13 Best Restaurants in Dothan, Alabama
Although it might not be the first spot that springs to mind when considering culinary getaways, Dothan, Alabama, is a small community in the state’s southeast that has a booming food culture. There are plenty of delectable restaurants in Dothan to suit every taste, offering everything from traditional Southern food to inventive interpretations of foreign cuisine.
13 Best Restaurants in Dothan, Alabama
Best Southern Cooking: Blue Plate Cafe
Name and Location: Blue Plate Cafe, Southern Cooking in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Since 2005, this quaint diner has been dishing up hearty portions of comfort food from the South. praised by critics for its homemade, locally inspired dishes such banana pudding, mac & cheese, chicken & dumplings, fried green tomatoes, and collard greens.
What to Expect: Generous amounts of hearty, scratch-made Southern classics including meatloaf, fried okra, deviled eggs, cornbread, and fried chicken. Daily Blue Plate specials that rotate keep things interesting and reasonably priced. On weekends, there can be a line.
Info for Visitors: Open everyday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only cash. Order casual sitting at the counter. Take-out is offered.
There’s no need to search any farther than Blue Plate Cafe for those who are yearning traditional Southern comfort food. Situated in a former 1890s hardware store, this laid-back restaurant enchants with its modest yet nostalgic ambiance.
But what really makes Blue Plate Cafe the best place to get hearty, Southern-style cooking are the generous servings of local delicacies like chicken and dumplings, fried green tomatoes, and biscuits covered in sausage gravy. Lunch specials are available every day, so there’s always something fresh to try when you arrive. Simply arrive famished!
Standout Dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken & Dumplings, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy
Best Italian: Belina’s Ristorante Italiano
Name and Location: Belina’s Ristorante Italiano, Authentic Italian in Jacksonville Beach, FL
History and Significance: Founded in 1992, this family-run rustic Italian restaurant is well-known for its homemade pastas, veal parmesan, and limoncello cake, among other traditional regional dishes. a large selection of wines from tiny Italian wineries. Real atmosphere and tastes.
Anticipate: An enchanting trattoria interior featuring checkered floors and exposed brickwork. A friendly staff will walk you through the menu, which includes classic Italian dishes including lasagna, chicken piccata, and eggplant rollatini. Make room for the tiramisu or Nutella crepes. Salutations!
Visitor Details: Every night for dinner. Seasonal weekend lunches. It is highly recommended to make reservations. Business casual attire. There is valet parking available.
With its real regional Italian food, Belina’s offers Dothan a taste of Italy. Gianfranco and Sabrina Polzella Rimini are a husband and woman duo that take great delight in cooking recipes that have been passed down through the years. Look through the display case filled with freshly prepared pasta selections before making your choice.
Classic favorites such as pappardelle al ragu di cinghiale (wild boar ragout) and linguine alle vongole (clams) showcase skilled culinary skills. Small-production Italian wines are highlighted on an extensive wine list to properly pair with your dinner. Belina’s is a popular spot for special occasions and romantic evenings because of its charming atmosphere and imported classic Italian décor. Just remember to leave room for Sabrina’s tiramisu—it’s the stuff that dreams are made of!
Standout Dishes: Linguine alle Vongole, Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale, Sabrina’s Tiramisu
Best Seafood: Bonefish Grill
Name and Location: Bonefish Grill Seafood Restaurant in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Known for its fresh fish and shellfish that are grilled over oak and pecan wood, this countrywide upmarket casual seafood restaurant got its start in St. Petersburg, Florida. Moreover, it has received praise from critics for its outstanding craft cocktails, such as the Bonefish Mojito, and its Bang Bang Shrimp.
What to anticipate: Modern industrial décor featuring an open kitchen that highlights the culinary skills of the chef using a wood-fired grill.Signature meals like Chilean Sea Bass and Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi are complemented by lighter alternatives like Lily’s Chicken and plant-based Impossible burgers.
Information for Visitors: Daily lunch and dinner. We accept reservations. It is advised to dress in business casual. There is valet parking available.
Bonefish Grill is still a neighborhood favorite for flavorful, simply prepared seafood since fresh catches are flown in every day. The well-informed staff will gladly walk you through the extensive menu, which includes both well-known and less-trodden options from the ocean.
