Huntsville, Alabama, might be your next favorite culinary destination! The food scene surprised me on my jaunts through Rocket City, USA. With my insider’s guide, Deciphering Huntsville’s mouthwatering menus becomes a breeze. Indulge in this curated list of the 19 best restaurants in Huntsville (out of 450 on TripAdvisor) and the standout dishes to savor.
Whether you’re a foodie or just hungry for adventure, Huntsville awaits with flavors (and prices) to impress.

Table of Contents
1. Ale’s Kitchen
Located on Campus 805, Ale’s Kitchen combines bold flavors with a laid-back vibe. The Jerk Chicken Tacos are a must-try, with a spicy slaw, creamy avocado, and perfectly toasted tortilla for balance. Montreal or Southern BBQ poutine should not be overlooked, either.
If burgers are more your thing, opt for the house-made Fredbread bun—you won’t be disappointed. Pair your dish with an appetizer platter from nearby Third Circle Cellars and make it an evening to savor. And if you love good beer, you’ll find all sorts here. The Stout at the Devil is my top pick!

2. Another Broken Egg Cafe
Kick-start your day with breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe, a Twickenham Square favorite. From fluffy omelets to delicious pancakes, your taste buds will be thrilled by this early morning meal.
Choose from flavors like Ipanema Estate, celebrated for its coffee-infused pancake topped with strawberries, caramel, and Irish whipped cream. Pair it with perfectly cooked eggs and breakfast meat for a flawless morning.
A second recommendation is the Hey Lucy! Omelette with spicy chorizo, onions, green chilies, and cool avocado slices. Mmm, mmm, good.

3. Baumhower’s Victory Grille
With heavy appetizers like the Triple Play Cheese Fries (jack and cheddar plus bacon) and Bam Bam Shrimp, Baumhower’s is ideal for casual dining or game-day gatherings. This local sports-themed chain offers a menu stocked with pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees.
Their family-friendly vibe and quick service make it an easy choice when you’re short on time but still crave great food. A hot dinner option is the Char-grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken with mango salsa.

4. Big Spring Cafe
A Huntsville institution, Big Spring Cafe has earned its stripes as the purveyor of the iconic Greasy Burger for decades. For less than $6, I enjoyed a cheeseburger and chili dog combo that lived up to its legendary status. Whether it’s their classic chicken tenders or a simple side salad, this old-school favorite takes comfort food to the next level.
Our experience was rounded out with impeccable service, embodying the charm for which Big Spring Cafe is known. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or an evening bite.

5. Blue Plate Cafe
Specializing in Southern home cooking, Blue Plate Cafe offers some of the best biscuits and gravy, and breakfast, period, around. Their Cheesy Browns—golden hash browns layered with cheddar—take breakfast potatoes to new heights.
I love that Blue Plate Cafe even offers healthier choices on the menu, such as chicken sausage. Treat yourself to their famous chocolate gravy biscuit on weekends for a uniquely Southern delight. It’s probably not very healthy, but it’s 10/10 delicious and surprisingly not overly sweet.
Pro Tip: Skip the wait and sit at the bar for quicker service and seating.

6. Char Restaurant
Elegance meets flavor at The Char, a venue perfect for date night or elevated brunch (hello, luscious crab cake Benedict!) in the heart of Huntsville’s vibrant culinary landscape. Their Wednesday Meatloaf special or Blue Plate Fried Chicken will remind you how good Southern comfort food can be, while the Beefeater sandwich (shaved prime rib, Tillamook cheddar, horseradish mayo) is heaven on a plate.
Want something lighter? The Ginger-Peanut Chicken Salad is a zesty, unforgettable choice. To finish off a great meal, save room for the blueberry bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Consider booking ahead to secure a spot in this nod to silver-screen sophistication.

