Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer Buffet Good Grub in Alabama

Thought this "Good Grub" thread might be something everyone could contribute to with suggestions, constructive comments and directions to places throughout Alabama and maybe adjoining states since many of us travel and enjoy good food.

It's open to whatever you'd like: BBQ, steaks, ethnic restaurants of all nationalities, holes in the wall, roadside stands, food trucks, bakeries, ice cream or whatever. Just give some good info about what to eat, maybe what you don't like, price range and helpful info on how to get there, if they're closed at a specific time or day, website, etc.

I'll start. Y'all chip in with good suggestions and comments.

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Big Cove BBQ
153 Taylor Lane SE
Owens Cross Roads, AL

Big Cove BBQ is located behind the Mapco on U.S. 431 across from th' Walmarks and has been in business for several years with solid reviews. It's your typical small country BBQ joint.

I stopped by recently and got the large pork (pulled) sandwich, sweet tea and chips. The sandwich was the biggest helping of pork I've ever had on a sandwich, which was a nice surprise, and was very good. They do the smoking on-site and it was tender, moist and had good flavor.

The sweet tea was good without being "OMG, that's diabetic sugary" sweet. They also have plates, hot dogs, nachos, jambalya (sometimes) and a good menu.

Big Cove BBQ on Facebook

Porky's Pride Barbecue in Fultondale.
If you want, you can pick out your own steak from a glass cooler, table full of seasonings, season it anyway you want, and a big grill for you to sip a cold one and cook your steak any way you want. Pretty fun.

Ricatotoni's Italian in downtown florence

Chris's Hotdogs downtown Montgomery.

India Palace for Indian food in Montgomery

Baumhower's for Wings, several locations

Kabuki in Montgomery for Sushi

I always eat at Saws bbq in homewood every time I travel through Bham.
I think their ribs are awesome as well as their bbq.

On Hwy 14 between Tallasee and Notasulga is a little restaurant called Elmer's. Go in and order the 16 oz Ribeye. I'm also partial to the chicken livers as well.

McGuires Irish Pub. Pensacola.

Used to be a Catfish place at Dixie Landing in upper Tesaw. Fine Catfish. Where I learned to take a bite of catfish then a bite of white onion. Good stuff.

Newborns in Florence on 72. Best catfish you have ever eaten. If you go between 4 and 6 you will have to wait to be seated.. I think they may serve a chicken plate, but fish is what they are famous for.

Don`t remember the name but there is a steak joint south of the highway in Livingston. Pretty dang good

My favorite place to eat is Hooks BBQ in Troy. Next door to the Wal Mart on 231. I always get the chopped pork plate (hot sauce) with potato salad, camp stew, white bread, sweet tea and a slice of some of the best pound cake I've ever ate. The rest of their stuff is good, but that is what I always get. Sometimes I get a quart of camp stew to go, delicious stuff.

If you're going through Arab around lunch get a large chicken sandwich from Midas Burger. The best chicken sandwich anywhere. Located beside Joe V Clayton Chevrolet.

Jacksonville
The Rocket BBQ on Hwy 21 Great Cheeseburger and BBQ
Mad Hatter Cupcakes on The Square if you have a sweet tooth.

Anniston
Classic on Noble Shrimp and Grits
Betty's BBQ on South Quintard Good Meat and 3. Beans and Greens is a good dish.
Mata's Pizza on Quintard excellent greek pizza
Peerless Saloon Good lunch spot on East 10th.

Y'all get this one rolling good and we'll sticky it up top in the Buffet Forum.

Probably a good idea, Dustin.

Sisters in Troy. Located on US 231 south right outside of town. It's buffet style and the fried chicken and bread pudding is incredible. Not open on Saturdays

Moe's BBQ in Daphne. Get the smoked wings. Bayfront park drive.

Bravo Taco in Orange Beach. I know most folks while at the beach want seafood but when you want something different try this place. Homemade corn tortillas with seasoned steak and try all the salsas. It's on canal road.

