13 Best Restaurants in Montgomery, Alabama
The capital city of Alabama, Montgomery, is renowned for its Southern charm and extensive history. There are lots of great restaurants in the city, offering a diverse and exciting culinary scene.
True Story Brewing Company
Tourist Information: Five days a week, True Story is open for growler fills, flights, and to-go beer purchases. Onsite self-parking is free. Children are welcome till 9:00 p.m.
The city’s first locally owned craft brewery and full-service restaurant, True Story Brewing Company, is a must-visit location in Montgomery. Since launching in 2018 in a renovated historic 1930s car garage just north of downtown, True Story has quickly established itself as a beloved community gathering spot.
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As of the last count, they were serving over fifteen different house-brewed lagers and ales from their 20-barrel brewhouse. A changing assortment of IPAs, stouts, strong porters, easy-drinking blonde and amber ales, fruity sours, and crisp lagers are available for beer enthusiasts to pick from. Enjoy heartier fare like their half-pound burger topped with cheese and bacon on a brioche bun or their soft Bavarian-style pretzels with beer cheese fondue dip while you sip.
Rave reviews also go out for the weekend brunch menu, which is Southern-inspired and has items like avocado toast, shrimp and grit bowls, chicken and waffles, and Benedicts along with lighter yogurt bowls. Additionally, brunch features live performances by regional blues, Americana, or jazz bands on the large patio outside, which has a concert stage.
The casual enjoyment continues into the evenings when guests play lawn games like cornhole under string lights and local food trucks arrive for “Trucks & Taps” events. True Story Brewing Company contributes to the local food and arts community in Montgomery by brewing its own craft beers and hosting entertainment events on weekends.
Location: True Story Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery located in Montgomery, Alabama.
Sahara Montgomery
Tourist Information: Sahara serves lunch and dinner every day. For large gatherings, reservations can be made in advance. Onsite street parking is available.
Visit Sahara Montgomery for a distinctive dining experience that features international cuisine in Montgomery. The proprietors, Rahaf and Layla Kublawi, are a mother and daughter team that bring to downtown Montgomery the delicacies and rich Middle Eastern hospitality of their Syrian ancestry. The culinary influences come from North African, Turkish, Syrian, and Lebanese traditions, creating a tapestry of flavorful spices, nuanced flavors, and eye-catching presentation.
Serve smoky baba ghanoush (prepared from fire-roasted eggplants), creamy hummus, or hot, crunchy falafel straight out of the fryer to start your Sahara Montgomery feast. Savor the succulent chicken shawarma as an appetizer, which is prepared by marinating the thighs in special spice mixtures and then slowly roasting them on a vertical rotisserie. Similar marinating and grilling techniques are used for other proteins, such as lamb kebabs and kafta skewers that combine ground beef and lamb, bringing out an amazing depth of flavor.
The vegetarian options are as delicious; try the stuffed grape leaves packed with rice, onions, parsley, and mint, or the moussaka casserole, which bakes eggplants, potatoes, and chickpeas in a flavorful tomato sauce. Traditional desserts like fragrant rosewater lokum, also known as “Turkish delight,” pistachio-filled baklava dripping in honey syrup, or creamy rice pudding kissed with orange flower water will bring your Middle Eastern trip to a delightful close.
Sahara Montgomery offers a passport to the diverse flavors of the Levant and Northern Africa with its magnificent dining room adorned with Syrian art and warm hospitality reminiscent of old culture.
Location: Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine brings Greek, Turkish and North African specialties to Montgomery, Alabama.
Honeybird
Tourist Information: Every day from breakfast till late lunch, Honeybird is open. Place your order at the counter for takeout or dining in.
Honeybird is a must-go-to restaurant in Montgomery for modern Southern food that showcases Alabama’s abundance. Renowned Chef and Owner Russell Thompson gathers ingredients for his seasonal dishes from nearby ranchers, farmers, and purveyors, ensuring that the best of the state is served. The food skillfully combines traditional Southern ingredients—such as cornbread, field peas, and heirloom beans—with modern touches to highlight the region’s terroir and richness.
