Alabama is home to several large restaurant chains, but there's something very special about a local "mom & pop" restaurant. The owners/servers really go out of their way to make you feel at home. Also, their made-from-scratch dishes are incredible!

The next time you're driving through Alabama and craving a delicious homemade meal, these 11 "mom & pop" restaurants are definitely worth stopping by for a quick bite to eat:

1. Giuseppe's Cafe - Birmingham

Giuseppe's Cafe is a casual cafe that serves classic Italian favorites, including lasagna, pizza and meatball subs. Delicious dishes, large portions and excellent prices keep customers coming back for more.

Pictured: Chicken Cacciatore (925 8th St S)

2. D'Road Cafe - Montgomery

D'Road Cafe offers its guests healthy Latin comfort food in a welcoming environment. All of the dishes are homemade, and you'll feel right at home the moment you step through the door. After all, this cafe's motto is: "You can eat and feel at home." Pictured: Ice Ribeye & Broccoli (121 Montgomery St)

3. Old Greenbrier Restaurant - Madison

Southern-style cooking is what you'll get at this "mom & pop" restaurant. Their barbecue and catfish is some of the best you'll ever eat. It's DELICIOUS! Pictured: Ribs & Catfish Combo Plate (27028 Old Hwy 20)

4. Kitty's Kafe - Gulf Shores

Take a break from the beach and grab a bite to eat at Kitty's Kafe. Kitty's Kafe specializes in country cooking and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served all day. Pictured: Fried Whitefish Plate (3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy)

5. Mudtown Eat & Drink - Birmingham

For delicious Southern and Cajun cuisine, a visit to Mudtown Eat & Drink is a must. Their food is delicious, and their prices and service can't be beat. Pictured: Fried Green Tomato Sandwich

(3144 Green Green Valley Rd)

6. Betty Mae's Restaurant - Huntsville

Betty Mae's is your typical "meat & three" restaurant. If you plan to grab a bite to eat here during lunch, be sure to arrive early. This local favorite is very popular during lunch hours. Pictured: Fried Chicken & Sides

(1222 Grace St NW)

7. Jesse's Restaurant - Magnolia Springs

Jesse's Restaurant is a wonderful steakhouse on the Gulf Coast. The chefs' innovative creations keep the customers coming back for more.

Pictured: Diver Scallops (14770 Oak St)

8. Uncle Mick's Cajun Market & Cafe - Prattville

Uncle Mick's serves authentic Cajun cuisine in a fun environment. All of their dishes are made from scratch daily, and they encourage their customers to sample a variety of their entrees before ordering to make sure they like them. After all, not everyone likes crawfish or alligator. It's great that they let you sample the food beforehand.

Pictured: Sampler Plate (136 W Main St)

9. Capeside Fish Company - Rainbow City

At Capeside Fish Company, you'll be served only the freshest seafood that's prepared by using the finest ingredients. The dishes are made-to-order, and there's also a market if you wish to purchase fresh seafood to go.

Pictured: BBQ Salmon Plate (726 W Grand Ave)

10. Effina's Tuscan Grille - Jacksonville

Effina's Tuscan Grille serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. There's something on the menu for everyone. Pictured: Mediterranean Salad

(501 Pelham Rd N)

11. Big Daddy's Real Pit Bar-B-Que - Enterprise

Big Daddy's Real Pit Bar-B-Que is a family owned and operated restaurant that's known for its real pit barbecue (hence the name). In a welcoming environment, it serves up some of the best barbecue in town. Pictured: Stuffed Baked Potato

(205 N Rawls St)

What other "mom & pop" restaurants would you consider to be some of the best in Alabama?