Best Bites

• 205 S College Street

A culinary residence that sits at the corner of campus and community. The Auburn University fine-dining restaurant 1856 – Culinary Residence has been named the best new restaurant in Alabama in Southern Living magazine's list of The Best New Restaurant in Every Southern State 2024. A roof-to-table experience, 1856 – Culinary Residence’s menu is…

• 210 E. Glenn Avenue

Acre celebrates Southern hospitality and the fresh harvest provided by the local community. With sophisticated charm, repurposed architectural details, and a menu of stylishly modern food with roots deep in Southern soil, it's a delightful anachronism. Good traditions for good people, a neighborhood place perfect for conducting business, relaxing with…

• 410 S Gay Street Auburn, AL 36830

Alive with conversation, music, and cool servers, Amsterdam will make you feel welcomed and comfortable in a relaxed and stylish setting. An Auburn tradition, the eatery features special event space and two full bars. Amsterdam Cafe's menu offers a plate for every palate and consists of soul-pleasing selections that include family favorites, seasonal…

• 241 S College Street Auburn, AL 36830

Inspired by a hilltop town of palaces, vineyards, and poets, Ariccia Cucina is a modern Italian escape located in the heart of Auburn. Ariccia honors the classic central Italian cuisine, focusing on the freshest seasonal products, Italian meats & cheeses, signature Porchetta, house-made focaccia and Auburn’s best wood-fired pizzas. Offering breakfast, lunch…

• 800 Main Street

Auburn Plaza Bar and Lounge is a vibrant venue in Auburn, offering a relaxed atmosphere for socializing and enjoying great drinks throughout the day. What makes this spot unique is its combination of a stylish lounge setting with a diverse menu of craft cocktails, beers, and light bites, making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors looking to…

• 1977 E. Samford Ave.

Bow & Arrow in Auburn is a Southern-inspired smokehouse and butcher shop that offers a unique fusion of Texas-style barbecue and Southern comfort food. Helmed by acclaimed chef David Bancroft, Bow & Arrow stands out for its rustic, yet welcoming atmosphere, blending communal dining with flavors that celebrate local ingredients. This one-of-a-kind restaurant…

• 436 Opelika Rd.

Byron's Smokehouse is a beloved Auburn staple offering traditional Southern barbecue in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its no-frills approach and dedication to high-quality smoked meats, Byron's stands out as a local favorite for those seeking authentic, slow-cooked barbecue. The casual setting, complete with friendly service, has made it a…

• 123 South 8th Street

Experience the best of Southern and continental cuisine at this fine dining restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Opelika. Located in the iconic Hayne's Drugstore building, the restaurant preserves the charm of the 1950s soda fountain hangout, blending vintage appeal with modern touches like original artwork, white linens, and quirky decor. The unique…

• 540 Devall Drive

From the hearts and minds of those who created The Hound & The Depot, Corner Office is an eclectic breakfast and lunch cafe. It's the ideal spot for a refreshing lunch break, a productive study session, or successful work meeting. The atmosphere is carefully curated to provide a cozy and welcoming environment, offering you the perfect opportunity to pause…

• 124 Mitcham Avenue

Auburn's finest and freshest seafood! The Depot is a gulf-coastal brasserie with a globally inspired menu where sea meets land. First built in 1847, this fabled train depot rests in the heart of downtown Auburn. With a prominent role in the history of the city, the time-worn tracks of The Depot have seen the face of war and abandonment. Now over 150 years…

• 174 E. Magnolia Ave.

Hamilton’s in downtown Auburn is a locally owned restaurant offering a refined dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, Hamilton’s stands out as a must-visit for food lovers in the Auburn-Opelika area. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch or a special night out, this upscale yet approachable…

• 124 Tichenor Avenue

The Hound is a family-owned restaurant and bar featuring over-the-top American classics, top-shelf bourbon, and 28 craft beers on tap. They offer 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 or an antler-pronged barn setting. Owners Matt & Jana…

• 127 E. Magnolia Ave

The Irritable Bao is a popular food spot in Auburn, known for its delicious and unique take on Chinese street food, with a focus on steamed bao buns. This small, family-run eatery has gained a loyal following for its fresh, hand-crafted bao buns filled with a variety of savory and sweet options. What sets The Irritable Bao apart from other dining spots in…

• 2300 Moores Mill Road

Voted the #1 restaurant in Auburn, AL by TripAdvisor diners, Lucy’s is a modern American eatery known for its fresh and innovative take on classic dishes. This California-inspired restaurant offers an ever-changing menu featuring fresh seafood, locally-sourced meats, and seasonal produce. Guests love the shared plates, award-winning cocktails, and an…

• 1900 Pepperell Parkway

A beloved Auburn-Opelika tradition since 1952, Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar is famous for its homemade chili dogs, crafted using a secret recipe that has remained unchanged for decades. Located in its original spot on Pepperell Parkway, this 1950s-style walk-up is now operated by the third generation of the Story family, continuing to serve the freshest and…

• 1151 Opelika Road

Niffer's Place, a beloved Auburn institution since 1991, was founded by Auburn University alum and former AU swimmer Keely Beasecker with the concept of offering great food at excellent value in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Known for its friendly service and lively vibe, Niffer's is a go-to spot for casual dining. Keely and her dedicated team take pride in…

• 2328 S College Street

Pannie-George's Kitchen in Auburn is a family-owned restaurant known for serving authentic Southern soul food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a commitment to traditional Southern recipes passed down through generations, Pannie-George's offers a true taste of home-cooked meals that have made it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The menu…

• 1465 Patrick St.

A few miles outside of Auburn, nestled just off Highway 280, lies the quiet town of Waverly, Alabama—a place where time slows down and the community embraces simplicity. In fact, the citizens of Waverly quite literally celebrated the day that 280 was rerouted around their small town. But you can read about the “Old 280 Boogie” another day. In the heart of…

• 112 S. 8th Street

Located in the heart of historic downtown Opelika, Zazu Gastropub offers a unique blend of Southern charm and innovative cuisine. Helmed by Chef Graham Hage, Zazu Gastropub has become a must-visit restaurant for both locals and visitors alike. Originally housed in a vacant commercial building, this five-level restaurant now boasts a stunning setting with…