8 Delicious Comfort Food Spots in Alabama

Every town, city and state has them. Whether you call it a greasy spoon, a burger joint or whatever you want to call it, it serves some of the best hometown comfort food in America. A cluster of in-theaters and dive bars.

Here are eight of my favorites where you can meet friendly people and grab some delicious local food from the menu.

1. Salem’s Diner

homewood

Homewood can best be described as a small town in Alabama where Southern lifestyles collide with modern life. In a small shop in a strip mall on his 18th Street South outside of Birmingham is Salem’s Diner. But don’t let the size of the store fool you. Salem’s has been serving some of the best classic diner fare in the area since it was first opened in the 1950s by Ed Salem, a University of Alabama football player.

The walls are lined with memorabilia from Ed’s college and professional days, as well as photos and memorabilia of the many celebrities who have visited the diner over the years.

Home of the Philly Cheesesteak

Salem’s serves one of the best Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in the state. A hoagie (or sub, or grinder, or one of many other names, depending on where you’re from) is loaded with thinly sliced ​​tender beef, caramelized onions, and, of course, mayonnaise. , dripping with melted, gooey provolone cheese. that’s the best. For dessert, finish your meal with the classic Lemon Icebox Pie.

Pro tip: Salem’s Diner has limited hours — 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays.

2. Sunliner Diner

Gulf Shores

What can be said about the Gulf Shores that haven’t been told yet? This picturesque seaside town on the Gulf of Alabama is home to pristine white sand beaches, lapping turquoise Gulf waters and the lustrous chrome of the past. A quintessential beach town with a range of dining experiences including the Sunliner Diner, a modern day diner. .

The diner’s retro vibe takes you back to the 1950s and ’60s, with seafoam booths, a jukebox, and waitresses in red aprons and classic white uniforms.

all day breakfast

The Sunliner’s menu is huge, and if we’re talking diners, of course, but when it comes to breakfast, the choices are a mile, and they’re served all day. A favorite is the three fresh egg meat lovers omelet stuffed with bacon, sausage and smoked ham. Served with grits or hash browns.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with kids or just love old cars, sit in a coveted 1950’s convertible.

3. Cardinal Drive-in

Moulton

If you’re traveling through northwestern Alabama through the town of Moulton near the famous Bankhead National Forest and Gypsy Wilderness, pull over at one of the many call stations and head to Cardinal Drive-In for a great drive-in. Order your food.

Press the button to order American drive-in staples like foot-long chili dogs and delicious freshly baked burgers.

Top it off with one of the best milkshakes in the state and you’ll be in drive-in heaven.

to eat

A local favorite is the catfish dinner. I agree. Lightly breaded fried catfish served with tangy tartar sauce, served with sweet coleslaw, baked he beans, and crisp onion his rings.

4. Big Chief Drive-in

Glencoe

A small, nondescript ‘A’ frame building appears on the drive along U.S. Route 431 in Glencoe. It’s a fun little drive-in called Big Chief.

Drive in or walk inside to order and enjoy your meal at one of the colorful picnic tables.

The menu includes basic burger joint fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and fries, but a variety of delicious meals include chicken fingers, chicken filly sandwiches, catfish, shrimp baskets, and even oyster baskets. is added.

But Big Chief’s main draw is its burgers, which feature six mouthwatering combos, including one called “The Berry,” which is topped with barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and fried onion rings.

I’m hungry

Big Chief products are big enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Big He always goes to eat Noah Burger when he goes to Chief. Talk about a unique burger. A noah is a large ground chuck patty filled with fried bolognese slices and topped with a fried egg, bacon, cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard.

I always add one of their homemade milkshakes.

Pro tip: For something different, try the Big Chief Grape Soft Serve Cone. That’s right, grape soft serve ice cream. Give it a try. you will love it

5. Tasty dip

heflin

As a kid it was always fun to drive with my parents. A giant neon ice cream cone shaped sign of him appeared just down the road and his father stopped the car to buy the kids a snack. Buildings were lit up with neon lights and parking lots filled with cars, music and laughter.

Heflin’s Tasty Dip lets you relive the moment and create new memories.

There’s nothing pretentious about Tasty Dip. It’s simply good American diner food and dairy treats, with a good helping of nostalgia.

The menu includes basic leg-length hot dogs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers, as well as Gambit soft serve ice cream and shakes.

lives up to its name

The Tasty Cheeseburger lives up to its name and is a must try. This burger is packed with “works”: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and our Tasty Dip signature sauce. Add a side order of fried dill pickle spears and shakes.

6. Muncies Antique Club

Daphne

Muncie’s Antique Club on the east shore of Mobile Bay in Daphne has been a favorite with locals and visitors alike since 1924.

Once a produce warehouse, Manci’s has been converted into a restaurant and bar. The atmosphere is a little dark, but the vibe of this bar and restaurant is delightful with nights of live music and a menu as diverse as Alabama Gulf Coast culture.

fresh gulf seafood

Manci’s offers delicious specialty burgers such as the Mushroom Swiss Burger. Locals love their fried seafood dinners. A platter of fried shrimp, fish and oysters served with hushpuppies, sweet coleslaw and your choice of sides.

Pro tip: Parking can be difficult at Manci’s. After 17:00, park in the city hall or post office parking lot

Ladies, avoid fig leaves in the toilet. Otherwise, you may be surprised when you return to the main room. Lifting the leaf will set off a buzzer in the main dining area and patrons know they have to see what’s underneath.

7. Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive

Hoover

New to the list is Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive in Hoover. Brothers Ben and Zach Williams will open the doors of this family-friendly burger joint in 2021, offering a menu of delicious gourmet his hot dogs and burgers. The burgers are great, to say the least. They all use American Wagyu beef, and the rich marbled fat melts in your mouth.

difficult choice

Picking a favorite from the menu is a difficult choice. Talking to their regulars, no one could point out one burger they liked better than the other.

I tried applejack this summer. A delicious burger loaded with 2 wagyu patties, bacon, red onions and pepper jack cheese.

Pro tip: Pair your burger with one of six locally-made brews served at Whiskey Foxtrot. Examples include the clean, crisp but slightly spicy Kahaba Blonde and the sweet, mild-bodied Kahaba Lager, a local favourite.

8. Madtown Eat and Drinks

Vestavia Hills

Mudtown Eat and Drinks is a truly enjoyable dining experience that takes local connections seriously. As they say, they are part of the fabric of the community while serving a great menu.

The restaurant is named after what the Creek Indians once called a swamp near Birmingham in Mudtown. They may be named after dirt, but don’t let the name fool you. The atmosphere, friendly staff, and flavorful menu make it a must-stop when visiting Alabama.

when in alabama

When in Alabama, you must try the Conecuh dog. Made with the world-famous spicy Conecuh sausage (named after Alabama County and a true Southern tradition) and sweetened on a brioche bun. Topped with mustard coleslaw.

For something with a little kick, the Kahaba Cajun Burger – a large beef patty topped with blackened fried pickles, pepper jack cheese, tomatoes and onions, served with sweet and spicy mustard and spicy Cajun sauce. I can’t help but hum “Ayeee!”.

Pro tip: Mad Town has an extensive cocktail menu that is sure to please, including classics like the classic Moscow Mule and local favorites like the Mad Town Mojito.