Boiling pot in Mobile. Best fried oyster po boy sandwich ever. It's on Airport blvd. Get Josh to meet you there and have him pick up the check.

Felix's fish camp on the causeway in Mobile. Get the Shrimp and grits. Probably the best restaurant on the gulf coast IMO.

Panini Petes in Fairhope. The best Beignets outside of nawlins. Downtown Fairhope.

The Tin Top in Bon Secour. Oysters and they are fresh. Located on the Bon Secour hwy.

Streets in Bay Minette. Lunch is Buffet style with country vegetables. The peach cobbler is mighty fine. Located on US31


There's one in Headland on 431 that I can't think of the name and one in downtown Enterprise as well. Both of them were some fine eating. They are also country style cooking places.

That would be Diamond Jim's and Mrs Donna's...

Niki's West next to Farmers Market in North Birmingham. Bright Star in Bessemer. My two favorite for anything you like

Please try to provide some specifics other than "it's good!" if the joint has a few things that definitely are worth trying. Knowing beforehand about a few specifics can help.

Thanks.

It's real good

Both my places are meat and veggies which of course are my favorite. Be sure to try fried green tomatoes at Nikis. Snapper throats at Bright Star

That's it. One of the best steaks I have ever had.

Is the one at the beach as good as the original?

Stop being miss bossy boots!

Their chicken is smoked then fried and is outstanding.

The Alabama Department of Tourism compiled a 100 places to eat in Alabama list a few years ago. The only place I could find a copy of it is linked in the blog below.

http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/05/100-places-to-eat-before-you-die-in.html?m=1

That list is a little old. One that wasn't on the list was The Little Donkey in Homewood. They consider themselves Mexican food but the time I went it reminded me of a farm to table type restaurant. Everything tastes fresh and nothing like it came from a can.

http://www.thelittledonkey.com

I am also a fan of the micro breweries popping up in this state. Cheaha Brewing Company in Anniston serves food and has good burgers. Avondale Brewing in the Ham doesn't serve food but it's right next door to Saw's BBQ and Post Office Pies, both of which are very good for BBQ and pizza respectively. Get your food to go and carry it into Avondale and enjoy I with a Battlefield IPA.

Goodsprings Catfish Haven is better all the way around, imo. Better fish, hush puppies and slaw.

Dot's on main drive in New Hope. Great hand patted burgers cooked on a flat top dripping with flavor. HB steaks with gravy and onions. Chicken fingers and the like. Small place, only seats about 15 but worth it. Shakes and cones as well.

There's a BBQ joint in East Brewton that I can't remember the name of. But damn fine eats. Josh claims they have the best baked beans he's ever had.

Just left Mata's pizza...We ordered a large pepperoni, Canadian bacon and mushroom pizza along with a Ham and cheese Grinder...All I can say is WOW...

Best chicken sandwich and best lookin women you've ever seen working in there.

If you like burger joints and in Birmingham try MUGSHOTS BAR & GRILL! It's very good, not too expensive, and fun atmosphere! There's 2 in Birmingham both are great but i prefer the one in Vestavia.

Just ate at Tamara's in Fairhope. Dang good if you're looking for a notsocheap place to eat. Gotta get the Crab Green Tomatoes!! Excellent! Also had the grouper and it was real good.
Also, Firebirds in Hoover is the BEST food I've ever eaten. I haven't tried anything on the menu that I didn't like. Their steaks to me are the best I've had other than a good home cooked one.

I've got tears streaming down my cheeks from reading this thread. Thank you my friends.

Dixie Landing Cafe was the best for fried catfish. Fresh out of the river and into the grease. Thing of the past now. Building is about to be torn down soon.

Remember, please, if possible to include directions or somewhat of a location. I know we have smart phones and such, but some idea of location is a plus.

"Jimmy's in Montgomery" is kind of vague. "Jimmy's in Montgomery out on the Southern Bypass, where you need a .40 and to go in the daytime" is better.


GREAT suggestions! Always good to get solid tips on good grub. Keep 'em coming!

There is one in Montgomery, too. I wouldn't take 5 Mugshot burgers for one 5 Guys.

