Saw's Soul Kitchen
215 41st St. S
Birmingham, AL 35222
(205) 591-1409
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 99 Reviews
A true hole-in-the-wall-gem, Saw’s Soul Kitchen offers up some of the best BBQ around. The “pork and greens” dish is something everyone needs to try at least once, and the sweet tea chicken sandwich is to die for.
Highlands Bar And Grill
2011 11th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 939-1400
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 119 Reviews
Highlands Bar and Grill is a bit pricier and more upscale than most of the other items on this list—however, visitors definitely get what they pay for. With an awesome atmosphere and creative dishes to match, they’ve got one of the most talented kitchen crews around. No matter what you order from the menu, you can’t go wrong.
Los Dos Hermanos Taco Truck
215 W. Valley Ave.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 55 Reviews
Patrons might not be able to pick a name for this mobile food stand, but with food this good…does it really matter? It’s cash only, closed Monday, and only really open during lunch hours on the other days of the week, but a trip to this seemingly unpredictable operation is always totally worth the trip, as they serve up some of the most authentic and reasonably priced Mexican food around.
Hot and Hot Fish Club
2180 11th Ct. S
Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 933-5474
Yelp: 4 Stars, 93 Reviews
A great place to find anything from the sea, the beautiful presentation of dishes headed to other tables makes it difficult to wait for your order to come up. They’ve also got a lively bar with a kitchen view, allowing patrons to see the masters at work while they craft an entire range of delicious dishes from the sea.
The Hungry Owl
7899 Cottage Hill Rd.
Mobile, AL 36695
(251) 633-4479
Yelp: 3.5 Stars, 60 Reviews
Home to the Tony Burger, a one pound burger stuffed with onions, peppers, jalapeno, sausage, and cheese, the Hungry Owl is for serious eaters. Their menu doesn’t stop at burgers, as they’ve also got delicious seafood and Creole classics as well.
Tortugas Pizza
2801 John Hawkins Pkwy
Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 403-9800
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 27 Reviews
Tortugas is a true rarity in the South, authentic Chicago deep dish pizza, and it’s worth every calorie. A few bites and a quick look around this Chicago themed joint will have anyone thinking they’ve somehow been transported to the Windy City. It doesn’t take long to realize why this place is consistently winning awards for their pies, with tons of fresh ingredients and flavors that are spot on.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
1715 6th Ave SE
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 350-6969
Yelp: 3.5 Stars, 78 Reviews
The meat at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is pretty good, but the sauces are what people come here for. Big Bob’s white sauce is a barbecue sauce that’s literally pale white, practically one-of-a-kind in the entire country. While it’s a secret recipe, it’s tangy, peppery taste pairs well with nearly any meat. You’ll definitely want to take a bottle of it home with you.
The Original Oyster House
3733 Battleship Pkwy
Spanish Fort, AL 36526
(251) 626-2188
Yelp: 4 Stars, 82 Reviews
The Original Oyster House in Spanish Fort not only has a huge selection of fresh seafood dishes, guests are able to sit dockside and watch fishing boats float by while they dine. Their best dish is anything with the crab claws, a Southern favorite. Once you start eating, it’s hard to stop.
Panini Pete’s
42 ½ S Section St.
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 929-0122
Yelp: 4 Stars, 60 Reviews
When it comes to burgers, paninis, and beignets, Pete knows best. With plenty of New Orleans flair, this is one stop that can’t be missed while trekking through ‘Bama. They’ve got daily specials featuring creative blends of ingredients, like the very popular beer cheese bacon burger. For those with a sweet tooth, the beignets might be the best in the country.
Manci’s Antique Club
1715 Main St.
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 626-9917
Yelp: 3.5 Stars, 27 Reviews
The self-proclaimed “Bloody Mary Capital of the Eastern Shore” has everything you’d want in bar food. With a delicious selection of sandwiches and drinks, Manci’s unique blends of sauces put a special twist on nearly every order. While it’s hard to recommend just one dish, the “spider sandwich” with soft shell crab will have you leaving happy.
Miss Myra’s Pit Bar B-Q
3278 Cahaba Heights Rd.
Vestavia, AL 35243
(205) 967-6004
Yelp: 3.5 Stars, 48 Reviews
A true hidden gem in Cahaba Heights, Miss Myra’s has perfected the “meat and sides” platter. They keep it simple here, a true blast from the past, with humble selections that are the tastiest around. Very delicious and a great bang for your buck, once you try it, you’ll be back.
Po Boy Factory
815 Andrew Jackson Wy NE
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256)539-3616
Yelp: 4 Stars, 104 Reviews
Upon entering Po Boy Factory, the décor throws you into New Orleans mid-Mardi Gras. Their Creole and Cajun seasonings could not be better and would make any true Louisianan proud. Make sure you try the “Hot Damn” sauce before you leave.
D’Road Café
6250 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 356-1563
Yelp: 5 Stars, 22 Reviews
D’Road Café is a tiny restaurant, but don’t let that fool you, they’ve got the biggest, baddest flavors around. With everything made from scratch on the ever-changing menu, a trip to D’Road is always a memorable experience, as they’re probably the only place in Alabama serving up these Latin American options at such a high level of caliber.
Trattoria Centrale
207A 20th St. N.
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 202-5612
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 98 Reviews
Trattoria Centrale serves up what might be the best brunch in the state. With options like French toast topped with mascarpone and berries and fully stuffed omelets, this place will have you convinced that brunch is the most important meal of the day.
Gianmarco’s Restaurant
721 Broadway St.
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 871-9622
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 89 Reviews
Gianmarco’s has some of the best Italian food on this side of the Atlantic and the fancy, upscale atmosphere to match. This place does a great job putting an Alabaman twist on classic dishes from Italy, using local ingredients and flavors. They’ve also got a stunning wine bar that will have you turned into a sommelier in no time.
What’s your go-to for great grub in Alabama? Tell us in the comments below!
