Fine Dining Part 3: Savoring Sophistication in Auburn
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Alabama, Auburn offers a rich fine dining scene that reflects traditional Southern hospitality with a cosmopolitan flair. If you’re a local foodie or visiting the area for the first time, you will find plenty of culinary delights to whet your appetite.
Auburn - A Blend of Tradition and Innovation:
Auburn is best known for being the home of Auburn University. The city’s dining scene is steeped with energy and the diverse tastes of its student population. The influx of different cultures has given rise to the region’s innovative culinary offerings.
Acre:
At the helm of Acre’s kitchen, is the James Beard Foundation award-winning chef, David Bancroft. Bancroft’s vision for his restaurant revolves around using sustainable, local produce and meats that he transforms into sophisticated and flavorful Southern dishes—Acre’s menus change based on what ingredients are locally available. Diners can enjoy a variety of offerings from wood-fired steaks to Gulf Seafood to heirloom vegetables to artisanal cheeses. The restaurant blends a rustic farmhouse aesthetic with contemporary design and includes an edible landscape. It is a stand-out dining destination epitomizing the farm-to-table concepts in fine dining.
Vintage 2298:
Vintage 2298 pays homage to Chef Randall Baldwin’s mother, Nancy McGhee Baldwin. His mother's love for the kitchen influenced his dreams of becoming a chef. Menus at Vintage 2298 reflect the region's bounty using the freshest locally sourced produce, meats, wild game, and gulf seafood. Their philosophy is to bring joy to families who gather around the table.
The Hound:
This family-owned restaurant and bar is located in the heart of the city and offers over-the-top American classics. The restaurant's reputation has become synonymous with bourbon and bacon. It’s a local watering hole focusing on family. The menu includes meatloaf, craft beer braised chicken, 1/2 lb. bacon BLT, wild-game sausage, a Big Fat 16 oz Steak, thick-cut bone-in Berkshire chop, home-spun vanilla bean ice cream, and bread pudding with a bourbon caramel sauce! Owners Matthew and Jana Poirier believe in sourcing local ingredients and giving back to the community.
Ariccia Cucina Italiana:
This trattoria is located in the Hotel at Auburn University and offers a sophisticated take on Italian cuisine, from hand-crafted pasta to expertly grilled meats. The open kitchen and wood-fired oven create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a family gathering or a romantic dinner.
The Depot:
The restaurant plates up Auburn’s finest and freshest seafood, The Depot is a modern grilled gulf-coastal brasserie in Auburn’s Historic Train Depot. With a globally inspired menu by Executive Chef & Co-Owner, Scott Simpson, The Depot is elevating the cuisine in Auburn. The Depot is the first restaurant in the State of Alabama to receive the prestigious James Beard Smart Catch Leader Award for our commitment to serving sustainable and responsibly harvested seafood.
Auburn is a city that reaps the benefits of a rich agricultural region that surrounds the city. Dining out is an experience that encapsulates the spirit of the South along with embracing sophisticated global culinary trends that promise an unforgettable dining adventure.