Category: Food

Botanic

Whether you are looking for a fine dining meal, a place to grab a quick (but fresh) bite, or want to wander around the greenhouses with a homemade coffee, Botanic is the place for you. One of the newest restaurants in Opelika has everything you want in one space. The Market is my favorite place to go on Saturdays. I usually grab a coffee and a homemade quiche. They offer everything from pastries, to go meals, and dips, down to freshly squeezed orange juice.

The Grille is where you can go for a more upscale dining experience. They will bring you the most delicious bread you’ve ever tasted. It comes in a flowerpot with three types of in-house-made butter. The appetizers were hard to choose from because I wanted them all, but we ordered the bruschetta flight, and it was incredibly delicious. We also ordered the “Marry Me, Three Cheese Tortellini” that lived up to its name. End your day or evening by browsing through the greenhouses and gardens, your experience is sure to be one to remember!  -Emma Donaldson

Tacorita

Looking for unique tacos and the feeling of nostalgia? Look no further than Tacorita! Tacorita celebrates a sense of tradition that current Auburn students and alumni can enjoy together. They celebrated their grand re-opening in late October. Members of the Auburn Family were thrilled to welcome back an Auburn staple. Their new location is just across the street from their former location on North College Street.

It would not be a true taco spot if they didn’t celebrate Taco Tuesday. On Tuesdays, guests can enjoy $3 Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Tinga, Carne Asada and BBQ Pork tacos!

While Tacorita’s entrée dinner is limited to solely tacos, guests at Tacorita can enjoy bold flavors and unique taco combinations. Guests order tacos individually, so they are free to mix and match tacos as they please! -Bree Davis

Staks

Voted Best Breakfast/Best Brunch in Auburn by the Auburn University Parent & Family Association, Staks Pancake Kitchen in downtown Auburn, Alabama is a vibrant eatery specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Owned by Auburn alumni Brian and Kim Wirth, Staks offers a diverse menu featuring creative takes on Southern classics like buttermilk pancakes, Conecuh Pancake Dogs, and homemade biscuits with sausage gravy.

Signature dishes include unique pancake flavors such as Cinnamon Roll and Lemon Blueberry, as well as lighter options like acai bowls and egg white omelets. Not only do they serve delicious food, but they have great options for all coffee lovers too. With locally sourced ingredients, generous portions, and a bright, inviting atmosphere, Staks is a popular destination for diners seeking both comfort food and modern twists​. -Sarah Turquitt

Agave Loco

Any place I visit, it is always one of the most important tasks to find the best Mexican restaurant in town. Something about the bustling atmosphere, chips and queso, and the sizzling sound of fajitas coming out to a neighboring table makes you feel right at home. With various weekly specials, Agave Loco is sure to have a crowd nearly every night of the week. Whether you are just trying to grab a quick bite or celebrating a birthday with a large group, this is the Mexican spot for you. This is truly a place where locals, students, and families come to gather in fellowship with customer service that makes you feel like you are a part of the Auburn family. Stop by and dine at Agave Loco on your next trip to Auburn, and you might just find me there!

-SeAnna Graddy, Auburn Class of ‘23

Little Italy Pizzeria

Craving pizza and just want a slice? Look no further… Little Italy is the place to go. A few shops down from Toomer’s Drugs on Magnolia Avenue is where you can find this Italian gem. Open daily, Little Italy offers lunch specials from 11am-3pm, serves New York style pizza (by the slice or pie), calzones, strombolis, sandwiches, salads, and even has tasty ranch dressing! This is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat between classes or a meet-up with friends at the end of the day.

-Heather Rodgers

Niffers

Are you craving corn nuggets and a great atmosphere? Then I have the place for you! Niffer’s Place is an Auburn staple that has been loved by students and community members since 1991.  While their famous corn nuggets are a fan favorite, Niffer’s offers a variety of menu items from burgers to chicken to sandwiches. It is a tried-and-true casual dining hit. Niffer’s is also known for Singo Bingo, which is held every Wednesday and Trivia that is held every Monday night. Be sure to check out Niffer’s website to learn more and visit their location at Lake Martin if you are in the area!

