Alabama Restaurant and Dining Guide

We're about to zigzag across the Heart of Dixie, diving fork-first into Alabama's treasured culinary scene. From the rocket city of Huntsville to the coastal vibes of Mobile, we'll eat our way through mom-and-pop eateries, fancy bistros, and hidden foodie gems. We'll sample the iconic delights of Birmingham, Montgomery's soulful delicacies, Dothan's Southern comfort, and Tuscaloosa's home-style favorites. Alongside the delicious eats, we'll also tip our hat to Alabama's captivating attractions that are as diverse as its cuisine. But be warned, this ain't just about stuffing your face - it's an edible exploration through Alabama's rich history, culture, and yes, its love affair with good food. So, prepare your appetite, as we serve up a helping of Alabama's finest. Y'all ready? Let's get munching!

Huntsville: Dine Among the Stars

Stepping into Huntsville feels like being launched into a unique blend of space age modernity and classic Southern charm, after all, this is the city where the Saturn V Rocket was engineered. But, this Rocket City is not just about the stars in the sky, it’s about the stars on the plate too!

First up on our list is the gluten-free haven Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro. Their Superfoods Salad is a colorful symphony of mixed greens, candied pecans, and vibrant berries, harmonizing with a delightful blueberry vinaigrette. But don't leave before trying their Sweet Potato Pecan Pie or the Cran-Apple Pie – they're out of this world! Now, let’s pop into The Poppy and Parliament. Feel like British royalty as you delve into the authentic English Shepherd's Pie, adorned with creamed braised carrot and parsnip mash. The Chargrilled Spanish Octopus is another delight not to be missed. Marinated in olive oil and garlic, it's tender and packed full of flavor.

Feeling rhythm? Swing by Rhythm on Monroe. Their Rhythm Roasted Herb Chicken featuring smashed potatoes and sugar snap peas dances perfectly with the tarragon chicken glace. The House-Smoked Duroc Pork Chop delivers a punch of flavor that'll leave you humming for more. Don't miss out on Rosie's Cantina for some Mexican flavor. The Raspberry Chipotle Salmon and Shrimp Quesadilla are masterpieces that bring a zesty, refreshing twist to classic dishes.

When you're done dining, take a leisurely stroll around the Huntsville Botanical Garden or gaze at the city's history in Burritt on the Mountain. If you feel adventurous, explore the universe at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, but keep your feet on Earth.

Birmingham: The Magic City's Mouthwatering Morsels

Birmingham’s industrial roots have blossomed into a thriving city, radiating a magic that goes beyond its nickname, the "Magic City". It's a city that keeps its history close and its food even closer.

Begin your culinary adventure at SAW's Soul Kitchen, a joint that serves soul food so good, it's bound to awaken your senses. The Chicken N' Greens here are iconic: tender pulled chicken paired with greens over creamy cheese grits. The Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is a Southern tradition in every bite. JaWanda's Sweet Potato Pies Bakery is an essential stop. Their Pecan Pie and Orange Crème Cheese Pie are legendary, guaranteed to make your sweet tooth do a happy dance. Audrey’s Restaurant will have you rolling out of bed in the morning for their Loaded Hashbrown Waffle Meal and Bowl Seafood Gumbo.

Our last stop in Birmingham is Helen, a modern Southern bistro with a menu as artistic as the city itself. Their Sweet Corn Ribs & Shishito Peppers, Prince William Sound Sockeye Salmon, and Blueberry Almond Tart are dishes that your taste buds will remember long after your visit.

While your stomach takes a break, let your eyes feast on the city's cultural landmarks. The Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham Museum of Art, and McWane Science Center are just the places for that. There's more to Birmingham than meets the eye, and it tastes pretty good too!

Montgomery: A Journey Through Time and Taste

Step back in time as you wander through Montgomery, a city steeped in civil rights history and home to a hearty and diverse culinary scene.

Kick off your culinary tour at Vintage Year, a historic spot that's been delighting Montgomery since 1984. The Seared Duck Breast is a standout: a beautiful medley of flavors featuring garlic braised greens and crispy sweet potatoes. Their English Pea Spätzle – a dish singing with the freshness of English peas and Swiss chard – is a journey in itself.

