Birmingham has its citywide Restaurant Week. Ditto Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, and several other municipalities across the Yellowhammer State. Now is the chance to celebrate all the food establishments across the state that make Alabama such a sweet (and savory) home.

Alabama Restaurant Week honors local eateries in big cities, small towns, and even at some crossroads. The “week” is August 18-27 this year because seven days is too weak to get the job done.

Unlike its city-specific counterparts, Alabama Restaurant Week is not built around participating eateries offering multi-course prix-fixe menus. Some restaurants may choose to come up with special meals for the event, but that’s not the point, says Brooklyn Lundy, public relations manager at the Alabama Tourism Department, which organizes the annual promotion.

Alabama Restaurant Week is more about people showing support for their favorite places, and hopefully discovering something new along the way. Beyond dining in, taking out, or ordering delivery, there are other ways to back your favorite local entrepreneurs, the tourism department says.

Buying gift cards, merchandise, and other themed swag; and talking up your favorite local spot or new discovery to friends and family are crucial boosts for an industry still struggling for survival. Tip generously, too.

A list of participating establishments is on the tourism department’s Sweet Home Alabama website. Check the restaurant’s social media for any specials.

If nothing else, the event is a chance to see how many meals you can try from the tourism department’s “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama” list, a popular compendium of classic local favorites.

Periodically updated, the overall list has grown way beyond 100 dishes. Sadly, however, a few places on the list have closed since the last update, like Jimbo’s BBQ in Guin (banana pudding and barbecue sandwich), Taylor’s Restaurant in Russellville (strawberry cake), and The Prop and Gavel in Monroeville (barrister burger).

Here are 20 of those “dishes to eat,” divided by region. Dessert, naturally, is included on our menu.

North

• Cuban Sandwich at Vintage 1889 in Fort Payne.
• Duke Rustler Burger at the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. Served with bacon, fried snake eyes (jalapeno slices) and tails (green beans).
• Fried Green Tomatoes at McCutchen’s Magnolia House in Scottsboro.
• Chili Burger, Slaw Dog at The Big Spring Café in Huntsville.
• Banana Pudding at Ole Hickory BBQ in New Market.

 

Central

• Chipotle-Braised Pork Sandwich from Urban Cookhouse (multiple locations).
• Pimento Cheese on Sun-Dried Tomato Bread from Savage’s Bakery in Homewood.
• Shrimp and Catfish at The Ark in Riverside.
• Soul Food at Larkin Restaurant and Deli in York.
• Chocolate peanut butter torte from Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood.

South

• Sauteed Grouper at The Rawls Restaurant in Enterprise.
• Alabama Butcher Board at Acre in Auburn.
• Hot Dogs with Chris’ Sauce at Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs in Montgomery.
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo at Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market and Café in Prattville.
• Lemon Icebox Pie at The Downtowner in Selma.

Coastal

• OMG Seafood Feast at Fish River Grill in Foley.
• Royal Red Shrimp at King Neptune’s Seafood in Gulf Shores.
• Yo Mama’s Platter at Ed’s Seafood Shed in Spanish Fort.
• Eggs Cathedral, Bananas Foster’s French Toast with bacon and eggs from Spot of Tea in Mobile.
• Point Clear Divinity, Pecan Planks at Punta Clara Kitchen in Point Clear.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]