The Huntsville Dining Guide
Foodies love Huntsville—award-winning chefs and inventive cuisine abound! In this Huntsville dining guide, Scout Guide Huntsville Editor/Owner Dawn Pumpelly and her team share their favorite spots to lunch, brunch, sip, and dip. Whether it’s Mother’s Day brunch suggestions or happy hour spots, our team has you covered with their tastiest picks.
KEY: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, BR=Brunch, HH=Happy Hour
DINNER
Domaine South (200 West Side Square, Huntsville) L, D, HH
We love this cozy, chic spot overlooking Big Spring Park. The steak frites with duck fat fries are Mr. Scout Guide Huntsville David’s favorite while Dawn is obsessed with the summer tomato salad on the seasonal menu. Pro tip: Always, always plan to start your meal with a custom charcuterie board! Select your wine and then ask the chef to recommend the board options to you based on your wine.
Mazzara’s Vinoteca (102 Gates Avenue Southwest, Huntsville) L, D, HH
Authentic Italian dishes inspired by Church Street Family owner Stephanie’s family is where this restaurant starts. Dwaynia recommends ordering the orecchiette pasta – carbs, protein, veggies, utter deliciousness – in a single bowl.
Purveyor (201 Jefferson Street North, Huntsville) D
The menu changes weekly due to seasonal demands, so we recommend trying the chef’s specials as they are alway innovative and unique. If you see something you haven’t had before (like the bone marrow), we recommend you try it at Purveyor.
Old Town Stock House (410 Old Town Street, Guntersville) L, D
A Guntersville native, classically trained Chef, Crystal McKone, has brought the flavors of the big city to small town Alabama. In foodie circles often touted as the best kept secret in Alabama, Old Town Stock House is big on flavors, seasonal produce, and an artfully crafted culinary experience. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently, we don’t think you can go wrong here!
1892 East (720 Pratt Avenue Northeast, Huntsville) BR, L, D
We love Chef Steven’s vegetarian options!
The Bottle (101 Washington Street Northeast, Huntsville) D
A long-time staple in the Huntsville dining scene, The Bottle has been locals’ favorite for a special occasion like Mother’s Day Brunch or Birthday dinner out. We’re obsessed with the recent special event celebrating Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking! Keep your eye out for more special experiences.
Char (931 Bob Wallace Avenue Southwest, Suite 201, Huntsville) L, D
Dawn recommends the No-Filler Crab Cakes as an entree with a side salad.
CO-OP (800 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville) D
Chef favorite Luke Hawke serves up rich and comforting dishes with surprising complexity. In the summer, do not miss the fried okra!
Cork & Crust Pizzeria + Wine Bar (12120 County Line Road, Madison) BR, D
Aissa recommends the beef stroganoff pizza. Seriously? Seriously!
Cotton Row (100 South Side Square, Huntsville) D
As the marquis restaurant of Chef James Boyce, CR helped spur the Huntsville food scene when there really wasn’t one. We owe Chef Boyce a debt of gratitude for helping Huntsville get where it is today. We recommend scoring a patio seat on a temperate night and enjoying downtown along with a lovely meal.
Goodland Pour House (12110 County Line Road, Suite A, Madison) L, D
Detroit-style pizza is the name of the game here, and Ashley loves the crispy crust.
La Esquina Cocina (127 Holmes Avenue Northwest, Suite 101, Huntsville) BR, L, D, HH
We recommend trying the pollo bowl or the shrimp bowl at lunch or dinner and the red chilaquiles at brunch! Such incredible depth of flavors!
The Poppy and Parliament (117 North Side Square, Huntsville) BR, L, D
A unique spot with an eclectic menu from Kristen Caroselli that features ever-changing specials alongside fan favorites like fish & chips!
Revivalist at 106 Jefferson (106 Jefferson Street South, Huntsville) B, BR, L, D, HH
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this spot has a lovely atmosphere and is a welcome addition to downtown Huntsville dining scene. We recommend nabbing a table in the enclosed courtyard or planning a party in the private dining room.
Salt Factory Pub (Mid City, 6000 Stax Street Northwest, Huntsville) L, D
A must-visit spot for dinner before a concert at the Orion Amphitheater. Get there early!
Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria (116 South Side Square, Huntsville; 364 Hughes Road, Madison) L, D
Dwaynia and Ashley agree that you will not be disappointed by the Cajun pizza—seafood, sausage, and Cajun spice flavor combustion!
Tom Brown’s Restaurant (8141 Highway 72 West, Suite A, Madison; 9070 Memorial Parkway Southwest, Suite 210, Huntsville) D
Tom Brown’s is a serious steak place, so don’t miss ordering from the steak menu. And we highly recommend adding a sauce like the red wine demi-glace. But don’t let our recommendation fool you — TB’s also as some great inventive apps and a fun cocktail menu. You should plan to arrive hungry!
