Auburn/Opelika Best Bites Part 2

It is time for part 2 of our journey through Auburn/Opelika's Best Bites. I hope you have had time to check out some of the amazing restaurants that were featured in our last installment. If you have a favorite, let us know so we can let the rest of the community know. Below we will experience four more favorites that we know will give your taste buds more to rave about!

 

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!

 



 

 



Find Your Flavor - Farmer's Markets in Auburn & Opelika

Red, plump strawberries. Greener than green zucchinis. Sweet, golden honey. Local, fresh, delicious produce everywhere you turn. Welcome to summertime in Alabama – the season of farmer’s markets.

Auburn and Opelika are home to many farmers markets, some seasonal and others year round. 

Alabama has more than 48,500 farms throughout the state, covering about 9 million acres. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farmers markets have some of the freshest and best produce around because the produce is grown close to where you live. As a result, you have access to more fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season, and it’ll taste better because it hasn’t been sitting in a supermarket! You also help the community grow, as locally-owned retailers (including farmers) return more than three times of their sales back to the community as compared to chain competitors according to this infographic.

Here’s where you can go in Auburn and Opelika to taste the goodness for yourself.

Year-Round

These farmers markets are open year-round, and offer plenty of diversity at great prices.

Photo courtesy of Market at Blooming
Colors Facebook page.

Market at Blooming Colors / 1192 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36832 / (334) 887-0887

The Market at Blooming Colors features fresh Auburn-grown vegetables, including several pepper varieties, watermelons, vine ripened tomatoes and more. They also sell organic blueberries, sweet peaches and shelled peas among other specials! The Market at Blooming Colors is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and from 10:00 - 6:00 on Sunday.

Parkway Farmers Market / 3829 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 / (334) 737-2080

The Parkway Farmers Market, across the street from Mandarin House, is one of Auburn and Opelika’s best kept secrets. With plenty of fresh and frozen local produce and Southern favorites like fatback and okra, the Parkway Farmers Market is a must-try market. They also have seasonal plants for sale outside, and have an excellent selection of pumpkins come Halloween! The Parkway Farmers Market is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Opelika Farmers Market / 411 S. 10th St., Opelika, AL 36801 / (334) 705-0010 
Yes, Opelika has a year-round farmers market too! Found in downtown Opelika, this farmers market offers some of the freshest produce in the city. Featuring local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, be sure to stop by for your grocery shopping and to pick up a few delicious treats!


Seasonal Markets

Opelika Main Street Farmer’s Market / Lee County Courthouse Square /
(334) 745-0466

The Opelika Main Street Farmers Market begins on June 3, 2014 at 3 p.m. and goes until the end of the season. Come walk around the square each Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. to find delicious produce like heirloom tomatoes and zucchini. Vendors even sell local honey and homemade ice cream. Depending on the year's crop, the market may continue through September or until produce is depleted. Look for further updates about the end date at opelikamainstreet.com.

The Market at Ag Heritage Park / corner of Lem Morrison and Donahue / (334) 321-1603

The Market at Ag Heritage Park will open the 2014 season Thursday, May 8 at 3 p.m. Find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and other goods at the market every Thursday through August 21.

The Market at Ag Heritage Park was started in 2005 and in the years since has become a favorite summertime tradition for the Auburn community. Hosted by the College of Agriculture, The Market features local farmers offering seasonal, fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables, as well as other delicious treats like goat cheese and beautiful cut flowers.