There are many places that people enjoy traveling to in Alabama, including the mountains. One of the best parts of traveling throughout our great state is being able to try a variety of restaurants we normally wouldn't. Rib Shak, which is located off AL-117 on Lookout Mountain, is one of these Alabama restaurants. You can learn all about it below.
Rib Shak is a tiny barbecue restaurant in Valley Head, Alabama.
So, the next time you're heading to the mountains and passing through the town of Valley Head, consider stopping by Rib Shak. You won't be disappointed!
For more information about Rib Shak, including hours and other menu options, you can view the Rib Shak Facebook page.
Have you ever eaten at Rib Shak in Valley Head, Alabama? If so, what did you think? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
A great place to visit prior to your meal is Little River Canyon National Preserve in nearby Fort Payne. It's one of Alabama's most beautiful outdoor destinations.
While sticking to a small town isn't always the most exciting option, it only makes it better when you find affordable places that pack a lot of value. It's even more satisfying when it's a restaurant serving "hall of fame" level, iconic food. You get both with the Dew Drop Inn, a hot dog stand in Mobile, Alabama, the city's oldest restaurant. At this classic spot that celebrated its 100th birthday in 2024, many things on the menu are below $10 ... with plenty of options even less than $5.
Dew Drop Inn is a great place for lunch before or after visiting the popular Mobile Carnival Museum about 2.5 miles east toward the Mobile River. It's such a great place for lunch that readers of the local weekly newspaper, Lagniappe, named it the best lunch spot for 2024. People love the food almost as much as the camaraderie of the staff led by owner Powell Hamlin, named the "Quintessential Mobilian" in the same 2024 Nappie Awards. Hamlin has been at the helm since 1991, and as a longtime employee described him, he's a tireless advocate for the community, from other small businesses to youth sports groups, charity events, and city celebrations.
While musician Jimmy Buffett said his well-documented love for cheeseburgers started here while growing up in Mobile, hot dogs hands-down are the signature item at Dew Drop Inn. The OG version comes with chili, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, and a pickle slice. Options for how you want them served include regular, with the weiner on the bottom; upside-down, with the weiner on the top; shaved, which is without sauerkraut; and female, with all but the weiner. Each hot dog is $4.30, and you could pair it with a large order of steak fries or small onion rings ($5.35 for either) and come in under $10 for your meal.
A cup of the soup of the day is only $4.75, and a whole bowl is only a dollar more. Many customers crave the Dew Drop Inn homemade gumbo as much as anything else, and you can grab a bowl of it for $9.85 or a cup for $8.45. If you're wondering about those Buffett-beloved burgers, a single with chili, mustard, and ketchup is $4.60; add cheese for 35 cents. A corn dog is only $3.98, and a grilled cheese is even less, at $3.55.
While the many different sandwich plates will set you back a little more than $10 each (some by only 98 cents) you get your money's worth, plus they all come with fries. You can see the full, most current menu on the Dew Drop Inn Facebook page. The cheap eats free up a little cash, so why not check out the restaurant's merch and take home a souvenir to remember your visit? Or perhaps you're already part of the loyal following for this legendary hot dog stand in Mobile, Alabama. If so, tell us all about your regular order!
If you're planning a trip to Port City, check out this guest-favorite Mobile Airbnb, a downtown condo decorated with vibrant Mardi Gras motifs and flair.
For fresh Gulf Coast seafood, a side of history, and a fun, casual vibe, check out one of Southside's newest eateries, Magnolia Point. This casual seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, may be in the middle of the state and not the beach or fish camp, but it sure goes hard after those moods and flavors.
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It's clear Magnolia Point is using the right lures to catch on. Don't just take my word for it: Excellent customer reviews began pouring in the first week after opening. From comments like "10/10 overall score" to raving over the "incredible" food and "most attentive" staff in town, Magnolia Point is a must-try for Magic City food explorers and convenient for a day trip for most folks in the state.
Magnolia Point is the latest offering of Pihakis Restaurant Group, known for other successful Southern food brands like Rodney Scott's BBQ, HERO, Little Donkey, Tasty Town, and Luca Lagotto – the latter having opened in February 2024. PRG partnered with Alabama Business Hall of Famer Michael Mouron on the Magnolia Point venture, which opened six months later.
Here's some background on the restaurant, what you should expect, and what to order.
You'll find Magnolia Point at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and 23rd Street South in the bustling Southside area. The building's history adds to the charm, as it's been a neighborhood staple for generations. Most notably, it hasn't always looked so lovely, having been covered in siding for many years.
You really would not recognize the building now compared to older photos. The renovation had to have felt like pulling up ugly carpet to find pristine hardwoods – in this case, original 1930s architecture and pretty brick, including the building's trademark name spelled out in raised brickwork on the facades that front the cross streets.
The food focus is on fresh, Gulf Coast seafood, prepared in just about every way you can imagine – from fried fish platters and blackened shrimp to peel-and-eat shrimp and rich gumbo.
The giant po'boys do not skimp on authenticity, with bread straight from New Orleans' famous Leidenheimer Baking Company. Zooming out from the seafood options, you'll find that Magnolia Point has plenty of other tasty choices, like salads, burgers, wings, and a New York strip with a choice of two sides for the extra-hungry.
And let's not forget the cold beer, wine, and fantastic cocktails to complement your meal. The shareable fishbowl cocktails were an instant hit. Folks are welcome to just drop in for drinks and light bites, like the black-eyed pea hummus, jalapeño cheddar hushpuppies, or a slice of key lime or coconut pie.
With the flavors of the beach locked in, Magnolia Point took care to create an atmosphere that's as inviting and laid back. Somewhat sleek and refined with modern touches, there's still nothing stuffy about the dining room – and especially not the spacious, pup-friendly patio equipped with TVs for sports fans.
The bar area feels even more refreshing and natural with lots of light, high ceilings, cozy booths, and a live-edge wooden bar top made from a huge magnolia tree that fell in Tuscaloosa.
Another special touch to this restaurant is its mural emblazoned across its back wall honoring a local legend, the late "Batman" Willie Perry, who passed in 1985. Perry was known for piloting his brightly lit and decorated 1971 Ford Thunderbird he called the "Rescue Ship" doing exactly that – assisting stranded motorists.
At the time of the mural's unveiling, Perry's daughter told local news station WBRC that she hoped it would inspire people to consider how "Every day can be a Willie Perry day," and carry on his spirit of helping their neighbors however they can.
We think you'll enjoy visiting this new casual seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Let us know when you go and what you think! You can see the whole menu on the Magnolia Point website and keep up with the latest news and specials on the Magnolia Point Facebook page.
While you're in the Birmingham area, take advantage of Viator's multi-attraction pass for savings on admission when exploring all the Magic City has to offer.
