Amsterdam Cafe
Don't miss this local favorite for lunch or dinner. Located in the heart of downtown Auburn and featuring distinctive casual dining in an eclectic atmosphere, Amsterdam Cafe has been a local favorite since it opened its doors in the early 1990's. Dress up or dress down to experience their fresh farm to table principle that is so important to our community. They feature a variety of fresh beef, poultry and seafood selections as well as hand made pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Their Crab Cake & Avocado Sandwich was voted as one of Alabama's top 100 dishes. Have an special event coming up? Amsterdam also features a private dining area that is perfect for that surprise birthday party, rehearsal dinner or office party. Reservations are accepted.
Personal Favorite:
Appetizer: Shrimp and Grits, grilled gulf shrimp, Oakview Farm grits and tasso cream sauce.
Entree: Crab Cake & Avocado Sandwich, lump crab cake, avocado, creole remoulade, mano pico de gallo on a toasted croissant.
Dessert: They are all amazing, therefore I can not pick a favorite.
Drink of Choice: Champagne Lady, Absolut Vodka, peach schnapps and champagne.
Located at 410 South Gay Street in Auburn.
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar
An Auburn-Opelika tradition for over 63 years, the secret recipe for Mrs. Story's famous homemade chili dogs reminds us that, thankfully, some things never change. This historic establishment is still in its original location on Pepperell Parkway. It is still family owned and is where you will find the freshest "fast" food in the area. Chili dogs are not all they are famous for, they also have some of the best milkshakes in town! Don't miss this 50s style walk-up on your next restaurant adventure.
Personal Favorite:
Entree: Short Chili-Dog, a homemade recipe since 1952.
Dessert: Butterfinger Shake, speaks for itself.
Drink of choice: Sweet Tea, a southern favorite.
Located at 1900 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika.
Hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Acre
Whether you are a student, returning alumni or a first time visitor to The Plains, Chef David Bancroft and his staff invite you to experience their stylish modern food with roots deep in Southern soil. They are located just blocks from Toomer's Corner and work hard to bring classic favorites to the table with fresh, innovative flavors and artistic performance. The food is responsibly grown and harvested and expertly prepared by their staff. Their menu is ever changing and features seasonal favorites as well as items that are a must year round. They also offer a private dining area that is perfect for your next event!
Personal Favorite:
Appetizer: Strawberry & Candied Walnut Salad, smoked bacon, bleu cheese, baby spinach and sherry-honey vinaigrette.
Entree: Johnny Caradine's Gulf Red Snapper, sweet potato pirloo, acre Andouille, crunchy chickpeas, savoy spinach and burnt ends consomme.
Dessert: Peanut Butter Pie, chocolate truffle, torched banana meringue, and "tag-a-long" girl scout cookie
Drink of Choice: Mark Collins, Makers Mark Bourbon, fresh squeezed lemon, housemade Satsume orange bitters, simple syrup and candied orange peel.
Located at 210 East Glenn Avenue in Auburn.
Hours:
LUNCH HOURS:Everyday from 11a.m.- 3p.m.
DINNER HOURS:
Monday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5-10 p.m.
Closed Sunday Evening
Warehouse Bistro
Take your taste buds on an adventure out of the ordinary at Warehouse Bistro in Opelika. You are sure to feel like a king or queen as owner-chef Joe Hippley prepares each dish using the freshest ingredients, as his staff tends to your every need with quality service. The diverse menu features nightly Chef Specials, an award winning wine list and so much more. Their wine list features more than 300 selections. Menu items also include selections such as New Zealand rack of lamb, fresh jumbo lump crab cakes, coq au win, and a variety of pasta dishes. Don't miss out on this unique dining experience located in the industrial warehouse district.
Personal Favorite:
Appetizer: Hot Artichoke and Fresh Parmesan Cheese Dip, Baked golden brown and served with French bread crostino.
Entree: Fresh Gulf Black Grouper, seasoned and served grilled or sauteed. Crowned with jumbo lump crab meat, accompanied by Hollandaise sauce. Served with potato and vegetable du jour.
Dessert: Banana Creme Brulee', a twist on a classic.
Drink of Choice: Creamsicle Martini, Grey Goose Orange Vodka, Cointreau, orange juice and light cream.
Located at 105-C Rocket Avenue in Opelika.
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 6-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 6-10 p.m.
We hope you have the opportunity to try some of these fantastic selections from some of our Auburn-Opelika Best Bites guide. For more details and a list of all of our fabulous restaurants in the area, be sure to visit www.aotourism.com. Stay tuned for Part 3!
This week in Auburn-Opelika:
July 21: Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market from 3-6 p.m.July 21: Summer Swing Concert Series at the Municipal Park in Opelika at 7 p.m.
July 23: The Market at Ag Heritage Park from 3-6 p.m.
July 24: Andrew Combs with B.B. Palmer & Kudzu in Concert.
July 25: Science on Saturdays at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center
July 25: Summer Outdoor Movie Series featuring Frozen at 7:30 p.m.
July 27: Live From New York screening at Carmike Cinemas-Tiger 13
For a list of all events happening in the Auburn-Opelika area, please visit www.aotourism.com!