Tortora’s Pizza and Tortora’s Wood Fired Grille (180G Old Highway 431, Hampton Cove) L, D
Thank Tortora’s for bringing unique, local flavors in two sister concepts to Hampton Cove! Dawn recommends the Carlucci pizza on “the pizza side” and the Margherita on the “wood-fired, sports bar side.”
LUNCH
Fresko Grille (Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Drive Southwest, Huntsville) L, D
Dawn loves that their bowls are quick, healthy and have a unique depth of flavor.
Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro (415 Church Street Northwest, Huntsville) B, BR, L
With a PhD in Chemistry, Chef/Owner Ashley Ramirez brings gluten-free, house-made, allergen-friendly and healthy ingredients to a delicious culmination. Breakfast, lunch or catering, Mason Dixon delivers on flavor and texture. Sabrina shares that the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing will make you ask yourself how they are so delicious and fluffy without wheat flour!
Nature’s Table at Cook Museum (133 Fourth Avenue Northeast, Decatur)
Healthy, generous lunch options are available to both museum-goers and lunch visitors. We recommend the turkey club sandwich and the salads. Save room for an açaí bowl too!
Petite Bijou by Domaine South Sandwich & Wine Bar (103 North Side Square) L, D, HH
As our beloved Domaine South has moved on to a bigger space around the corner, we are thrilled that restauranteur Kristian Denis and her Wine Director Hazel Sikorski have given renewed focus to this sandwich shop, wine bar and bottle shop that has recently won a “best of” award from Wine Spectator. Dawn celebrated her 50th birthday in a private family party in this space and loves it! Try the butter ham sandwich or anything on locally made Canadian Bakin bread!
Sea Salt Urban Oyster Bar (114 Clinton Avenue East, Huntsville) L, D, HH
Huntsville’s only raw bar serves as a great spot to eat a decadent, low carb lunch from the sea. Or, if low carb isn’t your jam, we recommend the lobster grilled cheese! Sea Salt is a tiny spot that packs a big punch with 24 beers on tap and an extensive wine list.
Commerce Kitchen (300 Franklin Street Southeast, Huntsville) BR, L, D
Sabrina recommends a table by the windows while Dawn prefers to eat outside when the weather is nice. Sabrina is a sucker for the fried green tomato BLT, and Dawn recommends the spinach, fried egg and bacon salad.
G’s Country Kitchen (2501 Oakwood Avenue Northwest #5, Huntsville) L, D
G’s is the real deal Alabama soul food. Dwaynia orders the fried pork chops, yams, and turnip greens and warns NOT to skip the red velvet cake!
Melt (201 Jefferson Street North, Suite I, Huntsville) BR, L, D
You can’t go wrong with the mac and cheese grilled cheese, and psst, try the the fried Oreos for dessert!
Oshi Poke Bowl (201 Jefferson Street North Suite A, Huntsville) L, D
A nice quick and healthy lunch spot with bowls and rolls!
Rosie’s Mexican Cantina (7540-A Memorial Parkway Southwest, Huntsville; 6196 University Drive Northwest, Huntsville) L, D
A true local’s staple! Dawn loves the beef taco salad.
Taco Mama (multiple locations) L, D
Our family go-to for a larger party take-out meal like a pool party or tailgate. These catering options must be ordered a day in advance but are sure to please and always serve more than suggested.
Thai Garden (800 Wellman Avenue North, Huntsville) L, D
A favorite of locals in the Five Points Area, we recommend the Pad Thai, spring rolls, and salad kak featuring potato chips and peanut dressing.
The Veggie (7504 Hwy 72 W A5, Madison) L, D
Featured on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, Engineer-Turned-Chef Adyre Mason brings us vegan food that even a carnivore will love. Sabrina recommends trying the fried “chicken” made from locally grown lion’s mane mushrooms with skinny herbed french fries. Pair that with any of the homemade juices (especially the charcoal lemonade!) and you’re in for a treat!
Veloce Pizza (2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville) L
A fantastic option at Lowe Mill! Sourdough pizza with so many great combos of toppings and BYO! You can grab a whole pie or just a slice!
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Another Broken Egg (2722 Carl T Jones Drive, Huntsville; 300 Pelham Avenue SW, Suite 1A
Huntsville; 7504 Highway 72 West, Suite A1, Madison) B, BR, L
We love this Alabama stand-by for breakfast and brunch, starting with the pre-made sippy morning cocktails to order while you wait for your name to be called. And after that, always huevos rancheros!
