#Restaurants in Alabama

[inboundremblog]

Signature Dishes You Can't Ignore at Alabama Restaurants

Credit: Image by Ahmad No More | Pexels

12 Unforgettable Foods to Sample in Alabama Restaurants

Choosing the right place to eat can often mean pulling out your phone to search for popular spots in the area, not to mention figuring out what to order. For food lovers, Alabama's culinary scene is like a treasure chest waiting to be discovered! Deciding what to try first can feel overwhelming, especially when you're looking to experience the true essence of Southern cooking. To help you out, here are 12 unforgettable dishes you must try at Alabama restaurants!

1. Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Most other parts of the country use BBQ with tomato-based sauces, but the home state of Alabama bases its signature style on a different kind of white sauce with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices. This tangy and creamy sauce is usually served over smoked chicken, though it goes flawlessly well with other meat dishes. And although you can find it in patches across BBQ joints around the state, Big Bob Gibson's BBQ in Decatur fits the bill for its flavor.

2. Fried Green Tomatoes

Another Southern classic that you can't miss is fried green tomatoes. This is a staple in several restaurants in Alabama and is usually served as an appetizer or side order. It begins with unripe tart tomatoes coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and then fried in oil. This creates a crunchy but golden outer layer that is soft and tangy inside. Try them at The Irondale Caféfor a truly authentic taste. This iconic spot, located just outside Birmingham, is said to have invented the dish!

3. Gulf Coast Shrimp

One wouldn't do themselves justice if they left the Gulf Coast without trying one local favorite: shrimp. Sweet and tender, these daily catches are cooked in every fashion imaginable, like boiled, fried, grilled, or spicy shrimp boil. They consistently taste fresh and delicious, no matter how they are prepared. A great place to try this local delicacy is Lucy Buffett's Lulu's Restaurant in Gulf Shores, where the shrimp is served in various dishes, including shrimp po'boys and shrimp and grits.

4. Seafood Gumbo

Gumbo is a Louisiana classic with a thick, savory broth with bold flavors, seafood, vegetables, and rice. Alabama's coastal cities put their twist on it, and restaurants add their own toppings. Usually, it’s loaded with shrimp, crab, oysters, and sometimes fish. It’s perfectly seasoned and smoky. The locals’ choice for the best-rich flavorful bowl is Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile.

5. Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is an Alabama staple at any Alabama restaurant. Hushpuppies and coleslaw usually accompany its tender, flaky flesh. Cornmeal is often used to season the batter. It provides that crunchy texture and flavorful coating. You will get a fantastic plate at the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores: crispy, juicy, and delicious.

6. Hot Chicken

Any of Alabama's hot chicken joints will not have any of its spice-looking customers disappointed. A variation of Nashville's hot chicken, Alabama's very own means your plate is layered with crispy fried chicken covered with a spice seasoning mix. Cayenne pepper and paprika, among others, bring on the heat. It is served over a slice of bread topped with pickles. Check out Hattie B's Hot Chicken in Birmingham, which offers crispy, spicy, and flavorful pieces.

7. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is among the best sweet Southern desserts. It is rich and satisfying, made with a sticky, caramelized filling and loaded with crunchy pecans. It's a must-have dessert, especially when dining in Alabama in the fall or winter. Montgomery's Alabama State Farmers Market offers some of the finest creations, with a buttery crust and rich filling.

8. Chicken and Dumplings

Comfort food comes to mind at the mere mention of chicken and dumplings. Tasty and tender chicken pieces in a savory broth with soft, pillowy dumplings represent the epitome of an old favorite Southern dish. It is perfect when you need a warm and filling meal to see you through the winter months. Alabama has its version, with a twist on the seasoning, making it extra unique. You can find a great bowl of chicken and dumplings at G's Country Kitchen, serving a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

9. Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy are a breakfast staple in Alabama. Combining rich gravy and light biscuits is satisfying to start the day. You'll find this dish at many Alabama diners, but The Orginal Pancake House in Birmingham is famous for its perfectly baked biscuits and creamy, flavorful gravy.