-Bree Davis

Lucy’s

Lucy’s located in Auburn AL, is known to be a modern American neighborhood eatery. With locally sourced food made from the heart, Lucy’s continues to be one of the most loved and sought out restaurants in town. The dainty and bright interior with a warm southern flair compliments the experience itself while the exterior is simple and elegant. The employees are attentive, professional, and genuine throughout dining at Lucy’s and look to accommodate anyone’s needs. Known for their truffle parmesan French fries and juicy steak frites,  many find that the food is consistently cooked to perfection. Additionally, Lucy’s has a variety of fresh caught seafood including a catch of the day, raw oysters, and scallops. A unique trait about Lucy’s is that it changes out its menu routinely to practice new techniques and incorporate new ideas on their menu. If you thought that sounded good, you are in for a treat. On Saturday and Sunday from nine to two, Lucy’s provides an innovative and tasty brunch menu. Not only are they serving mimosas and bloody Mary’s but also meals like smoked salmon tartine, chicken and waffle Bennie, and shrimp and green chili grits. The kitchen staff takes pride in introducing new flavor combinations as well as a fresh ingredient to level up recipes.  Lastly, the restaurant is accompanied by a top shelf bar, extensive wine list and fantastic cocktails. Lucy’s is a must try when visiting Auburn, Alabama! -Shea Labbato

Momma Goldberg’s

Momma G’s is an Auburn favorite that was founded in 1976 right here in our college town! There are locations all over the state of Alabama and a couple in Georgia, but nothing beats the original location on Magnolia Avenue!

They’re known for their world-famous Momma’s Love, their delicious nachos, and other steamed sandwiches. In addition to the classics, you can also get a wide array of wraps, soups, and salads. Momma Goldberg’s is a perfect lunch spot during the week and even better on gamedays in the fall! The history, the flavors, and the atmosphere all make Momma G’s an Auburn staple.

My go-to order is the turkey delite with a side of Momma’s nachos and a cherry Coke (which goes perfect with their nugget ice)!

If you’re on the Plains and looking for an Auburn classic, be sure to check out the original location and get yourself a Momma’s Love! -Ansley Phillips

The Depot

If you’re looking for a fine dining option to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or just a good time with friends, look no further than The Depot! Located in a former train depot in downtown Auburn, this spot has a unique atmosphere as guests are able to enjoy the passing trains while dining on some delicious food. Originally built in 1847, the train depot has been a prominent location for much of Auburn’s history. The restaurant today features the original black and white tile floors and heartwood pine train platforms from this historic Auburn landmark. A great option for lovers of seafood, The Depot boasts the “Finest and Freshest Seafood” in Auburn and has received the James Beard Smart Catch Leader Award. The menu changes seasonally and provides a variety of options. Featuring items such as oysters, fresh fish, and sushi to a wagyu burger, chicken, or steaks, the food is always incredible. My personal recommendation is the Spicy Blue Crab Dip appetizer. Whatever you decide to get, you will not be disappointed. Make sure to visit The Depot the next time you’re in town! -Haylee Dorrill

Umami

Umami is a fantastic choice for off the beat eating. With traffic, it will take around 14 minutes to get there which makes it a great spot to eat when you are coming from campus. Umami specializes in fresh ingredients and delivering on the umami flavor that the name suggests. Since it is a pacific rim restaurant, Umami’s menu ranges from traditional Indian dishes and high quality sashimi and sushi to wonderfully seasoned Asian courses. Personal recommendations would be the Seattle teriyaki chicken, butter chicken, or (if you want to splurge) the filet mignon fried rice. I highly recommend having this restaurant as an option in your arsenal of restaurant recommendations for family/friends. Umami truly is a treasure that is often overlooked by popular chain restaurants around it, but I have a feeling that it is going to be receiving plenty of new regulars in the fall. -Cole Irwin

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

What can we say…we love food. Here are five more restaurant recommendations from admissions staff.

