We’ve all heard this question before: “Well, where should I eat tonight?”

And as people who (at least sometimes) write about food, we hear it even more. So those of us here at AL.com who write about food decided to put together some (there are obviously many more amazing places to eat across Alabama!) of our picks. Some are obvious, some are not, and we couldn’t list all of our recommendations — there just isn’t enough time in the day for that.

So go ahead and read our picks, which range from hole-in-the-wall joints to James Beard Award-winning eateries. Let us know what we got right — and what we got wrong. And, as always, let us know about your favorite restaurant at the moment — there’s always new food to try!

Let’s get started:

Felix’s Fish Camp

1530 Battleship Parkway in Spanish Fort

If friends or family are visiting Mobile and they want a good local seafood dining experience, my default guidance is to head for Felix’s Fish Camp. There certainly are many other fine seafood places in the area, and some of them are, like Felix’s, ensconced in the distinct setting of the Causeway. (The Original Oyster House being another solid choice.) But there’s just something about the way Felix’s mates an upscale service model with an almost-anything-goes dress code and a broad menu. If you drive the length of the Causeway and only one restaurant has a full parking lot, it’s going to be Felix’s. There’s a reason for that, and I can rest easy knowing my visitors will get good food and a good experience. — Lawrence Specker

Pizzeria GM

600 Oak Grove Road in Homewood

For an outside-the-box recommendation, I like to send folks to Pizzeria GM, a bustling neighborhood hangout in happening West Homewood. The “GM” in the name is a nod to brothers Giani and Marco Respinto, who along with their father, Giovanni Respinto, opened their revered GianMarco’s Restaurant in neighboring Edgewood more than 20 years ago. GianMarco’s is white tablecloths with a New York City vibe; Pizzeria GM is patio seating with big-screen TVs. And while the pizzas are the stars of the menu – especially the seasonal Chilton County peach and Conecuh Sausage pizza, a big hit in the summertime — our other favorites include the old-school meatball sandwich, the classic Reuben and the double-decker cheeseburger. — Bob Carlton

Tamarind Island Grille

5909 University Drive in Huntsville

They do Caribbean soul food here, and how owner and Guyana native Lauren Herbet cooks it does feed body and soul. Tamarind’s jerk chicken’s particularly rad. Peppery, herbal, tender. You can also get curry chicken, fish, stew chicken, and vegan entrees like mango “chicken.” On Sundays, braised oxtail and curry goat join the jam. The sides are Earth Momma magic: rice and peas, greens, mac and cheese, plantains. Each plate comes with all four. Since Tamarind’s located at cozy-funky-outdoor space The Camp, near Orion Amphitheater, the atmosphere’s especially irie on sunny afternoons. — Matt Wake

Archibald’s Bar-B-Q

1211 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Northport

In Alabama, we do love our barbecue, and whenever anybody asks me where to go to find the best ribs in the state, I always point them toward Archibald’s Bar-B-Q in Northport. Archibald’s, as I have said before, is the Wrigley Field of rib joints, and a trip to this off-the-beaten-path, soot-scorched shrine rarely disappoints. During Bama basketball season, I make that pilgrimage at least a half-dozen times for my pre-game meals. The pitmasters at Archibald’s grill their ribs fast and hot over a glowing bed of hickory coals and liberally douse them with a vinegar-based, mustard-flecked sauce that will spank your tastebuds. You’ll want to get a plastic jug of that liquid gold to take home with you. — Bob Carlton

El Rey Burrito Lounge

1031 E. Fairview Avenue in Montgomery

When people not from Montgomery come to visit, more often than not, I recommend we grab dinner at El Rey Burrito Lounge in Old Cloverdale. I’d like to say it’s my go-to pick because I know everyone will be able to find something they’ll love — the menu has everything from catfish tacos to chorizo fajitas, steak enchiladas, its signature ancho BBQ chicken platter and more — and the charming and shady outdoor seating area is perfect for good weather days, but really, it’s just because I will use any excuse to get some of El Rey’s house made guacamole along with their vegetable quesadilla, which comes packed with grilled peppers, onions, corn, kale, sundried tomatoes, cheese and more. The margaritas and Tres Leches cake I usually recommend ordering too? Those are just a bonus. — Amber Sutton

READ MORE: 68 must-try Alabama dishes

Chez Lulu

1911 Cahaba Road in Birmingham

When I moved to Birmingham, nearly 30 years ago, people immediately recommended a visit to Chez Lulu. They pointed to the restaurant as an example of the city’s rich, varied dining scene — and, just as important, they wanted to make sure I knew that Birmingham was pretty darn cool. One meal at this warm, welcoming bistro sealed the deal, and I’ve been hooked on the place ever since. The decor at Chez Lulu is funky and eclectic, with thrift-shop finds, vintage pieces and other oddball adornments, tastefully curated into a harmonious whole. The menu features home-baked breads and pastries — no surprise, with Continental Bakery, a companion business, right next door — as well as sandwiches, salads, soups, quiches, pizzas, appetizers and desserts. Mix and match to your heart’s content. A few main courses are offered, as well, including a savory beef stew and a vegetarian entree that’s unexpectedly delicious: a roasted red pepper stuffed with rice and chickpeas. Some folks have complained that Chez Lulu isn’t the place to satisfy a hearty appetite, and it’s true the fare here leans to the lighter side. But I’ll continue to sing the praises of an eatery that excels with fresh ingredients, creative dishes and a whole lot of quirky charm. — Mary Colurso