Canadian Bakin (501 Church Street Northwest, Suite A, Huntsville, AL) B, L
Having started selling sourdough bread and pretzels at local farmer’s markets, this little cafe continues to blow us away! Owning our own love of carbs, we embrace the “Notorious BLT” on an everything bagel.
Ding How II (4800 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville) L, D
Sunday dim sum is always fun!
Good Company Cafe (Main Street South Shopping Village, 7500 Memorial Parkway Southwest #123, Huntsville) B, BR, L
A woman chef-driven casual cafe that serves brunch every day of the week. Delicious flavors, great pastries and mimosas!
Kar’s Char (2211 Seminole Dr SW, RR5, Huntsville) L
Yummy Texan-style BBQ now at The Lowe Mill!
The Standard Social Market (127 Holmes Ave Northwest, Suite 102, Huntsville) B, BR, L, D, HH
There is so much to love on their three-meals-a-day and cocktail menus, but if we have to pick one thing, it’s the mimosa set-up at brunch where you can mix your own and get just the right ratio of bubbles to juice.
Viet House (975 Airport Rd SW Suite B2, Huntsville) L, D
This wonderful spot on Southside Huntsville provides delicious options sure to satisfy everyone’s palettes! Plenty of veggie and meat options! Be sure and nab a Thai bubble tea here too.
Viet Huong (930 Old Monrovia Rd NW, Huntsville) L, D
A weekly must during the cooler months for their pho options, yet everything on the menu has been delightful! Favorite dishes: veggie spring rolls, veggie pho, char-broiled shrimp vermicelli, and veggie clay pot! A great spot to pop in before seeing a concert at The Orion!
DRINKS
Burritt on the Mountain’s Cocktails at The View (3101 Burritt Drive Southeast, Huntsville)
April through October, 5-8pm, visit Burritt on the Mountain’s elevated overlook for the best view in all of the city and watch the sun go down. Cocktails and snacks are available at a cash bar.
Catacomb 435 (100 North Jefferson Street North, Unit 435)
A tiny speakeasy below ground-level is Huntsville’s best kept secret. The easiest way to gain entrance is to make a reservation on the website for a two-hour spot and receive the secret code to enter. Or, if you haven’t planned ahead, look for the red call box on the wall by a locked door about 100 feet north of the corner of Clinton and Jefferson just past In Bloom to call down to see if there is room for you. It’s worth the extra work to get there — best bartender in Alabama Matt Ortega will make you a divine cocktail treat. We recommend telling Matt your liquor of choice and your preferred flavor profile and let him create a personal masterpiece!
Church Street Wine Shoppe (501 Church Street Northwest, Huntsville and 485 Providence Main Street, Providence/Huntsville)
This is where it all began for local, couple-owned restaurant group powerhouse—Church Street Family. You can’t go wrong with any of the Church Street concepts, but this wine shop is a solid start for good wine, bottle sales, tapas and great knowledge about wine. Pro tip: look into joining the wine club for regular tastings and specials.
Petite Bijou by Domaine South Sandwich & Wine Bar (103 North Side Square)
Just off winning a “best of” award from Wine Spectator, keep your eyes peeled for regular themed wine tastings in this cozy wine bar.
Pourhouse (Stovehouse Food & Leisure Garden, 3414 Governors Drive, Huntsville)
Serving as the bar for all of the restaurants at Stovehouse, Pourhouse is a destination in-and-of itself. Grab a drink and meander around the complex or sit and enjoy the comfortably swanky atmosphere at the bar or on the rooftop. We recommend trying one of their many fun canned wines for a change of pace!
Baker and Able Rooftop Bar (Atop the 106 Jefferson Hotel, 106 Jefferson Street South, Huntsville)
Arguably the best rooftop view in downtown Huntsville, Baker & Able’s decor is as cool as their tasty cocktails.
Beezr (109 North Side Square, Huntsville)
A straightforward gastropub with cute outdoor seating featuring three magic words: champagne on tap!
Blaque Cigar Lounge (4206 Oakwood Avenue Northwest, Huntsville)
A black-owned local joint with a cool vibe and a late-night scene.
Flight Plan Wine & Tapas (2710-A, Carl T Jones Drive SE, Huntsville)
A reliably delicious tapas menu compliments a diverse wine menu and inventive flights. Dawn recommends trying the Italian red flight.
Green Bus Brewing (206 Eustis Avenue Southeast, Huntsville)
A neighborhood brewery in the heart of downtown with a hopping locals scene. Ashley, our beer girl, recommends Earl Grey Mild, and Dawn likes the seltzer flavored with fresh-squeezed grapefruit.
Phat Sammy’s (104 Jefferson Street South, Huntsville)
An underground tiki bar that serves cocktails and features a fun, inventive, crazy, asian/southern fusion menu and specials. Look for the neon pineapple sign and prepare to be blown away! Try the phat fries!