Ariccia Cucina Italiana

Auburn offers so many wonderful, delicious restaurants that it can sometimes be difficult to choose just one. If you are looking for a place that not only excites your taste buds but also your ear buds, be sure to visit Ariccia Cucina Italiana. Ariccia is named after Auburn’s abroad campus in Ariccia, Italy and features a jazz lounge called Piccolo 241 Jazz and Cocktails. Fresh pasta made in-house daily, wood-fired pizzas, an impressive wine list…you can’t go wrong. Try the focaccia. I cannot say it enough times, try the focaccia! It melts like butter, and you will not be disappointed. You’ll love listening to live jazz played by local artists in Piccolo. The aperol spritzes and the blue notes are always on pitch, and don’t forget about the affogato or tiramisu for a nice sweet treat. Delizioso! -Virginia Elliott

Auburn Plaza Bar and Lounge

Plaza Bar is relatively new to the Auburn area, having opened just over a year ago. You can find this spot just across from Niffer’s Place on Opelika Road in the new Midtown community, formerly where the Plaza Motel was located for those alumni that may remember. Plaza Bar is our favorite place to go to for delicious “pub” food. I would say that it falls into the definition of a gastropub.  There is a great bar with weekly drink specials and features, but we love going here for the great food. Surprisingly they have the BEST gumbo in town! There are not many places you can even find gumbo in our area, so it is a treat to be able to get this any time we stop in. They also have a delicious creation called “soul rolls,” which is an “egg roll-like” appetizer with collards, bacon, smoked pork, and cream cheese with a mustard BBQ dipping sauce. They are out of this world good! They have cheesy tots, Alabama boiled peanuts, and a delicious house-made onion dip. We often order one of each of these appetizers and share amongst the table tapas-style. Plaza Bar is also the home of “The Original Warburger,” which was created by a friend, Auburn-alumni group during their college tailgating days, and is now a feature item on the menu. They are yummy! All beef patty, sweet onions, Wickle’s Dirty Dill pickles, French’s mustard, and house BBQ sauce. There is nothing on the menu that we have tried and did not like. They really did a great job with curating the menu and the ambiance of this restaurant/bar. There is also a pet-friendly outdoor patio seating area that faces the downtown of the Midtown community. Super cute spot and I highly recommend you try it out! -Merideth Davis

Big Blue Bagel

It is never a question…I always make sure to stop by Big Blue Bagel at least once when I am in town for a Tiger Melt, bagel chips, and jalapeno cream cheese. The Tiger Melt is a toasted, open-faced chicken salad bagel sandwich with a slice of Colby jack cheese melted over the top, and hands down my favorite bagel sandwich!

Located downtown on College Street within walking distance of campus, Big Blue Bagel, with its unmistakable blue awning, has been an Auburn breakfast and lunch staple since 2000. Some popular items include fruit on a bagel and the breakfast sandwiches. The line can be long at certain times of the day, but it is worth the wait! -Heather Rodgers

Byron’s Smokehouse 

Byron’s has been an Auburn staple since Glen and Stephani Gulledge opened the restaurant in 1989. It is by far the best place to go in Auburn if you are wanting a southern style barbecue meal.  You absolutely cannot beat their barbecue and southern sides.  The only argument you might get is that their breakfast is even better than their barbecue. My personal favorite is the chipped barbecue sandwich and okra but the Brunswick stew and cornbread are a close second. If the full parking lot is any indication of how great the food is, you know you will be in for a treat. -Rebecca Estes

Taco Mama

An Auburn favorite and a staple of the downtown scene, Taco Mama is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner any time of the year. When the weather is nice, the patio is an ideal place to hang out, catch up with friends, and even people watch. It has a hole-in-the-wall vibe with some of the best tacos and margaritas around. My personal favorite is the Yo Mama burrito with a side of the cilantro-lime rice and a skinny margarita. If you’re looking for great food and a great time, Taco Mama is the place to be! -Ansley Phillips

We asked some of our admissions advisors about their favorite Auburn restaurants. The next time you’re looking for a bite to eat from a local restaurant, here are some highly recommended options!

