When it comes to food, Alabama doesn’t disappoint! From fresh seafood and mouthwatering barbecue, to tasty catfish and delicious country cooking, Alabama is defined by its amazing cuisine. Listed below are 12 restaurants that truly define Alabama. Of course there are plenty more restaurants, but these are some of Alabama’s very best.
1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q - Decatur
Alabama just wouldn't be the same without Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que. In addition to serving up delicious barbecue, this popular restaurant was named the "2014 World BBQ Champion," and it also created the famous Original White Sauce that we can't seem to get enough of. (1715 6th Ave SE)
2. Irondale Cafe - Irondale
Irondale Cafe was the inspiration for Fannie Flagg's book "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe." If you love fried green tomatoes, this is the restaurant to visit. Irondale Cafe fries nearly 100 pounds of green tomatoes each day. They're seriously that good! (1906 1st Ave N)
3. Felix's Fish Camp Grill - Spanish Fort
Felix's Fish Camp Grill, which is located only a few minutes from downtown Mobile, is known for serving delicious Gulf Coast seafood, and many of their dishes are created from classic Mobile recipes. (1530 Battleship Pkwy)
4. The Bright Star - Bessemer
Established in 1907, The Bright Star is Alabama's oldest family-owned restaurant. Its delicious Greek-style steak and seafood attract customers from all over the Southeast. (304 N 19th St)
5. Greenbrier Restaurant - Madison
Fried catfish is one of Alabama's most iconic foods. For delicious fried catfish, a visit to Greenbrier Restaurant is a must. Customers also rave about the hushpuppies. (27028 Old Hwy 20)
6. Highlands Bar and Grill - Birmingham
For a wonderful upscale dining experience, Highlands Bar and Grill is the perfect place to reserve a table. This restaurant's ever-changing menu includes French-inspired Southern cuisine that's so delicious you'll be coming back for more.
(2011 11th Ave S)
7. Dreamland Bar-B-Que - Tuscaloosa
This Alabama restaurant is part of a chain, and it offers the most incredible ribs. It's also one of Tuscaloosa's main attractions. College students enjoy grabbing a bite to eat here, and Crimson Tide fans usually fill the place after a home game. (5535 15th Ave E)
8. Martin's Restaurant - Montgomery
Martin's Restaurant, which has been around since the 1930s, is best known for its delicious fried chicken. It's also one of Montgomery's oldest operating restaurants. (1796 Carter Hill Rd)
9. Saw's Soul Kitchen - Birmingham
For delicious soul food, look no further than Saw's Soul Kitchen. Even though this restaurant is normally crowded, it's well worth the wait. Saw's Soul Kitchen's signature Pork n' Greens (pictured) is a definite must try. (215 41st St S)
10. Original Oyster House - Gulf Shores
There's no denying that the Original Oyster House is one of the best oyster bars in Gulf Shores. Since 1983, the Original Oyster House has been serving the most delicious oysters, in addition to other seafood favorites such as popcorn shrimp, seafood gumbo, crab claws and soft shell crabs. (701 Hwy 59)
11. Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant - Birmingham
Over the years, Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant has become a true staple in Birmingham. This cafeteria-style restaurant serves delicious homestyle food that'll remind you of Grandma's cooking. (233 Finley Ave W)
12. Top O' The River - Gadsden
Top O' The River, a restaurant that's been family owned and operated for more than 30 years, serves fried catfish and a variety of seafood favorites in a casual atmosphere. It's one of the Southeast's largest catfish and seafood restaurants, and all dishes are prepared using secret recipes. (1606 Rainbow Dr)
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