Something about summer makes me want to try new things with my kids. Our schedule is less chaotic and time seems to move a little slower. Venturing out of our normal routine seems doable. Did you know you can dine al fresco in a rock formation, eat in an old jail cell, have fresh rolls thrown at you, enjoy a fish fry in a silo, or have a train-shaped cookie in a historic freight terminal? Alabama is home to many unique restaurants that you should add to your summer bucket list!
1. Rattlesnake Saloon
What makes this place unique?
Rattlesnake Saloon offers outdoor dining in a “watering hole under the rock.” The dining area is literally tucked in under a rock formation. There is a saloon taxi that takes you from the parking area down into the saloon. While dining al fresco, allow the live music add to the ambiance. Reservations are accepted, but only three reservations are allowed per night. Otherwise, table seating is first come, first serve. The restaurant is handicap accessible.
Location:
1292 Mount Mills Road
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
2. Main Street Cafe
What makes this place unique?
Main Street Cafe in Downtown Madison is housed inside Madison’s third city hall. Back in the 1950s, the city hall also held the office for the Chief of Police, which means there are two original jail cells within the cafe. Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine with your family inside an old jail cell! Main Street Cafe is only open for lunch Monday-Saturday and you can make reservations for parties of six or more.
Location:
101 Main Street
Madison, AL 35758
3. Lambert’s Cafe
What makes this place unique?
Lambert’s is famous for being the “Home of the Throwed Rolls!” Enjoy a lively restaurant atmosphere and large portions of Southern cuisine that take you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. Save room for the “pass arounds”–sides served family style. The best part is attempting to catch a fresh roll thrown at you by one of Lambert’s servers. You will not leave hungry! Lambert’s does not take reservations, but you can shop in their gift shop or rock on the front porch while you wait for your table. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Location:
2981 S. McKenzie
Foley, AL 36535
4. Kenny’s Hwy 198 Diner
What makes this place unique?
Kenny’s Diner is located in an old silo! Enjoy some country cooking in the center of a silo. Kenny’s menu is extensive and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Taco Tuesday and Friday Fish Fry are not to be missed. On the menu you’ll find stone-baked pizza, rib-eye steaks, pasta, and 1/2 pound burgers grilled over an open flame. The options are endless and the ambiance is anything but typical. Next door, you can shop in Kenny’s Country Store, where you can buy local produce, jams, and jellies.
Location:
334 Eufaula Ave
Clayton, AL 36016
5. The Freight House Restaurant
What makes this place unique?
As you might have guessed by the name, The Freight House is a beautifully restored historic freight terminal in Hartselle. You will be transported back in time while enjoying homemade meals such as seafood, a depot burger, and BBQ pork sliders. Save room for dessert! The Freight Train also has a bakery where your kiddo can enjoy a train-shaped sugar cookie.
Location:
200 Railroad St. SW
Hartselle, AL 35640
For more Alabama fun, check out these day trips from Birmingham!
Where You Should Travel With Your Family :: 10 Day Trips from Birmingham