I agree, Catfish Haven in Russellville (US 43) is the best all around that I have found. Newberns (Florence, US 72) is good too, next up would be Friendship House (on the Tombigbee River, outside Aberdeen MS), forget the names but pretty good places in Butler Co and Monroeville(?). Been about 25 yrs, but there was a pretty good place in Gadsden on the river too.

FWIW, the wife and I used to drive 2.5 hrs each way to eat at Catfish Haven.......

Gadsden is Top O' the River on Hwy 78 going towards Rainbow City

Joe Pattis just outside downtown Pensacola always has the freshest reasonably priced seafood. Peg leg Petes on Pensacola beach has a great atmosphere and awesome seafood. FIRE at the casino in Atmore gets my vote for the best food and service in Alabama. A little pricey but well worth it IMO. Best steak by far I've ever had!

Callahan's in Destin just off Hwy 98. Wide selection of food from steaks to seafood. Reasonably priced. Best tuna dip and ribeye sandwich you can find. A lot of locals visit there and hardly a wait even during the summer months.

I really like Abercrombies Fish Camp in Clayton, AL. I'm not a big fish eater, but they have excellent ribeye for $19.99 and hot college age waitresses. I go there whenever I'm hunting with some of the fellows here on Aldeer.

In Clanton for lunch, meat and 3 try Main Street Cafe, on Main street.:) There vegetables are great.

For supper it's hard to beat Hickory Chip "out 145 from I-65 peach tower exit toward Wilsonville, maybe 2 miles" for food and service. I like the Buffalo Chip appetizers, Steaks are really good and they have a great catfish plate. They are a BBQ place but I aint crazy about the BBQ.

If you are ever in Chilton County ask for a "Whole" Hot Hamburger with cheese, gravy and onions where you stop, Dari Delite in Thorsby on 31 has the best. It is a local thing unless it finally got out. 2 open faced hamburger patties on bun's with melted cheese, sauteed onions and gravy poured over it with a side of fries. "Straycat Special". When I was in my younger partying days we would go to C.I. Porters truck stop and eat this about 2 in the morning with the local cops, where they got started. It's still great.

Large Hamburger steak with onions and gravy, fries and slaw at the Creek Bank Rest. Wagerville Al,,,also bacon cheeseburger

+1 for Top O The River! But actually its Hwy 411/Rainbow Drive.

Interesting that you say this about the casino steak. Among the best steaks I've ever had were at casino hotels in Vegas. I guess they can afford to purchase and, possibly, hang/age good beef.

Excellent! Sounds great. As often as I've been up/down I-65 and stopped at Clanton I never knew of these. Definitely will have to try next time.

In Lincoln, there is a small BBQ place called Steve and Jan's BBQ. They have the best smoked chicken in the world. The trouble is that they are only open Fri and Sat. But they do catering any time, so we bring them in at work a lot. Its always a hit.

This one is not in Alabama, but close by in Trenton, GA. Randys Restaurant has all of the mom and pop country food and a buffet which is good. However, the real reason to go there is the big burgers. They have a 24oz the size of a dinner plate and a 48oz that comes out on a pizza pan. They make thier own sourdough buns fresh daily. you go eat that and it will make you want to go throw rocks at Burger King and all the other fast food burger places. Its also pretty cheap. The 24 oz is $12 or $15 with everything on it.

I doubt anybody goes this far off the beaten path to eat, but in between Hokes Bluff and Centre on hwy 71 is Beans & Greens. That is some good country food right there. They have another restaraunt in Alexandria, thats good, but not as good.

I think this one goes without saying, but Lambert's in Foley is another of my favorite places. I hurt everytime I leave that place. My favorite part of going to Gulf Shores.

Saws's BBQ in homewood has the best ribs you will ever eat. It is on Oxmoor Road.

saw's Juke Joint in Crestline is my favorite place by far to eat. Try the Fried Okra, Smoked Wings, Pork and Greens or just about anything on the menu.

big Mikes in Thomasville. Best steak I have had in years.

