10 essential Mobile restaurants
Mobile is full of delicious dining experiences to try during a visit to the Port City. (contributed)
When folks think about dining in Mobile, fresh seafood is usually what comes to mind. While the Port City certainly has plenty of that, it’s also home to an eclectic mix of amazing restaurants that would satisfy any craving.
Whether you want Southern soul food, Asian fusion, a classic burger, seafood or something new altogether, you’ll find it in Mobile’s thriving food scene. Of course, having so many great options can make picking where you eat pretty difficult. That’s why we’ve created this list of 10 essential restaurants in Mobile.
When it comes to these eateries, there are no wrong choices.
The Dew Drop Inn
1808 Old Shell Road
Dew Drop Inn is full of Mobile history and delicious food. (Michelle Matthews)
The Dew Drop Inn is Mobile’s oldest restaurant and has racked up a strong following throughout the South thanks to its signature “all the way” hot dogs that feature red wieners, a toasted bun, chili, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup and a slice of pickle.
If you’re not in the mood for hot dogs, The Dew Drop Inn, which offers curbside pickup and is only open for lunch, also serves lots of fried seafood, gumbo, hamburgers, salads, vegetable plates, homemade onion rings and more.
Find out more about The Dew Drop Inn here.
Dew Drop Inn Hot Dog one of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Southern National
360 Dauphin St.
Southern National offers an elegant new take on some of the South’s classic dishes, and its creativity in the kitchen hasn’t gone unnoticed. The restaurant is a James Beard Finalist and its chef, Duane Nutter, was named a semifinalist for best chef in the South in 2020.
While the upscale restaurant is not currently serving dinner, its patio menu includes an eclectic mix of unique large plates – like its shrimp and Fairhope grits dish that includes sausage, tomato and Louisiana-style barbecue sauce – as well as pizza, sandwiches and appetizers. You can stop by for takeout if you’d like as well.
Find out more about Southern National here.
Southern National is making culinary waves in the Port City from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Wintzell’s Oyster House
605 Dauphin St.
Wintzell’s is a downtown Birmingham landmark. (Jared Boyd)
Wintzell’s Oyster House opened in 1938 and has since become an iconic landmark of Mobile. No matter how you like your oysters – raw, Rockefeller, Bienville, Monterey, chargrilled or fried – they’ve got you covered.
Wintzell’s has garnered a reputation, and plenty of awards, for serving some of the best fresh Gulf seafood in the state in addition to regional favorites like gumbo, crawfish etouffee, crab cakes as well as steaks, pasta and more. They offer curbside pickup, or you can enjoy a meal in the outdoor seating area.
Find out more about Wintzell’s here.
Distinguished Young Women oyster-eating contest at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile, Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Meat Boss
5401 Cottage Hill Road
Meat Boss has created a following in western Mobile. (Haley Laurence)
At Meat Boss, you’re the boss of what goes on your plate. That’s because diners select their meat, bread, sauce, toppings and sides from a custom menu card so their meal is exactly how they like it.
You’re probably thinking Meat Boss, which also has curbside pickup and an outdoor seating area, must serve up some amazing barbecue with a name like that, right? Absolutely, but you should try some of their pulled pork or brisket for yourself just to make sure. Trust us, it’ll be well worth it.
Find out more about Meat Boss here.
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club
916 Charleston St.
The burgers at Callaghan’s are the stuff of legend. (Sharon Steinmann)
If you’re looking for a burger that won’t leave you disappointed, look no further than Callaghan’s Irish Social Club. Opened in 1946, the popular pub has become a favorite among locals and out-of-towners alike.
At Callaghan’s, you can score a massive bacon cheeseburger cooked on a well-seasoned flat top grill and dressed with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato and onions. They’ve also got salads, sandwiches and some unexpectedly killer sides on the menu, too. And you can chow down on the pub’s patio or go the takeout route if you’d like.
Find out more about Callaghan’s Irish Social Club here.
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club burger makes list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Von’s Bistro
69 St. Michael St.
Vietnamese and Southern cuisine are on the menu at Von’s Bistro. (Michelle Matthews)
For a menu that includes an eclectic variety of flavorful Vietnamese dishes as well as some Southern-inspired surprises, look no further than Von’s Bistro.
The popular bistro, which offers takeout, is owned by Von and Paul Larson, and features recipes passed down from both of their families to create a menu that could be from two different restaurants. You’ll have plenty of options at Von’s, from pho and banh mi to smothered pork chops and chicken salad
Find out more about Von’s Bistro here.
Dauphin’s
107 St. Francis St., Suite 34
Dauphin’s offers some of the best views of Alabama’s Port City. (Sharon Steinmann)
Restaurateur Bob Baumhower opened Dauphin’s in 2016 and it has quickly become a favorite in the area because of its unique take on French Creole cuisine.
The restaurant uses fresh Gulf Coast seafood and locally sourced ingredients to make its specialty dishes like Bon Secour fish as well as comfort foods like Conecuh tomato gravy or chicken and rice. Oh, and did we mention Dauphin’s is on the 34th floor of the historic RSA-BankTrust Building? You can grab your meal to go or have dinner with a view.
Find out more about Dauphin’s here.
Gumbo from Dauphin’s Restaurant makes list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Mary’s Southern Cooking
3011 Springhill Ave.
Want a meal that tastes like it could have been served during Sunday supper at Granny’s house? Mary’s Southern Kitchen has been offering hungry diners in Mobile just that for nearly a decade.
The cafeteria-style restaurant, which also accommodates call-in orders, features new entrees and specials each day on a small menu consisting of popular Southern fare such as meatloaf, fried pork chips and smoked sausage alongside all the fixins’ you’d hope to find in a soul food spot. Don’t forget to grab dessert when you’re headed out! You’ll be happy you did.
Find out more about Mary’s Southern Kitchen here.
The Cheese Cottage
650 St. Louis St.
Cheese lovers must visit The Cheese Cottage in Mobile. (Michelle Matthews)
If you love cheese – and who doesn’t? – then a trip to The Cheese Cottage should be added to your calendar. You’ll find on its menu a variety of cheeseboards that are as beautiful as they are tasty.
In addition, The Cheese Cottage also serves salads, soup, desserts and a wide range of specialty sandwiches with unexpected combinations like pimento Gouda bacon jam or a French baguette topped with blueberries and Brie. You can savor your meal while dining in the cottage’s outdoor seating area or get it to go through curbside pickup.
Find out more about The Cheese Cottage here.
Felix’s Fish Camp
1530 Battleship Parkway in Spanish Fort
Felix’s Fish Camp is on scenic Mobile Bay, so diners can enjoy gorgeous views on the causeway while enjoying fresh seafood, steak and more.
Felix’s, which has curbside pickup available, offers seafood dishes like barbecue shrimp and crabmeat stuffed fish fillet as well as oysters served every way, fried platters and daily fresh catches. If you’re not hungry for seafood, there’s also steaks, pasta and salads up for grabs.
Find out more about Felix’s Fish Camp here.
Felix’s Fish Camp Crab Soup is one of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
