Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-QBarbecue restaurant · $$ · Decatur, about 25 min south
Alabama white sauce was invented here in the 1920s, which makes this the one genuine pilgrimage on the list. Get the smoked chicken dunked in white sauce and do not overthink the rest.
1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601
Salt SmokehouseRestaurant · $$ · Lincoln Mill, Meridian St
Family run, Michelin selected, and routinely the highest rated restaurant in the city. Asian American flavors off a real smoker, so go brisket plus the brisket fritters.
1300 Meridian St N d 104, Huntsville, AL 35801
Ted's Bar-B-QBarbecue restaurant · $ · Five Points
A Five Points counter joint that has been feeding this neighborhood since 1987. BBQ chicken plate with white sauce, a side of Brunswick stew, and a jalapeno cornbread muffin.
212 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
New Market BBQBarbecue restaurant · $$ · New Market, about 20 min northeast
Mom and pop hickory brick pit, open Friday through Sunday only, which tells you they are not messing around. Brisket, smoked mac and cheese, and the homemade banana pudding.
5601 Winchester Rd, New Market, AL 35761
Blue Oak BBQBarbecue restaurant · $$ · MidCity
New Orleans influence on a Huntsville pit, parked in MidCity right by the amphitheater. BBQ gumbo, pork belly cracklins, and smoked peach cobbler.
Chef James Boyce has run this room on the square since 2008 and it is still the benchmark for a serious meal in Huntsville. Dinner only Tuesday through Saturday, so plan around show night.
100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Char$$$ · Bob Wallace Ave, just west of downtown
Modern Southern steakhouse doing USDA Prime with a live piano player in the bar from 5:30 every night. The sides come family style, so order three and let the table fight over them.
Grille on MainRestaurant · $$$ · Village of Providence
The Boyce group's Providence room, classic American steaks and seafood on a walkable little village square. Kitchen runs to 10pm most nights, which matters after a late set.
445 Providence Main St NW Unit 101, Huntsville, AL 35806
Connors Steak & SeafoodSteak house · $$$ · Bridge Street Town Centre
Wood-fired grills and aged prime cuts, voted best upscale restaurant by the Huntsville Business Journal two years running. Get the Boursin filet.
345 The Bridge St, Huntsville, AL 35806
Breakfast in Huntsville
Blue Plate CafeSouthern restaurant (US) · $ · Governors Drive, Medical District
The Governors Drive institution locals actually eat at, doors open at 6am and closed Sundays. Blueberry pancakes, biscuits, and a veggie casserole that has no business being that good.
3210 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
The Poppy and ParliamentEnglish restaurant · $$ · Downtown, Courthouse Square
British pub on the north side of the square running Sunday brunch from 11 to 2:30. Full English breakfast, and there is a butcher shop attached if you want to take something back.
117 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
The Standard Social MarketRestaurant · $$ · Downtown, Holmes Ave
Half bodega, half restaurant, running what they call seven day brunch with weekend service from 9am. Steak and eggs or the brioche French toast.
127 Holmes Ave NW Ste 102, Huntsville, AL 35801
Superhero ChefsRestaurant · $$ · Old Monrovia, near MidCity
Comic book theme, but the cooking is a lot better than the gimmick suggests. Red velvet pancakes, or The Hulk, a green waffle sandwich loaded with sausage, bacon, egg and cheese.
930 Old Monrovia Rd NW #3, Huntsville, AL 35806
Late Night in Huntsville
Phat Sammy's$$ · Downtown
Tiki bar and Asian-leaning eats until 1am Friday and Saturday - the after-show room downtown.
Furniture Factory Bar & GrillBar & grill · $$ · Downtown / Meridian
Kitchen and bar run to 1:30am most nights, live music and a big patio.
619 Meridian St N STE 200, Huntsville, AL 35801
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint$ · North Side Square
Wagyu smash burgers and a huge beer list until 2am Thursday through Saturday. 4.5 stars, 280+ reviews.