The River Shack

6120 S. Marina Drive in Mobile

There’s a difference between dining with a view of the water and dining on the water. There’s a difference between dining local and dining with the locals. There’s a difference between being where the party is and partying. If you appreciate the distinctions, get yourself down to The River Shack at the mouth of Dog River on some fine spring-summer weekend. The name accurately sums up the spirit of a ramshackle bar reached as easily by boat as by car, and a counter-service model is used in part to encourage people to circulate and get acquainted. Despite the ultra-casual vibe, the menu includes more impressive fare than just the burgers and fried seafood you’re expecting, so be sure and pay attention to the daily specials. Also there’s a bacon-wrapped foot-long hot dog called The Homewrecker. — Lawrence Specker

READ MORE: Mobile Bay’s best waterfront dining

Automatic Seafood and Oysters

2824 Fifth Ave. South in Birmingham

Whether you’re hoping to impress your out-of-town guests or looking for a memorable night out with friends, let me suggest Automatic Seafood and Oysters, the celebrated seafood restaurant from James Beard-awarded Alabama chef Adam Evans. With a menu that is adventurous but approachable, Automatic straddles the line between elegant and casual, familiar and cutting edge. If this is your first time, dip your toes in the water with the crispy fish collar for an appetizer before diving into the deep end with the roasted red snapper for your main course. Finish it off with a slice of key lime pie with toasted meringue for dessert. – Bob Carlton

Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain

101 East Laurel Street in Scottsboro

Everyone loves Payne’s. Southern Living loves ‘em, our readers love ‘em, we love ‘em. It’d be easy to leave the historic soda fountain off the list because it’s so well known, but it’s the place you have to recommend if you’re eating in my town of Scottsboro. The food is great, of course — the sandwiches (like the dagwood and the Italian Stallion) are top-notch and piled with meats, and people go crazy for the red slaw hot dogs. The sweet treats are even better. I could write a dozen love letters to the Elvis, a sundae made with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and bananas. And I haven’t even mentioned the nickel ice cream on Senior Scoop Day on Thursdays. Payne’s is also the beating heart of the community — it’s where families come and talk about their day while being surrounded by everyone they know. (And have I mentioned the beautiful Sonya “Artlady” Clemons mural on the walls?) Payne’s truly is a jewel of Alabama. — Haley Laurence

READ MORE: 150 years of memories at Payne’s

Stagg’s Grocery

1424 Huntsville Road in Florence

When someone asks me where to eat in Lauderdale County, where I grew up, Stagg’s Grocery is one of the first places I mention. The hole-in-the-wall has been a Florence staple since 1937, and it serves up some of the best breakfast and lunch you can find anywhere. The homemade biscuits taste just like your grandma made them, and on Fridays you can get ‘em with chocolate gravy. (Don’t knock it until you try it.) And at lunchtime, you can find one of Alabama’s best burgers here. And that’s not exaggeration — we named it one of the top 10 burgers in the state a couple of years ago. Nothing here is fancy, everything is fresh and delicious, and best of all, you’ll become friends with everyone in Stagg’s before you leave. It’s just good eatin’. — Haley Laurence

READ MORE: 5 Alabama places to get chocolate gravy

The Guy Fieri tour

Across Mobile

Looking for a memorable meal in the Mobile area? Just pull out the “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” cheat sheet. In 2023-24 Guy Fieri showcased six Mobile-area venues and they’re all distinctive joints with abundant local character and menus that will set your expectations high and then beat them. Southwood Kitchen in Daphne is the lone Eastern Shore entry. Downtown Mobile is represented by The Noble South and Roosters; De Tonti Square by Front Yard Tacos; the Oakleigh Garden District by The Hummingbird Way; and west Mobile by Meat Boss. Aided by his buddy “Panini Pete” Blohme, who serves some of the best burgers in downtown at Squid Ink Eclectic Eats & Drinks, Fieri landed on a half-dozen hot spots with great flavors and great stories. — Lawrence Specker

Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

177 Campbellton Highway, Dothan

I live on the opposite side of the state from the Wiregrass. It’s a haul for me to get there, but fortunately, I have a job that allows me to travel the state. And let me tell you: Anytime I’m near Dothan I gotta go to Hunt’s — and judging by the packed parking lot every time I go, I’m not the only one. It’s the type of place where you can load up your family and sit in the restaurant portion of the building or bring your buddies and sit at the oyster bar and have an equally great time. The cheese rolls are every bit as amazing as they sound, but I can’t go without getting some raw oysters. With Louisiana hot sauce at the bar and fresh oysters, Hunt’s is the real deal. — Haley Laurence

READ MORE: 5 things to know about Hunt’s