The Tiny Restaurant In Alabama That Only Serves 50 Guests At A Time
By Lisa Battles|Published November 09, 2023
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Lisa Battles
Author
Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Just inside the door of a tiny restaurant in Decatur, Alabama, you will find one of the most inclusive atmospheres in the city. Almost as important, you’ll also find the best spinach artichoke dip you’ve tasted. Bank Street Grill in Old Decatur is one of my favorite spots for both the food and the friendliness. A perfect afternoon comprises a walk at Decatur’s Delano Park in the adjacent Albany Historic District either after lunch or before dinner at Bank Street. I always get the Black and Bleu Salad, which you can top with fried or grilled chicken, shrimp, or sirloin. Of course, the menu offers far more than my favorites, so let’s dig in.
Bank Street Grill is tucked into the retail corridor of the Bank Street-Old Decatur Historic District, which is the older and smaller of the city's two. The other is the Second Avenue corridor in the Albany-New Decatur Historic District just to the south. The two districts are adjacent, and yet that's why you'll occasionally hear references to our two downtowns.
The restaurant opened in 2015 and in 2023 extended its hours to serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday. It kept its dinner-only schedule for Saturdays except for occasional special events.
Bank Street Grill makes the best use of its small space to create a big, welcoming atmosphere. That of course includes thoughtfulness about the Very Important football and basketball seasons here in Alabama. When those night games run into meal times, the giant projector has your back.
During the week, frequent patrons know certain nights mean specific specials, like Surf & Turf Fridays. It's usually a choice of hand-cut filet or ribeye paired with scallops or shrimp, although options can vary a bit.
Meanwhile, Wine Down Wednesdays mean lower price points for glasses of house wine and occasional by-the-bottle savings. If you'd rather make it a martini, they're thriftier on Thirsty Thursdays. The compact bar offers a relatively impressive selection of wines, cocktails, and thoughtfully curated brews on tap and by the can.
Speaking of beer, the week kicks off on Tuesdays at Bank Street Grill with a Burger & Brew night (and occasional taco Tuesday). It's just as it sounds: You get a deal on your meal by ordering the special burger with a beer. People rave about the 50/50 burger made with half beef and half bacon.
Watch the boards for creative cocktails and simple, seasonal favorites prepared by the friendly Bank Street bartenders. While we did mention Taco Tuesdays, you don't necessarily need that as an excuse for a margarita, right?
The standard menu always includes local favorites for consistency. Choose among entrees like ahi tuna, red snapper, and a variety of salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Starters include bacon-wrapped quail breast, fried green tomatoes – and that sublime spinach artichoke dip with house-made tortilla chips.
Be sure to check out the full menu on the Bank Street Grill website and follow Bank Street Grill on Facebook for up-to-the-minute menu and drink specials.
You might also consider booking a stay in Decatur while you’re at it. Doubletree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront is a half-mile from the historic business districts and a prime choice for upscale, comfortable lodging with riverfront views. The hotel (and Decatur itself) is an excellent home base for exploring all that North Alabama has to offer, including Huntsville, Athens, and the Shoals.
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