Do your travels ever take you to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores? We have excellent restaurants to suggest there, too.
7. Connors Steak & Seafood
Located in the upscale Bridge Street Town Centre, Connors Steak & Seafood is renowned for its romantic ambiance and masterfully grilled steaks. This is one gorgeous address.
For an affordable lunch (prices range from $14-$17 at this location), try the Chicken Piccata (lemon wine sauce, capers, sun-dried tomatoes) or the Boursin Burger (sautéed mushroom, homemade boursin, and crispy tobacco onions). I love that Connors has an arsenal of menus, including an elevated wine menu, dessert, happy hour, bar bites, kids, gluten-free, and nutritional, all on the website.
Pro Tip: Their complimentary herb butter rolls are worth the trip.
Fun Fact: Opentable recently announced that the Sarasota Connors location was a contender for the Top 100 Most Loved Restaurants in America after analyzing over 13 million verified diner reviews.

8. Edgar’s Bakery
This Huntsville favorite balances sweet and savory. Indulge in a slice of their moist Bundt cake or gooey cinnamon roll for sweet options, or opt for a quiche of the day paired with the light crunch of a chopped Greek salad for savory. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a midday pick-me-up, Edgar’s never fails to deliver.

Need seasonal cakes, pies, cookies, or petit fours? Find them here. Discover why Edgar’s is a beloved Huntsville staple at any time of day.

9. Honest Coffee Roasters
Honest Coffee Roasters is a gem for true coffee lovers. Their smooth cold brew is perfectly balanced and pairs beautifully with a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit for a simple but satisfying breakfast. The Açaí bowls are pretty popular, too.
With friendly staff and fair prices, this café is a delightful start to your day in Huntsville. It also has a second location in Downtown Madison.

10. La Finka Mexican Restaurant & Grill
If you crave Mexican cuisine, La Finka delivers an intimate ambiance and exceptional dishes. Immerse yourself in an inviting and picturesque ambiance while savoring dishes that promise to delight.
Start with the creamy Queso Dip, served with warm chips and a robust tomato salsa, before moving on to the Fajita Chicken Taco Salad. The puffed taco shell alone is a standout—light, crisp, and a welcome variation on the usual.

11. Melt
Elevating comfort food with innovation, Melt offers everything from classic grilled cheese to the fiery Ragin’ Cajun sandwich. The Mac’ n Egg Roll starter is purely delicious, with cheesy filling wrapped in a crispy shell, and the Honey Baked Goat Cheese, adorned with cranberries and honey), is pure genius.

Don’t leave without trying their Tomato Basil Soup—perfect for dipping your gourmet grilled cheese. Besides having fabulous and delicious food, the decor is super cute and kitschy; families will be comfortable here. Melt’s cozy patio vibe is a dining al fresco option.
Pro Tip: A bowl of Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for dunking your grilled sandwich in.

12. Ol’ Heidelberg
For authentic German fare, Ol’ Heidelberg is the place to go. The King Ludwig Chicken, smothered in a garlic cream sauce, is pure indulgence. Start with the sausage sampler, and don’t leave without a slice of their luscious Black Forest cake.
Reservations are recommended as it’s a Huntsville favorite since opening in 1972. When the weather is favorable, you can also opt for sidewalk seating.

13. Pane E Vino Pizzeria
Nestled beside the Huntsville Museum of Art, Pane E Vino charms with its Italian-inspired comfort food. My recommendation? The Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, cheesy feast served with a warm breadstick. Other options include stuffed calzones, pizza, and inventive pasta dishes.
Whether you dine inside or on the patio, this is casual dining at its finest.

14. Phat Sammy’s
Look no further than Phat Sammy’s for tropical escapism and bold flavors. This lively and eclectic underground haunt guarantees to impress and boost your Instagram likes. The whimsical decor is so much fun, even down to the playful stirrers and straws.
Their Phat Fries—fried chicken, cheese curds, Chinese sausage gravy, and legendary kimchi—are next-level indulgence. Add a side of refreshing Spam Fried Rice, and you’ve got a meal as unique as Phat Sammy’s unforgettable atmosphere.

15. Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant
Exploring the flavors of Huntsville led us to the welcoming doors of Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant, where family-secret recipes come to life. From our first steps inside, the warmth of hospitality was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
The culinary adventure began with a creamy Queso Blanco—a classic choice. The evening’s feast included a sizzling Chicken Quesadilla and Pollo Con Rajas—with a rich, peppery cream sauce and luscious melted Chihuahua cheese, a true revelation to the palate.

16. Piper and Leaf
Constitution Park’s little gem, Piper and Leaf, is perfect for sipping artisanal brews. Their Briar Patch iced tea is refreshing and slightly sweet, while the cheese and herb scones are the perfect on-the-go snack.
Whether you’re a tea aficionado or just passing by, this cozy shop is worth your time. Check them out at the Lowe Mill location, too.

17. The Revivalist
Experience the culinary charm of Huntsville my way with a morning visit to 106 Jefferson, downtown’s luxury boutique treasure. At The Revivalist, a cozy nook that effortlessly marries nostalgia with contemporary class, start your day with wholesome delight.
Try a gourmet toast with an avocado mash and fresh sprouts on top of a crispy slice of sourdough, perfectly finished with eggs and a side ensemble of leafy greens dotted with sharp radishes.
For a touch of sweetness, order the French Toast drizzled with delicate crème Anglaise and a burst of berries – a truly celebratory start to any explorer’s day in Huntsville. Hooray for chicken sausage!

18. Rosie’s Mexican Cantina
Rosie’s is a local favorite that offers a colorful twist on traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. From Spinach Enchiladas and Raspberry Chipotle Salmon to bar-b-q chicken nachos, the menu is both creative and comforting.
My go-to is the Pollo Loco, a char-grilled chicken dish smothered in queso and served over a cozy bed of rice. The lively atmosphere, cool murals, and fun souvenirs make Rosie’s a must-visit.
FYI: There are currently three Alabama Rosie’s locations, but this could easily be the next big Mexican food franchise across America. Time will tell.

19. Sam and Greg’s
Sam and Greg’s pizzeria, nestled in a quaint 1896 Southside Square building, enhances Huntsville’s culinary landscape. Select from an array of premier pizzas—yes, gluten-free options included—or tantalize your taste buds with their local brews and toe-curling gelato. Their simple yet unforgettable cheese pizza left us savoring every bite.
Venture upstairs for a cosmic twist with alien decor, or stay ground-level amongst eclectic art. The charming patio setting is just the cherry on top. Join the adventure where Huntsville’s food meets fun and flair.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Two honorable mentions for where to eat in Huntsville are decadent sweet shops.
First is The Moon Bakeshop, filled with gorgeous shortbread, cookie sandwiches (with buttercream), pies, and bar cookies. If you prefer savory, the croissants and scones are heavenly. Boasting family-owned and “small batch from scratch,” everything you sink your teeth into from here will be bliss.

The second is Pizzelle’s Confections, a sweet shop I was so impressed with that I nominated it for USA Today’s 10BestChocolate Shops in the USA—and it won first place! Yep, I knew this was someplace special.
The chocolates are so creative and lovely that they are almost too pretty to eat. But it would be a shame not to enjoy every bite of these beauties. Amongst my favorites are Goodbye Earl, Afternoon Delight, Man on the Moon, and Sexyback. It is worth noting that Pizzelle’s uses fair-trade Felchlin chocolate.

Why Huntsville Is the Next Big Foodie Spot
Huntsville, AL, combines tradition and innovation to create a diverse food culture rivaling larger cities. These restaurants prove that Rocket City is more than just its NASA history.
From sweet to savory, classic to creative, Huntsville’s food scene is a delightful adventure waiting to be sampled and shared.

Restaurants for my next Huntsville visit include Cotton Row (fine dining with fresh ingredients) and Poppy & Parliament (British faves). What else should I add?
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