocktails, charcuterie, and small plates with a Southern twist are presented in a stylish, rustic setting.
Visit: 210 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
Call: (334) 546-3763
SpringHouse
The lakefront property known as SpringHouse can be found in Alexander City, Alabama.
This classy eatery specializes in Southern food and welcomes vegans and vegetarians.
The cuisine at this restaurant, which is located in a setting straight out of a fairy tale, is always evolving to make the most of the seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats that are available in the area.
It has a stellar reputation thanks to its tasty food and competent staff.
Additionally, Springhouse offers a decent wine collection.
The sunsets here are spectacular, so bring a date!
Visit: 12 Benson Mill Rd, Alexander City, AL 35010
Call: (256) 215-7080
The Gulf
Fresh seafood is the specialty of this restaurant, which also boasts breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Shrimp, crab, and fish are just some of the seafood options available here.
The Gulf serves both lunch and dinner, and there’s a bar to pass the time while you wait and take in the scenery.
Visit: 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Call: (251) 424-1800
Hot and Hot Fish Club
The Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham has been feeding the people of Alabama a menu that combines Southern and French, and Californian influences since 1994.
This restaurant is well-liked for its trendy decor, open kitchen with a chef’s station, and delicious, artfully prepared food.
Hot and Hot Fish Club is famous for its specialties, which include fish, tomato salad, and chicken fried steak.
They also have an excellent wine selection.
Those who wish to dine at this restaurant should plan ahead due to its stellar reputation for both food and service.
You’ll have to reserve your table!
Visit: 2901 2nd Ave S Suite 110, Birmingham, AL 35233
Call: (205) 933-5474
Simp McGhee’s
It’s common knowledge among the locals that the best pub fare in Decatur can be found at this dive bar from the ’70s.
The wings are to die for, and the divey ambiance is great for watching the game and drinking beer with your buddies.
Not only do they serve up delicious wings, but they also have a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches.
If you’re there, try not to miss their BBQ wings.
They also provide a wide variety of draft beers and have a well-stocked bar.
Visit: 725 Bank St, Decatur, AL 35601
Call: (256) 353-6284
Surin 280
Located in the heart of Birmingham, this sophisticated Thai restaurant serves up a menu full of tasty and genuine Thai fare.
The upscale setting is ideal for a romantic evening or special celebration, and the staff is kind and attentive.
Chefs Nan and Surin Sriratana founded this restaurant in 2010 and have been receiving rave reviews ever since.
The two chefs have put together dishes that combine modern techniques with classic Thai ingredients.
So, it should come as no surprise that Surin 280 is widely regarded as one of Alabama’s finest dining establishments.
Visit: 16 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham, AL 35243
Call: (205) 968-8161
Related Reading: Best Restaurants In Gulf Shores – Get The Info Here.
Hildegard’s German Cuisine
If you’re in Huntsville and you have a hankering for some genuine German fare, you need to visit this modest little establishment.
The schnitzel is a top pick, but any dish from the extensive menu is sure to satisfy.
Swiss immigrant Hildegard Zweifel opened the restaurant in 1980, and her son Michael now runs it.
Traditional German furnishings and décor give the main dining area an intimate, time-worn atmosphere.
Visit: 2357 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35801
Call: (256) 512-9776
Big Bad Breakfast
Having a high-quality breakfast is especially important because it sets the tone for the rest of your day.
One fantastic choice is Big Bad Breakfast, located in Florence, Alabama.
The restaurant’s breakfast menu has options that will appeal to everyone in your family.
You can find anything from pancakes and waffles to eggs and bacon to get your day started off right.
If you’re trying to cut calories, they also offer a variety of healthy options for lunch.
Visit: 315 N Court St, Florence, AL 35630
Call: (256) 415-8545
Central Restaurant
The Central Restaurant on Coosa Street in Montgomery, Alabama, is a classic American eatery known for its inventive cuisine and hip warehouse decor.
Guests will be lavished with superb service at this upscale restaurant.
Classic American fare with a modern spin is always on the menu, even if it does frequently change to reflect the best seasonal ingredients.
If you’re in the area, you must try their seafood from the Gulf.
No place prepares quite like Central.
Visit: 129 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Call: (334) 517-1155
Gambino’s
Gambino’s is a family owned restaurant that has been providing authentic, homemade Italian fare for over 30 years.
Tourists and locals alike love Gambino’s, which is conveniently located in the middle of downtown Fairhope.
Gambino’s has a wide variety of Italian dishes, including their famous lasagna and chicken parmesan.
In addition to serving food, the restaurant also offers a full bar with an extensive wine list, beer list, and cocktail menu.
The bakery’s specialty is cakes, and if you’re getting married, they’ll customize a magnificent cake just for you.