A trademark cocktail, such as the Hummingbird, which combines ginger liqueur, salted honey syrup, and muddled blackberries, is a great way to start your dinner. The local pimiento cheese fried in a cast-iron skillet and the sweet corn soup topped with crispy grit cakes are just two examples of how the appetizers highlight products from Alabama.
For main courses, anticipate meals that highlight seasonal produce and proteins farmed in the area. Seared diver scallops served with sweet corn succotash and pecan bacon crumble or pan-roasted chicken accompanied by Coke Farm’s heirloom beans and braised greens have been among the recent options. At least one vegetarian option is always available, such as their vegetable plate, which features the freshest vegetables from nearby gardens that day.
Honeybird’s cozy yet elegant ambiance with its warm wood accents, cozy alcoves, and dim lighting is ideal for special occasions. Since its inception in 2018, Honeybird has quickly established itself as one of Montgomery’s top restaurants thanks to its commitment to preserving Alabama flavors through inventive preparations.
Location: Honeybird is a modern organic cafe located along Montgomery’s downtown Riverwalk.
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El Rey Burrito Lounge
Tourist Information: Every day, El Rey Burrito serves dinner and lunch. Place your order at the counter and take a seat. Larger groups merely require reservations.
Visit El Rey Burrito Lounge for mouthwatering Mexican food, refreshing margaritas, and a lively atmosphere. Montgomery’s downtown eating scene gains a touch of Latin American flare from this colorful cantina. As soon as you walk in, the walls are covered in vibrant folk art from Mexico, and the loud Latin music fills the air.
El Rey’s menu features aspects of Mexican street food in addition to traditional Tex-Mex meals prepared in-house. Starters include elote-seasoned grilled corn on the cob, fresh guacamole with warm tortilla chips, and bloody Maria cocktails with a chile salt rim.
Savor the flavors of the South of the Border, such as sizzling fajitas topped with a variety of meats or shrimp paired with onions and peppers. Try the al pastor, which has flavorful shredded pork marinated in guajillo peppers, or any of their other satisfying options. Their enormous burritos are loaded with pico de gallo, cheese, spicy rice, and beans. Everything from tacos to quesadillas to enchiladas to tostadas—you can satisfy your cravings for real Mexican cuisine here.
Every night of the week, the vibrant cantina is buzzing, but on weekends, when the back room is transformed into a salsa club with dancing, it really comes alive. El Rey infuses downtown Montgomery with fiery excitement and delicious Mexican cuisine, all while serving up strong margaritas, robust Latin tastes, and a lively fiesta atmosphere.
Location: El Rey Burrito Lounge brings fast-casual Cal-Mexican fusion to downtown Montgomery, Alabama.
Ravello Ristorante Italiano
Tourist Information: Every night for dinner, Ravello Ristorante opens. It is advised to make reservations, particularly on weekends. There is valet parking available.
One of Montgomery’s top restaurants is Ravello Ristorante Italiano, which serves excellent Italian food in a classy atmosphere. Owners Roberto and Auby Di Pietra are a husband and wife team who have incorporated their Italian background into the creation of a cozy, family-friendly eatery that serves regional cuisine from all around Italy.
At Ravello, a meal starts with antipasti, such as creamy burrata cheese with basil pesto and vine-ripened tomatoes. Taste their famous polpette, which are meatballs made of fried beef and veal with a fresh tomato basil sauce and pecorino romano on top. Handmade pastas such as linguine topped with fresh clams or pappardelle Bolognese with an 8-hour braised short rib ragu make excellent primi.
