Calling all foodies! Have you visited this Southern cuisine hotspot yet? Located just minutes away from lively Auburn, AL, restaurants in Opelika are a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. From popular dining spots like Tiger Town, Zazu Gastropub, Jim Bobs, and more, this tiny town is packed with tons of flavor. Explore the best of Opelika restaurants and discover what it’s like to live just around the corner.
The Opelika Restaurant Rundown
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Breakfast Restaurants in Opelika
- Southern Restaurants in Opelika
- International Food in Opelika, AL
- Casual Places to Eat in Opelika
- Live Near the Best Restaurants in Opelika, AL
Breakfast Restaurants in Opelika
Café 123
Source: Auburn Opelika Tourism
While this Opelika restaurant is certainly known for its fantastic dinner menu featuring meals like coq au vin and a chargrilled pork chop, the fine dining Southern spot also serves a scrumptious Sunday brunch. Whether you’re starting your day with a belly full of bacon, or ending your day with a specialty cocktail, Café 123 has got you covered.
What to Eat
You can’t go wrong with a classic Southern shrimp and grits breakfast. The combination of tangy sauteed shrimp and pimento cheese will have you coming back for more. Or, if you like breakfast on the sweeter side, try their tiramisu waffles topped with mascarpone whipped cream and coffee syrup.
Mama Mocha’s Bodega
Source: Mama Mocha’s Bodega
For an early morning smile and a hearty cup of joe, this charming breakfast and lunch spot is one of the best places to eat in Opelika. If you need a place to grab a quick bite or to camp out doing work for the day, Mama Mocha’s is your place. You can even buy your own coffee beans to make those morning brews from home!
What to Eat
This Opelika restaurant is best known for quick bites on the go. They serve delicious handhelds like the California roll bagel, which includes smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. You can also order more traditional breakfast items like a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. Whichever one you choose, don’t forget the coffee!
Southern Restaurants in Opelika
Zazu Gastropub
Source: Zazu Gastropub
Of course, there are plenty of places to eat comfort food in Opelika, AL. There’s a reason Zazu Gastropub is one of the most popular restaurants in Opelika. Serving comfort food from around the world, Zazu Gastropub is a beloved local staple. Using local produce from organizations like Alabama Seafood Co. and Oakview Farms Granary, this relaxed public dining establishment makes everything from scratch. They also work closely with O Grows, an Opelika farmers market. And, much like Café 123, Zazu also offers a Sunday brunch!
What to Eat
It’s hard to pick a favorite at this Southern cuisine Opelika restaurant. Some popular dishes from their delectable menus are the poutine, pimento cheeseburger, or jambalaya. Regardless of what you choose, you’re sure to get a taste of the South.
Botanic
Source: Botanic
Garden market by day, intimate restaurant by night, Botanic is a unique blend of horticulture and culinary arts. No matter what time of the day you visit, this eclectic Opelika restaurant serves delicious farm-to-table Southern food. Split into three dining areas—The Market, The Grille, and The Patio Bar—Botanic is a great place for any occasion from a peaceful morning brew to a large celebratory dinner.
What to Eat
Of the many fresh and flavorful dishes offered at this quaint Opelika restaurant, some crowd favorites are the red snapper and the ribeye. You can also try several unique seasonal options like compressed watermelon or peach and arugula salad. After your meal, be sure to check out The Patio for a beverage and some open-air entertainment.
Butcher Paper BBQ
Source: Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Of course, no Opelika restaurant list is complete without some BBQ! Serving all of the traditional wood-smoked offerings like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken, this popular establishment is one of the best places to eat BBQ in Opelika, AL. Originally, owner Mark Coxwell perfected his method by cooking for friends. Now, he serves the entire Opelika food community with his flourishing business.
What to Eat
One of the most popular dishes at Butcher Paper BBQ is their BBQ mac and cheese. Make sure to order that with your brisket or rib plate, all served with one of their five distinct and original sauces.
International Food in Opelika, AL
The KPOT
Source: The KPOT
Once you’ve tried Southern BBQ restaurants in Opelika, make your way down the highway to The KPOT, a traditional Asian hot pot restaurant with Korean BBQ flavors. Gather with one or 20 of your closest friends and enjoy a feast of blended cuisines. Modernized with a full bar and nightlife-like atmosphere, this franchise adds some international flare to the Opelika food scene.