Rhythm on Monroe (Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe Street Southwest, Huntsville)
A full-service restaurant that is a great spot for drinks or dinner pre-concert and pre-sports at the VBC. We like the rooftop bar with downtown views the best. You can not beat the $1 street tacos on Taco Tuesdays!
COFFEE/SWEETS
Nothing Bundt Cakes (2710 Carl T Jones Dr SE, Huntsville)
Spice up a regular day or make a special occasion or dessert extra special with our local Bundt cake specialist right here in Jones Valley!
Pizzelle’s Confections (Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive Southwest, #4A, Huntsville)
Exquisitely made artisan truffles, chocolate bars, ice cream, drinking chocolate, cakes, desserts and confections of all kinds. Pizzelle’s is every child’s (and adult’s) dream! Owned by two sisters, Pizzelle’s is like visiting Wonkaland in Huntsville. We recommend the Bill F’ing Murray and Mommy Dearest candy bars, the Sexy Back Truffle, and the pate de fruit as our favs, but you really can’t go wrong.
The Bakingtist (222 Holmes Ave NE, Huntsville)
The Bakingtist is a science-forward bakery & cafe in downtown. The owner, Heidi, earned degrees in biochemistry and environmental engineering and was an environmental consultant, but eventually discovered her absolute favorite field of science: baking science! Start with a fresh squeezed orange juice, literally any baked good, and then take a monkey bread pull-apart home to share.
Hamley Bake Shoppe (12023 Highway 231/431 North, Meridianville)
Sabrina suggests eating a cupcake there and taking a box of macarons home. Dawn loves the homemade chicken salad croissant with grapes and nuts. Mark your calendar for the annual Harry Potter Day where she themes up all the treats!
L’Etoile Patisserie (1214 Meridian St N, Huntsville)
Choose any of their gorgeous pastries—you cannot go wrong with any of them! Sabrina’s tip: Arrive early—the French baguettes will still be warm from the oven and then take a box of pastries home for the family!
Nava’s Bakery (4710 University Drive Northwest, Suite 4A, Huntsville)
A traditional Mexican bakery in an off-the-beaten-path spot where you can score a whole bag of sweets and breads for a song. Don’t miss the besos—like a cake pop and a cake donut had a baby.
Peggy Ann Bakery (831 Regal Drive Southwest, Huntsville)
Peggy Ann’s to-die-for petit fours are a must for a special occasion. Order ahead and have them customized!
COFFEE/TEA
Bus Stop Coffee (206 Eustis Ave SE, Huntsville)
Cute little spot in a favorite neighborhood watering hole that now is open in the mornings for coffee drinks, pastries, and delicious chicken salads!
Gold Sprint Coffee (2515 9th Avenue Southwest, Huntsville)
A spot to stop and stay a while, sip some smooth coffee, and soak up the chill vibes. Dawn suggests the lavender and honey latte. And Sabrina suggests the dirty chai with an avocado toast—you may even see her there!
Honest Coffee Roasters (114 Clinton Avenue East #106, Huntsville)
Third-wave coffee leaders with delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Try the açaí bowls while you’re hanging with the who’s who of the downtown crowd
Piper & Leaf (2211 Seminole Drive Southwest, Studio 151, Huntsville; 997 Heart of Dixie Highway, Laceys Spring; 7504 Highway 72 West A4, Madison; 109 Gates Avenue Southeast, Huntsville)
A local, family-owned artisan tea company that has very quickly become a local institution. Stop by one of their locations or their booth at many markets and festivals to try the classic Front Porch Special tea—the quintessential perfect southern sweetness! And do not forget to bring your refillable P+L mason jar!
Turbo Coffee (1300 Meridian St N, Huntsville)
Great coffee, gluten-free baked goods options, and always a comfortable place to meet for business or pleasure
FOOD TRUCKS
Chef Will The Palate (Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive Southwest, Huntsville)
For fresh flavors and positive vibes visit Chef Will who was vegan before vegan was cool.
Huntsville’s first plant-based food truck that serves up a vegan meatball sub that is perfectly messy, just like a real one, and twice as good and the hot tamale that is a bowl of goodness over vegan cheese grits.
Taqueria El Cazador aka the Taco Bus (3200 Governors Drive, Huntsville and more)
What began as a bus (think pre-food truck) to grab authentic Mexican food, now has multiple permanent truck locations and brick-and-mortar resturants so you can enjoy the real deal all over Huntsville and Madison County. Try the soft tacos with the double-ply corn tortillas, the tamales, street corn, and a horchata.
Food Truck Rallies (Big Spring Park)
Hosted by Downtown Huntsville, pop on down to Big Spring Park on the 3rd Friday of every month from 5 to 9 pm for an evening of your favorite food trucks and trailers!