The taste of authentic Mexican food calls us to Sol Restaurante Mexicano & Taqueria. Try the Bistec A La Mexicana and Guisado De Puerco o Bistec En Chile Rojo, and you’ll swear you've been transported to Mexico. SaZa Serious Italian Food offers dishes that will have you uttering "delizioso!" Prince Edward Island Mussels and Chicken Piccata hold the essence of Italy in every bite. At Martin's Restaurant, get ready for a comforting Southern hug on a plate with their Sweet Potato Casserole and Martin’s “Meat and Three” Lunch Plate.

After you're done eating, immerse yourself in the city's rich history at The Legacy Museum or admire art at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Wind down by taking a stroll through Riverfront Park. As you do, you'll find that Montgomery is a city that feeds both your stomach and your soul.

Dothan: A Dash of Coastal and a Pinch of Southern

Boasting the grand title of "Peanut Capital of the World," Dothan offers more than peanuts to the culinary enthusiast. Let's dive right into some delectable bites this city has to offer.

Begin your gastronomic adventure at Hunt's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, where sea meets land in culinary bliss. Feast on the Mahi-Mahi, prepared just the way you like it—though we wholeheartedly recommend grilled. Or try their Crab Cake Dinner; three homemade crab cakes served with their secret remoulade sauce is sure to hit the spot.

Taj Indian & Greek Restaurant takes your taste buds on a trip overseas with dishes like the Fish Vindaloo Curry, a perfect medley of fish and potatoes cooked in a non-creamy, tangy sauce, and the Lamb Shish Kebab Sandwich, where minced lamb sausage is sautéed with onion and wrapped in freshly baked naan bread. Can someone say "Yum?"

Conestoga Steak House offers a trifecta of meats, with their Filet Mignon, Large Ribeye, and Top Sirloin putting any carnivorous cravings to rest. To round off your Dothan food trip, head to Cactus Flower Café. Their Lobster Quesadilla is a revelation, packed with real blue crab, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and served with a creamy lime sauce for dipping. And don't forget their Chile Relleno—a poblano pepper overstuffed with chicken and cheese, doused in Verde sauce. It's an absolute must-try.

Once you're done licking your fingers clean, stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll through Landmark Park. This 135-acre park is a living museum offering a glimpse into the past with an old-time cane mill and a traditional farmstead. The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens offer 50 acres of cultivated gardens, nature trails, and beautiful plant collections. While you're at it, swing by the Wiregrass Museum of Art for a bit of culture and inspiration.

Mobile: The Coast with the Most

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile offers a rich culinary culture flavored by French, Spanish, British, and Creole influences. Let's tuck into some of the gems this coastal city has to offer.

Begin your Mobile culinary quest at The Noble South, where local and sustainable foods are on the menu. Indulge in their Wagyu Brisket served with cauliflower and sweet potato for a hearty delight. For a twist, try their Beef Tartare with aleppo pepper and beef fat popcorn.

Next, slip into Wintzell's Oyster House for the finest seafood the gulf has to offer. The Fried Green Tomatoes, crisp and tangy, are a delicacy, and their Award-Wining Seafood Gumbo is certainly worthy of its title. It's packed with shrimp, crawfish, lump crabmeat, okra, and stewed tomatoes, creating a perfect roux. Finally, for a classy dining experience, Noja presents its Brussel Bowl with teriyaki, peanuts, and green onions and the Panko Crusted Fresh Fish with Ginger-Miso Sauce.

When you're ready to put down your fork and knife, head over to the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, which features the WWII battleship and submarine USS Drum. Get festive at the Mobile Carnival Museum, which tells the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile. Or, unwind in Bienville Square, a historic city park located in the heart of downtown Mobile.

Tuscaloosa: Roll Tide to Tasty Times

Known for the Crimson Tide, Tuscaloosa is also a culinary destination with a cuisine as vibrant as its college football culture.

Kick things off at Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ for some down-home cooking. From their Catfish Platter and Whiting Sandwich to the Rib Dinner, they've got your barbecue cravings covered.

