No doubt about it, the South is known for its food.
Whether traveling to urban areas or small towns, you are guaranteed to come across some good local eats. The region offers an array of restaurants offering delectable dishes that will leave a memorable impression and have you craving more.
When it comes to foodie destinations, Louisiana’s towns and cities, both established and emerging, are impossible to overlook. The state’s food scene is as unique and diverse as the cities themselves, offering a rich culinary experience that is a must-try for any food enthusiast.
In northeast Louisiana are the twin cities of Monroe-West Monroe, situated on the banks of Bayou Desiard and the Ouachita River. Best known to many as home to the Robertson family of the hit television series “Duck Dynasty,” Monroe-West Monroe is increasingly making itself known for its evolving culinary scene.
From a side of Breakfast Mojo at Belle's Ole South Diner to a delightful brunch at Delta Biscuit Co. to an elevated dining experience at Parish, Monroe-West Monroe offers a culinary experience that caters to all palates (and, more importantly, budgets.) Whether you’re craving local catfish, classic Southern fried chicken, or a unique dish like Mom Bourque’s Seafood Nachos at Trapp's, you’ll find it in Monroe-West Monroe. And don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with treats from CAKE or Bake 318.
And don’t forget about the drinks and libations, either. Get a pick-me-up coffee at Standard Coffee Co., sip on crafted wines from Landry Vineyards and Thirsty Farmer or beer at Flying Tiger Brewery, named for hometown hero Gen. Claire Chennault.
Good things come in small packages, err... from small cities such as the culinary scene in Oxford, Mississippi. Home to the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss, which claims to “have never lost a party,” the college town holds its own against larger destinations with dining out. After all, Oxford is home to four restaurants established by a James Beard award-winning chef, chicken on a stick available at gas stations (a must-try) and an array of tastes that’ll please all appetites.
And those tastes begin in the morning with a biscuit sandwich from Big Bad Breakfast or a pastry from Bottletree Bakery.
Regarding lunch or dinner, options include comfort food at Ajax Diner, a pizza at Saint Leo or tacos at Uno Mas. Indulge with shrimp and grits at City Grocery or drive to Taylor’s Grocery in nearby Taylor for their catfish (and you’re welcome in advance.) The possibilities for pleasurable dining are endless in Oxford.
Need a sweet pick-me-up? Get a scoop (or two) of ice cream from Oxford Creamery.
Of course, a visit isn’t complete without a drink (or two) pre- or post-meal at Boure or The Coop (and rooftop) at Graduate.
Moving from one SEC city to another, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is where you’ll find the University of Alabama and a happening dining scene. Regardless of what meal (or meals) you enjoy here, you’ll leave pleasantly satisfied and impressed by the array of choices.
Go for an old-school experience at breakfast and lunch spots like The Waysider, Rama Jama’s and City Cafe in nearby Northport; remember that if you are there during a home football weekend, arrive early and be patient. Barbecue enthusiasts can get their feel of meats and more at Dreamland BBQ, Archibald’s and Thomas Rib Shack.
For something a little more refined, places like Forte (get the burger), Evangeline’s, Roll Call and The River (also a great option for brunch) fit the bill. Oh, and while mentioning brunch, Central Mesa offers a terrific Hot Chicken and Churro Waffles dish - dare you to leave any leftovers.
Need something sweet? Check out Babe’s Donuts for creative flavors or Moonshot Creamery for ice cream. Ttown’s coffee scene, with local places such as the Heritage House and Monarch, comes in strong (excuse the pun). Of course, sip on local suds at Druid City Brewing and Loosa Brews or imbibe at Cocktail Collection, downtown Tuscaloosa’s speakeasy.
It’s simple: come to Loudon County, Tennessee, to experience the destination’s natural surroundings and stay to explore its culinary offerings.
Between Chattanooga and Knoxville, the “Lakeway to the Smokies” possesses a robust agritourism side within its four charming towns: Loudon, Lenoir City, Philadelphia and Greenback, along with local eateries and businesses to experience it and more.
Grab a hot or cold drink with a pastry at Ugly Mug Coffee, a doughnut (for now or later) or a kolache from Master Donuts, both in Lenoir City. You may opt for a sit-down breakfast at Carmichael Inn in Loudon.
For lunch, take the farm-to-table route with a visit to Bluestem Hollow in Greenback. Select local items from their market to craft a charcuterie board to enjoy at the lake or get something from their counter service.
What do you do when you produce top-quality milk and cheese? You establish a cafe to show off tasty creations with the products. Over at Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia, you’ll find the Seed to Sandwich Cafe, where you can order one of their specialty grilled cheese, followed by a milkshake. Afterward, head to their cheese shop to sample more and add to the aforementioned charcuterie board.
Treat yourself to a scoop at Tic Toc Ice Cream in Loudon or the Signature Grilled Honey Bun at Greenback Drugstore Diner. Enjoy a wine tasting (and purchase a bottle or two for home) at Tennessee Valley Winery or a beer flight at Monkey Town Brewing Company, both in Loudon.
As for dinner, if you are around the area Thursday through Sunday, enjoy at least one meal at Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve. While dinner is inclusive to guests of the property, the restaurant opens its dining room to a limited number of non-guests, and reservations are required.
