Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In Alabama
By Lisa Battles|Published March 29, 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.
“Have you heard of Chef Troy’s near Smith Lake?” I can’t count the times I’ve been asked that question, sometimes in general and others when asking for opinions on the best hidden gem restaurant in rural Alabama. My answer? Why yes, I have! How about you? Let’s take a peek inside to see what’s so special about this low, cinderblock building on County Road 63 within Northwest Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest.
Many folks agree if you hadn't heard the great reviews you might not look twice at the place, much less stop. Well, unless you are speeding. You can count on the local police here stopping you for that, and everyone in those parts knows it.
You may even get pulled over right in front of the circa-1868 Houston Historic Jail. It's a stone's throw from Chef Troy's, is the oldest log jail in the state and the second-oldest in the U.S. From personal experience, I highly recommend you make your stop in Houston intentionally for a delicious meal, not for a ticket with a side of history.
Once inside, the ambiance is tidy, friendly, usually busy, and yet almost as stark as the exterior. While there is an obvious effort to show support for local and regional sports teams, it's clear that all the fuss about this place isn't about appearances.
And that's when you discover what the talk of the town is about, which is the food. The restaurant has gotten consistently stellar reviews since it opened in 2009, which says a lot since it's kind of out in the sticks. Chef Troy has earned a loyal local following among local residents and lake visitors, who have spread the word far and wide over the years.
Surf & Turf is a top seller and can be ordered with fried or grilled shrimp. A variety of seafood options are on the menu, and even lobster tail is available oftentimes. Prime rib is always on the menu on the second Friday and Saturday of every month.
If you love Louisiana flavors, people also rave about the shrimp po'boys, Cajun shrimp and cheese grits, jambalaya, and the shrimp and andouille sausage penne pasta dish.
Chef Troy's also offers daily plate lunches and dinners, with meat and vegetable options detailed on a dry-erase board inside the restaurant. You can also check it out the daily menu specials ahead of time on Chef Troy's Facebook page.
And last but not least, you can order breakfast anytime at Chef Troy's. The French toast is so legendary that sometimes folks order it as an appetizer or dessert with lunch and dinner.
Water, tea, and a selection of sodas arrive in giant, hard plastic cups. This is definitely a place to enjoy a big glass of Southern sweet tea – and expect it to be heavy on the sweet.
Is your mouth watering yet? Let us know if you make the drive to this hidden gem restaurant in rural Alabama. Check Chef Troy’s Facebook account for current hours, specials, and special announcements before you go. If you’re considering a stay in this area of Northwest Alabama, perhaps this whimsical waterfront cabin tucked under a bluff in Houston will convince you! Let us know if you go. We’d love to hear all about it.
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