What to Eat
If you’ve never tried a hot pot or Korean BBQ meal before, don’t worry—it’s easy! Both are self-serving styles that allow you to cook your own food at the table. At this Opelika restaurant, you can choose from a variety of meats, veggies, wontons, dumplings, tofu, and seafood, all cooked in a delectable mix of blended flavors from around the world.
Irish Bred Pub
Source: Irish Bred Pub
Known as a local gem in Downtown Opelika, Irish Bred Pub serves traditional Irish cuisine using locally grown ingredients. This spot became a sports fan favorite, as many Auburn alums frequent the Opelika food spot on game days. No matter the occasion, Irish Bred Pub is a great place for a pint with friends and lots of laughs to go around.
What to Eat
The most popular menu items in this Opelika restaurant from across the pond are the fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and the BBQ Guinness bacon burger. And of course, there are plenty of brews!
Dough Pizzeria
Source: Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Hankering for some Italian flare while you’re looking for restaurants in Opelika? Dough Pizzeria serves both specialty wood-fired Neapolitan pies and traditional American-style pies. Order a draft beer to pair with your carb-loaded delights and bring the Italian streets to Downtown Opelika.
What to Eat
If you’re looking for a traditional flavor, the margarita pizza is a fan favorite. A more adventurous pie is the Diavlo, which features Calabrian chiles, calabrese salami, fresh tomato, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil.
Casual Restaurants in Opelika, AL
The Breeze Way
Source: Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Baskets, platters, and sandwiches—what more could you ask for? Whether you’re looking for a good family restaurant in Opelika or just a casual watering hole, The Breeze Way is perfect for you. From their specialties to their kiddie menu, this chicken restaurant serves a wide range of affordable, fast meals that’ll make every member of the family happy.
What to Eat
This Opelika restaurant isn’t just known for its friendly service—although that is a huge draw for this establishment. Their most popular dish is the snack basket, which includes three hand-breaded or grilled chicken tenders, fries, and Texas toast. All you’ll need to complete the meal is a nice cool glass of sweet tea!
Tiger Town
Source: Opelika Economic Development
Located at the intersection of Interstate 85 and Highway 280, Tiger Town is Alabama’s largest retail center—and a huge hub for the Opelika food scene. You can find an array of national chains, all conveniently located near Downtown Opelika. Dine in or take out at places like Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Newk’s, Starbucks, and Zaxby’s. You’re only a short drive away from any type of cuisine you could want!
What to Eat
If you want a taste of local Opelika restaurants at Tiger Town, wander into a local spot like El Patron, Full Moon Bar-B-Que, and Jim Bob’s.
Jim Bob’s
Source: Jim Bob’s
Speaking of Tiger Town, it houses one of Opelika’s most popular casual restaurants. Open since 1991, Jim Bob’s is a family-owned and operated comfort food joint. While their specialty is chicken, they serve a wide variety of classic casual Southern food like catfish plates, fried shrimp, and wings. Because of its ease and friendly atmosphere, this is a great Opelika restaurant for families with children.
What to Eat
Can’t decide which comfort food to order? To get the best of both worlds, check out their “catfish and chicken” plate or their “meat and three” plate. Sit back, relax, and enjoy quality time with friends.
Live Near the Best Restaurants in Opelika, AL
The Woods
Are you ready to try all of these delicious Opelika Restaurants? Do you wish you lived closer? Meet The Woods, a peaceful retreat just minutes away from all the exciting activities in downtown Opelika, including the Opelika food scene.
Whether you want to dine in at any of these scrumptious establishments or try your hand at your own recipes with fresh foods from the Opelika farmers markets, The Woods provides a convenient location with an even better community. To learn more about the amazing amenities and availability, contact us today!
FAQs:
What are the most popular restaurants in Opelika?
One of the most popular Opelika restaurants is Zazu Gastropub. Serving traditional Southern food with a French flair, it is a fabulous experience. Irish Bred Pub is another local gem. It serves traditional Irish cuisine using locally grown ingredients, and it’s very popular on Auburn game days.
What are the best restaurants in Opelika for families with children?
Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants in Opelika that are good for families with children. Jim Bob’s and The Breeze Way are two of the more popular options. Choose from a wide and varied menu at either establishment, but you can never go wrong with some classic fried chicken!