The curated four-course meal draws inspiration from seasonal ingredients, many found in their garden while reflecting and celebrating the broad taste of the Appalachian culture. And don’t skip dessert or a pre- or post-meal crafted cocktail.
Within a weekend in Alpharetta, Georgia, you can indulge in a sweet or savory crepe from Colette (and maybe some handmade chocolates for later), enjoy high tea at Ginger Tea Room and savor the Doner Kebab at Cafe Efendi (be sure to save room for their Instanbrew Martini, made with Turkish coffee.)
Located thirty minutes north of metro Atlanta and about an hour from the Northeast Georgia mountains, the city proffers over 200 restaurants representing everything from international tastes to Southern favorites; so, it’s never a question of “where to eat,” but “what to eat.”
For instance, at breakfast, do you go for the Lolly Waffles at The Nest or Porch Egg Benedict at The Southern Porch, or treat yourself to brunch at Cafe Intermezzo at Avalon? Opt for outdoor seating for people-watching while enjoying a great coffee drink, like Caffe Intermezzo, complete with almond slices. For lunch, why not strive for something healthy and fulfilling with an entrée from tbb 122, followed by one of their pastries. As for dinner, unwind as you relish dishes from places like Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou, Citizen Soul and Ray’s at Killer Creek.
When you think of the Florida Panhandle, the beaches are probably the first thing that comes to mind. It makes sense since some of the state’s prettiest beaches are here. However, you wouldn’t be too far off the mark to think of a “thriving food scene” also, especially along South Walton’s 16 distinctive beach communities.
You can experience a cornucopia of flavors beyond seafood from Inlet Beach to Miramar Beach. However, don’t read that the wrong way; you can still get seafood and plenty of it.
Now, back to the range of flavors. Tantalize your tasty buds with an order of paella or another tapas dish from La Crema Tapas & Chocolate in Rosemary Beach. If you can’t make it to a meal, consider treating yourself to dessert here with their Chocolate Fondue. Over in Seacrest, you’ll find LaCo, where you can enjoy the Seacrest Ceviche, chips with a salsa flight and/or guacamole. If you are craving tacos, you can get them here or at Red Fish Tacos in Blue Mountain Beach, where you can discover their Sizzling Shrimp Queso. The Surfing Deer in Seagrove is where you’ll find the Clothesline Bacon.
And all of this barely scratches the surface. There’s so much to taste in and around 30 A.
Then there’s the seafood, arguably the area's jewel, second to the beaches. Order Steamed Gulf Shrimp from The Shrimp Shack in Seaside, enjoy oysters at Hurricane Oyster Bar on Grayton Beach or Stinky’s Fish Camp on Dune Allen or take a bite into a Fish Po’boy at Local Catch on Santa Rosa Beach.
If you like dining with a view, the selections include Pescado, with a rooftop bar, in Rosemary Beach, Bud and Alley’s in Seaside, a popular place to celebrate the sunset and enjoy BBQ Shrimp and Vue on 30a, located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, in Santa Rosa Beach.
While the food is the treat on 30A, sometimes you might crave something sweet and some caffeine. Of course, the area has you covered. What’s a beach trip without donuts? Grab one, half dozen or a dozen from places like Donut Hole on Inlet Beach, Charlie’s Delights on Alys Beach or Dough Sea Dough on Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy scoops of ice cream from the Sugar Shack on Rosemary Beach or Blue Mountain Beach Creamery. Don’t forget pastries from Black Bear Bread Co. at Seaside and Grayton Beach or a sweet crepe from Creative Crepes at Seacrest Beach. As for coffee fixes, check out Amavida Coffee and Beachy Bean.
It isn’t a stretch to say Abingdon, Virginia’s culinary scene is unique. After all, USA Today recognized the southwest Virginia destination with the Best Small Town Food Scene 2019-2022 and second place in 2023.
Being home to over 30 independently owned restaurants may not seem unusual, but it is, given the population of the Blue Ridge Mountain town. The Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau states, “(Abingdon) has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, New York, or New Orleans.”
Begin your culinary tour of Abingdon with a Bluegrass Biscuit and a coffee at The Girl & The Raven or an omelet or omelet sandwich at Rendezvous International Cafe. If you are the type to sleep in, both establishments also serve lunch. At The Girl & The Raven, you can enjoy such dishes as That’s so Cheesy! ~ chef-crafted grilled cheese and the Farmer’s Market salad. At Rendezvous International Cafe, selections include a Margarita Crepe or soup du jour. They also have an eclectic line-up of hot and cold coffee drinks, teas and more.
Speaking of coffee, if you need an afternoon jolt of caffeine and sugar, check out Wolf Hills Coffee for a drink and pastry.
As for dinner, you can go for a tasty casual experience at 128 Pecan with fun, spirited drinks paired with appetizers like Cheeseburger Egg Rolls or entrees like Simple Good Meat Loaf. Another place is The Tavern, in Abingdon’s oldest building (ca. 1779), which offers dishes such as Wienerschnitzel and the Tavern Trout.
For something different, savor the view and the food at Summers Roof and Cellar, or sate your appetite at Rain Restaurant.
Don’t overlook your sipping opportunities, either. Abingdon is home to Tumbling Creek Cider Company, Sweet Bay Brewing Company and Abingdon Vineyards.
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