Enjoying the day’s selections is made simple with grilled fish plates, which are cooked over a wood fire grill to bring out the natural flavors. If not, try some of the chef’s specialties like Lobster and Shrimp Mac ‘n Cheese or Parmesan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass to try some new flavors. Sophisticated mixed drinks with house-made infusions and fresh juices enhance the eating experience even further. Therefore, Bonefish Grill is likely to impress for a night of expertly prepared seafood that departs from the standard fried platters.
Standout Dishes: Wood Grilled Fish of the Day, Parmesan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster & Shrimp Mac ‘n Cheese
Most Romantic: The Garden Bistro
Name and Location: The Garden Bistro, Romantic bistro dining in Jacksonville Beach, FL
History and Significance: Known for its seasonally inspired cuisine presented in a casually sophisticated setting, this little neighborhood cafe has been around since 2002 and is well-known for its garden patio environment. It is recommended for special events due to its impeccable service and friendly welcome.
What to Expect: The verdant patio is enhanced by subdued romantic lighting, vegetation, and glittering lights. Every month, the menu is updated to reflect seasonal and local ingredients with influences from the Mediterranean and New America. Only to be used for private dinner.
Information for Visitors: Tuesday through Sunday for dinner; closed on Mondays. Reservations are required. Dress in smart casual. Wine pairings at reasonable prices.
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The Garden Bistro, tucked away inside a beautifully renovated Victorian house, provides an incredibly romantic atmosphere for special date nights. Uncover this undiscovered gastronomic gem with a patio that is lit by lights and looks out onto a verdant garden by passing through the iron gates. Menus inspired by farmer’s markets rotate seasonally to feature fresh organic products directly from nearby farms.
Whether you’re enjoying a perfectly cooked steak in the summer or seared sea scallops over spring risotto, every dish highlights high-quality ingredients and lets the flavors speak for themselves. The meal is made even more sophisticated by the extensive wine pairings.
Molten chocolate cake for two is the ideal occasion to get a little closer for a sweet end to the evening. The Garden Bistro lives up to its name throughout, creating a haven where love is constantly in season.
Standout Dishes: Seared Sea Scallops & Spring Risotto, Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Molten Chocolate Cake for Two
Most Family-Friendly: Fernwood Grill
Name and Location: Fernwood Grill Family Restaurant in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Since 2003, this quaint historic San Marco home has been providing families with substantial, homemade comfort cuisine. Well-known for its homemade pastries, meatloaf, mac & cheese, and weekend brunch specialties. Patio outside with a play area.
What to Expect: A homey atmosphere with kid-friendly craft projects to keep children occupied while parents savor traditional dishes like pot roast, chicken-fried steak, shrimp and grits, vegetable platters, and desserts baked in a cast-iron cookie skillet. Excellent value for the money.
Information for Visitors: Open daily from breakfast until evening. Only parties of six or more may make reservations. Wear something casual.
Fernwood Grill is a crowd favorite, especially when there are hungry children around. To accommodate their youthful palates, children’s menu items such as grilled cheese and chicken fingers are specially designed for them. Meanwhile, adults savor freshly made salads and artisan sandwiches topped with house-smoked meats straight from their on-site smokehouse.
Carnivores can splurge messy and feel free to do so thanks to Fernwood’s famous sweet and spicy BBQ baby back ribs. Parents are further encouraged to unwind with a carefully selected selection of locally brewed craft beers available on tap. For kids who need to get some energy out, outdoor games like bocce ball and frisbee golf provide plenty of excitement.
After enjoying complimentary chocolate chip cookies for dessert, the whole family departs contented and plans to return soon. So go to Fernwood Grill for reasonably priced food in a laid-back setting that’s perfect for kids.
Standout Dishes: In-House Smoked Meats, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Chocolate Chip Cookies
Most Vegan/Vegetarian: Organic Harvest Kitchen
Name and Location: Organic Harvest Kitchen, Vegan Cafe in Jacksonville Beach, FL
History and Significance: A beloved plant-based café that has been serving nutrient-dense vegan breakfasts and lunches since 2015, with a focus on organic and locally grown produce. Reputation for delicious bowls, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and baked goods featuring in-season vegetables.
What to Expect: Get delicious plant-based sandwiches, such as the well-liked maple tempeh BLT, or grain bowls loaded with fresh vegetables and creamy loaded potato soup. Large menu includes smoothies, organic coffee, and nut milks that change periodically. Raw and gluten-free options are listed on the menu.