The original Ezell's in Lavaca. Fried Catfish and their slaw. Plus, now they serve beer.

Tacos de hermosa, taco truck on First avenue north one block north of Regions Field in Birmingham. The best authentic street tacos I have ever had in the U.S. $6 for 3 tacos. Chicken, beef, pork, marinas pork, cheriso, beef brain, beef tongue, tripe. They have it all.

Connects in Huntsville at bridge street center is very good. Steaks and sea food.

Love the bright star in Bessemer. Snapper Thoats.

Nicki's West is the best southern cooking cafeteria on the planet.

The red pearl Chinese in the back of the Aisian Supermarket on West Valley in Homewood is the best Chinese I have ever eaten. Never had the nerve to try the saut�ed bullfrog.

I could seriously hurt myself at Niki's West. Last time I went I had to stop myself from saying "And a bowl of that, and those, and double up on that, and let me have some of those ..." because I would probably need three trays.


Nice toss-in on the Red Pearl in Homewood. Definitely will have to find that one next time I'm down and have time. I love good Chinese.

I don't have them at hand but got two recs for Thai in B'ham. One is on Valley Drive, I think, in a strip mall and the other is somewhere in Hoover or Vestavia (big areas, I know, but I don't recall. Will have to find my notes.)

Probably referring to Taste of Thailand in Hoover; it is good.

Chief Lee's in Autaugaville on 14 at the caution light . country cooking , like eating at mommy's just no fresh cat head biscuits . good cornbread though !

X2 on the Beans and Greens in Ballplay.

Heard good things about M & J in Oxford from reliable sources.

Jubilee Joes in Hoover has some good cajun grub.

If you want a great burger and onion rings, try Bama BBQ & Grill in Northport about 400 yards from the Civic Center off Hwy. 82. They also have terrific smoked wings as well. Pastor's Kitchen in Northport has great Mexican food - the big burrito and retried beans are excellent and he sells boston butts on weekends that are jam-up. They're located near Kentuck Park in the downtown area. Best steak in the area IMO is at Big Al's... between Samantha and the Berry/Fayette stop sign junction on Hwy. 43. Their pizza is also great as well.

It'll take some time but I'm going to organize all these (eventually) to make it easier.

Great suggestions and comments, like the one about Beans & Greens in MiddleofNowhere. Keep 'em coming.

I think most of the ones I know in the Anniston area from when I lived there have been covered except for maybe 2 that we ate a lot and still go back for.

1. Carpenettis- it's a little place in a strip mall on 431 across from Saks High School. They have great pizza and calzones but we always went for their "rolls". It was fresh dough laid out with whatever toppings you pick the rolled up and baked. Almost like a homemade hot pocket but then cut into slices when done. We usually for BBQ and onion or chicken, mushroom, and onion. Then marinara or homemade ranch to dip it in. If you have a sweet tooth when done; ask for dough balls. Balls of dough deep fried and rolled in powder sugar and cinnamon. I quit eating Matas when they opened when I lived there. Pizza maybe not quite as good but I liked the rolls and calzones better than pizza anyway. Always start with an order of Focaccia bread!
Carpenetti's Pizza
1021 US Highway 431 Ste 15, Anniston, AL 36206

The other place is Cooter Browns Rib Shack out in Jacksonville. Can't tell you a lot other than I really like their Ribs. To me they were a little different than everyone else's and really good. i always just got a slab of ribs and a drink!
Cooter Brown's Rib Shack
8464 Alabama Hwy 204, Jacksonville, AL 36265

Maybe someone will chime in and I can learn something about Cullman. In my time here I have not been blown away but there are a few that we eat often.
If you like Italian....Carltons is good. They have a couple of really good Alfredo based pastas and great lasagna.
208 3rd Ave SE
Cullman, AL 35055
United States

Johnnys BBQ in Cullman. They have several good dishes but I almost always go there for the BBQ stuffed potato; much better than anyone else's IMO.
Address
1401 4th Street SW
Cullman, AL 35055
Of course I can't be on a food discussion without saying if you are passing through and don't have time for these places and are forced into fast food. I hear the Chick-Fil-a in Cullman is the best Chick-Fil-a ever . And if you'll let me know ahead of time I'll meet you and feed you!
Great thread by the way!

