Traditional (classic) Huntsville restaurants (Decatur, Madison: living, prices, mall)

[Charles]

Hi,

I am looking for recommendations for a Huntsville area (can be out in the boonies too) restaurant that is typical, or native to the region. Something that maybe has been here for many many years, perhaps family owned, perhaps on the side of an old road, something that hasn't changed much through the years, something that perhaps only the locals know about, somewhere your grandpa ate at.... (I have already been to the "old" Greenbrier Restaurant at Greenbrier Road and Old Highway 20. It was pretty much what I was looking for.)

I am not afraid to experiment either.

Thanks in advance.

[Keeper]

If you ever get to Arab try the El Ranchero or 3 guys grill in town. El Ranchero isn't a mexican food restaurant just country cooking that has been around a long time. Just be sure to get there before 2 pm. 3 guys grill serves some really good country food, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and greens, although veggies served depends on the day you visit. Everyone gets some dessert usually pudding. Good prices, good food

[Southlander]

OK, if you're amenable to restaurants outside Huntsville, over here in Decatur we have Dot's. Actually it's in Hillsboro, just west of Decatur on Alabama Hwy. 20. Also Remember When, on Woodall Road just off Hwy. 20. Both serve lunch only, lots of local vegetables, pork chop, meatloaf, fried chicken etc., with homemade desserts. City Cafe in downtown Decatur does a good meat and 3. Gibson's is the famous local BBQ place, but frankly most folks around here prefer Whitt's (take out only) or even b.b. perrin's (spelled lower case), which has a sports bar ambience but has wonderful bbq and rib gumbo.
In Huntsville, another lunch place is Victoria's, which looks like a ladies tea room, but has wonderful food. Happy eating!

[nalabama]

Breakfast at Gibson's Bar-B-Q, just south of Drake Avenue on South Memorial Parkway, 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 7 days a week. Nothing fancy, no hashbrowns, great sweet tea, wonderful pies. A different branch of the family than Decatur's Gibsons, been there since about 1967. Some also find their evening meal very satisfying, although good fresh cooked vegetables are not available with the very tasty barbeque. And I second Victoria's for a great noon meal, albeit not your typical southern cooking--try the combo plate for your first meal there.

We're hurting for a good oldtime meat and three right now, although Rolo's (Airport Road, closed on Sundays) and the Blue Plate Cafe (West Governors Drive) do a passable job. Some still swear by Mullins (Andrew Jackson Way), but I personally would limit trips there to the noon meal.

Glad to hear about the places in Decatur, since spouse just bought a warehouse over there and I'll be doing some work out of it for a while--thanks! Is Roberts still cooking good catfish out in the county? They never seemed to regain the pinnacle they had reached Before The Fire and I haven't been there in several years now. At one time, they were the best catfish plate in North Alabama.

[Southlander]

No, Roberts is closed. Somebody tries to revive them every now and then, but the latest incarnation closed several months ago. Catfish=McCollum's. Personally I don't care for the fish - too greasy - but those who like catfish love McCollum's.

[Charles]

Thanks folks.

I and some co-workers drove over to Big Bob Gibson's BBQ on 6th street in Decatur tonight. Too much food. Don't get the extra large combination plate unless you split it with someone. I couldn't finish the normal size plate.
The sweet tea was excellent but I drank too much now I can't sleep.

Very reasonable prices too.

Friendly staff.

[dbkeel1]

Try Ivey's in Madison (Formerly in the Heart of Huntsville Mall which is being torn down now), Mullins Restaurant on Andrew Jackson, Gibson's on South Parkway, Ole Hickory BBQ's new location on North Parkway (awesome food and folks) and Rosie's Cantina for great Tex/Mex (or as close as Huntsville comes).

[Charles]

Saw this in this morning's Huntsville Times. Oldest restaurant in Huntsville, Big Spring Cafe:

Oldest restaurant in Huntsville stills makes good, juicy burgers- al.com

[rnc76]

Thomas Pit BBQ on 72W near Hughes, ribs are amazing, been there since the 20s I think. Be prepared to wait.

Not all of these have been there forever, but here are some great little locally owned establishments to try:

Soul Burger at Bob Wallace and Triana
Bandito Burrito on Governor's West
Blue Plate on Governor's West
Dallas Mill Deli on Pratt

[Dittow]

Ahh, yes. Big Spring Cafe has the best chili dogs in Huntsville. Their hamburger specials aren't so bad either. Warning: Their food is very greasy and if you're watching your cholesterol, it isn't the place to eat. However, if you really want to experience a long-time Huntsville tradition, that's the place to go. I remember going there with my dad as a child and now I take my children (although they're practically grown, so its almost time for a new generation to experience the good southern cuisine).