Matthew McConaughey should try these Alabama restaurants, readers insist
Making movies works up an appetite, if you ask us. At least, we think it might. But we’ll leave opinions like that to A-list movie stars like Matthew McConaughey, and stick to sharing some recommendations for restaurants he might visit while working in Alabama.
McConaughey is spending part of his summer filming a new movie, “The Rivals of Amziah King,” in the Birmingham and Bessemer areas.
The “A Time to Kill” and “Magic Mike” star was recently spotted filming at J&J Grocery and Deli in Bessemer and eating a meal at Frothy Monkey in downtown Birmingham, prompting those of us on McConaWatch to ponder where he might pop up next in our state.
Friends at This is Alabama asked readers this week, “What Alabama restaurant should Matthew McConaughey try next?”
At AL.com, we certainly have opinions — like 68 must-try dishes in Alabama, or the best barbecue or pizza in Birmingham (near his filming locations) — but this is about the reader, so let’s hear it.
Picks covered the broad spectrum of Alabama offerings, stretching from north to south on the map. It’s likely the movie production sticks to Jefferson County, but you never know, so we’re including recs that go beyond Birmingham.
We saw the obligatory “A restaurant I like to call My Kitchen!!!” and “I make a mean pecan pie, so he can just come on over to my house” comments, followed by “ditto! Whew that would be quite exciting!” but we will focus on the restaurants he might visit instead.
Reader Chris Craft’s advice: “Whichever one HE wants to. Leave the man alone and let him relax and eat without all y’all hovering.”
Bright Star was a popular pick, inspiring a litany of comments and likes. That means Mr. McConaughey should make it a point to try the snapper throats at the legendary Birmingham restaurant.
AL.com’s own Bob Carlton writes, “Recognized as an “American’s Classic” by the James Beard Foundation, Bessemer’s Bright Star has been around since 1907 and is renowned for such timeless dishes as Greek-style beef tenderloin, snapper almondine and seafood gumbo. But have you tried the snapper throats? This unsung treasure of the gulf has been on the menu at the Bright Star since sometime in the 1930s — mainly because then-chef and co-owner Gus Sarris didn’t want to see any part of the fish go to waste.”
“Bama Bucks!” Loretta Horton said. “They can see the live animals and eat a healthy meal.” In fact, a few called for the “Dazed & Confused” star to try the steakhouse and wild game restaurant in Sardis City.
“Hubbard’s Off Main in Oxford, but only if I’m there!” Connie Stephens said. “Mathew has always been my favorite actor!!”
Maureen Sparks (and many others) suggested Niki’s West on Finley Ave. in Birmingham. “Best meat and three ever.”
Diane Rinkel-Hazel said, “Nikki’s West, Bright Star and he can’t not try a burger from Milo’s!”
Nina Mcginnis suggested The Rocket in Jacksonville (a reader pick for best barbecue in Alabama).
Other barbecue joints included Big Bob Gibson in Decatur, Bob Sykes in Bessemer and Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs. Another user said, “Go down to Tuscaloosa and try the original DREAMLAND.” In fact, Mr. McConaughey should check out our top 10 list of Alabama’s best.
Ralph Koschnitzke recommended Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs in Montgomery. Heather Pace-Harnett said Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. Beverly Singleton Maples suggested Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood.
Readers plugged a couple of Snead eateries (in Blount County): Cottonfield Bar & Grill and Al & Mick’s Barbeque. “He’s filming right down the road from us and we are worth a try!!” said Madison Holliday.
Cathy Reed Ashley offered a medley of Birmingham area spots: “Irondale Café, Lloyd’s. Hamburger Heaven, Sammy’s Sandwich.”
Jan Jenkins-Ardovino piled on to the Bham recs: “Helen, Johnny’s, Fish Market downtown, Saw’s. Botegga’s, Gianmarco’s, Davenport Pizza, Ted’s downtown, Niki’s West. There really are so many to choose from. Chez Fonfon for the burger. Top O’ the River for some southern catfish.”
Charlotte Wilson did the same, with some overlapping picks: “Johnny’s, Bright Star, Gianmarco’s, Surin West, Ted’s, The Garage, The Fish Market, Niki’s West, Hot and Hot Seafood, O’Carrs, Highlands Bar and Grill, Davenport’s and my house any day!”
“My husband is a big fan,” one reader said. “If he wants to drive north for about an hour, I would be more than happy to fix him some home cooking.”
One Opelika reader chimed in, “Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar!!! On the day I’m working. We ready for you!!!!!!!!”
Wayne Myers noted the Texan actor could use a crash course in Bama football culture: “That Longhorn fan needs to eat at Nick’s in the Sticks in Tuscaloosa. Or have him some original Dreamland BBQ in T-Town. And stop by Bryant Museum while in town.”
So yeah, we saw a lot of comments shouting out some of the best restaurants in the state anybody should try, movie stars or otherwise. Read the full list of This is Alabama reader picks.