Known as “Rocket City” for its space legacy, Huntsville is also launching a surprisingly dynamic culinary scene—the best of Southern roots and New South innovation, drawing on a diverse, highly educated population.
1. Cotton Row Restaurant
Cotton Row merges the city’s downtown history and its aspirations.
Chef James Boyce’s refined New American menu shines with Gulf seafood, prime steaks, and creative, market-driven small plates—duck confit, shrimp and grits, and addictive beignets for dessert.
Inside, exposed brick and candlelight provide an intimate, polished backdrop that feels special for both business and romance.
2. The Po Boy Factory
A funky, mural-filled hideaway, The Po Boy Factory brings New Orleans flavor to the Tennessee Valley: overflowing shrimp, catfish, and oyster po’boys, dark-roux gumbos, and daily red beans and rice.
It’s casual and fun, with Louisiana hot sauce on every table and slices of homemade bread pudding to close a perfect meal.
3. 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern
A pillar of the Five Points district, 1892 East fuses Southern comfort with European finesse: roasted chicken, seared quail, crab cakes, and craft cocktails in a modern, eco-friendly space.
The patios stay lively year-round, and the staff are truly invested in helping guests “taste the neighborhood”—literally and figuratively.
4. Toybox Bistro
This quirky bistro is decked with toys, robots, and comic book art—perfect for families or the young at heart.
The menu highlights inventive burgers, creative grilled cheeses, jambalaya egg rolls, and spicy wings.
There’s plenty for vegetarians and craft beer lovers. It’s playful, affordable, and totally unique to Huntsville.
5. Big Oh’s
For Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and homemade kimchi, Big Oh’s is king.
The kitchen is open, the flavors are bold, and the regulars are devoted.
It’s a family operation, and the staff takes genuine pride in introducing first-timers to the joy of bulgogi and hot stone “dolsot” bowls.
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