Best Restaurants And Cafes In Alabama, USA
Steeped in rich cultural traditions and vibrant flavors, the state of Alabama has much to offer the culinary-minded diner. We take a look at 10 of the best restaurants to experience great food in the heart of Dixie.
Acre
Visitors will find more than just a football-obsessed college town in Auburn. Located in historic downtown, Acre is a restaurant dedicated to bringing the community upscale takes on traditional dishes. Its dining room is bright and open, with simple decor, neutral colors, and large windows that let sunlight pour in. The menu at Acre is full of reinvented Southern classics, like deep fried gouda grits, Mississippi catfish tacos, and bourbon chocolate pecan pie. Sit back with one of their signature cocktails, like the chilton co. peach julep, and bask.
Chez Fonfon
Deep in the American South lies a delightful slice of France. Chez Fonfon is a cafe, open for lunch and dinner. The dining room includes design elements and decor pieces imported from overseas, to create a spot-on French bistro atmosphere. The restaurant even offers an outdoor courtyard with French lawn games. Chez Fonfon’s menu offers bistro classics like moules e frites, croque madame, and trout amandine. Customers especially like the restaurant’s hamburger and steak frites. With friendly staff, and an impressive wine list to complement any meal, this is the place in Birmingham for comfortable French fare.
Hot and Hot Fish Club
Dishes at Hot and Hot Fish Club are both a feast for the stomach and for the eyes. Plating and presentation are taken seriously, and food comes out of the kitchen looking artful. The cuisine is heavily inspired by produce available seasonally, and ingredients are sourced from local food purveyors. The menu changes frequently, but guests often come for dishes like cauliflower soup with truffle oil, and rabbit roulade with farro risotto and mustard greens. It is easy to see why Hot and Hot Fish Club has received so many awards and accolades. The atmosphere and the food are both elegant and perfectly executed.
Fisher’s
Fisher’s is actually two restaurants in one; both serving fresh seafood, but in slightly different atmospheres. Fisher’s Upstairs is upscale and elegant, while still reflecting the oceanic location with light, breezy decor. The Upstairs menu offers fine dishes like seared scallops and grilled swordfish. Fisher’s Dockside is decidedly more relaxed; styled with whimsical fish artwork, and giving guests dreamy patio seating. The Dockside menu offers several sandwich, taco, and salad options. Don’t fret too much over deciding between the two. From either of the restaurants, guests enjoy stunning views of the Orange Beach Marina, and unparalleled fresh seafood.
Cotton Row
Cotton Row is housed in a historic building that is nearly 200 years old. The restaurant embraces the heritage of its location and Southern roots. Inside, the dining room is romantically lit, and simply decorated. Outdoor seating looks out over Huntsville’s historic downtown. The chef at Cotton Row has been called a culinary genius, earning multiple awards and considerable attention from restaurant royalty. The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of vegetable, seafood, and meat options, all prepared skillfully and with the utmost attention to quality and taste experience.
SpringHouse
Set on the picturesque shores of Lake Martin, SpringHouse is intimate, while also welcoming and classy. The interior is warm and rustic, with large roaring fireplaces, extensive stonework, and exposed wooden beams. The staff is friendly and hospitable, doing anything they can to give guests a memorable experience. The restaurant’s menu changes often, reflecting the bounteous fresh ingredients available during every season. With Southern flavors and home-style charm, SpringHouse is a pleasing place to eat.
Simp McGhee’s
This restaurant has a colorful history; named after a raucous river boat captain on the Tennessee River. With that same spirit of rebellion and adventure, Simp McGhee’s offers a kick of Cajun spice to the Alabama restaurant scene. Inspired heavily by the flavors of New Orleans, the menu includes dishes like seafood gumbo, crawfish eggrolls, and shrimp and andouille ravioli. Simp McGhee’s also offers a tapas menu, with small plates designed to be shared with friends. This is a perfect place for an honest, flavorful meal, without a shred of pretentiousness.
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