Living and Visiting Downtown Opelika

Looking for a vibrant small-town atmosphere with a charming historic Main Street? Meet Downtown Opelika, Alabama. 

Downtown Opelika is a delightful mix of restaurants, shops, and activities located in a growing city just 20 minutes from the popular college town of Auburn, Alabama. Originally established as a central commerce hub in the mid-1800s, Downtown Opelika still features many historic factories and warehouses. Not only is this quaint town steeped in rich history, but it’s also teeming with new homes for sale, making this a thriving top-five growth city in America.

Downtown Opelika is no old, sleepy town. Locals frequent the lively Downtown Opelika restaurants, shops, and bars, and Main Street is bustling with things to do. People can’t stop talking about the recent revitalization of Main Street and the development of new homes minutes away from the thriving downtown. Are you ready to get acquainted?

In this article:

  1. Downtown Opelika Restaurants
  2. Downtown Opelika Shops
  3. Downtown Opelika Bars
  4. Things to Do in Opelika, AL
  5. New Homes in Opelika, AL

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Opelika Restaurants

Are you a little bit of a foodie? If so, the vast and varied Downtown Opelika restaurants won’t disappoint. You can taste an array of quality food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – all minutes away from new homes in Opelika, AL. Now, that’s something to brag about!

Wake up in the morning with a fresh cup of joe from Side Track Coffee, The Coffee Shop, or Mama Mocha’s Coffee Roasting in downtown Opelika. Each coffee shop has its own personality and specialty, making the perfect complements to a peaceful morning walk, a casual quick breakfast, or an early crossword session

When you need a good meal later in the day, Downtown Opelika restaurants offer a little bit of something for everyone! Enjoy local favorites like Zazu Gastropub, Niffer’s Place, and Jefferson’s for classic American fare. Café One Twenty Three is an excellent spot to celebrate with a fine dining menu and white tablecloth service. 

Source: Imagine Opelika

For specialty foods, Downtown Opelika restaurants have you covered there, too! Dough Pizzeria is the place to go for your Friday night pizza pie fix, while Chuck’s Bar-B-Que and Butcher Paper BBQ serve spectacular smoked meats and classic BBQ sides. Don’t forget the tacos! Viva La Vida Mexican Cuisine has a traditional Mexican menu to satisfy your craving.

If you’ve saved room for dessert, don’t miss ice cream at O Town Ice Cream or baked goods at Tart & Tartan Bakery. Your sweet tooth will thank you later!

Downtown Opelika Shops

Downtown Opelika was once a significant part of Alabama’s cotton industry, so it’s fate that modern-day Downtown Opelika shops are brimming with clothing and textiles! For women’s clothing and accessories, visit Studio 3:19, Taylor Made Designs, and Coveted Closet. You can support local entrepreneurs and look fabulous while doing it.

If you need a personalized gift for a friend, find unique fares at Southern Crossing, 10,000 Hz Records, or Roland’s Thrift Store. You’re sure to find an array of one-of-a-kind trinkets in these locally-owned Downtown Opelika shops. Most stores in Downtown Opelika close around 5:00 p.m., so make sure you go shopping before dinner!

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Opelika Bars

The shops may close up pre-dinner time, but Downtown Opelika bars continue the fun late into the night. Despite its small-town charm, Downtown Opelika offers plenty of places to grab a drink or dance the night away. 

Sneak into a historic speakeasy at Sneak & Dawdle, an intimate, one-of-a-kind lounge with cocktails, craft beers, and wine. Resting Pulse Brewing Company and Red Clay Brewing Company offer locally-brewed beers, food, and an excellent atmosphere for hanging out with friends. Sports fans will enjoy Irish Bred Pub, a spot most Auburn fans frequent on game days. While these Downtown Opelika bars are unique, nothing compares to John Emerald Distilling Company, a craft distillery and tasting room producing rum, vodka, and gin.

Source: Auburn Opelika Tourism

For those who want to take the fun home, Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew offers a specialized home-brew and wine-making experience in addition to craft beers on tap and growlers to go. You can enjoy a pleasant night out on the town or try your own hand at brewing up some fun. Regardless, downtown Opelika has you covered. 

Things to Do in Opelika, AL

Even if you’ve conquered all of the Downtown Opelika bars or explored the various Downtown Opelika shops, the area is still rife with exciting and fun activities for any type of day.

Whether you’ve got young ones, or you’re just young at heart, visit Rock ‘N Roll Pinball. This indoor arcade in Downtown Opelika has dozens of pinball machines and video arcade games to keep the fun going all day–and all night! The Jailhouse, a bar and music venue located inside the arcade, offers live local tunes every weekend. For those who prefer fresh air activities, explore the many nearby parks and recreation facilities like Floral Dog Park, City Park, or the Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center.

Just outside of Downtown Opelika, roughly 20 minutes by highway, sits Auburn, Alabama, home of Auburn University. This historic college town is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities and is rich in history, dining, shopping, sports, and the arts. Explore the famed Auburn University campus or grab a bite at one of the student-favorite restaurants. Chewacla State Park can even be explored on foot!

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Speaking of things to do in Opelika, Al, the city is also home to a handful of great seasonal and year-round farmers markets! Eat farm fresh and support your local growers by buying delicious fruit, vegetables, meats, and baked goods.

New Homes in Opelika, AL

All of these activities, shops, and dining areas are at your doorstep when you explore The Woods, a community of new homes for sale near downtown Opelika. Walk right to your favorite coffee shop or dinner spot! These new homes in Opelika, AL, combine the small-town charm of front porches, patios, and cozy floor plans with the vibrant city atmosphere of Main Street Opelika less than a half mile away.

Homes at The Woods offer charming new construction one and two-story floor plans designed with timeless finishes. The neighborhood is filled with welcoming touches, such as garden-like green spaces, walking trails, and a shared park. 

It’s time to settle down in downtown Opelika! If the new homes, downtown Opelika restaurants, shops, bars, and activities won’t convince you to call it home, the welcoming and friendly town certainly will. 

Explore more Alabama homes, or contact Brock Built Homes to see what’s available at The Woods, the newest homes for sale in Opelika, AL, and downtown Opelika’s favorite community.

FAQs

What is downtown Opelika known for?

  •  Downtown Opelika is a quickly growing community full of vibrant local shops and businesses. From quaint farmers markets to a thriving nightlife, this charming town sits just 20 minutes away from Auburn University in Auburn, AL.

What are some popular dining options in downtown Opelika?

Are there any unique shops to explore in downtown Opelika?

Are there any bars in downtown Opelika?

  • The town is sweet and charming by day, but the nightlife is thriving as well. Downtown Opelika bars are brimming with unique experiences that suit any type of party. Enjoy craft beers at breweries like Resting Pulse Brewing Company and Red Clay Brewing Company, or indulge in a more elevated experience at Sneak & Dawdle, a secret speakeasy.

What are some recommended bars to visit in downtown Opelika?

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