Information for Visitors: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There is seating available both inside and outside. Place an online takeout order.
Dothan gets introduced to the lighter side of eating at Organic Harvest Kitchen, which specializes in modern vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Its sleek, clean-lined decor with communal tables creates a cool, healthful vibe. Menus curate innovative yet healthful plant-based foods by highlighting influences from around the world. For a fully balanced dinner, nourishing bowls combine seasonal vegetables and ancient grains with delicious sauces.
Inventive pizzas with crusts made of cauliflower or quinoa offer crunch and comfort in equal measure. At lunch, don’t skip the side salads and wraps either; the variety of ingredients adds a unique touch to standard healthful meals. Indulge your inner yogi with house-made beet lemonade, cool-pressed juices, and smoothies topped with chia seeds. Check out Organic Harvest Kitchen for plant-based cuisine that even carnivores will want to consume.
Standout Dishes: Ancient Grain Bowls, Plant-based Pizzas, Chia Smoothies
Best Brunch: Brick & Spoon
Name and Location: Brick & Spoon Restaurant, Brunch in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Since 2011, this critically regarded brunch cafe has gained recognition in the area for its specialty dishes, which include Filet Benedict, Charleston Shrimp & Grits, Bananas Foster French Toast, and an extensive mimosa menu. Daily brunch is served in this historic Riverside residence.
What to Expect: Ingenious brunch dishes that combine traditional methods with creative plating and Southern influences. Seasonal menu changes apply, but standard fare like huevos rancheros, chicken biscuit pot pie, crab cake eggs benedict, and perfectly cooked cinnamon roll pancakes are always available.
Visitors: Brunch is served every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are advised. There is garage parking nearby as well as street parking. Stroller accessible.
Brunch lovers come to Brick & Spoon for inspiration from around the world to kickstart their leisurely weekend mornings. Exquisite variations on traditional dishes like omelets or eggs Benedict provide a gourmet touch that is sure to wow. For those with more daring palates, there are arepas filled with carnitas or shakshuka full of tastes from the Mediterranean. Large towers of fluffy pancakes, enticing French toast, or mile-high biscuit sandwiches oozing with sausage gravy are enjoyed by those with heartier appetites.
A terrific Bloody Mary bar and expertly made cocktails provide the perfect weekend boost. It’s normal to experience a wait at busy times, but it’s well worth it to experience the lively ambiance where locals come to relax and enjoy food and beverages. Brick & Spoon is the best place for a relaxed brunch break with options that are influenced by across the world.
Standout Dishes: Gourmet Eggs Benedict, Arepas, Boozy Bloody Marys
Best Mexican: Ranchito
Name and Location: Ranchito Taqueria in Jacksonville Beach, FL
History and Significance: Bringing authentic street tacos, tortas, and Mexican antojitos to the beaches area, this order-at-the-counter taqueria launched in 2015 with no frills. Well-known for its homemade salsas, 24-hour marinated meats, and hand-pressed corn tortillas. straightforward menu with a typical flavor accent.
What to Expect: House-made corn tortillas with salsa, onions, and cilantro topped with your choice of meat, such as marinated pig al pastor, chicken tinga, carne asada, or chorizo. Walk-up counter service is available. Tortas, quesadillas, burritos, and weekend delicacies like pozole and menudo soup are also available.
Visitor Information: Open everyday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. reasonably priced dinners. Take-out is offered. Adjacent parking lot. payments made simply with cash.
At Ranchito, a lively cantina that will take you directly to Mexico, savor the genuine flavors of the South of the Border. This family-owned restaurant takes pleasure in making each dish fresh to order using tried-and-true family recipes. Classic dishes such as carne asada and chile rellenos have robust flavors that linger well and have a hint of spiciness. Combination platters let you taste several classics at once.
Enjoy it with a frothy margarita made with fresh lime juice from Ranchito’s legendary bar or with one of the many tequila options available. The beautiful Talavera tiles scattered around the bright interior will have you planning your next trip to Mexico. Enjoy spicy fajitas on the airy patio on balmy nights. Head straight to Ranchito for amazing real Mexican food that will make chain restaurants pale in comparison.
