Alabama’s food scene is packed with secret spots that locals wish they could keep all to themselves. From barbecue joints with lines out the door to breakfast places serving up Southern comfort like nowhere else, these restaurants have earned loyal followings over the years.
Once word gets out about these hidden gems, the wait times get longer and the parking lots get fuller, so don’t be surprised if regulars give you the side-eye when you show up!
1. The Bright Star Restaurant
Bessemer’s crown jewel has been serving Greek-inspired Southern cuisine since 1907, making it one of Alabama’s oldest restaurants. The snapper throats are legendary, and regulars have been ordering them for generations without sharing the secret with outsiders.
Every dish comes with a side of history, as the building itself tells stories of over a century of satisfied diners. The staff treats everyone like family, but the locals secretly hope tourists stick to Birmingham’s downtown spots instead…