Next, make a pit stop at Buffalo Phil's Pub and Café. Check out Derrick's Smokehouse Burger—smoked cheddar and crisp bacon topped with onion rings and Honey BBQ Sauce—or opt for the Chicken Winger Combo, a mouthwatering mix of their world-famous wings and chicken fingers. Finally, head over to Avenue Pub, where you can try their hand-breaded Chicken Club topped with provolone, bacon, and house-made spicy honey mustard. Or opt for the Corned Beef Sandwich—slow-roasted corned beef brisket, Russian slaw, and house-made pickles, all piled high on toasted rye bread.

After your culinary tour, visit the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater for live music or the Paul W. Bryant Museum to dive into the history of Alabama football. End the day at the Bama Theatre, a 1938 Art Deco auditorium offering performances, independent films, and art exhibits.

As we close our delicious chapter on Alabama's culinary voyage, we're left with a taste of its diverse, culture-rich food scene. We savored Huntsville's rocket fuel coffee and biscuit love, rolled down to Birmingham's fiery hot chicken and soulful southern barbeque, and indulged in Montgomery's catfish fillets that took our taste buds on a delightful roller-coaster ride. Not forgetting Dothan's international fusion flavors, Mobile's intoxicating gulf cuisine, and Tuscaloosa's hearty comfort food that beautifully blends tradition and innovation.

In each city, the gastronomic journey was as enthralling as the numerous attractions we visited. Be it the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, or the USS Alabama Battleship in Mobile, Alabama's rich history and culture are as invigorating as its cuisine. Future explorers, pack your bags with an empty stomach and an open heart. Whether you're a hardcore foodie, a history buff, or an avid traveler, Alabama's generous spirit will capture your imagination. So, come, explore Alabama's culinary cornucopia, and fall in love with the unique taste of the South. Trust me, the wealth of flavors and adventures you'll find here is as warm and welcoming as the Alabama sun.

Must-Try Restaurants in Alabama

Audrey's Restaurant

10 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

I was intrigued by a posting that popped up on my phone early on a Saturday morning. The pictures of the food looked so good. I awakened my son, and we ...

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Good50 Reviews4.2

Helen

2013 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Let me begin by saying this place hits different. It is a special restaurant that you must visit while in Birmingham. we frequent here from Florida and r...

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Superb153 Reviews4.7

Rhythm on Monroe

700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

We came here for brunch with two small children and there wasnt much of a wait to be seated. I enjoyed my non alcoholic brunch mocktails and our food was...

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Good298 Reviews3.8

SaZa Serious Italian Food

130 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104

Driving through a smaller city in Alabama, you would never think that an Italian restaurant would have such unbelievable Italian cuisine. The flavors of ...

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Good188 Reviews4

The Poppy and Parliament

117 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801

Fun little spot on the downtown square. Food was great! Service was pretty good given how busy they are. Best to make a reservation.

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Superb177 Reviews4.5

JaWanda's Sweet Potato Pies Bakery

5291 Valleydale Rd #111, Birmingham, AL 35242

The sweet potato pie isn't my style and it's not that good to me its not nasty but the nutmeg was just to much for me but that peach cobbler is...

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Superb14 Reviews4.8

Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro

415 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Absolutely loved this stop in Huntsville! The space is clean and has a cute vibe. The staff were all so lovely and gave us great suggestions. We had food...

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Superb100 Reviews4.8

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ

4215 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Dirty, sticky tables & floor, very unfriendly staff, got both of our orders wrong, and the chicken was so dried out and hard we couldn’t even eat it....

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Average98 Reviews2.9

Wintzells Oyster House

6700 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608

Visited twice this week with different family members. Loved the fish, shrimp, oysters. Cooked to perfection.
Second visit I got the red beans a...

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Superb125 Reviews4.4

Martin's Restaurant

1796 Carter Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106

Been awhile since the last time I ate at Martins. No much has changed, still the best fried chicken in Montgomery, lot's of food for the price, did ...

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Superb121 Reviews4.3

Sol Restaurante Mexicano & Taqueria

3962 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36109

Great service. Very nice dining room area. Ordered the two grilled steak tacos along with rice and refried beans. The meal tasted great. Highly recommend.

