Huntsville, Alabama, may not be what most people envision when they think of the Southern states. With its military and associated engineering and technology operations, the second-largest city in Alabama has drawn people from all over the country to live and work together.
With this influx of people has come a spectacular array of dining options that one might not expect to find in Alabama. Having lived and worked in Huntsville for some time, I have enjoyed the variety of cuisines the city has to offer.
Below, I would like to share some of the best restaurants in Huntsville with you, in hopes that if you find yourself in town for work or pleasure, you will be able to take advantage of some of the amazing culinary delights the city offers.
Hildegard’s German Cuisine
$$ | 256) 512-9776 | WEBSITE
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Huntsville is what it is today thanks to the German rocket scientists who got America to the Moon while living and working at Redstone Arsenal. That means that if you love German food, Huntsville is a great place to get the real thing.
Hildegard’s is the best German restaurant in town, originally owned and run by a little Oma (grandma). Having been to Germany, I can definitively say that the food and atmosphere at Hildegard’s is pretty darn close to a restaurant in Munich.
From bratwurst to schnitzel, cabbage to potatoes, and, of course, German beer, you are sure to find something you love or something new to love at Hildegard’s. Just make sure you save room for an enormous slice of Black Forest Cherry Cake.
Rosie’s Mexican Cantina
$$ | (256) 922-1001 | WEBSITE
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Rosie’s, which has two locations as well as a third location called Little Rosie’s Taqueria serving smaller plates, is by far one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Huntsville.
They offer a variety of standard Tex-Mex options, so anyone is sure to find what they are looking for. Whether you are in the mood for a burrito and margarita, or tacos and queso, the food and drink options at Rosie’s are quite good.
However, if you are looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, you probably will not find it here. Overall, though, Rosie’s continues to stand out as a top restaurant in Huntsville, with good food, drinks, and desserts.
Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos
$ | (256) 270-9999 | WEBSITE
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When I first saw Shaggy’s, I was a little hesitant to stop in, but the combination of burgers and tacos sold at the same place proved too hard to resist checking out. This place proved to be a good local spot to stop in for lunch, with a variety of burger and taco options.
The food service was quick, which is good if you are on a short lunch break. I would not say that the food itself was anything spectacular, but if you are looking for a good burger or a good taco, or both, this is definitely a pretty good place to go.
Sitar Indian Cuisine
$$ | (256) 536-3360 | WEBSITE
Finding good Indian food can be difficult, but Sitar serves up some very good options. While I admit that I am not a connoisseur of Indian food, I do really like this cuisine, and I found the fare at Sitar to be up to my expectations.
I enjoyed the atmosphere, finding it a pleasing place to have a meal. The number of menu options was sufficient to try different things on different occasions, and the flavors were very nice.
I would say that if you are in town and want a good meal with naan and vindaloo, a visit to Sitar is definitely going to be something you do not want to miss.
88 Buffet
$ | (256) 971-9870 | WEBSITE
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88 Buffet is the best Chinese buffet in Huntsville. They offer a seemingly ever-changing variety of new options, as well as standard favorites. If you like Chinese food, and who doesn’t, then a buffet is definitely the way to go.
The price at 88 Buffet is appropriate, and I rarely feel like I did not get my money’s worth.
You can get just about anything you like, including some American options for kids or those in your party who do not appreciate Chinese food, and they also offer a pretty good sushi bar and Mongolian BBQ station. And yes, they have dessert.
Connors Steak & Seafood
$$ | (256) 327-8425 | WEBSITE
Connors Steak & Seafood is nestled in the heart of the city, offering an exquisite blend of succulent steaks and fresh seafood.
The star of the show at Connors is undoubtedly the steaks. Cooked to perfection, the steaks are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The Lobster Crab Bisque and the Grilled Atlantic Salmon are other standout dishes that have been lauded by patrons for their impeccable taste and presentation.
While the prices at Connors are on the higher side, the quality of the food and the service make it worth every penny. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, a meal at Connors Steak & Seafood is one culinary delight you wouldn’t want to miss.