10. Barbecued Ribs

Alabama knows how to do BBQ, right. There's nothing quite like the excitement of smoked, tender, barbecued ribs. Meat falling right off the bone and smokiness marrying with tanginess in the sauce makes a heavenly bite. The ribs taste incredible, whether accompanied by baked beans, cornbread, or coleslaw. Visit Saw's BBQ in Birmingham, famous for perfectly smoked ribs and luscious sides.

11. Collard Greens

A Southern meal always includes collard greens. Cooked very slowly, the greens swim in a rich broth, often flavored with some pieces of ham hocks or bacon. This dish perfectly complements Southern dishes like fried chicken, BBQ, and catfish. Hattie's Soul Food serves some of the best collard greens in the state, making them the perfect side to accompany seafood.

12. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a common dish all over the South, but Alabama's twist on the classic is spectacular. Plump shrimp sizzle in garlic and spices with each bite, served over creamy grits. It's almost always topped off with a savory sauce; sometimes, bacon or sausage adds to the flavor. Orange Beache's GTs On The Bay is most remembered for its fantastic shrimp and grits, which are flavorful and served piping hot.

Conclusion

Alabama restaurants never disappoint whether you're in the mood for comfort food or fresh Gulf Coast seafood. The dining scene is diverse and rich in flavor, with dishes representing the state's deep Southern roots. The next time you find yourself here, sample these 12 unforgettable dishes and taste the best of what Alabama offers.

Explore the best Alabama restaurants at https://localpropertyinc.com/lifestyle/restaurants/ and experience authentic Southern cuisine and hospitality.

Discover must-try dishes at Alabama restaurants highlighting the unique flavors of the South.

[angelx1992]

[atomic-man]

The Red Cat Coffee Shop in Birmingham, Alabama.

Note the view of Sloss Furnace out the window.

[narrettwist]

I am willing to suffer for good food.

[icleanedthisplate]

Cream of Asparagus Soup, Artisanal Cheese Platter (shared), Pan-Seared Gulf Yellowfin Tuna, Brown Sugar Cake w/Buttercream Icing. The Bottle Restaurant. Huntsville, Alabama. 1.10.2024.

NOTE TO SELF: The Downtown Huntsville food scene continues to impress. The soup was good, though the server described it as like a broccoli and cheese, which was no accurate. The dominant flavor was lime, there was no cheese. The cheese platter was fine, but I wouldn't order it again. The tuna was stupid good. I don't know what spices were on it, but it was salty and peppery and exhilarating in every bite. Everything on the plate worked so well together -- spicy kimchi, sweet seaweed, earthy beans and grains, and chewy tuna. I know it's early in the year, but this is likely a top 10 meal. Not picture, I also got the brown sugar cake, but it was too sweet to really elevate the meal for me. Can't wait to come back to this place and try more things.

Currently ranked first of seven January meals.

[jamesmillerphoto]

Table Settings 2023-01-29 | Huntsville Alabama Canon T3i/600D | 50mm f1.8 | Digital

[tiniwilson]

I sat in #traffic most of my day.. #ventured out to #alabama went to #auburn and #opelika but didn’t stop to #eat til I got back to #phenixcity Went into #jscatchmarket and these are the #freahest #biggest #shrimp I’ve had in a long time!! #bestseafood I’ve eaten in Years!! Absolutely #5stars #tiniwilson #restaurant #hotel #business #review #reviwer #brandambassador #foodie #foodporn #yummy #nom (at Opelika, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpEODEupvmZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[johnjhalseth]

Nikki Davis and Jordan Ploss at Almeida's Mexican Restaurant in Chatom, AL.

[libraford]

The word 'rural' is in the public consciousness again and every time people start going in about the 'rural values' 'rural way of life' I remember just how subjective that word is.

