We polled the locals and came up with a list of their favorite restaurants in downtown Montgomery. There are even a few favorite dishes included! Whether you are visiting or just looking for somewhere new, we know you will have no trouble finding somewhere amazing to dine! Please let us know if there is a favorite of yours that is not included in this first edition of “Dining in Downtown Montgomery.”
If you are in the mood for Mexican…
If you are craving chips and salsa, the downtown Montgomery hot spots are Jalapeños in the Alley Station and Cucos Mexican Cafe. Cucos has been proudly serving Tex-Mex cuisine in the River Region since 1987. Their claim to fame is a fusion of Southwestern and Mexican dishes derived from the culinary creations of Tejanos. Hours are Mon-Thurs 11-9:30 pm, Friday 11-10:30 pm, closed Saturday and Sunday from 11-3 pm.
Jalapeños’ offers outdoor seating, live music and a full bar. Favorite dishes on their menu include #45 Tacos Especiales (Street Style tacos) and their Chicken Chimichangas. They are open daily from 11-10 pm.
“There’s nothing more romantic than Italian Food” – Elisha Cuthbert
You may not be feeling romantic, but if you are in the mood for some delicious Italian food, downtown Montgomery has you covered. Saza’s is a great place for a special occasion or just to hang out and enjoy a friendly meal together. Locals love the chicken scarpariello, the rigatoni bolognese, manicotti, and lobster ravioli.
Bibb Street Pizza is a locally owned pizzeria that offers salads, subs, and classic Italian dishes also. We hear their mozzarella sticks are the bomb. Casual dining with exposed brick walls is what you can expect when you dine here. What you may not expect is their “Slice of Life” campaign where you can purchase a piece of pizza to be reserved for the homeless. There is a wall of encouraging messages left by customers for the less fortunate who are looking for their next meal. Hours: Mon-Sat. 11-10, Sundays 11-9.
Mellow Mushroom is a Mardi Gras-inspired restaurant offering pizza and wings. Sitting on the corner of Commerce Street you can people watch as others buzz around our Riverfront. If you are searching for a great gluten-free pizza, locals tell us they have “the best gluten-free pizza in the River Region”
ONLY in Montgomery
Hamburger King may not look like much from the outside, but as soon as you bite into their award-winning hamburgers you will never forget them. A local diner since 1970 and downtown since 1995, if you want to experience Montgomery then Hamburger King is a must-stop. (cash is king at Hamburger King but there is an atm in the diner!) Many locals love to order it “to go” also!
Chris’ Hot Dogs is a veteran mom and pop diner that has was opened in 1917…yes over 100 years ago! Hot Dogs, chicken sandwiches and hamburgers are their claims to fame but their secret recipe chili sauce is world-famous. Locals recommend you order “2 dogs all the way with fries and a coke.” If historical architecture fascinates you, the building Chris’ is now in used to be a Post Office Cafe and fruit stand! You can stop in Mon-Sat 10-7 and Friday nights until 8!
Southern Specialties
Dreamland BBQ A barbecue favorite in Alabama and all over the south, you can dine in, carry out and order online. The enticing scent of ribs, chicken, and pork hit you just walking near this place downtown. Local favorites are the Dream wings, quesadilla and of course the RIBS! Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10-9, Fri. & Sat. 10-10, and Sunday 11-9.
Cahawba House offers Bama bonafide Southern cuisine for breakfast and lunch only. From 6:30-10:30 am you can build your own breakfast sandwich or plate. Lunch includes a variety of delicious sandwiches and salads along with a meat and 3. Locals love the grilled chicken market salad, their BLT with a fried green tomato, and their pimento grilled cheese. You can enjoy breakfast here Mon.- Fri. from 6:30-10:30 and lunch until 2. Saturday and Sunday they are open from 8-2.
Wintzell’s Oyster House is a true Alabama-born franchise. It’s known of course for its oysters “fried, stewed, or nude.” Oysters not your thing? Locals recommend the shrimp and grits instead. Located right across the street from Mellow Mushroom and near our Renaissance Hotel, you can enjoy people watching right near our riverfront. Hours: Sun-Thurs. 11-10, Fri. & Sat. 11-11.
Fine Dining
Central is an upscale yet casual dining restaurant on Coosa St. Rated the #1 restaurant on Trip Advisor, this is a great place for an elegant gourmet meal or to celebrate a special occasion. Ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal which makes for an ever-changing menu, but the food does not ever disappoint. Favorites are the Ribeye or Hanger steak, signature fries, and the lamburger. They are open for lunch 11-2 and dinner begins at 5:30. The bar opens at 4. Saturdays are dinner only and they are closed on Sundays.
In the mood for something really different?
Caribbean Island Delight Known for its eclectic Caribbean decor and flavorful dishes, this restaurant is sure to “delight” your senses! Locals love the pineapple chicken, the jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, and the cabbage and collards! They are also known for their delicious Reggae Juice Bar. Hours are 10:30 am- 9 pm daily.
NYC Gyro is almost a literal hole-in-the-wall restaurant off commerce street. (which means you know the food is good!). Delicious gyro’s, falafel and other New York-style combos are served in brown bags. You can dine in or carry it out with you. Very informal and very delicious! The Lamb gyro is a favorite! Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-8:30 and Fri-Sun 10-9.
Lek’s Railroad Thai is almost hidden right off our riverfront in the train shed. A cozy, beautiful atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and sushi. They offer an outdoor dining patio overlooking the train shed, tracks and river. Local favorites are curry, cashew chicken, pad thai, and the “Bama Crunch” sushi. Hours are Mon.-Thurs. 11-2:30 and 5-9, Fridays 11-2:30 and 5-10, Saturdays 11-10 pm and closed on Sundays.
We hope you have enjoyed our “Dining in Downtown Montgomery” collection. Whether a local or out-of-town guest, we are sure you can find somewhere delicious to eat. If we missed a place that you think should make the list, share it with us in the comments!
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