Where to Eat in Alabama's Football Towns

August 2020

Birmingham: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, and Birmingham-Southern College

Homewood Gourmet

A five-minute drive from the Samford stadium, Homewood Gourmet has popular sandwich and salad options for lunch and take-home dinners for a crowd. Headed straight to the tailgate? Pick up an assortment of fresh salads to contribute to the spread.

Niki’s West

Niki’s West is a meat-and-three institution with fans far and wide. The cafeteria-style service lets diners choose from a huge selection of home-cooked favorites like turnip greens, fried chicken, stewed tomatoes and boiled okra. And take a tip from the regulars: Don’t forget to save room for a bowl of Niki’s famous banana pudding.

Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama

Baumhower’s

Head to Baumhower’s to check out the extensive menu of wings, burgers and more before, during or after the game. The atmosphere is great, especially during away games when you can cheer with those still in town.

Innisfree

As much as Innisfree has evolved, it will always be that place to escape and have a good time. Whether it’s for a game day weekend, to reminisce on college days, or to create new memories, if you are looking for a good time, there’s only one thing to do – Head to the Free. Make sure to try their pub fries!

Auburn: Auburn University

Ariccia

Located inside The Hotel at Auburn University, Ariccia is a prime place to wind down after games. Offering trattoria-style Italian cuisine, this cozy dinner destination has private patio seating to allow alfresco dining all year long.

The Hound

The Hound is a family owned restaurant and bar featuring over-the-top American classics, top shelf bourbon and 28 craft beers on tap. It features bacon from heritage breed pork as well as other organic and humanely raised meats. The atmosphere was designed to be warm and welcoming- think hunting lodge, antler-pronged barn setting with the hustle and bustle of old time Alabama.

Big Blue Bagel & Deli

The restaurant is one of the most popular gathering places for Auburn students, faculty and locals. One of the favorite items on the menu, Tiger Melt, was named along with Big Blue’s Fantastic Bagel Chips as one of the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die“!

Troy: Troy University

Sisters’

Home to some of the best country cooking in the state, Sisters’ has been operated by sisters Pat Rogers and Geraldine Umbehagen for almost 15 years. Get your fill of home-cooked favorites during the week, or stop by on a Friday night for the seafood buffet.

Montgomery: Alabama State University

Chris’ Hot Dogs

Less than 2 miles from campus, Chris’ Hot Dogs has been a Montgomery tradition since 1917. Keep your order simple and choose hot dogs with Chris’ famous sauce. A bonus? Hank Williams is rumored to have enjoyed a dog or two at this legendary spot.

Huntsville: Alabama A&M University

LawLers Barbecue

In 1978, in a little town called Pulaski, Tennessee, two brothers from Athens, Alabama decided to go into the barbecue business. LawLers prides itself in having "the most flavorful, highest quality barbecue in all of North Alabama and Southern Tennessee with 12 establishments in the Tennessee Valley and one in Lewisburg, Tennessee. LawLers uses old-fashioned recipes and time-honored traditions to create a sensational experience for barbecue lovers. The stuffed pork, ham or turkey barbecue baked potatoes are among the favorites on the menu.