Friday nights in Alabama have a certain rhythm to them. You can hear it in the laughter spilling out of small-town fish joints and smell it in the air long before you pull into the parking lot.
I’ve spent enough time around these spots to know they don’t need flash or fancy menus to draw a crowd.
Folks show up for the same reason every week: hot fish, crispy fries, and a seat at a table that feels familiar. In Alabama, that’s how you know it’s officially the start of the weekend.
1. Top O’ The River, Gadsden
Right on the Coosa River, this spot has been feeding hungry folks for years. The catfish comes out perfectly golden, and the view makes you want to stay longer than you planned…