Acre

“Acre is hands down my favorite restaurant in Auburn. Not one time have I ever left disappointed, and I’ve yet to find any food I’ve ever eaten that I enjoy more than their Peanut Butter Pie. Acre is simply good food from good people, with roots deep in Southern cooking. There’s no question that Auburn has a lot of good restaurants with good people and great food. However, my wife and I find ourselves going back to Acre time and time again because it never disappoints. If you know you’re going to be in town around a sporting event, graduation or anything else that takes over Auburn, a trip to Acre is a must. Just make sure you get that reservation early!” –Billy Fisher

Amsterdam Café

“One of my favorite local Auburn restaurants is Amsterdam Café. Amsterdam is an Auburn staple located right off campus near downtown Auburn. It has a casual, cozy vibe, and it’s a great spot for a table service lunch or dinner. They serve seafood and southern style cuisine, and they have everything from burgers to turkey wraps to shrimp and grits. One of my favorite menu items is the Crab Cake and Avocado Sandwich. A fun thing about Amsterdam is that they have a food truck that is parked on Auburn’s campus most days of the week. Students are able to enjoy this local Auburn restaurant using their university dining dollars.” –Haylee Dorrill

Bow & Arrow

“My go-to restaurant for any situation is a fun place called Bow & Arrow! Whether I’m in the mood for a casual lunch with friends or an excuse to dress up for dinner, Bow & Arrow is perfect for either. I can be a picky eater, so I love the menu because it has something for everyone; from BBQ to queso, and tater-tots to salads, everything is delicious (and affordable). In addition, the owner and head chef competed on (and won) the Food Network show “Iron Chef Showdown”, so you know the food is always tasty. The atmosphere indoors is a bit nicer while the outside has heaters and TV’s, which is a great spot for gamedays. I highly recommend visiting for any and every occasion.” -Abby Grace Jowers

The Hound

“The absolute best restaurant in Auburn is The Hound! This family-owned restaurant is my all-time favorite place to celebrate with a nice dinner, meet friends for a quick lunch, or enjoy brunch after an Auburn gameday. Their food is described on their website as “over-the-top American classics” and I could not describe it any better. The restaurant is tucked away behind downtown Auburn and has a rustic- cabin feel. It is like a secret lodge that you must tell everyone about! They have an ever-changing menu, but always includes their famous bacon flight, the cream cheese and pepper jelly appetizer, and fried green beans. My personal favorite entrée is the Big-Fat Ribeye or the BYOB. The sides are served to share, so you can have a little bit of everything around the table! I promise you won’t regret spending a meal at The Hound. And again, get the fried green beans!” -Clayton Ann Short

LiveOaks

“LiveOaks is one of my favorite spots! It’s a fun atmosphere right on the corner of downtown Auburn. The patio, especially in the warmer months, is such a fun place to hang out, watch live sports, or catch up with friends. It’s the perfect place for an easy date-night! We always start with the spinach artichoke dip or mini crab cakes (my favorite) for an appetizer and my favorite entrée is the pan-seared grouper with risotto and asparagus. You can’t go wrong with the Cajun stuffed bone-in pork chop, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes either! Time and time again I find LiveOaks to be one of my top choices for Auburn restaurants (and we have a lot of great ones)!” –Ansley Phillips

Irritable Bao

“If you are looking for a fun and different lunch spot, look no further than The Irritable Bao.  It is my favorite place to go when I feel like walking downtown for lunch.  With Whitley’s sense of humor and Kunyu’s incredible food, this husband and wife duo will have you wanting to come back time and time again. Don’t let the long line out front fool you. The service is quick and efficient. Even if it wasn’t, the sweet and spicy chicken box is worth the wait!  You can find their daily menu on Instagram at @dumpslikeatruck_irritablebao. Who knows, you might even end up on their feed.” -Rebecca Estes

By Jan Miles

I’m a self-declared foodie. Having grown up near the Gulf Coast and traveled to several countries, I’ve had some of the best food on the planet. The video below outlines some of my favorite places in Auburn to frequent for my next meal.

*Disclaimer: these places are my own personal opinion, not the opinion of Auburn University as a whole. I’m not sponsored to talk about any of these restaurants (although I’m completely open to the idea 😎 )*