A Local’s Guide to the Best Dining Spots in Huntsville, AL

Everyone has a different opinion on the best restaurants in Huntsville, Al. This is ours. We are locals, and we’re also professional travel writers. We might be able to help you with your search for restaurants in Huntsville. Like many Huntsvillians there is a little engineering in the office. So you will get research, organization and an interactive digital maps of the best Huntsville restaurants.

Huntsville, Alabama’s capital for 200 years, is now a high-tech center that’s blasting into the 21st Century. Rocket City is a part of Alabama’s history. The Twickenham Historic District has the highest concentration of antebellum houses in Alabama. We won’t try to separate it. We’ll choose two favorites from each category: an old standby and a newcomer. Huntsville and food are included in the same package. Were you left wanting more? Continue reading for more.

Best BBQ in Huntsville Al

Religion, politics and the best BBQ are the three things that you won’t find in the South. It might be better to pick sides for the Iron Bowl. There are two things that seem to be required for a vote, a pile of firewood in front and a sign featuring a pig. I don’t know if an old building is a positive or negative.

There’s only one place that can be considered the best for old-school barbecue in Huntsville – Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-BQ. They are one of the oldest and most prestigious barbeque restaurants in the world. Bob Gibson is the creator of Alabama White BBQ Sauce. You can try this native Alabama food in its original location. A pile of firewood and a neon sign featuring a pig are also located in the back.

Moe’s is my choice for the best up-and coming BBQ, despite not having a pig or a piles of firewood outside. You can be sure that they have a strong national presence, but Alabama roots. This means you’ll get high-quality smoked meats. They’re also skiers, and they started their business by catering pork for a Jewish wedding. What’s not love about that? A visit to Moe’s BBQ will also allow you to explore Providence Village. You’ll need to remind yourself you are in north Alabama with a town square that is walkable and a mixed-use development.

Best Mexican restaurant – Huntsville Al

Although Huntsville may not be known for its Mexican cuisine, it is hard to discuss the local food scene without mentioning Rosie’s. This restaurant is a favorite amongst those who want the best Mexican restaurant Huntsville has to offer. Rosie Martin was technically Rhonda Martin’s grandma. The restaurant is owned and operated by Tod, David, and B.J. Fratesi. Walton’s Southern Table, a Rosie’s Concept Restaurant is also included.

Rosie’s Cantina has three locations in Huntsville, as well as Little Rosie’s Taqueria. The original location was spun off to the kitchen manager Phil Sandoval when they opened up their flagship store across University Drive. So that’s yet another Rosie tie in. No matter where you go, you’ll find Tex-Mex favorites that are dominated by cumin.

La Esquina Cocina is the winner for best Mexican restaurant. La Esquina Cocina is a must-try for those who enjoy rich, deep flavors. The food here is like taking a culinary tour of Mexico. The food is not the cheapest in town but the quality of the food far exceeds the price. Make sure you make a reservation because this restaurant is a great one!

Best German Restaurants in Huntsville

Huntsville, unlike Mexico City, is famous for its German food. After WWII, we brought in German rocket scientists who brought their own food. There are only two restaurants in town that are both excellent: Hildegard’s German Cuisine, and Ol Heidelberg Café. There’s also the Biergarten at the Space and Rocket Center. But that’s more about bratwurst than boosters. It’s also been put on hold for a while for social distance.

What is the difference between Ol Heidelberg and Hildegard? Ol Heidelberg, as its name suggests, is older, having opened in 1973, and tracing its roots directly back to the now defunct Bavaria Delicatessen which was founded in 1963. The decor and the wait staff are also based on a German hunting lodge theme. Hildegard’s has been the #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor in Huntsville for 15 years. It’s hard to go wrong at either of these restaurants, so you might want to call ahead and check availability. Try to save some room for the decadent German sweets.

Best Asian restaurant in Huntsville

Rocket City is home to a new generation of scientists and businessmen from abroad, just as the Germans were 80 years ago. Toyota Motor Manufacturing employs over 1,400 workers, sponsors our minor league baseball stadium and makes Huntsville an excellent place to eat sushi. Our new Asian restaurant in Madison is Four Leaves Asian Restaurant.

The menu includes Pan Asian cuisine, including classic Chinese, Southeast Asian, (including Thai), Hibachi Noodles Bento Box and Sushi. Fresh vegetables are used in every dish, cooked with the best balance of flavors and spices.

If you are looking for a Chinese restaurant that has served Huntsville for over 20 years, is the place to go. They serve authentic Chinese cuisine and the best Dim sum around. Dim Sum at this restaurant is much more than steamed dumplings. It’s an entire Chinese teatime experience.

Best Breakfast in Huntsville Al

If you do not start the day with breakfast, you will be unable to eat until lunchtime…unless you sleep till noon. Then, wouldn’t lunch break your fast? I don’t understand. It’s hard to find the right words, especially when you are up at dawn looking for the best brunch in Huntsville, Al.

It’s easy to get your day started with a large helping of country goodness at Café . The Blue Plate Cafe has been serving Huntsville, Alabama for over 20 years. It doesn’t seem like they’ll be slowing down any time soon. The build-your-own three egg omelet is my favorite.

The 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern Brunch is a special treat for those who want to put in a bit more effort. This is a popular Sunday-Funday trend. They only serve brunch every Sunday, and not only do they include a mimosa on each plate. There’s usually a long wait so it’s best to make a reservation. The best benedicts are served here. The best burger is also on their brunch menu and lunch menu.

