National foodie publication lists best places to eat in Alabama

Delish, a national foodie publication with 61 million social media followers, released its list of The Best Places to Eat in Alabama earlier this month. 

Did they get it right? Let’s take a look.

The first thing we noticed about the list of restaurants from Delish is the omission of establishments from North Alabama. Their story only highlighted places from three major metro areas — Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.

C’mon guys! How can you miss Trowbridges in Florence, or Poppy & Parliament and Cotton Row in Huntsville? And if you are listing BBQ joints, how about Bob Gibson’s in Decatur or the original Dreamland in Tuscaloosa?

But there are also plenty of great food spots in Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile so let’s see which ones stood out the most to Delish!

Wintzell’s Oyster House

As you’d expect, Delish was all about highlighting seafood on the coast. Wintzell’s was one the restaurants highlighted in the Mobile area.

Wintzell’s has a location in downtown Mobile and West Mobile, plus four others around the state. Delish highlighted several dishes from the restaurant including:

• Boiled shrimp
• Gumbo
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Oyster po’boy that is “the talk of the town”

Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs

The historic restaurant in the state’s capital is just a few years removed from celebrating its 100th birthday. It clearly made an impact on Delish as it was the first restaurant from Montgomery listed in the article.

It’s a staple for hot dog and hamburger lovers in Montgomery or for anyone just looking for a lunch place to stop at on the way through town. You can top your hot dog off with the famous chilli sauce (that can also be shipped to you) or pair your burger with some onion rings.

But if that’s not your taste, don’t sleep on the restaurant’s chicken salad or vegetable soup!

Galley & Garden

Located on Highland Avenue, this French-American inspired restaurant made a strong impression on Delish. The writer says Galley & Garden is regarded as “Birmingham’s most romantic restaurant.”

Delish specifically mentioned the restaurant’s Duroc pork chops. But you might not even make it to an entree with starter options like cornmeal crusted gulf oysters, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes and more!

Johnny’s Restaurant

A more casual lunch spot is out in Homewood where you’ll find a diner-like atmosphere serving a Greek twist of southern food. It’s one of many meat-and-three spots around the state but the restaurant’s dedication to fresh ingredients and supporting local stands out.

Delish says Johnny’s “shows its support for Alabama farmers and Gulf fishermen with everything from keftedes to fried catfish.”

Derk’s Filet and Vine

This hybrid restaurant and market located in Montgomery’s Old Cloverdale is becoming a tourist spot for wine and beer fans from across the state but it’s the food that keeps people coming back.

Delish says the spot offers the largest selection of beer and wine in the state. But if you’re stopping in for the drinks, make sure to grab a sandwich to go. Or get in line when the hot bar is open and make yourself a meat-and-two plate!

There’s more!

Even with limiting itself to three cities, Delish couldn’t stop with naming just a few restaurants. There were plenty of others mentioned on the popular website.

• Chez Fonfon
• Hot and Hot Fish Club
• Helen
• Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q
• Niki’s West
• Martin’s Restaurant
• Vintage Year
• Central
• SaZa
• The Blind Mule
• Felix’s

What spots do you think should’ve made the list? Let us know! Tag us @TheBamaBuzz, @BhamNow, or @HvilleBlast!