I have a friend that lives in LA. He considers Columbus, OH to be 'rural.' A population of over 900k. Thriving arts community, tons of culture festivals, every kind of restaurant you can think of, one of the most annoying college campuses ever, several smaller colleges, lots of queer spaces, comic book conventions, huge concerts... rural.

The town I live in considers itself 'rural.' 38k population. Arts festival every year, a small pride celebration, monthly gallery hop, big Halloween festival. Five ice cream shops, three coffee shops, a couple fancy bars, so many grocery stores. Huge library, conservation and sustainability advocates, queer spaces, a hospital, one private college. Rural.

The town we nearly annexed, but lost the deal considers us 'urban' compared to them. Less than 5k. They have a limited hospital, often send their surgeries here. Downtown has hardware store, bars, craft supply store, a couple grocery stores, pizza places. There's some farmland, but much of the square acreage is golf. Mega churches. The houses here are 500k. Most people drive ATVs. They have a handful of festivals in the summer.

A town I would often get sent to to cover their high school sports- a little over 2k. There's a Subway, a Domino's, Family Dollar. Some bars, some corner stores. Some local crafts. All the students grow up knowing each other, most of them stay there. But they have craft fairs and art galleries, still.

Less rural still than the town I go through to get there, population of around 600. Houses, farmland, post office, general store.

Who would still look down upon the town of about 400 that I would go to sometimes- post office. Gas station. Bar. The school is the only big thing there.

And yet still, I have seen towns with population in the double digits that have a church and a post office.

Even just looking at the numbers doesn't lend accuracy to what 'rural' actually looks like. Because this is what it looks like in ohio, but it's different in West Virginia- where your closest neighbor might be a mile down a hill. Or in Montana, where your town might be planned very tightly and your neighbors are very close, but the nearest grocery store is an hour and a half away. These are places I've been, friends that I've talked to. I've never been to Missouri or Alabama or Louisiana- I'm sure they have a unique experience of being 'rural.'

So my point is that when people talk about 'the rural experience' or 'rural values,' they are talking about millions of people across the entire country who all have lived unique lives- and who may not even agree on what 'rural' is.

Think about who is talking, and who is being talked over, and who isn't even being asked to join the conversation.

[vangoghcoffeeco]

my favorite restaurant thing is when a big chain closes a location/franchisee closes a location and a local family restaurant buys it and renovates it. i love you every single Chinese and Indian buffet and Japanese and Mexican restaurant that has two letters with their lights out in Serif font on the top of an awkwardly shaped building I love you I love you.

[moteldogs]

oh so when I’m mouthy it’s all fun and games but when my woman coworkers backtalk they get in trouble. ok

[caaaaaaaaaaaaaampbell]

To the guy that used to mostly work in the back but now waits tables at Jon Boys in Roanoke Alabama:

👉👈 I think ur cute

[alabamare]

My Favorite downtown Fairhope Restaurants

Dragonfly is my downtown Fairhope restaurant obsession. Yet, one you’ll also hear a lot about from fellow locals is Sage. Sage Lebanese Cuisine is a cozy store front, with low light candles, authentic decor and photos lining the walls of the many celebrities that have visited there. My personal favorite menu items there are the garlic labneh served with warm pita and the Sage lemonade is divine.…

[kensfoodfind]

Pappadeaux

Dad’s Favorite Restaurant!

Last week (in March 2023), I wrote on my main blog about the birthday dinner that my sister and I treated my Dad to at Coastal Fish Company. While he loved his dinner, if he had his way, he would have gone to Pappadeaux instead liked we did a few years ago when the family traveled to Birmingham, Alabama (the closest Pappadeaux location) to celebrate his eightieth birthday. Apparently, he REALLY likes the New Orleans-themed restaurant chain. So in light of that, I am presenting a mini review of Pappadeaux.