Standout dishes: Carne Asada, Chili Rellenos, Table-side Guacamole, Margaritas
Most Hip: Dart Bar
Name and Location: Darts Bar Gastropub, Hip pub fare in Jacksonville
History and Significance: Founded in 2012, this trendy downtown gastro bar offers excellent elevated pub fare, a large tap selection that highlights Florida breweries, and a lively setting complete with dart boards and vintage arcade games. Renowned for drawing in young professionals for its late-night crowd and happy hour.
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What to anticipate: The menu offers a variety of options, including loaded tots, wings, and dip trio starters, as well as grilled mahi sandwiches, shrimp tacos, fisherman’s spaghetti, burgers, and salads. The design is industrial chic. Make room for the famous skillet dessert of s’mores.
The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends. Wear something casual. Walk-ins are accepted, although groups can make reservations.
Dart Bar is a cosmopolitan bar, restaurant, and entertainment facility that brings vibrancy to Dothan’s nightlife. Its spacious industrial interior creates a lively atmosphere, and guests may stay entertained late into the evening with games like darts, pop-a-shot basketball, and shuffleboard. Loaded fries and tater tots piled high with mouthwatering toppings make almost half of the menu, providing a perfect vehicle for all those craft beers and cocktails.
Dart Bar’s late-night menu, which includes breakfast pizza, sausage rolls, and foot-long hot dogs, permits patrons to stay up late drinking and dancing. The fun is amplified by occasional karaoke nights and slider eating competitions. Becoming a regular at Dart Bar is a wonderful way to dine, drink, and get your game on.
Standout Dishes: Loaded Fries & Tots, Foot Long Hot Dogs, Breakfast Pizza
Best Sushi: Kamikaze Sushi
Name and Location: Kamikaze Sushi Local Sushi Spot in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Since 2018, we have been providing contemporary Japanese cuisine and excellent, reasonably priced sushi in a relaxed setting. renowned for its high-quality sushi, with a focus on East Coast seafood like lobster, salmon, tuna, and yellowtail. Every day, behind a bustling bar, attentive Itamae sushi chefs prepare the cuts.
What to Expect: Specialty rolls, nigiri sushi, sashimi platters, ramen bowls, donburi, and hot small plates are prepared by sushi chefs using premium ingredients and trendy vibes. A must-try is the signature yellowtail jalapeño specialty roll from the area. See the daily spectacular works on the whiteboard.
Information for Visitors: Daily lunch and dinner are served. We encourage casual attire. For groups of six or more, reservations are possible. There is valet parking available.
Kamikaze Sushi, which bills itself as the “Home of the Roll,” ships in fresh seafood every day to make inventive maki that has residents enthralled. Along with an amazing selection of exclusive specialty rolls that incorporate regional flavors like pimento cheese or fried green tomatoes, the vast menu offers all the sushi basics.
The distinctive Finger Roll demands that you uncover its flavor character by drizzling each piece with one of three housemade sauces. Pan-Asian small meals such as potstickers, spring rolls, and tempura offer lighter, sharing options, but sushi is still the major draw.
This trendy sushi restaurant is easy to overlook because to its striking bolt blue facade. For flawlessly prepared nigiri, impressively large rolls, and inventive cocktails, Kamikaze Sushi always delivers a blast of taste.
Standout Dishes: Finger Roll Challenge, Signature Makis, Japanese Craft Cocktails
Best Diner: Sugar Shack
Name and Location: The Sugar Shack Diner, Homestyle diner classics in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Since 1999, homemade classics including pot roast, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and pie have been served in this nostalgic diner-style eatery from the 1950s. renowned for its hearty, homemade comfort cuisine and heaping sweets served in a quaint, historic cottage.
What to anticipate: Generous breakfast plates, blue plate lunch specials, sandwiches, and traditional diner-style dinners are all served counter service. well-known for its mac and cheese, coconut cream pie, cole slaw, chicken salad, strawberry salad, and enormous sundaes. A cash-only business including a few tables and counter stools.
Details for Visitors: Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays are closed. On weekends, get there early. Take-out is offered. Public parking is available on the street. Only cash payments accepted.
Sugar Shack transports diners back to the era of soda fountains with its classic diner meals served in a retro environment. The old signage, checkered floors, and red vinyl booths instantly evoke a nostalgic feeling, as do the breakfast dishes that are served all day and lure customers in from dawn till dusk.
