Reviewed by: Lauren Perry
5 historic restaurants in Alabama you need to visit
BySarah Gronberg
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We’re all about what’s new and exciting in Alabama, but sometimes we want to take a step back in time. What better way to do that than with food? These five historic restaurants in Alabama will have you feeling nostalgic and craving classic Southern cooking.
1. Dew Drop Inn—Mobile
If you know Mobile, you know Dew Drop Inn. Next year, this restaurant will celebrate 100 years in business—and 100 years of serving up the same “World Famous Hot Dogs.” If you haven’t tried their bright-red hot dogs, write this one on your Alabama bucket list. According to Southern Living, legend has it that “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” the famous song by the late Jimmy Buffett, was inspired by the Dew Drop Inn. No matter if it’s true or not, we think the Dew Drop Inn is fit to inspire anybody who walks through the doors.
- Location: 1808 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-3PM
2. The Bright Star
Even older than the Dew Drop Inn is The Bright Star, which has been serving up Greek-style cuisine since 1907. What started out as a 25-seat cafe is now a large restaurant that can seat hundreds—and it regularly does so. Locals and visitors alike flock to The Bright Star to get a taste of their famous cornmeal-fried oysters, seafood gumbo, Greek-style snapper and more.
- Location: 304 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-3PM, 4:30-8:30PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-3PM, 4:30-9PM | Sunday 11AM-3PM, 4:30-9PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Rama Jama’s—Tuscaloosa
If you’re a Crimson Tide fan, you know Rama Jama’s. While this one isn’t quite as old as the others, starting out in 1996, it’s just as nostalgic. Both the exterior and interior are flooded with University of Alabama memorabilia, and the retro diner-like atmosphere is unmistakable. While enjoying your burger, milkshake or other classic favorite, you’ll get to see the names of famous people who sat in that very spot.
- Location: 1000 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 7AM-4PM | Sunday 9AM-2PM
4. Irondale Cafe
Irondale Cafe started out as a hot dog stand in 1928, and has flourished into a spot where generations have enjoyed the home-style cooking. Though the restaurant has changed ownership several times over its near-100-year existence, “The Original Whistlestop Cafe” still does things the same way as they did in the early days—fresh, local meats and produce made into classics like fried green tomatoes, country fried steak and much more.
- Location: 1906 1st Ave N, Irondale, AL 35210
- Hours: Sunday-Friday 11AM-2:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Big Spring Cafe
As a Huntsville native, I can attest to how big of a deal Big Spring Cafe is in the Rocket City. It’s the home of the “Greasy Burger,” which made its debut over a century ago in 1922. Originally opening its doors on Jefferson Street in downtown Huntsville, Big Spring Cafe has moved around a few times before landing at its current location. On one side of Governors Drive, you have Stovehouse, one of the newest and hottest places to visit in Huntsville. But, on the other side of the street, you’ve got the oldest restaurant in Huntsville. It’s a remarkable juncture of the new and the old in Huntsville.
BONUS: Want to see more historic restaurants in Alabama? Here are six more in Huntsville.
- Location: 3507 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6AM-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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