Returning from a Thanksgiving trip from my sister Kathy's house in suburban Atlanta last year, my Dad wanted to make a stopover in Birmingham for lunch at Pappadeaux (by the way, "Pappadeaux" is part of a large conglomerate of restaurants owned by a Greek family named Pappas). Once we arrived and got seated, my Dad was anxious to order his favorite menu item, the seafood platter.

Consisting of fried catfish (among my Dad's favorites), shrimp, fried oysters and stuffed crab, the seafood platter is a lot of food to consume. While I can't vouch for the quality of it, the fact that my Dad would rather travel 250 miles from Memphis to have this says a lot about the entrée. Then again, when you like something that much (like I did decades ago when I trekked a hundred miles from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Denver to have brunch at a LePeep restaurant), you embrace it lovingly. Needless to say, he really enjoyed his lunch, making my sister Kim and I very happy.

For myself, I got the Mississippi Catfish Opelousas with a glass of white wine (Pinot Grigio). From what I can remember, the "Opelousas" (named after a town in Louisiana) was blackened catfish smothered in gravy (aka "lemon garlic butter sauce") that had oysters and crab in it, with shrimp and "dirty" rice as sides. The gravy/sauce added a sour sweet flavor to the catfish in a way that made it delightful, especially when paired with white wine. The the shrimp and rice tasted as well as I expected, contributing to a delicious meal that I enjoyed.

As for my sister Kim, she got a plate of shrimp and spinach that I couldn't discern from Pappadeaux's menu. Whatever it was, I'm confident that Kim liked it.

In the end, all of us got fulfillment from our meals and left Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen happy. I can see why my Dad will literally go out of his way to his favorite restaurant. The food and service at Pappadeaux is excellent, and gets a thumbs up from my family. I hope someday that Memphis gets a Pappadeaux restaurant, but my family will be making frequent trips to Birmingham until it does.

Website: Pappadeaux.com

FYI: The "location" feature on the website isn't great. When I typed "Memphis, TN" in the website's search bar, it yielded nothing. So if you're looking for a Pappadeaux that's close to you, you're better off Googling it. By the way, assuming that the website is correct, Pappadeaux doesn't have a restaurant in New Orleans (even though N'awlins doesn't need it 🙂).

[mimi-0007]

Mary Lumpkin (1832–1905) was an American former slave and owner of the property on which stood Lumpkin's Jail, a notorious slave jail. Mary was purchased by Robert Lumpkin around 1840 and made to act as his wife. She had the first of her seven children with him at age 13; two children died as infants. Mary "reportedly told [Robert] that he could treat her however he wanted as long as their kids remained free". Two of their daughters attended a Massachusetts finishing school.

Robert purchased Lumpkin's Jail in 1844. Mary is known to have secretly provided a hymnal for escaped slave Anthony Burns, imprisoned there in 1854. Prior to the American Civil War, she and her children went to live in Philadelphia, where Mary owned a house. After the war, Robert and Mary were legally married. She attended the First African Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia.

In 1866 Robert died and Mary inherited Lumpkin's Jail, as well as properties in Richmond, Huntsville, Alabama, and Philadelphia; she was also named the executor of his will. She leased the jail property in 1867 to Nathaniel Colver, who used it to establish the Richmond Theological School for Freedmen (now Virginia Union University). The school moved to a different location by 1873 and Lumpkin sold the land.

Lumpkin operated a restaurant in New Orleans alongside one of her daughters. She died in 1905 in New Richmond, Ohio. She was buried in Samarian Cemetery.

A street at Virginia Union University was named in honor of Lumpkin. Author Sadeqa Johnson based the protagonist of her book Yellow Wife on her. Hakim Lucas, President of Virginia Union University, stated that "Virginia Union University is the legacy of Mary Lumpkin, but it is also the legacy of every African American woman that's alive today and has lived and struggled before for her children... Mary Lumpkin represents the highest form of the ideal of what social justice means for us in our world today".

[jamesmillerphoto]

Terrace Summer 2023 | Huntsville Alabama | Digital Notes: This space reminded me of places you see in Mirror's Edge: Catalyst