Sheila C’s Burger Barn
Sheila C’s Burger Barn makes some of the best burgers in the Auburn area. Located by the College of Veterinary Medicine, it is a popular lunch spot among students, faculty, and Auburn locals. The menu is simple but done well. Their Jumbo Burger certainly lives up to its name. It’s a massive hand-packed patty served “all the way” with mayo, mustard, ketchup, onion, pickle, lettuce, and tomato. The fries are also great! The seating has a homey atmosphere, or you can call ahead and pick up your order from the window. The food is made with love, and you will leave feeling like family. -Bryce Gray
Vintage 2298
Vintage 2298 is the newest addition to the restaurant scene in Auburn’s growing culinary world. Located off-campus, just up from Bruster’s Ice Cream, the Auburn Mall, and the Auburn Movie Theater, this restaurant has been a great addition to this side of Auburn. Described as a restaurant with Southern fare with coastal roots, Vintage 2298 is the perfect mix of upscale and casual dining. The menu is outstanding! Their entree menu is diverse, and there is something for every palate, from fresh snapper to short ribs, fried chicken, and more. For dinner, we started with the Fried Bayou La Batre Crab Claws which are battered in cornmeal, giving the crab claws an extra crispiness, and are served with a Bourbon Cocktail & Lemon Sauce. We also tried the Classic West Indies Salad, bright and fresh, full of lump crab meat, oil, and Champagne vinegar. We also tried the gumbo, which may be the best I have ever had. Full of shrimp, oysters, sausage, and a roux that will make you crave more. They also have a Sunday brunch service that balances sweet and savory breakfast and lunch. I had the pancake with Conecuh bacon, and I cleaned my plate! Their menu changes regularly with the change in what fresh produce and meats they can acquire. They also have a great cocktail program and an extensive wine list. Next time you are in Auburn, grab a dinner or brunch reservation at Vintage 2298! You will not be disappointed. -Merideth Davis
The Waverly Local
Located around twenty minutes from Auburn and in the heart of the community of Waverly (population estimated: 200), The Waverly Local is a true “hidden gem” of the greater Auburn area dining scene. I first dined here a couple of years ago after moving to the Auburn area and was impressed by the entire dining experience. The restaurant itself is situated in a nondescript brick building and makes the diner feel welcomed in a laid-back environment. While the restaurant itself is charming, the food takes the cake (food pun intended).
I always recommend to friends and visitors of the area to try two appetizers when they dine at The Waverly Local: the pimento cheese and the bacon wrapped Wickle’s okra. These two items include three of my favorite foods (pimento cheese, bacon, and any sort of Wickle’s product) and are among some of my favorite appetizers in the area! You really can’t go wrong with any of the entrée offerings, but my favorite dish is the Roasted Ranch Pork. It’s usually served with seasonal sides and vegetables, which makes the meal even more enjoyable when going at different times of the year. The Waverly Local is also a popular brunch spot; while I haven’t had the chance to go yet, I plan to soon – the menu looks divine!
Here is a great article to learn more about the history of this great restaurant, as well as other establishments in the greater Auburn-Opelika area: https://www.al.com/life/2021/06/a-small-alabama-town-an-old-restaurant-and-the-two-guys-whove-given-it-new-life.html.
P.S. – If you’re a live music fan like I am, make sure to check out Standard Deluxe in Waverly! It’s one of my favorite venues in the southeast and has a wide variety of bands that come visit each year. A visit to The Waverly Local definitely pairs well with a show at Standard Deluxe! -Ryan Cole