From finger-licking-good barbecue to fine dining specialties, North Alabama has a place at the table for everyone
NORTH ALABAMA–JUNE 2024–The renowned Alabama white barbecue sauce may be what brings many to the table, but that is only one of the amazing variety of flavors to discover throughout North Alabama. Of course there’s barbecue. In a state known for it, North Alabama proports to have the best. There are also generations-old family recipes on the menu at small-town diners. And there is culinary artistry to be found in the trendy downtown eateries. The bottom line is, when traveling to North Alabama, come hungry.
The region spans the 16 northernmost counties in the state, from just an hour south of Nashville, at the Alabama state line, south past Cullman and on into Blount County. As to be expected, darn good barbecue can be found throughout. One of the most well-known and loved establishments is Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q’s (1715 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-350-6969) original location, founded in 1925. Known as the creator of Alabama White Sauce, the late Bob Gibson was a 2024 Legacy Inductee in the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame. Following the North Alabama Barbecue Trail is the best way to find all the best spots, with their secret sauces and champion pitmasters and smoky goodness.
There are also plenty of special places that might be lesser known but are popular spots in their own right, serving up their own special dishes. Surprising locations, quirky décor and local ambiance only add to the enjoyment at these one-of-a-kind eateries:
The Wildflower Café (6007 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone, Alabama 35984; 256-634-0066), as unassuming as it looks, has built quite a reputation. The building and grounds of this restored 1887 house are adorned with hippie-chic décor and the menu is filled with fresh-made specialties including the award-winning Tomato Pie. Lunchtime’s Quiche and Scoop of Chicken Salad and dinner favorites Wild-Caught Salmon and Smothered Chicken are joined by a slate of homemade desserts.
At The Rattle Snake Saloon (1292 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-370-7220) patrons ride in the back of a pickup truck to reach their destination. That destination? It’s a saloon built into a cave. The saloon is known for delivering tasty hamburgers and rousing weekly entertainment.
At Local Joe’s (4967 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, Alabama 35906; 256-438-5179), whether it’s Meatloaf Monday or Chicken-n-Dumplings on Friday, the aroma of home cooking greets everyone who enters. And that aroma includes specialties like strawberry bread and cinnamon rolls. A complete country store, smoked meats, baked goods and local produce are also available.
Of course there are wonderful fine dining spots, too, which feature creative culinary creations from master chefs. Huntsville, North Alabama’s largest city, is home to some of the best. Tastes from around the world can be enjoyed at Revivalist (106 Jefferson Street South, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-288-0128), known for its European classics with Southern influences, and at Bar Vista (AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown, 435 Williams Avenue SW, Huntsville, Alabama, 35801; 256-836-7776), with its Spanish and American favorites.
From the traditional Southern favorites at Main Street Cafe (101 Main Street, Madison, Alabama 35758; 256-461-8096), to modern cuisine with a twist at The Red Clay Table (307 Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-320-5500), to the fine dining and 360-degree view at 360 Grille (Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, 10 Hightower Place, Florence, Alabama 35631; 256-246-3600), the menus are diverse and the options seems endless. And if Southern sweet tea isn’t your drink of choice, be sure to check out North Alabama’s Craft Beer Trail and Wine Trail. And what goes great with beer and wine? Pizza. Valentina’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar (25783 Huntsville Brownsferry Road, Madison, Alabama 35756; 256-606-2655) is home to chef Joe Carlucci, an International Pizza Expo Winner, seven-time World Pizza Champion, two-time Guinness World Record holder and three-time World Champion Pizza Acrobat. His amazing menu includes handcrafted salads, calzones and pizzas, created with love and the goal of bringing smiles to his customers’ faces.
Unique retail
For some shopping between dining stops, there are some outstanding retail venues that can only be found in North Alabama.
Unclaimed Baggage Center (509 West Willow Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768; 256-259-1525) has been touted as the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage and is, arguably, North Alabama’s most famous retail store. Here, the treasures found in lost luggage, along with the luggage itself, are up for grabs in a sprawling 40,000-square-foot store.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques (308 2nd Avenue SE, Cullman, Alabama 35055; 256-737-0554) began as a “garage collection” and is filled with the curated, either selected, refurbished or designed and created, collection of second-generation owner Garlan Gudger, Jr.
Orbix Hot Glass (3869 County Road 275, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967; 256-523-3188) is the studio of Cal Breed, who has been hand-crafting glassware since 2002. With great attention to form, balance and color he has distinguished his work through its outstanding craftsmanship and beauty.