Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Alabama (Currently Open)
Alabama is a state where Southern hospitality meets culinary tradition, and nowhere is that more evident than in its most iconic restaurants. From white-tablecloth institutions in Birmingham to laid-back BBQ joints in small towns, the Heart of Dixie delivers unforgettable meals wrapped in rich stories, local flavor, and deep cultural roots.
Whether you’re a traveling foodie or a local rediscovering your state, this guide to the top 10 most famous restaurants in Alabama (currently open) will take you on a delicious journey from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian foothills.
1. Highlands Bar & Grill – Birmingham
Location: Birmingham, AL
Cuisine: Southern-French fusion
Why it’s famous:
No list of Alabama’s best restaurants is complete without Highlands Bar & Grill, a James Beard Award–winning institution that put Alabama on the national culinary map. Helmed by legendary chef Frank Stitt, Highlands blends classic Southern ingredients with French techniques, offering dishes like stone-ground grits with duck confit or Gulf fish in brown butter.
Signature Experience:
Sophisticated yet warm ambiance
Emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
Awarded Outstanding Restaurant in America (2018) by the James Beard Foundation
2. Dreamland Bar-B-Que – Tuscaloosa (Original Location)
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Cuisine: Barbecue
Why it’s famous:
Since 1958, this BBQ joint has been a rite of passage for anyone craving real Alabama ribs. Dreamland is legendary for its no-frills menu—just ribs, white bread, and sauce. But what it lacks in complexity, it makes up for in flavor and authenticity.
Signature Experience:
Mesmerizingly smoky pork ribs with tangy sauce
Southern hospitality and vintage charm
A must-stop for football fans and food pilgrims alike
3. The Bright Star – Bessemer
Location: Bessemer, AL
Cuisine: Greek-Southern seafood and steaks
Why it’s famous:
Established in 1907, The Bright Star is Alabama’s oldest restaurant and a culinary landmark. This beloved spot is known for blending Greek and Southern traditions—offering dishes like broiled snapper with crabmeat or Greek-style beef tenderloin.
Signature Experience:
Elegant, old-school dining rooms
Family-owned for over a century
Recognized as an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation
4. Saw’s Soul Kitchen – Birmingham (Avondale)
Location: Birmingham, AL
Cuisine: Soul Food and BBQ
Why it’s famous:
This hole-in-the-wall gem is a Birmingham favorite that delivers bold flavors and casual vibes. The menu is small but mighty, centered around pulled pork, fried green tomato BLTs, and shrimp & grits that spark local obsession.
Signature Experience:
Packed, lively atmosphere
National acclaim from food critics and magazines
A true taste of modern Alabama soul food
5. Wintzell’s Oyster House – Mobile (Flagship Location)
Location: Mobile, AL
Cuisine: Gulf Coast Seafood
Why it’s famous:
Founded in 1938, Wintzell’s is one of the most iconic seafood restaurants on the Gulf Coast. Known for its oysters “fried, stewed or nude,” Wintzell’s brings vintage flair, local lore, and a huge menu of fresh-from-the-Gulf dishes.
Signature Experience:
Historic Mobile location with walls lined in witty quotes
Legendary raw oyster bar
Gumbo, seafood platters, hushpuppies & more
6. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur
Location: Decatur, AL
Cuisine: Barbecue
Why it’s famous:
Founded in 1925, Big Bob Gibson is a legend in BBQ circles—not only for its juicy smoked meats but for inventing Alabama White Sauce, a tangy mayo-based sauce for chicken.
Signature Experience:
Multiple BBQ championship titles
Signature hickory-smoked chicken and pulled pork
Try the award-winning smoked turkey
7. Lulu’s – Gulf Shores
Location: Gulf Shores, AL
Cuisine: Coastal Southern / Family Dining
Why it’s famous:
Founded by Lucy Buffett (Jimmy Buffett’s sister), Lulu’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a coastal experience complete with live music, family-friendly activities, and beachy eats.
Signature Experience:
Vibrant, fun atmosphere with waterfront views
Menu includes gulf shrimp tacos, burgers, crab melts, and more
Great for families, groups, and coastal travelers
8. The Hound – Auburn
Location: Auburn, AL
Cuisine: Southern gastropub
Why it’s famous:
A local favorite in this college town, The Hound offers a rustic-chic take on classic Southern dishes—think bourbon-glazed meatloaf, wild-game sausage, and one of the best bourbon lists in Alabama.
Signature Experience:
Cozy, wood-lined interiors
Farm-to-table sourcing from local producers
Perfect for brunch, date night, or craft cocktail lovers
9. City Café – Northport
Location: Northport, AL (just outside Tuscaloosa)
Cuisine: Meat-and-three / Southern diner
Why it’s famous:
City Café is a true Alabama time capsule, offering classic Southern comfort food at unbeatable prices. Fried chicken, greens, cornbread, banana pudding—every bite is a tribute to tradition.
Signature Experience:
Lines out the door daily (especially during lunch)
Authentic “meat and three” meals
Retro counter seating and a loyal local crowd
Honorable Mentions
Because narrowing it down to 10 wasn’t easy:
Chez Fonfon (Birmingham): Upscale French bistro from Frank Stitt
Blue Plate Café (Huntsville): Beloved for its breakfast and biscuits
Original Oyster House (Gulf Shores): Family-friendly with stunning bay views
Hot & Hot Fish Club (Birmingham): A fine-dining experience with Southern roots
Final Thoughts: Eat Your Way Through Alabama
Whether you’re biting into a rib dripping with tangy white sauce or savoring a perfectly broiled snapper, Alabama’s most famous restaurants serve more than meals—they deliver memories, tradition, and a deep taste of the South.
From historic BBQ joints to white-tablecloth legends, this list offers something for every kind of traveler, eater, and Alabama explorer. So bring your appetite and get ready to discover what makes the Heart of Dixie a true food lover’s destination.