In Phenix City, Al/Columbus, Ga
1. 13th Street Barbeque that is actually on 7th avenue. Pork chop sandwich is their specialty
2. Mike and Ed's Barbque on 14th street in PC. BarBque is great, turkey salad outstanding. Ribs are okay.
3. El Vaqureo's Mexican on 280 bypass in PC. All good.
4. Minnies in Columbus. Fried Chicken to kill for. Basic meat and three. 104 8th street Columbus, Ga
5. Durango Mexican Interstate 85 at exit 62 in Opelika. All good.
6. Ezell's Catfish Pheinx City US 280 near Walmarts?Brusters Ice cream

Forgot this one; Jubilee Seafood in Old Cloverdale/Montgomery. Best all around seafood joint I've ever been in. He gets it fresh 4 days a week and the pecan crusted grouper is fantastic.

I've been to Minnies. It was good.

Rose Hill Seafood in Columbus is better for Catfish than Ezells, IMO.

If you like Mexican, the Taqueria El Cazador "bus" on the corner of Governor's Drive and 9th is really good. That location is about a block west of Blue Plate (which also is good).

Taqueria El Cazador has tacos, soft tacos burritos, etc., sodas (don't know about beer), and a good selection. You can get standard beef-chicken-pork or also beef cheek, tongue, tripe and asada, and probably more. The cheek and tongue are fantastic.

Two other locations (in buildings) also, including one on South Parkway.

http://elcazadortaqueria.com/

Darlene will hook you up on some of that good stuff right there. Son !!!

That grub at Creek Bank sounds super. Love a good gravy-onion steak with fries.

X2. It's better than any seafood I've had at the beach

The Anchor Cafe
201 Ashley St, Atmore, AL 36502

Best lunch specials ( home cooked meals, chicken cream corn, etc... and Best biscuits and gravy... Mater gravy and rice, etc.
(This place has STRAYCAT all over it

Deans Grill
Address: 400 N Main St, Atmore, AL 36502
Phone:(251) 368-5785

Best burger you will ever eat...


WARNING
**Don't put a piece of that burger on your head... Your tongue will beat your brains out trying to get to it**

Auburn's got some good eats.

Breakfast at Byron's or Prices bbq house

The Hound is getting trendy, they have excellent pork belly sliders

Acre speaks for it self Chef David Bancroft use all local ingredients and puts together a innovative menu.

I've eaten at The Hound twice this year and it is good. Pricey but good. The Pork Belly Sliders are super. Solid variety and the chef(s) are doing some cool things. If they have Osso Bucco and you like that, get it. Nice portion sizes, too.

One quibble: I ordered an Old Fashioned and was asked "traditional or modern?" I asked about the latter and was told it was made with a bunch of mess. Asked for Traditional. They brought out a drink made with carbonated something - soda or water - and a raspberry. Either she didn't hear me or their version of "traditional" is muddled.

Haven't tried Acre yet but it sounds pretty good.

The coffee shop down from J&M is good, as is the Blue Bagel or whatever the name of the bagel place is north of Toomer's.

Definitely got to try this place!! Thanks for mentioning it.

The burritos are big. I can eat two but usually save one, or half of one. The pickled carrots-onion-peppers that come with it are tasty, too.

I am not a fan of Johnnys pork but there catfish is really good. They have smoked chicken wings sometimes that are really good too.

I went to school with the ol boy that runs Carpenettis. Those rolls are very good.
They have some Pepperoni chips with Jalapenos and Mozarella that are great.

I live just down the road a ways from Cooter Browns. The Wife likes the Brunswick Stew there.

Struts in Jacksonville down by the stadium has a pretty good Patty Melt and a few other menu items that are good.

Archibalds in Tuscaloosa
Sams Smokehouse in Fayette

in my opinion you cant go wrong with either.