Visit: 18 Laurel Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
Call: (251) 990-0995
Fisher’s Upstairs
New Orleans native and two-time semi-finalist for best chef in the South at the James Beard Foundation Awards, Bill Briand opened this casual yet classy Orange Beach restaurant.
His goal was to pay homage to both his Louisiana heritage and his new Lower Alabama home.
Fisher’s is, in fact, two restaurants in one: the downstairs, more casual Fisher’s Dockside, and the upstairs, fancier Fisher’s Upstairs.
Dinner at Fisher’s Upstairs has dishes including roasted Bon Secour oysters, braised pork cheeks, grilled jumbo scallops, and braised Mississippi rabbit with pappardelle.
Visit: 27075 Marina Rd #300, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Call: (251) 981-7305
Bates House of Turkey
Bates House of Turkey has been a fixture on I-65 between Montgomery and Mobile since its completion in 1970.
It is a staple for people heading south to the beach as well as those heading north on their way home.
Smoked turkey sandwiches on sesame seed buns and traditional roasted turkey dinners with cornbread dressing and cranberry sauce are always available here.
Visit: 1001 Fort Dale Rd, Greenville, AL 36037
Call: (334) 382-6123
Chef Troy’s Talk of the Town Restaurant
After more than a decade of grinding in the restaurant industry in Huntsville, Alabama, Troy Hill started his own establishment, Chef Troy’s Talk of the Town, in the sleepy suburb of Houston in 2009.
The eatery serves breakfast and lunch Sunday through Wednesday and dinner Thursday through Saturday.
Dishes like chipotle corn soup, Cajun fried green beans, a Philly cheesesteak omelet, an andouille sausage po’ boy, and Cajun shrimp and cheese grits are among the restaurant’s most popular items.
Some dessert options are watermelon pie, Butterfinger cake, and Reese’s Peanut Butter pie.
Visit: 4815 Co Rd 63, Houston, AL 35572
Call: (205) 489-1700
Gaines Ridge Dinner Club
Gaines Ridge Dinner Club was opened in 1985 and is housed in a two-story antebellum house that dates back to the late 1820s.
The restaurant welcomes the public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and can also be booked for special occasions.
Shrimp cocktail, ribeye steaks, blackened snapper, shrimp scampi, fried catfish, and charbroiled chicken are just some of the items you can order.
The state of Alabama has compiled a list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die,” and the restaurant’s Black Bottom Pie is included on that list.
Also, the historic house is rumored to be haunted, so if a ghost shows up in the middle of supper, chill out and say hi.
Visit: 933 AL-10, Camden, AL 36726
Call: (334) 682-9707
Chuck’s Fish
The late Charles “Chuck” Morgan II is a native of Mountain Brook who attended the University of Alabama for both his undergraduate and legal education.
He had a long and successful career as a civil rights lawyer who was unafraid to take on the white establishment in the South.
Morgan, who wasn’t much of a fisherman, won a fishing event alongside his friend and fellow civil rights champion Julian Bond because they caught a king mackerel that weighed 30 pounds.
It was so large that it was dubbed “Chuck’s Fish.”
Chuck’s Fish was the obvious name for the premium seafood restaurant that Morgan’s son, restaurateur Charles Morgan III, founded in 2006 in the heart of Tuscaloosa.
Two new locations later, he now has branches in both Birmingham and Mobile.
Now that you know how Chuck’s Fish came to be, I’ll tell you about some of the food you can get there.
Grouper in a parmesan crust, red snapper in a wine sauce, blackened fish tacos, stuffed shrimp, crab cakes, and steak and chicken in a pan sauce are available for us landlubbers.
Nearly 40 unique sushi rolls, such as the Roll Tide (eel, avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon), are available at the sushi bar.
Visit: 508 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Call: (205) 548-9370
Related Reading: Taco Tuesday – More Here.
Touch of Home Bakery
Touch of Home Bakery in Livingston is open for breakfast and lunch five days a week, and its baked goods are famous across the state.
Meatloaf, lasagna, fried catfish, poppy seed chicken, roast beef, taco salad, and chicken pot pie are among the daily lunch dishes served with rolls baked fresh in-house.
Definitely pick up some sourdough bread, a whole pie, or a piece of caramel cake to enjoy at home.
Visit: 90 North St, Livingston, AL 35470
Call: (205) 652-6561
Related Reading: Italian Restaurants In Mobile – Check Out Here.
Jon Boy’s Smoke House
Nearly 20 years in the business, Jon Boy’s Smoke House is renowned for its barbecue, specifically its pulled pork plates and sandwiches, ribs, and chicken, all of which are smoked over locally sourced pecan wood.
Along with favorites like fried chicken and spaghetti, the dinner menu also contains ribeye steaks, hand-pattied burgers, fried catfish, grilled and fried shrimp, and fried oysters.
This is humble food that truly shines.
