5 must-try Alabama steakhouses
Whether it's the steaks, the sides, the setting or a combination, Alabama is home to essential steakhouses. (Haley Laurence / Bob Carlton / Sharon Steinmann)
When many of us think of steakhouses, we automatically think of white tablecloths, a strict dress code and a substantial bill at the end of the night. Others may think of stepping on peanuts on the floor at chain restaurants. No matter what comes to mind about steakhouses, we guarantee that Alabama has some you will like.
That’s because we have a little bit of everything. We have the classic steakhouses that you go to whenever you want to celebrate something big in your life. We have historic ones that have been mainstays in their communities for decades. And we even have a steakhouse right beside a Western-themed village – but more about that in a minute.
We narrowed down this list of great Alabama steakhouses to five across the state, trying to spread the love to different cities and towns. But, of course, there are many more great steak joints across the state that deserve a mention. Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna’s in Livingston attract people from all over to their down-home cooking. And Michael’s Restaurant in downtown Birmingham doesn’t just have must-try steaks – you can also get your food with a rooftop view.
Now, let’s get to the five.
244 School St., Oakman
If you’re looking for a steakhouse with some major personality, you should make the drive to the tiny town of Oakman to check out Bull Pen Steakhouse and BBQ. The restaurant, owned by coal miner Charles Richard “Bull” Corry, is next to a Western-themed village that is packed with knickknacks and Walker County history. The grounds are full of history: Many musicians have played there throughout the decades, including Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.
And the steakhouse is serious business. It’s open only on Friday and Saturday nights, and people from all over get there early to ensure they don’t have as long of a wait. Yes, it’s worth the ride for the steak alone, but make sure you order the fried green tomatoes – they’re perfectly crunchy and some of the best ones you’ll find anywhere. Be prepared: Portions are heaping, so you’ll have plenty to take home with you.
1206 Jackson Highway, Sheffield
If you’ve lived in northwest Alabama and had a special occasion to celebrate, you’ve probably made your way to George’s Steak Pit. The steakhouse, which has been open since 1956, has a friendly-yet-fancy white-cloth atmosphere that is perfect for celebrating life’s triumphs.
The menu of the fine-dining establishment is filled with classic steakhouse dishes that everyone loves, like surf and turf, fried calamari and French onion soup. George’s cooks their meats on a hickory pit, giving them all a smoky, refined taste. Don’t overlook a unique menu item: Roquefort bleu cheese salad spread. The dressing is composed from milk of sheep in southern France, and it’s so distinctive that you can purchase some to take home.
Locations in Thomasville, Andalusia, Gulf Shores, Auburn and Moundville
So often when we think of steakhouses, we think of driving to a city to buy an expensive slab of meat. But Big Mike’s has proved that you don’t have to travel far to have a classic steakhouse experience – and you don’t have to pay a huge chunk of change, either.
The first Big Mike’s Steakhouse opened in the small town of Thomasville less than a decade ago, and it was a hit from the get-go. You’ll find lots of steakhouse favorites on the menu, like the Big Mike, which is a 34-ounce ribeye topped with two large dollops of butter. It’s one of the most flavorful steaks you’ll ever eat. The steak is so good, it’s won multiple statewide steak competitions, including AL.com’s Alabama’s Best Steakhouse contest. They also serve oysters, chicken dishes, burgers and Wickles fried pickles. Yep, we said Wickles fried pickles.
Big Mike’s keeps expanding, and now there are locations throughout the state, so no matter where you travel, there will probably be one nearby.
323 Third Ave. SE, Cullman
Everything about All Steak is full of fun history, including its name. The restaurant moved from Pulaski, Tennessee, to Cullman in the 1930s, and business partners Millard Buchmann and Joe Shelton wanted to name it All Steak Hamburgers. However, they could afford only $5 for a sign outside, and getting “All Steak Hamburgers” painted on the sign was going to cost 10 bucks. They settled with the painter for $5 and a sign that said “All Steak” instead.
Now, nearly a century later, the restaurant lives on. It’s changed ownership many times over the years, but it’s still a place where you’ll find locals gossiping over steaks, cheeseburgers and cocktails. And, of course, don’t forget the orange rolls. The sweet treats are on Alabama Tourism Department’s list of 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die, and they’re divine.
All Steak orange rolls from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
107 Francis St., Suite 3400, Mobile
Dauphin’s may not technically be a steakhouse, but it offers the type of wow factor and delicious food that you would expect from your favorite steakhouse. (Sharon Steinmann)
Dauphin’s is the perfect place to go if you’re craving steak with a view. The restaurant, which specializes in French Creole fare, is on the 34th floor of the RSA Trustmark Building in downtown Mobile and has gorgeous panoramic views of Mobile Bay. It may not technically be a steakhouse, but it is definitely the place to go if you want to wow someone, and isn’t that what steakhouses are all about?
The fine-dining eatery offers several steak choices, including a steak Diane and ribeye, and they’re all full of flavor. Of course, since you’re on the Gulf, there are plenty of fresh seafood options if a companion isn’t in the mood for beef. Save room for dessert, because with menu items like Priester’s crème brûlée and Key lime pie, you won’t want to miss out.