George's maybe?used to eat it years ago and it was pretty good,he uses a mustard based BBQ sauce

I have a couple of questions that maybe someone can answer:

Cullman: In downtown, there used to be a place called Allsteak. Does anyone know if they are still in business? It has been years since I have been there, but they used to have dinner rolls with a sweet orange glaze on them. Prime rib was good there too.

Mentone: There used to be a place way off the beaten path called Craigsmere Manna. It was a very nice, quiet place in an old 100+ year old house. Anyone know if it is still open?

We went at lunch today. I had the Birria. It was good. We were the only 3 people in there that wasn't Mexican.

Hickory Chip served me the best steak I've ever had. Two if you like a big, thick cut ribeye.


Thanks for the suggestion of the Whole Hot Hamburger. I will give it a try. Does the Dari Delight in Clanton serve it as well?

QUESTION - Is the Archibald's in Tuscaloosa the one by Academy or up in Northport? I've heard both and seen the one by Academy, but have not eaten at either. When I do I want to make sure I have the right one. Thanks.



Turtle, I believe All Steak is still open but changed management and maybe location? We used to go when I was a sprout years ago but I haven't been for a full meal in 15 years, at least. I stopped once during that time for a box of the orange rolls, though.


ts1979flh - I've always figured if an ethnic restaurant is popular with that ethnic group then that's a good sign. The orange El Jarritos sodas are pretty good there, too.

Can't go wrong with either of them.

Less than a mile from my house



Grandmother's House in New Hope
Meat and 3 with dessert
3980 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

I'll second Dot's hamburgers and Grandmother's House meat 'n 3. Both are good.

I haven't had a Dot's artery-clogger in a while. Might need to drop by soon and jam up my left anterior descending for a while. Those are good burgers.

Probably gonna have Dot's tonight since CT brought it up! My kids love their ice cream cones.

I've eaten at the one on S.Pkwy, it was very good with good service and clean!!!

I am not a big food junkie but the best ribs around this area in my opinion come from The Pig Stand in Hartselle, Hwy 31 next to the Ford place... I guess their other food is good also as my daughter always gets the chicken, I am just partial to their ribs!

Best ribs I have eaten recently are from Sams Sports Bar on the Beltline in Decatur. I don't know what they do but I wish I could do that at home. Only place I ever been that I thought could beat mine.

Get a fried pie while you are there!

Allsteak is still around. It moved. I have not eaten there is about 10 years. It was never the same once they moved.

I have always thought Johnny's was overrated. There sauce is just runny catsoup.

My favorite is Jim's BBQ on hwy. 82. I guess it would be close to the Billingsley community in Autauga county. I order a big Jim pulled pork sandwich and fries and their sweet tea is the best.

I also second the Hickory Chip in Clanton they just have good everything.

Pikeville Store N Deli
5182 Co Rd 21, Scottsboro, AL 35768
(256) 259-0262

Pikeville Burger is about as good as a burger gets.

Mud Creek Restaurant
804 Co Rd 213, Hollywood, AL 35752
(256) 259-2493

Good menu all round. BBQ is better than average, but the fish is really good. They are famouse for their slaw.

You can pull the boat up to the dock and eat supper.

50 Taters
24961 John T Reid Pkwy, Scottsboro, AL 35768
(256) 259-3222

Good burger and fries type joint. Jalape�o burger is awesome and they have good sandwiches.

Country cabin, Hightogy, Al. The best catfish you will find anywhere. Very close to Vernon.
Jays country squire, Sulligent, Al. Can't go wrong with anything from here. Specialize in steaks but I would recommend most anything. Steaks are good but I'm very picky on steaks so I'm gonna say average on that, but overall very good.

I've heard decent reviews on ChuckWagon BBQ in Madison but have not tried it.

Anyone have firsthand experience with this place? I'm told their brisket is good. I'm always leery of brisket because too often it's dried out. Just curious.

It went way downhill after the move. The prime rib is not near as good as it used to be. They still have orange rolls and they are awesome.