The filet marsala with medallions of verified Angus beef tenderloin will satisfy your thirst for carne. Another favorite is the veal saltimbocca, which has melting mozzarella, crunchy prosciutto, and sage. Make sure to leave room for their tiramisu or lemon cream cake, as an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without these. Using the finest ingredients and Old World recipes, everything is made daily in-house.
Perfect for special occasions or date evenings, the exquisite dining area features exposed brick walls, crystalline lighting fixtures, and cozy booths. However, Ravello has been a Montgomery mainstay for more than 20 years because to the hospitable Di Pietras and their homemade regional Italian cuisine.
Location: Ravello Ristorante Italiano brings authentic southern Italian fare to Montgomery, Alabama.
Central 129
Tourist Information: Bookings for Central 129 can be made over the phone or online. There is valet parking available. Please dress appropriately for the evening.
Central 129 is situated in the heart of downtown Montgomery along busy Dexter Avenue. This trendy gastropub offers a unique menu of bar snacks and meals in addition to handcrafted beverages. The restaurant’s decor pays homage to its rich past with historical features like the stunning original tin ceiling, which dates back to the restaurant’s historic two-story building built in 1887.
The bar at Central 129, run by well-known mixologists who produce inventive artisan cocktails, has won multiple mixology honors. Snack on tiny meals such as crispy pork belly nibbles with Korean BBQ sauce or chicken liver pâté served with grilled toast and cranberry mustard. Fish and chips, grilled salmon tacos, burgers, and steak frites are examples of heartier pub fare.
The grilled Long Island duck, accompanied with sweet potato hash and preserved kumquat compote, is one of Central 129’s hallmark dishes. Weekend brunch, which includes Southern comfort foods like shrimp and grits, omelettes, and special waffle creations topped with fried chicken or short ribs, draws a large crowd of locals.
Central 129 is a great place to get good meals and beverages after touring downtown Montgomery because of its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere with many of locals. Its walls packed with books, antique barware, and food that changes seasonally offer a modern gastropub experience while honoring the city’s lengthy past.
Location: Central 129 is an upscale New American restaurant located inside Montgomery’s Renaissance Hotel downtown.
Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine
Tourist Information: Every day, Sahara Montgomery serves dinner and lunch. Large parties can make reservations. Parking is available on the street.
Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine offers a flavor of the Mediterranean without having to travel far from Montgomery. Sahara, owned by father and son team Riad and Tarik Ziyad, offers genuine food made using family traditions that have been honed over many generations.
Lebanese dishes with Turkish and Greek influences are the main focus of the food. Start with hot appetizers such as seasoned ground lamb with pine nuts baked in phyllo or sautéed shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The lemony tabbouleh salad, baba ghanoush prepared from fire-roasted eggplants, and roasted red pepper hummus are some of the best cold mezze dips.
Think about getting the grilled chicken skewers marinated in garlic, lemon, and spices for your meal, shish taouk. The kafta kabob is grilled to a perfectly smoky perfection using ground beef and lamb combined with onions, herbs, and Sahara’s own seasonings. The vegetarian platter, which includes falafel, roasted eggplant salad, grape leaves filled with rice, chickpeas, and tomatoes, is sure to please vegetarians. Traditional desserts, such as the fragrant rice pudding with rosewater or the flaky phyllo dough covered with chopped nuts and sweet honey syrup, baklava, are a great way to end your dinner.
Exquisite Turkish lamps, vibrant mosaic tiles, and local relics adorn the dining room, which instantly transports you to the fascinating bazaars of the Middle East. Friendly service and genuine food prepared using recipes passed down through the years make Sahara a well-liked local choice for Mediterranean cuisine. For a taste of Lebanon in the middle of Alabama, visit this hidden gem in Montgomery!
Location: Sahara Montgomery is a Mediterranean restaurant located in the Alley district downtown.
Prevail Union
Tourist Information: Prevail Union reopens Wednesday through Saturday evenings to serve dinner and cocktails until late at night. It opens early in the morning for coffee and brunch in the afternoon.
