Our friends at This is Alabama asked readers a simple question that invites complex conversation: “What is the most underrated restaurant in Alabama?”

“I ain’t telling nobody then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore,” one reader astutely answered. Indeed, why would we let anyone in on the secrets of our favorite places? We don’t want to stand in long lines or opt for an alternative eatery when our spot gets too crowded. But sharing is caring, and it’s obviously good for business, so thanks to those of you who clued us in on some of the best, if less-heralded, restaurants in our state.

But we must ask: How do you define “underrated?” Does it imply that something is automatically lesser-than what people widely consider “the best?” These joints have passionate customer bases who properly rate them. But since you don’t spot them on enough “best of” lists, readers are here to help.

It inspired nearly 700 spirited responses. We’ve selected a handful to spotlight some restaurants even their biggest fans consider “underrated.” So let’s bring them into the conversation, give them the love they deserve and make some weekend plans on where to eat. Read every answer, and see the picks we loved below.

READ: 10 underrated restaurants in Tuscaloosa

Sandi Meador Robertson I don’t think it’s underrated because if you’ve been there, you know it’s great, but it’s well off the beaten path: Ezell’s in Lavaca.

Angie’s Place (Aliceville)

404 3rd Ave NW, Aliceville

Reader Julie Statum Burchfield cited the “FANTASTIC burgers, ribs, chicken, and fish!” Formerly Gates Restaurant, the name change altered nothing about the food. The menu is whatever the dry-erase whiteboard says including baked barbecue chicken, barbecue ribs or pulled pork, chicken fingers, buffalo bites and the double cheeseburger, not to mention pies like apple, key lime and chocolate fudge (all with ice cream).

David’s Pizza (Ashford)

417 N Broadway St, Ashford

Pasta, wings, calzones and, yes, pizza. But Yazmin Garcia Villarreal says we should try the authentic tacos.

Promiseland B.B.Q. (Woodstock)

20482 US-11, Woodstock

Recommended by Kyndall Reynolds Whatley, the large menu includes barbecue staples like pulled pork, chicken, beef, ribs, pork chops and more, but you can also grab a chili cheese dog, Polish sausage, pig ear, Philly cheesesteak and catfish. Desserts include banana pudding, Oreo ice cream cake and pies.

Ragtime Café (Pelham)

2080 Valleydale Road
, Hoover

This full-service bar and restaurant has beers, wines and mixed drinks, plus awesome pub food, pizzas, seafood and steak entrees. “No reservations necessary and casual attire is expected!” their website says.

The Big Potato Company (Centreville/Foley/Greenville/Monroeville)

The restaurant’s website credits “some guy” with calling it the “best lunch in Alabama.” Who are we to disagree. With locations in Centreville, Foley, Greenville and Monroeville, it’s hard to miss it. Originally opened in 2017, this locally-owned business has handcrafted potatoes and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Everything is “Big” there, including the baked potatos, the sandwiches, the salads and even the desserts (like cheesecake on a stick).

All Steak Restaurant (Cullman)

323 3rd Ave SE, Cullman

The history of the All Steak Restaurant goes back to the mid-1930s, when Millard Buchmann opened a restaurant in Pulaski, Tenn., and later moved home to Cullman, Ala., to open the All Steak. Now, 81 years later, two more Cullman boys, Dyron Powell and Zac Wood, have stepped in to take over one of Alabama’s oldest restaurants in hopes of keeping the All Steak tradition alive for generations to come. The orange rolls at the All Steak Restaurant in Cullman, Ala., are featured on the Alabama Tourism Department’s list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.

READ: Reviving an Alabama classic at the All Steak Restaurant in Cullman

Mike’s Country Kitchen (Pine Hill)

4833 Broad St, Pine Hill

“Put a little South in your mouth,” the catchphrase reads. The menu changes day to day, including Southern food favorites like fried chicken, fried catfish and fried pork bites and other entrees like Cajun baked chicken, cheesy Cajun sausage pasta and chicken spaghetti.

