8 unique Alabama restaurants everyone should eat at once

When it comes to one-of-a-kind places to grab a meal, Alabama has plenty to choose from.

That’s why our friends at This is Alabama recently asked the followers on its Facebook page which restaurant they think is most unique in the state, and we wanted to share some of the restaurants that came up early and often with you.

Whether its their long history, a famous signature dish, an unexpected location or their one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes them unique, these Alabama restaurants stand out.

Here are eight of Alabama’s most unique restaurants. You can read the full list of replies on This is Alabama’s Facebook page.

Rattlesnake Saloon is located near Tuscumbia, Alabama. (Bob Gathany)HVT

Rattlesnake Saloon

1292 Mt. Mills Road in Tuscumbia

When it comes to unique restaurants in Alabama, the eatery that comes to mind for a lot of folks all over the state is the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia, and why wouldn’t it? After all, there aren’t a whole lot of places where you can enjoy a menu offering everything from salads to a two-pound hamburger while dining in a watering hole-style restaurant located within a natural rock cave.

Supper Heroes

1812 Winchester Road N.E. in Huntsville

If you love all things superheroes (or are just in the mood for a good burger in a cool environment), a visit to Supper Heroes in Huntsville is an absolute must. Open since 2013, Supper Heroes serves its customers a menu of elaborate and unique burgers, which is likely what garnered it a spot on our Huntsville’s 2023 Best Burgers list. The best part? You can enjoy one of the city’s best burgers while surrounded by comic books, action figures, signed autographs and much more.

Baldwin County photos 2021 — Lamberts Cafe in Foley is an Alabama landmark. (Joe Songer)Joe Songer | [email protected]

Lambert’s Cafe

2981 S. McKenzie St. in Foley

If you’ve ever been to Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, there’s a good chance you already know why it made this list. For more than 20 years, the one-of-a-kind restaurant brings in hungry diners visiting Alabama’s Gulf Coast thanks to its unique atmosphere, full menu of Southern fare, roast beef and so much more. We can’t forget, of course, those hot and fresh “throwed rolls” it has become known for.

Wildflower Cafe

6007 Alabama Highway 117 in Mentone

Located in the heart of the artsy small town of Mentone, Wildflower Cafe is a one-of-a-kind eatery for a lot of reasons. From the second you drive up, you’re surrounded by whimsical charm that only grows as you have a seat. The menu includes the cafe’s famous tomato pie as well as mountain-style shrimp grits, barbecue bacon smothered chicken and lots of other comfort foods that’ll have you feeling full and happy.

Irondale Cafe

1906 1st Ave. N. in Irondale

In business for 90 years, the Irondale Cafe, known as the “original Whistle Stop Cafe,” served as inspiration for “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” by famous Alabama author Fannie Flagg. While there, you can dine on a menu that features all the classic Southern food you could want, including buttermilk fried chicken, country fried steak, catfish, dumplings and, of course, those now-iconic fried green tomatoes.

Bright Star restaurant in Bessemer, Ala. — The Bright Star restaurant in Bessemer is Alabama’s oldest family-owned restaurant.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])

The Bright Star Restaurant

304 19th Street North in Bessemer

The Bright Star restaurant in Bessemer is known as Alabama’s oldest family-owned restaurant after opening its doors in 1907, which makes it a unique spot to stop for a memorable meal. With a menu serving one-of-a-kind dishes like its popular snapper throats as well as traditional favorites like prime rib, oysters, gumbo and more, it’ll be obvious why The Bright Star has accrued such a strong following from the very first bite.

360 Grille

10 Hightower Place in Florence

If you’re looking for a meal that comes with a one-of-a-kind view, look no further than Florence’s 360 Grille inside (or should we say atop?) the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa. As Alabama’s only revolving restaurant, perched high above the Tennessee River, you can dine on crab cakes, braised short rib, pan seared salmon and more while looking out on a picturesque vista you won’t find anywhere else.

The Hatter Cafe

4277 Alabama Highway 117 in Mentone

Another unique eatery in Mentone to make the list is The Hatter Cafe, an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, served alongside a large selection of tea. The eatery is cozy and charming as well as eccentric. Its menu include Southern classics like biscuits and gravy or meatloaf pie and cornbread, and the decor is delightful.