The 11 Best Downtown Huntsville Restaurants (That We’ve Tried And Want To Try)

best downtown huntsville restaurants

If you’re looking to spend a nice evening out with friends or a loved one, you’re going to want to consider some of the Downtown Huntsville restaurants. I’ve been to many of these restaurants with my wife and it’s always a great experience.

Below, I’m going to overview some of my favorite Downtown Huntsville restaurants, as well as a few that are on my list to try!

If you are new to Huntsville or just haven’t been downtown in a while, then you definitely need to spend a few nights out and about. The area has grown so much in the last few years and there are so many new restaurants that are worth visiting!

6 Best Restaurants in Downtown Huntsville That We Love

Commerce Kitchen

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

If you’re looking to visit one of the nicer Downtown Huntsville restaurants, you’ll want to stop by Commerce Kitchen. I’ve been here multiple times and it’s one of my favorite places to take my wife for a nice date night in Huntsville.

It’s located on the corner of the square across from the courthouse and is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Commerce Kitchen serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, but I’ve only ever been to dinner. If you like seafood, you have to try the Roasted Harissa Salmon, it’s my favorite.

If you’re looking for meat, then the Coffee Crusted New York Strip is definitely a great option. Dessert-wise, I like to order the Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie and my wife likes the Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee.

  • 300 Franklin Street SE
  • Monday-Friday: 11 AM- 10 PM; Saturday: 10:30 AM-3 PM, 4 PM-10 PM; Sunday: 10:30 AM-3 PM, 4 PM-8 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Roasted Harissa Salmon

MELT

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

If you’re looking for a more casual meal, MELT is one of the best Downtown Huntsville restaurants. It’s located off Jefferson Street and is a short walk from the square and Big Spring Park.

One of my favorite things about MELT is the appetizers, specifically the Mac ‘N Egg Roll and the Honey Baked Goat Cheese. I know that they sound a bit unique, but trust me you have to try it.

I am a creature of habit and every time I go, I always get the Chicken Pesto sandwich. It’s just too good not to order.

Though, I have tried a few other things that are great options too, like the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Mac Melt.

Another great thing about MELT is that they have live music from time to time. If they have a local musician performing when you go, be sure to ask for a seat outside so you can enjoy!

  • 201 Jefferson Street N Suite I
  • Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM; Sunday: 10:30 AM-8 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Pane e Vino

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

If you’re looking to spend a romantic evening out with your spouse, Pane E Vino is definitely a great spot. It’s attached to the Museum of Art and looks out at Big Spring Park.

While it is great for a night out with your spouse, you can definitely go with your family or with friends. The food is always good and afterward, you can take a stroll around the park.

If you like pizza, you should definitely try the Da Vinci or the Salvador Dali, those are my favorites. If you prefer pasta, the Chicken Parmesan and the Chicken Alfredo are also delicious too!

  • 300 Church Street SW
  • Monday-Sunday: 11 AM-9 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Salvador Dali

Mazzara’s

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

Mazzara’s is one of my favorite Downtown Huntsville restaurants because it lets you dine while enjoying a piece of Huntsville history.

The Italian restaurant is located in the historic Humphreys-Rogers house off Gates Avenue. The house was built in 1848 and was owned by David Humphery, who served in the Alabama House of Representatives for four terms.

Huntsville history aside, the menu has some fantastic dishes as well. I’ve had the Chicken Marsala and the Rigatoni Pasta, and both were delicious.

Next time you’re looking for an evening out in Downtown Huntsville, definitely consider checking out Mazzara’s!

  • 102 Gates Ave SW
  • Monday-Wednesday: 4:30 PM-10 PM; Thursday-Saturday: 11 AM-2 PM and 4:30 PM-10 PM; Sunday: Closed
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Chicken Marsala

Honest Coffee

best downtown Huntsville restaurant
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

While Honest Coffee isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking of Downtown Huntsville restaurants, it’s definitely worth a visit.

It’s located on Clinton Street, right next to the parking garage, and is a short walk from the square and the park. While it’s mostly known for its coffee, Honest also has some great food options.

You can get breakfast, brunch, or lunch there. It’s actually one of my favorite places to get breakfast in Huntsville.

I like to get a cup of coffee and a BomBom acai bowl. If you’ve never had one of their acai bowl you’ve got to try one. They’re some of the best in town.

If you’re in the area for lunch, you should definitely try the Turkey and Goat Cheese Panini or the Chicken Basil Pesto Panini. I promise you won’t regret it!