Drake’s Huntsville
$$ | (256) 517-8588 | WEBSITE
If you want pub food and a good place to enjoy it, Drake’s is a very nice option. I would say, however, that the atmosphere is more what people come here for, as the food is not anything worth going out of the way for.
That said, their menu selections are extensive, and the craft beers always provide something new and unique to drink. The atmosphere is considered lively, with plenty going on to keep you entertained as you meet with friends after work.
Dreamland BBQ
$$ | (256) 539-7427 | WEBSITE
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When it comes to BBQ, I admit that I am a little spoiled after spending time in Texas. But when a friend from Texas came to visit, he told me that he wanted to go to Dreamland, and neither of us was disappointed.
With ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and sides – not to mention sweet tea and banana pudding – I was pleased to return on my own and take other people with me for a great BBQ dining experience.
Mellow Mushroom Huntsville
$$ | (256) 864-2727 | WEBSITE
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Mellow Mushroom is a pretty big pizza chain, but I feel justified in including it on this list because each restaurant is different.
The Huntsville location has the same unique pizza options that you can get at any Mellow Mushroom, but the atmosphere is unique to the city.
If you are looking for really good – and different – pizza flavors, great drink options, and a fun atmosphere, this is the place to go. You can stop in for lunch, or make it an after-work get together, whatever you want.
With so many great pizza options, and the ability to customize your own, you are sure to find many new favorites among your old standards.
Las Trojas Cantina
$$ | (256) 852-6381 | WEBSITE
While I am hesitant to put two restaurants with the same cuisine on this list, I had to include two Mexican restaurants simply because both Rosie’s and Las Trojas offer outstanding experiences in their unique ways.
If you are looking for an outstanding dining experience, complete with great food, amazing margaritas, and live entertainment, this is the place to go.
The menu is enormous, and full of a variety of things that you just cannot find anywhere else in Huntsville. Be warned, however, the portion sizes can be quite intimidating, so plan to take some home with you.
Terranova’s Huntsville
$$ | 256) 489-8883 | WEBSITE
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What list of best restaurants would be complete without an Italian place? There are a number of good places to get Italian in Huntsville, but Terranova’s is certainly one of the best. Their menu options are pretty standard, but the food is prepared with love.
I really enjoy how everything I eat here tastes authentic. From the homemade pasta and sauces to the amazing chicken parmesan, you will want to return here again and again.
Rocket City Tavern
$$ | (256) 319-3333 | WEBSITE
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While I am not the kind of person who frequents places that call themselves taverns, I will say that Rocket City Tavern is not what always comes to my mind when I think of a tavern.
Their selection of microbrews and cocktails, along with standard beers and drinks, pair nicely with the menu options.
While it is typical American fare, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, etc., this is a nice place to unwind after work. Having a place like this in Huntsville, and very close to the Arsenal, is great, even if the food is not anything amazing.
Phuket Thai Restaurant and Sushi
$$ | 256) 489-1612 | WEBSITE
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Thai food is one of my favorites. Curry soup, noodle dishes, spring rolls, what’s not to love? Having a place like Phuket in Huntsville fulfills my occasional desire to indulge in a good platter of Pad Thai, the quintessential noodle dish.
Of course, there are plenty of other options, and they also serve sushi. If you like the flavors of Thailand, then this is a terrific spot.
And if you like the spiciness of Thai food, they are happy to accommodate and make your dish as spicy as they can (I know this from experience, and it was amazing). As Thai food becomes more mainstream, Phuket has already established itself as the top place to go for the cuisine in Huntsville.
Cotton Row
$$$$ | (256) 382-9500 | WEBSITE
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When it comes to fine-dining, there really is not a lot of choice in Huntsville. Cotton Row is one place, however, that really sets itself apart as a local dining option.
This is a surf ‘n’ turf place that serves up great dishes in a unique atmosphere. The restaurant is located downtown, so you can make a night of everything and take in a show.
The bar serves up a great cocktail, and the food options are all prepared perfectly. Having an option like Cotton Row available for a really nice meal is something unique to Huntsville.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed getting acquainted with the best restaurants in Huntsville, Alabama. There are certainly plenty of standard dining options to choose from, but this list will give you an idea of those options that make the dining experience in Rocket City so spectacular.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
