This isn’t just any ol’ list.

 

These independent restauranteurs and talented chefs have created exceptional establishments with specialty dishes you won’t find anywhere else. And they have to earn their way onto these pages: selected for our visitors and by our visitors, these are our GOATs, our tried and true, those that have achieved a superior and unparalleled level of yumminess!

Among these pages, you’ll find something suitable for every taste and budget - whether it’s a downtown student haunt or a white tablecloth dining room with a 300-bottle wine list. From Iron Chef and the James Beard Foundation to Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and Wine Spectator, the whole world is figuring out what we already know. The Auburn-Opelika culinary scene is lit! Pick your fave and share it with us. 

Click here for the map of Best Bites!

A culinary residence that sits at the corner of campus and community.
Acre highlights new Alabama cuisine inspired by our Southern heritage. The kitchen sources from on-site gardens and orchards, local farms, and the bounty provided by the Blackbelt Region, reinterpreting the rich heritage of Alabama cuisine.
Amsterdam Café welcomes the opportunity to share their family’s interpretation of the “Auburn Experience” with yours.
Ariccia Cucina Italiana is Auburn's home for authentic Italian cuisine! Located inside The Hotel at Auburn University, Ariccia is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, plus Sunday brunch.
Auburn Plaza Bar and Lounge is a new restaurant located in Midtown.
Auburn's very own South Texas-style smokehouse.
Byron's Smokehouse has been serving up barbecue since 1989.
Located in the historic Haynie’s Drugstore building in downtown Opelika, Cafe 123 Owner John Robert Wood has created a classic fine dining experience in a casual atmosphere.
From the hearts and minds of those who created The Hound & The Depot, Corner Office is an eclectic breakfast and lunch cafe.
Hamilton's is an intimate and casual atmosphere located in historic downtown Auburn one block from Toomer's Corner.
Little Darling is a classic, all-American spot with specialty burgers that are sure to impress!
Lucy's is a modern American neighborhood eatery - shared plates, killer cocktails, and wine on tap.
Still in its original location on Pepperell Parkway, the owners of this 50s style walkup are the third generation of the Story family to serve the freshest “fast” food in the area.
Niffer’s has been an Auburn staple and community favorite since 1991.
Pannie-George’s selection of meats and vegetables encompasses the rich tastes and textures of the owners’ unique Southern-style cooking.
An American Seafood brasserie located at the Historic Auburn Train Depot. Featuring gulf-coastal cuisine, the Depot serves Alabama's freshest seafood and southern inspired dishes in a modern industrial Victorian-inspired space. Where the hook meets the line.
The Hound is a family-owned restaurant and bar featuring over-the-top American classics, top-shelf bourbon, and 28 craft beers on tap.
Southern fine dining in beautiful Waverly, Alabama. Where the locals gather, and travelers feel at home.
"World famous lemonade." An original, soda fountain-style diner and drugstore, Toomer’s has been an Auburn tradition for over a century!
Wild Child is a Southern Californian inspired street taco bar!
Zazu Gastropub focuses on fresh local ingredients to create fine dining cuisine in a laid back, pub-like atmosphere.