The first food hall in Montgomery, Prevail Union houses a variety of artisanal restaurants under one roof. Some of the top chefs and food entrepreneurs in the city get together at Prevail Union, which is housed in the historic Bell Building downtown. This lively yet laid-back atmosphere, combined with its industrial-chic decor, makes it the ideal place to hang out with friends and try food from many cultures.
Among the top vendors at Prevail Union is Shimmy Shack, which offers Korean fried chicken sandwiches and Korean/Southern fusion fare such kimchi mac and cheese. Delicious layer cakes, cookies, and banana pudding are made from scratch at the Humble Crumb bakery. In a lively atmosphere, Babalu Tacos and Tapas serves its well-liked tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and tequila drinks.
Additional choices include club sandwiches, fresh salads, health-conscious bowls, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Even Sweet Addiction Creamery makes handmade ice cream in small batches. Prevail Union has 80500 square feet of space, which is enough to hold about 300 people both inside and outside in the courtyard. Garage doors open to let fresh air into the house and outdoors on pleasant days.
Visitors can get a comprehensive taste of Montgomery’s rapidly growing culinary culture at Prevail Union. Big, robust Alabama tastes abound in these chef-driven creations that are inventive, sourced locally, and full of flavor. Prevail Union is quickly becoming a favorite downtown attraction for foodies, thanks to its convenient location, entertaining happy hour discounts, and vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Prevail Union is a contemporary cafe, coffee bar and cocktail lounge located in Montgomery’s Alley district downtown.
1860 Restaurant at The Exchange
Tourist Information: Daily breakfast, lunch, supper, and Sunday brunch are served at 1860 Restaurant. Reservations are advised. There is valet parking at the hotel’s entrance.
The 1860 Restaurant, which is housed inside the historic Montgomery Stock Exchange building, provides great cuisine in an unusual atmosphere. This building was initially constructed as the city’s cotton trade exchange station in 1860, as its name suggests. The neoclassical building, grand staircase, and towering columns offer a striking setting for Chef Matthew McClure’s creations, which are inspired by the seasons.
Chef Matthew is a seasoned veteran of Birmingham’s renowned Highlands Bar & Grill, where he creates modern Southern cuisine using traditional French methods. Beautiful appetizers include the tomato tartlet with local arugula, country ham, and smoked Gouda béchamel, as well as buttermilk-fried oysters with Habanero tartar sauce. Seared Gulf fish with grape tomato vinaigrette or roasted Alabama chicken breast with sweet corn succotash are two elegant dishes that highlight regional ingredients. Make room for creative treats such as the local blackberry compote served with buttermilk lime tart.
There are more than 450 brands of wine from all around the world in the restaurant’s vast wine cellar. You can get advice from their wine specialists on the ideal complement for each beautifully prepared dish. Visit the exquisitely renovated Exchange Bar upstairs for a pre-dinner beverage. Handcrafted concoctions inspired by Alabama’s rich past are served there.
1860 Restaurant has a timeless charm and effortless sophistication whether you sit in the main dining room with its tall ceiling and crystal chandeliers, outside beneath the magnificent portico, or upstairs overlooking the big lobby. It’s without a doubt one of Montgomery’s most distinctive and excellent places to eat.
Location: The 1860 Restaurant at The Exchange is located inside the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.
Chris’ Hot Dogs
Tourist Information: Lunch is served from Monday through Friday at Chris’ Hot Dogs on Dexter Avenue. For unique weekend pop-up hours, check social media.
Check out Chris’ Hot Dogs on Dexter Avenue for a neighborhood favorite and authentic Montgomery restaurant. Since 1917, this little hot dog station has been providing its renowned steaming hot dogs. Greek immigrant Chris Katechis began it as a push cart company, and he picked a great spot close to the town’s open markets. Gus Katechis, the fourth generation proprietor, has been using the same family recipes for more than a century.