  • 114 Clinton Ave E #10
  • Monday-Sunday: 6:30 AM-7 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Turkey and Goat Cheese Panini

Sam and Greg’s

To kick things off I am going to start with one of my all-time favorite Downtown Huntsville restaurants, Sam and Greg’s. It’s quirky, unique, and has some of the best pizza in Huntsville!

If you’ve never been, it’s located on the square and has indoor and outdoor seating. If you head upstairs, you’ll find a nine-hole neon putt-putt course. It does cost money to play, but it’s just $3.

As for what to order, I typically go with the Meat Lovers Pizza. I’ve also had the Buffalo Chicken and Pesto Margarita Pizza and they’re delicious too!

After your meal, you can top things off with a scoop of their gelato and take a quick walk around Big Spring Park.

  • 116 Southside Square
  • Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM; Sunday: 11 AM-8 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Meat Lovers Pizza

5 Restaurants in Downtown Huntsville That We Can’t Wait to Try

Jack Brown’s

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

If you’re looking for one of the best burgers in Huntsville, you’ll definitely want to stop by Jack Brown’s. It’s located on North Side Square and is known for its juicy burgers.

While I’ve never been, it’s next up on my lift of Downtown Huntsville restaurants to try. Specifically, my wife has been wanting to go for a while now, so I’m sure I’ll be there soon.

Their burgers are made from wagyu beef, which is known for being savory. Their burgers are plain and simple but also unique.

One highlight from their menu is the Kobra Kia, which is a burger topped with cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeno jelly.

Another highlight is the Dr. Gonza, which is a burger topped with sautéed shrooms, caramelized Guinness onions, applewood smoked bacon, and Swiss cheese.

  • 123 North Side Square Ste 100,
  • Sunday-Wednesday: 11 AM-12 AM; Thursday-Saturday: 11 AM-2 AM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Dr. Gonzo

The Bottle

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

The Bottle is one of the nicest Downtown Huntsville restaurants and is located in a historic building on Washington Street.

If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or take someone out for an upscale dinner then The Bottle is a great option.

Another highlight of The Bottle is that it’s known for its extensive wine list and has even won some awards for its wine selection. With over 300 wines to choose from, you should definitely be able to find something to pair with your dinner.

Some highlights from the menu include the Grilled Angus Beef Filet and the Springer Mountain Chicken Pasta. I think I’ll definitely be trying the filet when I’m able to stop in!

  • 101 Washington St
  • Monday-Thursday: 4 PM-10 PM; Friday-Saturday: 4 PM-11 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Grilled Angus Beef Filet

Purveyor

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

Another one of the Downtown Huntsville restaurants that’s on my list to try is Purveyor. It’s owned by a group in town called Church Street Family and is located in a restored building that used to be a hardware store off Jefferson Street.

It’s known for its wine, craft beer, cocktails, and scotch, along with a full menu that changes weekly.

It was also recently announced that Purveyor is going to become Huntsville’s first piano bar and it’s set to open sometime in 2023. (The restaurant is still open while they get the piano bar ready!)

Purveyor has also been the first-place winner at the Alabama Legislative Bash in Montgomery for three years in a row!

  • 201 Jefferson St
  • Monday-Saturday: 4:30 PM-10 PM
  • No Online Menu Because It Changes Weekly
  • Our Pick: Let Us Know Your Favorite

The Poppy & Parliament

best downtown huntsville restaurants
Image Credit: Andrew Smith, Alabama Explorer

If you’re looking for a meal that is a bit different than the rest of the Downtown Huntsville restaurants, you should stop by The Poppy & Parliament.

The upscale English pub is located on the square and aims to make you feel like you’re eating a meal from across the pond. It also has some nice patio seating if you’re dining with a dog!

It also has a butcher shop and English pantry inside where you can get fresh-cut steak and snacks that you’d find in the UK.

I haven’t been yet, but after looking through the menu I will be stopping by soon. The Chicken Sausage and the Fish and Chips look delicious!

  • 117 North Side Square
  • Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-10 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-12 AM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Chicken Sausage

1892 East

If you’re looking for a Downtown Huntsville restaurant that has local and organic ingredients, then you definitely want to stop by 1892 East.

One of the coolest things about 1892 East is that the menu changes seasonally, ensuring that the ingredients used are fresh and in season.

I haven’t been to 1892 East before, but after a quick glance at the current menu, I think I’ll be stopping by soon. Specifically, I want to try the Tenderloin and Salmon on the dinner menu.

  • 720 Pratt Ave NE
  • Monday-Friday: 11 AM-2 PM, 5 PM-9 PM; Saturday: 5 PM-9 PM; Sunday: 10 AM-2 PM
  • See the Menu
  • Our Pick: Tenderloin