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Superb124 Reviews4.7

Vintage Year

405 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106

My boyfriend and I came to Vintage Year on August 15th for our anniversary. Everything about our visit was great, especially our food and server. Our ser...

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Good82 Reviews4.2

Noja

6 N Jackson St, Mobile, AL 36602

Had a beautiful meal with very good service until we were rushed out at the end. If you don't want people there late, don't take 815 or 830 res...

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Superb178 Reviews4.7

The Noble South

203 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602

Arrived early before our reservations and were seated immediately. Delicious food and great service. Close on the street parking was no problem.

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Superb212 Reviews4.5

Buffalo Phil's

1149 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Ambience 10/10. Drinks 10/10..Henry: 10/10 highly recommend. Thanks bro! My birthday is this month, just saying! (24th)

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Good72 Reviews3.7

Avenue Pub - Downtown Tuscaloosa

2230 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

2nd time here and same experience. The host is non existent! We waited 10 minutes before anyone greeted us. I watched two other frustrated parties leave ...

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Superb209 Reviews4.5

SAW’s Soul Kitchen

215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

The food was great, however it is on the pricey side ($15-25 for a meal and a drink). Customer service was as expected, but not friendly. They have limit...

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Superb185 Reviews4.5

Cactus Flower Cafe

5412 Montgomery Hwy, Dothan, AL 36303

The steak & shrimp flatiron is great. If you like a subtle kick of heat with bursting flavor inside of a crunchy outer layer of quesadilla then this ...

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Superb34 Reviews4.4

Conestoga Steak House

3549 Montgomery Hwy, Dothan, AL 36303

It's a very good restaurant and they know steak !! Limited menu which makes what they have great!!

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Good80 Reviews4.1

Hunt's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

177 Campbellton Hwy, Dothan, AL 36301

This place has been around forever and has consistently been good. In my opinion I'd stick to the seafood or a hamburger steak (chop sirloin). Defin...

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Superb190 Reviews4.3

Rosie's Mexican Cantina

7540-A Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35802

Exce
llent food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend. Gluten friendly chips and entrees and outstanding service in the South Huntsville loc...

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Superb190 Reviews4.5

Taj Indian & Greek Restaurant

2920 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36301

Service was top notch (both Matthew and Vansh). Food and drinks were also fantastic. Had the Samosas, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Marsala, Garlic Naan,...

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Superb151 Reviews4.5

Recently Opened Restaurants

Chick-fil-A

2124 E University Dr, Auburn, AL 36830

Love the mobile drive through option. Hoping the service gets better. Our food was given to us wrong twice.

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Superb4 Reviews4.8

Grimaldi's Pizzeria

5225 Peridot Pl #121, Hoover, AL 35244

Ordered a 16-inch pizza tonight. Again fantastic. I read the husband/wife reviews that were negative. So weird that they both left a review on a brand ne...

Superb36 Reviews4.8

Salads2Go

118 Chestnut St, Gadsden, AL 35901

Sales associate very knowledgeable about product. Food next level. Clean simple ingredients. Highly recommended.

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Superb4 Reviews4.8

San Miguel Mexican Cuisine

50 Lee Rd 344, Salem, AL 36874

Great restaurant out in the country in Valley. Clean place super friendly staff and the food was phenomenal. I definitely recommend this place if you hap...

Superb51 Reviews4.4

Hyderabad House Alabama

1694 Montgomery Hwy Ste # 118, Hoover, AL 35216

Butter Chicken Masala was rich and creamy with a perfect blend of spices. The chicken was juicy and flavorful.

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Superb169 Reviews4.6

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

111 Old Gadsden Hwy, Anniston, AL 36201

Poor0 Reviews0

Las Amazonas Taqueria LLC

959 Gilbert Ferry Rd SE Suite D, Attalla, AL 35954

Superb3 Reviews5

Fridas’taqueria #2

26890 Old Hwy 20, Madison, AL 35756

Poor0 Reviews0

Thai Sushi Helena

205 Helena Marketplace #205, Helena, AL 35080

This is a hidden gem in Helena! The food was delicious and the service was excellent. We had the coconut soup, masaman chicken and pineapple fried rice ...