As you approach the counter, steaming pans with plump red hot dogs floating in a fragrant broth will catch your eye. A Greek family makes Chris’ Hot Dogs exclusively for them using his 1917 original recipe. When you order the famous hot dog “all the way,” the crew will top it with chopped onions, mustard, and Chris’s fiery chili sauce. Hot dogs with just onions and mustard or simply chili are also available.
Chris’ offers great hot dogs along with other food items like fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, wings, and burgers. Chocolate cake, peanut butter pie, and their well-known fried pies are among the dessert options. Choose to eat at one of the picnic tables outside or at a counter seat.
In addition to being a mainstay of the downtown area, Chris’ Hot Dogs is historically significant as a gathering spot during the Civil Rights Movement. It still serves great hot dogs in a very laid-back atmosphere today. It makes sense that Chris received the American Classic Award from the James Beard Foundation!
Location: Chris’ Hot Dogs has been a local fast-casual icon for 94 years in Montgomery, Alabama dishing out hot dogs and burgers.
Central
Tourist Information: Central takes reservations for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. There is valet parking available. For small plates, walk-ins are welcome at the bar.
One of Montgomery’s greatest restaurants, Central is renowned for its exquisite dining offerings in a sophisticated atmosphere. Chef and owner Jonathan Jerusalmy is a multiple award winner who creates inventive Contemporary American dishes using fresh, in-season ingredients.
Chef Jerusalmy’s ever-changing menu is set against a sophisticated yet inviting setting of the beautifully renovated ancient structure. Start your lunch with a few appetizers, such as the well-known grits with Alabama shrimp or fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. Options for the main course may be a sous vide bone-in ribeye that has been dry-aged or pan-seared with curry cauliflower. There are usually intriguing vegan and vegetarian selections available, such as the ravioli made with sweet potatoes and butternut squash.
A carefully chosen wine list includes global varietals with a focus on boutique producers. You can anticipate attentive, knowledgable service that will provide accurate wine pairings and a history of the ingredients. Central promises an exceptional fine dining experience every time you visit with its commitment to quality food, artisanal preparation techniques, and kind hospitality.
Chef Jerusalmy sources directly from regional food artisans and farmers to produce modern recipes that showcase Montgomery’s distinct terroir. Therefore, Central provides a genuine taste of Alabama on the dish in addition to the sophisticated setting. It makes sense why this well-liked eatery consistently receives accolades.
Location: Central is a contemporary American restaurant located in Alabama’s capital city of Montgomery.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que
Tourist Information: Dreamland is lunch and dinner open every day. Other than for large groups, reservations are not allowed. There is a 5-mile delivery radius.
If you’re a barbecue enthusiast, your must-do when in Montgomery should be a trip to Dreamland Bar-B-Que. Situated in the downtown area on Bibb Street, this laid-back eatery offers some of Alabama’s best BBQ.
John “Big Daddy” Bishop launched the first location in Tuscaloosa in 1958. The Montgomery location continues to provide high-quality smoked meats cooked over hickory wood, just as Big Daddy intended.
All of your favorite barbecue dishes, including pulled pork, smoked chicken, beef brisket, and house-made ribs, are available on the menu. Try their award-winning ribs, which are smoked for up to six hours to provide the juiciest possible texture. Dreamland’s original sauce recipe, which hasn’t altered in over 50 years, is basted over the ribs.
Turkey, loaded baked potatoes, and smoked sausage are some of the other standout items on the menu. A selection of standard side dishes, such as baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad, are served with all entrees and sandwiches. Make way for the delicious dessert of banana pudding!
Dreamland Bar-B-Que is a must-visit in Montgomery because of its laid-back atmosphere, generous servings, and mouthwateringly smokey barbecue made with the best meats and seasonings from Alabama.
Location: Dreamland Bar-B-Que is a southern barbecue restaurant with several locations in and around Montgomery, Alabama.