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Is there an Alabama restaurant you think deserves a Michelin honor? Our readers can certainly name a few. Last week, Michelin honored 15 Alabama restaurants in its new guide to the American South, and that got us thinking about what other eateries in the state might deserve a little more recognition. So with that in mind, we asked our readers to tell us which Alabama restaurants they would give a Michelin accolade, whether it’s a coveted star or a spot on its Bib Gourmand list. The responses ranged from fine dining restaurants to 100-year-old eateries, meat-and-threes, barbecue joints and more. You can see some of the submissions below, and you can read all of them on our Facebook page. The Bright Star 304 19th Street N. in Bessemer When we asked readers to tell us which Alabama restaurant they would give a Michelin honor, The Bright Star in Bessemer came up early and often, and it’s easy to understand why if you’ve had a meal there. After all, The Bright Star is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the state and has been serving its diverse menu of Greek-style cuisine, which includes signature dishes like the fried snapper throats, for more than 100 years. (Plus, owner Nick Kiokos did take home the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Foodways Alliance just last month.) Odette 120 N. Court Street in Florence Odette in Florence offers an array of elevated American fare with Southern and international influences in a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere, making it a unique place to grab a one-of-a-kind meal made from locally-sourced ingredients in our state. Given that its menu is plenty diverse, with dishes ranging from muscadine-grilled quail and crispy potato gnocchi to its signature cheeseburger and barbecue pork rinds, there’s something to satisfy everyone up for grabs. Whatever you order, though, don’t forget to save room for one of their dessert specials, which have included sweet treats like peach milkshakes and lemon meringue pie. Acre 210 E Glenn Avenue in Auburn There’s a lot to love about the menu at Acre in historic downtown Auburn. From unique takes on Southern favorites, like fried green tomatoes topped with marinated gulf blue crab, pimento cheese and creole remoulade, to comforting dishes, like grilled beef tenderloin and cornmeal-crusted Alaskan halibut, just deciding what to order at the beloved restaurant, led by James Beard Award semifinalist and “Iron Chef Showdown” champion Chef David Bancroft, can be a struggle. (And that’s without even mentioning the coveted “chicken fried bacon”.) Bob Syke’s BBQ 1724 Ninth Ave. North in Bessemer The legendary Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in Bessemer has won plenty of accolades during its more than 65 years in business -- just this year National Geographic named it one of the best barbecue joints in the state -- but our readers think it deserves to add even more to the list (and we don’t disagree). While the old-school barbecue joint keeps things casual, its filling menu, featuring everything from ribs and chopped pork to massive cheeseburgers and homemade desserts, makes it a go-to spot when you’re craving something very, very good. Jesse’s Restaurant 14770 Oak Street in Magnolia Springs Jesse’s Restaurant, tucked away in the charming small town of Magnolia Springs and with a second location in Fort Morgan, may not have the name recognition of some of the more legendary eateries on this list, but that didn’t stop our readers from suggesting it as one of the state’s Michelin-worthy spots. With a menu comprised of fresh seafood, including Gulf grouper, shrimp and grits, crab cakes and more as well as steaks with a full list of enhancements and one-of-a-kind side dishes including crawfish mac and cheese, a meal at Jesse’s isn’t easy to forget. Cafe Dupont 113 20th St N, Birmingham Cafe DuPont has been open for more than 40 years in downtown Birmingham, and in that time, it has become a beloved place to grab an elegant dinner featuring upscale Southern dishes. The cafe’s menu, which features meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients supplied by local farmers, changes often, but no matter what’s being served -- from cornmeal fried tomatoes with grilled shrimp to braised beef short rib, lemon creme brulee and more -- it’s safe to assume it’s going to be good. Gambino’s Italian Grill 18 Laurel Avenue in Fairhope In business for 50 years, Gambino’s Italian Grill in Fairhope has become a destination eatery worthy, if you ask some of our readers anyway, of a Michelin honor. Its expansive menu offers an array of classic as well as inventive Italian fare, like oven-baked lasagna, chicken rocco and shrimp fettuccine alfredo, as well as a variety of seafood, steaks, bottomless house salads and more served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, let’s not forget about those fresh-baked breadsticks and, if you manage to save room, delicious cannolis up for grabs. Dauphin’s 107 St. Francis Street, Suite 3400, in Mobile For dinner with a one-of-a-kind view, Dauphin’s, located on the 34th floor of the Trustmark Building in Mobile, is where to go, but many of our readers said the food is just as memorable as the vista. With a menu that spans every flavor of French Creole, you can fill up on your pick of fresh seafood, seasoned steaks, crisp salads, homemade soups, delicious pasta, and more, all while looking out at Mobile Bay. Of course, there’s also plenty of desserts too, like pina colada cheesecake, if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Hummingbird Way 351 George Street in Mobile Led by former executive chef for the state of Alabama, “Top Chef” competitor and Great American Seafood Cook-Off winner Chef Jim Smith, The Hummingbird Way is an upscale oyster bar that creates memorable dishes using local seafood, produce and more. Its rich and eclectic menu includes everything from delicious biscuits worth a visit all on their own to Alabama blue crab cakes, oyster bisque, chicken pot pie, Creole braised rabbit with grits, whole red snapper, grilled hanger steak and more. Bunyan’s Bar-B-Que 901 W. College Street in Florence Bunyan’s Bar-B-Que in Florence is a north Alabama staple for a lot of reasons. First off, it’s been in business for more than 50 years, and secondly, its barbecue is hard to beat. The family-owned and operated restaurant, located in a simple brick building, might not be as fancy as some of the eateries that have garnered Michelin recognition in our state, but its food is still worth talking about. From its pulled pork sandwiches to ribs, chicken stew, legendary hot dogs and more, all served alongside classic trimmings and cobbler for dessert, is certainly prize-worthy to our readers. Niki’s West Steak & Seafood Restaurant 233 Finley Avenue W. in Birmingham
