With Its Own Exotic Animal Park, This Incredible Restaurant In Alabama Is Perfect For Families
By Lisa Battles|Published May 08, 2024
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Lisa Battles
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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.
Going out to dinner as a family is always a special occasion in its own right. If you want a truly one-of-a-kind family meal adventure you all will enjoy, there is an animal park restaurant in Alabama you cannot miss. Bama Bucks Wildgame Restaurant in Sardis City has an excellent reputation for its steaks, wild game dishes, and other delicious food. Most agree the restaurant’s exotic animal farm is as big or more of a highlight.
Bama Bucks is the ultimate destination for families who love food and wildlife. A family-run business that loves to welcome other families, the enterprise consists of the exotic animal farm and viewing area, a large cabin restaurant, a general store, and an antique barn.
Bama Bucks' animal collection started when owner Terry Turk grew up to realize a childhood dream of having a deer inspired by an early experience caring for one. By 1998 he established a state-certified breeding designation and oversaw hundreds of deer. The family added an elk in 2006 and a kangaroo soon after.
Today, the Bama Bucks Exotic Animal Park has many creatures across the property, including zebras, lemurs, kangaroos, alligators, black bears, bison, emu, ostriches, and more.
Visitors have the chance to learn about a chance to observe and learn about creatures they may have never encountered before. The park also aims to foster an appreciation of wildlife and conservation efforts. In addition to welcoming restaurant guests during regular hours, the park frequently hosts field trips and special guests, like Jaxon Emberton in 2023.
Jaxson, here with a Rocky Mountain elk named Rainy, had just turned age 5 at the time of his visit that was arranged by the Make-A-Wish Alabama Foundation. It turned out he happened to share a birthday with the park's new baby lemur, who they named Jax in his honor.
For a true up-close animal encounter, you can purchase a camel or bull ride for $5 ... but that's only when the animals are open to it and the weather allows.
After your visit to the animal park, satisfy your hunger at Bama Bucks Wildgame Restaurant, where Chef John Salmon's menu is huge. Besides the signature steaks and wild game dishes, you'll find chicken, fish and seafood dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and over a dozen sides. There's a "Fawn's Menu" for kids age 10 and younger which includes chicken tenders, grilled chicken, a hot dog, burger, grilled cheese – and a Button Buck four-ounce steak and sides option.
Meanwhile, hundreds of nature's workers concoct a special treat for guests completely independent of the chef. You'll be delighted with the fresh, hive-to-table honeycomb courtesy of Bama Bucks's honeybees.
You can check out the full menu and most current guest hours on the Bama Bucks website and keep up with upcoming events and announcements on the Bama Bucks Facebook page.
For a full-on North Alabama animal safari, combine a visit to this animal park restaurant in Alabama with a trip to nearby Tigers for Tomorrow. The large animal sanctuary in Attala is just 12 miles northeast of Bama Bucks. The sanctuary is also one of 10(!) places included in a one-ticket deal on Viator you can use to explore many attractions during your time in the region.
Let us know when you go! We’d love to hear all about your experience.
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