Located in the northern reaches of Alabama, Madison is home to a culinary scene that offers diners everything from heart-warming Southern comfort food and juicy barbecue to authentic Vietnamese and boutique tearoom dining. Check out our list below for tips on dining out in Madison.
One of Madison’s best loved barbecue joints, ChuckWagon BBQ is great-tasting, no-frills dining at its finest. Owned by native Texan Mike Holley, ChuckWagon BBQ is full of tastes and touches from his homeland. A kitsch, shack-style exterior welcomes guests into a pared-back dining room with wooden booths and a distinct Southwestern style. The meats are cooked over ‘Texas fire’, an offset cooking technique where the flame never touches the meat ensuring moist, succulent barbecue every time. Combine beef brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken and sausage with sides that include slaw, potato salad, corn on the cob and baked beans.
ChuckWagon BBQ, 8982 Madison Boulevard, Madison, AL, USA, +1 256 772 5179
A must-try in Madison for anyone with a sweet tooth, Whistle Stop Sweet Shop is a much loved confectioners opened by owner Lynn Crumbly in late 2012 to rave reviews. Located in a charming storefront in historic downtown Madison, Whistle Stop Sweet Shop is a cozy, colorful and welcoming space serving a number of sweet and savory bites, coffee and gelato. Though for a real treat, guests should opt for Lynn’s popular, signature homemade fudge available in flavors that range from chocolate and peanut butter to chocolate caramel sea salt and chewy praline.
Whistle Stop Sweet Shop, 104 Main Street, Madison, AL, USA, +1 256 325 8838
Pie in the Sky Pizza originally started out in Tennessee in 2001, and eleven years later founders Kelly and Caroline Black decided to bring their unique Nashville-style pizzas to Madison. The secret to Pie in the Sky’s pizza pies is a combination of slow-proofed dough, fresh cheese and its delicious signature sauce made from Italian pear tomatoes, sweet garlic, olive oil, sea salt and a secret blend of spices. Choose from simple classics like margherita and quattro formaggio, or a unique pie like the steak and blue with tenderloin, mushroom caps, red onion and gorgonzola crumbles or opt for a classic Italian entrée like spaghetti and meatballs.
Pie in the Sky Pizza, 8141 Highway 72 West, Unit A, Madison, AL, USA, +1 256 722 2112
Owner Victoria Barlowe fulfilled a lifelong dream when she opened Tea With Thee – an elegant, boutique tearoom – in late 2012 and since then has developed a firm following in Madison. She attracts diners looking for a unique experience, and hosts events like tea parties, wedding showers and birthday parties. Alongside Tea With Thee’s range of teas from across the globe (also available for purchase loose leaf), guests can choose from tasty, homemade wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts or opt for its three tiered service which includes a pot of freshly steeped tea and scones, sandwiches and a selection of desserts.
Tea With Thee, 181 Hughes Road, Suite 6, Madison, AL, USA, +1 256 325 8327