Plenty of meaty extras provide eggs luxurious enhancements. The ideal Southern combination combines fluffy, sugary pancake stacks with towering biscuits drenched in sausage gravy. The proprietors maintain the vintage soda fountain stocked with handcrafted milkshakes, egg creams, and phosphates.
Here’s a great place to satisfy late-night cravings as well, with burger melts, fried food baskets, and pie slabs perfect for sharing. For delicious greasy spoon fare without pretense, stop by Sugar Shack.
Standout Dishes: Breakfast Plates, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Handmade Milkshakes & Malts
Best Barbecue: Smokin’ Gold Barbeque
Name and Location: Smokin’ Gold Barbeque in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: This locally owned BBQ restaurant opened its doors in 2014 and gained popularity fast for its scratch sides, smoked meats, and specialty sauces, all served in a relaxed roadside atmosphere. Tender St. Louis and Baby Back ribs, pulled pork, wings, chicken, and sampler plates are all grilled by pitmaster Anthony Gold.
What to anticipate: The parking lot is filled with the aroma of hickory-smoked meats, and you can frequently see and smell the on-site smokers at work. Grab a counter seat and order cafeteria-style by the pound or on a plate, complete with house-made sides like mac & cheese, collard greens, and potato salad. Make room for the banana pudding and cobblers.
Information for Visitors: Sold Out; Open Wed thru Sun at 11:30 a.m. Takeout is offered. There are picnic tables outside. Come early since brisket and ribs sell out quickly.
Wood smoke wafts down the block, making Smokin’ Gold Barbecue nearly smell before you see it. This beloved local restaurant serves traditional Southern barbecue along with all the condiments, drawing crowds every day. With every sticky bite, the meaty, smoky, and spicy St. Louis Style ribs fall off the bone.
Pickles and slaw are served alongside succulent pulled pork and brisket sandwiches to balance their richness. Daily offerings like loaded baked potatoes or smoky wings guarantee that you’ll always be tempted to return. Drink it down with their house-made fruit tea blends or draft Cheerwine. Smokin’ Gold raises the standard for succulent barbecue executed flawlessly without ostentation.
Standout Dishes: Wood Smoked Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Cheerwine on Draft
Best Fine Dining: Gardens of Avila
Name and Location: Gardens of Avila, Fine dining in St. Augustine, FL
History and Significance: Nestled among beautiful gardens, elegant arches, and stone fountains, this Mediterranean estate restaurant transports you to an opulent countryside mansion from bygone eras. renowned since 1983 for its superb fresh nouvelle cuisine. Perfect service in a charming environment.
Anticipate a subdued yet beautiful atmosphere with views of the lush courtyard gardens. Seasonal four- or six-course tasting menus may feature items like pan-seared Chilean sea bass, pan-grilled filet mignon, lobster ravioli with flavorful reductions, and, when available, locally sourced vegetable sides.
Information for Visitors: Every night from 6 to 9 p.m. Gentlemen are obliged to wear jackets. Parking is valet. Reservations are required; it is best to schedule several weeks in advance.
Gardens of Avila is a historic mansion turned Mediterranean gastronomic haven for those looking for a sophisticated fine dining experience. Chef Miguel Campos is a gifted individual from Spain who creates fine dining dishes with Italian and Spanish influences using locally sourced, in-season ingredients.
Cooking is elevated to an art form by dishes like Campos’ classic seared duck breast with black truffle port demi-glace or seafood paella brimming with fresh shellfish. These dishes showcase expert methods. Prompt wine service with Old World wines matched to every course.
Gardens of Avila has a vast patio surrounded by olive trees, exposed brickwork, arched doors, and romantic architecture that makes you feel worlds away, even if only for a night. For fine dining in a setting that’s unmatched, reserve a table at Gardens of Avila.
Standout Dishes: Seafood Paella, Seared Duck Breast with Truffle Demi-Glace, Prix Fixe Chef Tasting Menu
Conclusion
Even though Dothan, Alabama isn’t well-known among foodies in the South, its diverse dining scene is full of unexpected gems. Local chefs in the city are passionate about cooking and produce consistently delicious dishes that go above and beyond expectations, ranging from modernized Southern classics to exotic flavors.
So check out Dothan’s wonderful independent restaurants the next time you’re traveling through southeast Alabama or you’re just searching for something different from chain restaurants. You never know when that little eatery in the corner will become your newest culinary addiction. Simply arrive famished!