When it comes to good eats in Huntsville, there’s no shortage.
Whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, country cooking, Italian fare, Asian cuisine, Mexican food, fine dining, etc., the Rocket City has a restaurant that’s serving it.
Of course, with so many options, it’s easy for places to get overlooked. That’s why The Huntsville Times recently asked its Facebook followers what their favorite underrated restaurants in the city are.
The answers ranged from legendary spots that can’t really be overrated to up-and-coming restaurants building a name for themselves and everything in between.
You can read about 11 of them below, and you can see all of the responses and add your own on The Huntsville Times Facebook page.
(And make sure to also check out AL.com writer Matt Wake’s 2024 choices for most underrated restaurants.)
Bandito Burrito Co.
3017 Governors Drive SW in Huntsville
For more than 30 years, Bandito Burrito Co. has been serving California-style Mexican food to its loyal following in the Huntsville area. And while it may already be a restaurant beloved by many, it’s the kind of place that can’t really be overstated. Try any of its classic dishes, including nachos, enchiladas, tacos, the popular green bean burrito and so much more, and you’ll see what we mean.
Big Bowl Thai
6125 University Drive NW, Suite D13, in Huntsville
If you’re a fan of Thai food, Big Bowl Thai Cuisine came up early and often with our readers when asked what their favorite underrated restaurants in the Huntsville area are, and that makes it worth checking out. With a menu featuring classic dishes like basil chicken, pad see ew tofu, beef teriyaki, drunken noodle, shrimp rolls and more as well as a variety of curries, Big Bowl Thai has plenty to pick from.
Thirsty Turtle
4800 Whitesburg Drive SW, Suite 22, in Huntsville
At first glance, The Thirsty Turtle might seem like your standard sports bar, but there’s a lot more to it than that, and its more than 30 years in business is proof. That’s because in addition to their iconic burgers, The Thirsty Turtle offers deli favorites, like Reubens, chicken cordon bleu and more, as well as dinner plates, including hamburger steak and a seafood platter.
The Curry
607 Andrew Jackson Way NE in Huntsville
Open for only a few years, The Curry might be the newest restaurant to appear on this list, but it has already made an impression on many Huntsville diners with its wide selection of fresh and bold modern Indian dishes. With everything from vegetarian curries to Tandoor delicacies, Indian breads and more up for grabs, The Curry is worth a visit whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a novice looking to branch out.
Supper Heroes
1812 Winchester Road NE in Huntsville
While the first thing folks might notice about Supper Heroes is its superhero theme –after all, it’s hard to miss given the name — the quality of its burgers is a close second. Open since 2013, Supper Heroes has a reputation for some of the best burgers in Huntsville thanks to its full menu of unique offerings, including “The Cowpoke,” which packs plenty of bold, barbecue flavor, and the teriyaki-glazed ”Luau” burger.
West End Grill
6610 Old Madison Pike, Unit 109, in Huntsville
For a casual place that offers home-cooked favorites, head over to the West End Grill in Huntsville. No matter what you’re in the mood for, it’s likely on the menu — from specialty burgers and sandwiches to steaks, salads and Southern classics like Mississippi pot roast, meatloaf, catfish and more. Just be sure to save room for dessert. That made-from-scratch New Orleans bread pudding isn’t going to eat itself.
New Orleans Lunchbox
4000 Holmes Avenue NW in Huntsville
Speaking of the Crescent City, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a little Cajun fare, and when that’s the case, many folks in Huntsville head to the aptly named New Orleans Lunchbox. Open since 2009, the restaurant — located in a gas station off Holmes Avenue — offers up classic Louisiana dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, po’ boys and more in addition to ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork and other barbecue favorites.
Blue Oak BBQ
1000 Mid City Drive Unit 1
While Blue Oak BBQ got its start in New Orleans, its Huntsville location has made a named for itself in the Rocket City despite opening only a little over a year ago in Midcity. Its popularity is likely due to its diverse menu, which features unique picks like the prime rib Philly cheese steak and brisket debris bowl. Other dishes include smoked turkey, pulled pork, wings and more barbecue classics as well as burgers, sandwiches and more. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to try the smoked peach cobbler!
Sushime Asian Bistro
6290 University Drive NW
Sushime Asian Bistro offers its own one-of-a-kind take on authentic Asian cuisine, and it seems to be a hit for many diners in the Huntsville area. Some of the restaurant’s popular items include its wide variety of sushi, such as the shrimp tempura roll, Cheeto roll, and spicy crab roll, as well as dishes like fried pork gyoza, Singapore noodles, Cantonese BBQ bao, Kimchi seafood soup and more.
Mozza Pizza
520 Jordan Lane NW in Huntsville
If you’re looking for New York-style pizza in Huntsville (or Athens, where they have a second location), look no further than Mozza Pizza. Founded by three New York ex-pats, Mozza offers thin, crispy, foldable specialty pizzas layered with plenty of toppings made from fresh ingredients. Plus, if New York-style pizza isn’t your thing, its menu also offers Italian fare like calzones, sandwiches, strombolis, a variety of pasta dishes and more too.
Betty Maes Restaurant
2007 North Memorial Parkway #L