Top 5 Alabama Food & Drink: A Local’s Guide

You know, Alabama, right? It’s certainly more than just sweet home melodies. The state’s got a food scene as rich and diverse as its history, is that true? I mean, it’s almost bubbling over with flavors that tell stories of tradition, innovation, and just plain good eatin’. As someone who’s pretty much spent their life exploring every nook and cranny of Alabama’s culinary hotspots, so let me take you on a tasty tour of the five food and drink experiences that pretty much define Alabama. Seriously, are you ready to dig in?

1. Alabama BBQ: More Than Just Smoke

Alabama barbecue, very unlike anywhere else, it is what I tell you. That’s why it is more than just meat cooked over some smokey embers. It’s an art. Pretty much, the real deal. North Alabama specializes in hickory-smoked meats slathered in a tangy vinegar-based sauce, and you know it wakes up every taste bud, basically? Central Alabama, that you know it focuses on a sweeter, tomato-based sauce. Also, it is every bit as good, literally? So, the real star here, actually? It is the famed white sauce, might be found down south. Yeah, it’s almost a creamy, peppery mayo-based concoction that’s basically a stroke of brilliance on smoked chicken.

Local Hotspot: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, AL. Seriously, their white sauce has pretty much been legendary for decades. Also, it is a must-try for any BBQ lover, might be said. You know what I mean?

Read our full review: Alabama BBQ: Your Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Out Big Bob Gibson’s)

2. Gulf Coast Seafood: Fresh Catch of the Day, Very Day!

Seriously, Alabama’s Gulf Coast, that pretty much hugs the shoreline, arguably? It’s kinda where seafood dreams happen, is that right? That’s the place to taste a variety of plates that pretty much all begin in the ocean. Freshly caught shrimp, oysters, you see all the red snapper. Also, they star on menus from Dauphin Island to Mobile. You’ve almost got to begin, clearly? Order the chargrilled oysters slathered in garlic butter or get ready to go at a classic shrimp boil with all the fixings.

Local Hotspot: Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile. Their ‘Oysters Bienville’ will leave a big and lasting experience on any oyster lover, seriously! This experience, that it pretty much dates back decades, just maybe? Shows us that they pretty much mastered Gulf Coast seafood.

Read our full review: Gulf Coast Seafood in Alabama: Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Out Wintzell’s)

3. Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Staple With Roots

Fried green tomatoes, you hear of ’em right? Maybe not for everyone, clearly. Yet, they represent something larger when it comes to Alabamian and other states that you might find in the South. Green tomatoes, which I like to suggest you dredge in seasoned cornmeal and frying them till a beautiful golden brown, is that great? Arguably, some have argued to eat them straight or that some should smother them in remoulade. Seriously, they will surely provide a little something that I might find appealing, isn’t that amazing?

Local Hotspot: The Irondale Cafe in Irondale, is that the spot to try. Know it as the ‘Original Whistle Stop Cafe.’ Arguably? Those who may have eaten here found those fried green tomatoes just amazing.

Read our full review: Fried Green Tomatoes in Alabama: Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Out Irondale Cafe)

4. Sweet Tea: The Unofficial State Drink (Of Course!)

You realize, what is sweeter than home? Alabama sweet tea. Is it really just about putting an outrageous amount of sugar to ice cold tea? Well, you probably realize how good it can be? The drink is a staple for the most casual occasions. Is that something you would try? Sweet tea’s popularity in the state rivals basically anything. When visiting the state, that you should give it a try.

Local Tip: Basically, order it everywhere and anywhere that serves food or just refreshments, obviously. Also, compare different places in Alabama that they are brewed in.

Read our full review: Sweet Tea in Alabama: Full Review and Details

5. Craft Beer Scene: Bubbling Up Quite Nicely!

Alabama, even if traditionally recognized for that BBQ and its nice tea, literally? Craft beers that has got everybody kinda scratching their head is just taking off very strong, definitely? These new and exciting beers you find, right, give you an offering that would have seemed absurd just a few short years. And that has made the people enjoy these breweries so. So you find any craft beer around Alabama today?

Local Hotspot: Check out breweries such as TrimTab Brewing in Birmingham or Fairhope Brewing Company out in Fairhope. As I tell ya, the options are constantly on the climb, isn’t that true?

Read our full review: Alabama Craft Beer Scene: Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Out TrimTab Brewing)

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Out Fairhope Brewing Company)