In 2023, I dined at a minimum of 86 restaurants in the Yellowhammer State. If I were to sit down and do even more math (and take a trip through my iPhone photos), I am sure that number is likely double. The reason? I was knee-deep in research for my debut book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Alabama. To ensure that I could heartily speak to each restaurant, I trekked to every corner of the state, eating a meal at every single place I wrote about within its pages—all 86 of them. In the nearly three years since, there are still ambiances, experiences, and meals I long to revisit, so below I’m spilling my top spots that I cannot wait to return to in the future.
Rattlesnake Saloon
Tuscumbia
During the construction of this one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant, and music venue, workers unearthed a rattlesnake den, mother and twelve babies included, and the name wrote itself. Hidden at the base of a hollow, guests park in a gravel lot before riding down a steep, tree-lined embankment in the bed of a pickup truck. What’s waiting is worth the journey. Rattlesnake Saloon is a naturally cool, enchanting space where a waterfall might greet you and live music bounces off the rocks. Order the Duke burger and a cold beer, and don’t leave without peeking at the snake skin collection inside.
Freight House
Hartselle
Hartselle was built by the railroad, so it’s only fitting that one of its best restaurants lives inside the city’s historic freight terminal. The Freight House building creaks and moans underfoot, and passing trains produce little more than a subtle hum. It’s just enough to remind you what a cool space you’re sitting in. Start with the pimiento cheese and homemade chips, then move on to the Poulet de Normandy, a comforting chicken casserole layered over cornbread stuffing. Save room for the spongy strawberry cake; it’s a runaway best seller for good reason.
Wildflower Cafe
Mentone…