Cardinal Drive In (Winfield)

364 Bankhead Hwy, Winfield

Open since 1987, they specialize in chicken sandwiches, burgers and grilled chicken, shrip and catfish dinners. And try their breakfast menu.

Sam Super Burger (Grand Bay)

8789 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd S, Grand Bay

Readers included it in their picks for Alabama’s best burger, so it’s on the cusp of transcending “underrated’ status. Watch out for “Sam’s Super Secret Menu” picks like the Bird Dog, grilled fish with lemon pepper and the Andes Mint Sham Shakes.

The Hatter Café & Wildflower Café (Mentone)

4277 AL-117, Mentone (Hatter); 6007 AL-117, Mentone (Wildflower)

Jodi Dunkling offered two Mentone spots. The Hatter Café in Mentone dubs itself “a place to simply enjoy life,” specializing in Southern comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Inside The Wildflower Café, the 120-year-old house offers chicken salad, spinach quiche, strawberry crepes, hormone-free burgers and their famous tomato pie.

READ: The story behind Mentone’s Wildflower Cafe and the woman who keeps it funky

Chef T’s (Alexandria)

4004 US-431, Anniston

Another whiteboard special with entrees including beef liver and onions or cube steak, plus sides like mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, turnip greens and more. Then have some dessert like the brownie supreme, pecan pie or red velvet cake.

The Frosty Mug (Jasper)

8340 Hwy 78, Jasper

This old school food stand has hamburgers, chicken fingers, barbecue, shrimp and sides like fries, potato salad, baked beans and slaw. Grab an ice cream cone, milkshake or root beer float while you’re at it.

Orrville Farmers Market (Orrville)

14560 AL-22, Orrville

“Fresh air, fresh food, fresh market” is what they brag on at this place that serves Southern fried chicken daily, along with other meat-and-three favorites like fried pork chops, chicken and dumplings, homemade meatloaf and catfish (on Fridays).

50 Taters Restaurant (Rainesville/Scottsoboro)

770 Main St E (Rainesville); 1497 County Park Rd (Scottsboro)

“Comfort food, casual dining.” Visit the Scottsboro location or “Taters #2″ in Rainesville. You’ll find specialties like Cuban sandwiches, jalapeno burgers, mesquite chicken salad and pumpkin cheesecake.

Heards BBQ And Soul Food (Maplesville)

8341 Al Hwy 22, Maplesville

The chopped pork and beef brisket sandwiches look utterly mouthwatering. Check out the beef Polish dogs or chicken chicharrons.

Capitol Oyster Bar (Montgomery)

617 Shady St, Montgomery

“Enjoy the best seafood in the city while overlooking Downtown Montgomery and the Alabama River,” their website says. “It’s the best kept secret in this town.” If true, that qualifies as “underrated,” doesn’t it? Live music, great view, and bread pudding is back on the menu.

Top O’ the River (Anniston/Gadsden/Guntersville)

3330 McClellan Blvd (Anniston); 1606 Rainbow Drive (Gadsden); 7004 Val Monte Dr (Guntersville)

They have locations in Anniston, Gadsden, Guntersville and Michie, Tennessee. The original Anniston location of the independent, family-owned restaurant opened in 1982. They provide “the finest catfish and seafood in the area since 1982.” They specialize in farm-raised, grain-fed catfish delivered twice a week to ensure freshness.

Costa’s Mediterranean Café (Hoover)

3443 Lorna Rd, Hoover

“Authentic Greek and Italian dining with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. “Homemade goodness, passionately prepared and generously sized so that a dinner out can easily turn into next-day leftovers that you’ll actually want to eat,” the website says.

More reader picks:

Alabama’s best burger: Readers can’t believe we missed these

Alabama’s best ice cream: Readers give us the scoop on shops we forgot

Alabama’s best pizza: Readers tell us what we got wrong

Alabama’s best barbecue: Reader picks

Alabama care package: 10 items readers say belong in every single one