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Superb32 Reviews4.3

Taco estilo chingon

1900 Finley Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35234

Good place to get Tacos ordered 6 tacos they were way bigger than I thought only ate 3 saved the rest. Man tripas had good flavor both there salsas on po...

Superb2 Reviews5

Jerusalem restaurant

1055 Adams Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104

Not a very frequent place, being on Wednesday, the service was normal and I felt like I was in a macdonald when I received the food when you eat inside, ...

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Superb47 Reviews4.9

The Cajun Leprechaun

78 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104

Please change you hours on the website this place is not open on Sunday. It would be nice for visitors to know.

Good142 Reviews3.9

Chicken Salad Chick

101 Moon Shot Dr, Madison, AL 35758

I've been to a few of the Chicken Salad Chicks. The chicken salad and sides are always delicious. Staff always friendly. This particular location ho...

Good10 Reviews3.4

Noble Romans Pizzeria

43118 US-72, Stevenson, AL 35772

The pizza is really delicious! Noble Roman’s is located inside MAPCO express

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Superb1 Reviews5

Zees Over Yonder

3975 US-31, Verbena, AL 36091

man I don't care what anybody says, this place kinda slaps tho. they serve Pepsi products with a coke glass and don't give a damn. food is good...

Superb5 Reviews4.6

Recent Reviews

Dickey's BBQ Daleville

300 Virginia Ave, Daleville, AL 36322

The food was great! Joshua and his team went above and beyond checking on on us to make sure our food was good!

Kid-friendliness: Kids...

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Good49 Reviews4.2

Noble Romans Pizzeria

43118 US-72, Stevenson, AL 35772

The pizza is really delicious! Noble Roman’s is located inside MAPCO express

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Superb1 Reviews5

Little Betty Steak Bar

321 Rele St, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

We took our daughter to Little Betty Steak Bar to celebrate her birthday! Everything was amazing. The food, hostess, our server and the ambience were ama...

Superb317 Reviews4.3

Robert's

Tyler St, New Brockton, AL 36351

The manager here is very dishonest! If someone gives you a $50 and you give change for a $20 and pocket the money, that’s dishonesty.?

Good11 Reviews4.2

Full Moon Bar-B-Que

2252 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124

Kudo's to this Full Moon BBQ place in Pelham. To us it is the best of all of them and we have tried a number of them in our area. Generous food port...

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Good87 Reviews3.6

ALL-EN One BBQ Soul Food

30 Rex Ln, Adamsville, AL 35005

Ordered two slabs of ribs with sides. The ribs were full of fat and tough as a ufc fighter. The fat was not pulled off prior to cooking.the meat was seas...

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Good18 Reviews3.4

Arby's

544 Fieldstown Rd, Gardendale, AL 35071

DO NOT DOORDASH FROM HERE! My last 3 or so orders from here have had something missing. I don’t know if someone at the store is stealing stuff from door ...

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Good64 Reviews3.3

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – Huntsville, AL

8368 Hwy 72 W, Madison, AL 35758

For the first time in a long time, I got up and left They need to retrain most of the waiter and waitresses

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Superb170 Reviews4.4

Captain D's

2725 Florence Blvd, Florence, AL 35630

The order was correct for the first time in a long time. The food looked appetizing. The problem was that it was so salty you couldn’t eat the ...

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Average72 Reviews3.1

Rick's Crossroads Grill

48278 US-78, Lincoln, AL 35096

Always choose to go to Rick’s, every time my husband asks “where do you want to go eat”?😂

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Good78 Reviews3.7

McAlister's Deli

5721 AL-157, Cullman, AL 35055

Got the French Dip roast beef sandwich. It was microwave fresh. At least I could dip it. I'm not into roast beef that has been cooked and recooked

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Drive-Through

Good63 Reviews3.6

YAMATO JAPANESE

4856 US-231, Wetumpka, AL 36092

A-mazing! We were greeted at the door. Our waitress was pleasant and efficient and the meal was delicious. My wife and I had one of the lunch specials....

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Superb88 Reviews4.4

El Tejano

2760 John Hawkins Pkwy #112, Hoover, AL 35244

It is the best organic Mexican food that I have had. Everything is fresh and delicious. If you like Mexican food like I do, you really need to try it. I...

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