Best Burger in Huntsville

Start with what I’m familiar with – Ale’s Kitchen will be on this list. Campus 805 is also a must-try. It’s also classic to turn a middle-school gym into a brewpub. It’s hard to choose a burger that goes with a burger literally made in an old school.

If I went with my gut (pun intended), I would say the 1892 burger, but I’ve already said that in best breakfast section, and there’s that whole only-on-the-lunch-menu thing is hard. If I had to choose, I would say supper heroes. Not only because of their puns, but also because who doesn’t like comic books and cheeseburgers?

My journalistic integrity demands that I find Huntsville’s oldest dining establishment. So. So. Big Springs Cafe opened in 1922, and is home to the “Greasy Burger”. FWIW, White Castle, which was founded in 1921, is the oldest chain of fast food. Like the Greasy Burgers, people either love or hate it.

Best Pizza – Huntsville

We’ll return to Campus 805 and start with the pizza that is both #1 and #6 in Yelp’s list of best pizzas in Huntsville. It’s Earth & Stone Wood Fired Pizza aka Yellowhammer Beer. The thin-crust, fresh toppings are cooked in a wood fired oven. The boozy ice-cream is also fantastic.

It’s now time to choose a classic pie that will pair well with Earth and Stone. A few years ago, I’d have chosen Mario’s Five Points if only for their garlic sauce, and the fact that they were willing to add more garlic. Google tells me they are permanently closed. I will bake a garlic knot to pay tribute. A part of me would like to add Terry’s Pizza, the oldest pizzeria in America. Or The Boot which is a highly ranked restaurant. But I haven’t tried either.

I’ll stick with what I know, and say Big Ed’s Pizza. Big Ed’s Pizza has been hand-tossed for more than 50 years. They make their own sauce and offer some great carryout deals.

Best Fine dining – Huntsville Al

You’ll eventually come across Cotton Row when discussing the best fine dining options in Huntsville. This is our most acclaimed and renowned restaurant, with our most famous Chef – James Boyce. It’s “old school” because the building is from 1821, and it sits on the courthouse sqaure on the old cotton trade. The menu is constantly changing and focuses on innovative and unique dishes that are a blend of French basics and southern influences. Cotton Row has been a popular choice among upscale restaurants in Huntsville for many years.

How about The Avenue if we are looking for the next big thing? The Avenue is a collection 197 lofts and 21,000 square foot of retail space on the ground floor that offer an urban living experience in Rocket City. It is also home to purveyor a fine downtown Huntsville Restaurant. From small plates to steaks, they have it all. All the food is flavorful and perfectly cooked. Ask for suggestions on cocktail pairings.

Best Cocktail in Huntsville

What are the best cocktail bars in Huntsville? Downtown is where I would recommend you go for the best mixology. There are a variety of bars, from the hidden Tiki bars in basements ( Phat Sammy’s), to a multitude of roof-top bars. We can only choose two. Here we go, right or incorrect.

Catacomb435 is our old-school choice. Even though the bar is relatively new, its dedication to speakeasy-style drinks has earned it street cred. Matt Ortega, the bartender at this speakeasy, is one of the best in town. Reservations are a must, and they should be made surprisingly early. You will not be let down when you finally get to visit Catacomb. Matt will create something unique and special based on the suggestions you make. You won’t receive a drink list per se.

Stella’s Elixir Lounge is our next pick. In a fun and open atmosphere, they offer new twists to old classics. They are posh, but not pretentious. Smooth and sophisticated, they have a great atmosphere. The daily specials show off the depth and breadth of the drink menu. Saturday is the ‘lucky day’ to get into the bar.

Best of the Rest

Let me say, before you accuse us, that there were some restaurants I could not, in good faith, leave off the list. My editor told me I could only use 2000 words and I still needed to do some keyword stuffing…lol.

• Best Steak in Huntsville – Connors Steak and Seafood
• Best Italian Restaurants in Huntsville Al – Mazzara’s Vinoteca (Located in the Historic Humphreys Rodgers House, downtown Huntsville it is starting a brand new chapter in gourmet Italian cuisine)
• Mason Dixon Bakery Best gluten-free bakery in Huntsville (good enough for you to enjoy even if your eat gluten).
• Bigfoot’s Little Donuts Best Donuts Huntsville (for those who prefer their toppings on their donuts).
• Best Food Trucks in Huntsville – NASA Food Trucks Corral
• Best Vegan – Hippea Camper
• They also have a good grilled cheese.
• El Olmeca Best Lunch Special Huntsville (split lunch fajitas in the Madison location and you’ll be grateful)

Downtown Huntsville Restaurants are Open on Sunday

In the South, Sundays are a rest day. With the current labor market, it is harder to find restaurants in downtown Huntsville open on Sunday. Here are a few of our favorite Sunday dishes.

• Seasalt- Downtown Huntsville’s urban oyster bar, with 24 beers available on tap
• Martin: American comfort food served in a fun environment
• The Poppy & Parliament – Huntsville’s Best English Food with Extraordinary Fish and Chips
• The Revivalist- The lobby bar at 106 Jefferson which pays tribute to past
• Commerce Kitchen- The Sunday family style supper is excellent, but you will need to make a reservation
• Pane E Vino Pizzeria- Italian favorites along the banks of Big Spring
• CO/OP Table + Bar- Serving seasonal and sustainable food at the Embassy Suit lobby

Huntsville Dining FAQs