Visit: 102 Lafayette Hwy, Roanoke, AL 36274
Call: (334) 863-5511
Sisters’ Restaurant
There’s a homey restaurant on US 231 in Troy run by siblings Pat Rogers and Geraldine Umbehagen, where you can get baked chicken, fried pork chops, and country-fried steak for lunch every day.
Thursday nights and Sundays after church, you may enjoy Sisters’ country buffet, and on Fridays, you can dig into the restaurant’s seafood spread.
The banana pudding is famously delicious, so save room if you can.
Visit: 1315 US-231, Troy, AL 36081
Call: (334) 566-0064
David’s Catfish House
David’s Catfish House, a Monroeville staple since 1986, was often frequented by Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and by tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the notoriously reclusive author until her passing in 2013.
Visitors and locals alike love coming back for the catfish sandwiches, cheese grits, coleslaw, and hushpuppies.
In addition to burgers, steaks, and oysters, David’s also offers shrimp and oysters.
The chain has four more sites in Southern Alabama.
Visit: 15 US-84, Monroeville, AL 36460
Call: (251) 575-3460
Dauphin’s
Bob Baumhower, a former Alabama and NFL football player turned restaurateur, has opened Dauphin’s, an upscale restaurant on the 34th floor of downtown Mobile’s Trustmark Building with a stunning view of Mobile Bay.
In addition to honoring Baumhower’s former NFL team, the Miami Dolphins, the name also pays tribute to the French colonists who founded the city “Dauphin” was the title given to the heir to the French heir.
Ono Island tuna, pecan-encrusted fish, fried okra, fried green tomatoes with Alabama shrimp, and Gumbo Z’Herb are just some of the classic coastal dishes with Caribbean and Creole influences on the menu.
Visit: 107 St Francis St Suite 3400, Mobile, AL 36602
Call: (251) 444-0200
The Red Barn
You can’t miss The Red Barn if you’re driving through Marengo County on US-80. It’s literally a bright, red barn.
A wagon-wheel chandelier and creaky wooden floorboards inside the barn give it an Old West feel despite its relatively young age (the barn is 60 years old).
Guests can choose from a variety of substantial entrees, including pork chops, chicken wings, fried chicken, potato skins, and fried pickles.
There are also seafood options like fried oysters, grilled salmon, and fried, boiled, or grilled shrimp.
Visit: 901 US-80, Demopolis, AL 36732
Call: (334) 654-5005
Cotton Row
Chef James Boyce has a famed restaurant group, but Cotton Row is the group’s crown jewel.
Cotton Row, a three-story brick building originally constructed in 1821, was renovated by Boyce and his wife Suzan in 2008 to become one of the best restaurants in Alabama for contemporary Southern fare.
While the oven-roasted Gulf red snapper and herb-crusted Colorado rack of lamb are always on the menu, their offerings change seasonally to reflect what’s fresh.
Among the “Most Amazing Eats in Alabama,” the peanut butter and jelly in phyllo was a recent Food Network pick for dessert.
Visit: 100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Call: (256) 382-9500
Huggin Molly’s
Abbeville is the place where Jimmy Rane, the “Yella Fella” from the Great Southern Wood ads, grew up.
He still has a lot of devotion to his hometown, which he had restored to how it looked when he was a boy.
Huggin’ Molly’s, a cafe and ice cream parlor in a tiny town, gets its name from a legendary figure from the area.
Rumor has it she would lurk in the shadows before springing on an unsuspecting victim with a bear hug.
Mr. Tony’s Spaghetti, inspired by a family secret passed down from Anthony J. Rane Sr., is a crowd favorite.
Visit: 129 Kirkland St, Abbeville, AL 36310
Call: (334) 585-7000
Highlands Bar & Grill (Temporarily Closed )
Birmingham’s Highlands Bar & Grill is consistently ranked as one of the state’s best restaurants.
As a seasonal eatery, it features Southern dishes with a French twist. And if you happen to be in the area, you simply must stop by!
In order to keep things interesting, the high-end menu here is updated daily.
You can count on one thing, which is the baked grits, their most ordered item.
Lamb chops, crab cakes, and roast pork are also popular choices.
Moreover, the restaurant’s award-winning pastry chef has created some truly unforgettable sweets that you must try before you go.
In 1982, the chef-owned restaurant first welcomed customers.
No matter what you’re looking for in a restaurant, the food, service, or ambiance, this one has it all.
If you wish to eat at Highland’s Bar and Grill, you need to make a reservation well in advance because a lot of folks want to get in!
Visit: 2011 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Call: (205) 939-1400
Related Reading: Breakfast Restaurants in Mobile, AL – Check Out Here.
Final Thoughts
Alabama is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, from the dense woods and flowing rivers of the northern mountains to the fertile Black Belt and the coastal plains in the south.
It’s also packed with culture from its many influences and historical events.
It’s no wonder that Alabama has a diverse food scene that highlights the residents’ creativity and spirit.
