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Ready for the ultimate foodie challenge? The Shoals' delicious array of cuisine is waiting to be explored, and if you’re unsure where to start, this bucket list is sure to please your palate! From acai bowls to xangos, scroll on to discover 26 dishes to dig into, from A to Z.

  • A – Acai Bowl at Turbo- Turbo Coffee Roasters promotes healthy living by serving fresh foods & beverages like their acai bowl. They have the original acai bowl and several other variations to satisfy every customer.
  • B – Bluewater Creek Farm Cheeseburger at Odette- Odette serves elevated American fare with southern and international influences in the heart of downtown Florence. One of the local favorites is the Bluewater Creek Farm Cheeseburger served with red-pepper thyme ketchup and hand-cut fries.
  • C – Chicken and Waffles at Soul Wingery & Records- Soul reflects the soul of the Shoals with their food, décor, and atmosphere. They have several local favorites to choose from like their wings or their loaded fries, but the chicken and waffles are a must-have!
  • D – Drunken Crab at Yumm- Yumm, the only true Thai restaurant in the Shoals area, offers a wide variety for everyone to enjoy. The drunken crab signature dish offers two golden tempura soft shell crab, topped with tangy Thai roasted garlic sauce.
  • E – Enchiladas Mexicanas at El Pollito Loco- El Pollito Loco (The Crazy Little Chicken) is a college kid’s favorite, located just blocks from UNA’s campus. There are several traditional Mexican dishes to try here. The Enchiladas Mexicanas are just one of the favorites from Florence’s “home of taco Tuesday.”
  • F – Funky Classic Grilled Cheese at Cheesy Bob's- Cheesy Bob’s is a high quality, fast, casual spot for delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and an eclectic atmosphere. Their Funky Classic Grilled Cheese goes great with Bob’s Homemade Tomato Soup.
  • G – George’s Special Ribeye at George’s Steak Pit- George’s Steak Pit is a date night must for people in the Shoals. Their famous open pit makes for an enjoyable experience and a delicious George’s Special Ribeye alongside several other favorite entrees.
  • H – Harvey’s Milkshake at The Palace- The Palace which is listed on “Alabama’s 100 Places to Eat Before You Die” is a Tuscumbia staple. The ice cream and sandwich shop has a vintage atmosphere and delicious food and desserts. Grab Harvey’s Milkshake and a chicken salad sandwich and hang out in the diner or take a stroll around downtown Tuscumbia.
  • I – Italian Dog at Chicago Café- Chicago Café is the late-night hot spot in Florence. They offer delicious pizza, hot dogs, and more. The Italian Dog, topped with mozzarella cheese, pesto sauce, and Italian spices is one of their popular items.
  • J – Juggernaut at Superhero Chefs- Superhero Chefs is owned by celebrity chef, Darnell Ferguson and is located in the heart of downtown Tuscumbia. The Juggernaut, which is a red waffle sandwich with fried chicken, egg, pepper-jack cheese, candied bacon, and honey, is one among many outlandish and delicious dishes served at Superhero Chefs.
  • K – Kir Royale at The Carriage- The Carriage is a wine & market with locations in both Florence and Sheffield. They both offer a variety of wine, beer, champagne, and cocktails including the Kir Royale. Their modern décor and flavorful drinks promise a great visit.
  • L – Loaded BBQ Nachos at 306 Barbecue- 306 Barbeque is the place to go for authentic Southern-style barbecue. You can’t go wrong with any of their barbecue plates, but the Loaded BBQ Nachos are definitely mouthwatering.
  • M – Muscle Shoals Sound Pizza at The Pie Factory- The Pie Factory is the place to go for Gourmet New York-style pizza in Alabama. With two locations in Muscle Shoals and Florence, their menu is full of pizzas, calzones, and more. The Muscle Shoals Sound Pizza is one among many pies named for one of the Shoals' notable spots.
  • N – New Old-Fashioned at High Ridge Distillery- The High Ridge Distillery offers hand bottles and labeled spirits as well as many signature cocktails. Among these is the New Old-Fashioned. Made with Raney Barrel shine, simple syrup, angostura bitters, orange, and cherry the New Old-Fashioned may just become your new favorite.
  • O – Orange Pineapple Ice Cream at Trowbridge’s- The Orange Pineapple Ice Cream is listed on “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” This dish is a favorite at Trowbridge’s which is more than an ice cream and sandwich shop to most of the locals. Located downtown, Trowbridge’s recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. The memories made over those 100 years make the visit all the better.
  • P – Panko Encrusted Pork Tenderloin at Jack’s Place- Jack’s Place serves classic southern dishes with a modern and contemporary flair. Jack White, the executive chef at Jack’s Place, spent most of his career working as a food stylist on the silver screen. The Panko Encrusted Pork Tenderloin is just one of the tasty and aesthetically pleasing dishes offered at this eclectic restaurant.
  • Q – Quinoa Bowl at Ray’s at the Bank- Ray’s at the Bank offers gourmet food with great service and atmosphere. The Quinoa Bowl is served with quinoa, arugula, dried cherries, feta, grilled vegetables, parmesan, and apple vinaigrette. This is a great vegetarian dish that anyone could enjoy.
  • R – Raspberry Chipotle Salmon at Rosie’s Cantina- Rosie’s is another downtown hot spot. Rosie’s festive atmosphere and delicious food options make an experience you’ll love. The Raspberry Chipotle Salmon is one of their specials. This grilled salmon fillet is topped with chipotle raspberry sauce and serve with black bean corn salsa and cilantro rice.
  • S – Slaw Dog at Bunyan’s- The Bunyan’s dog features an old-school red wiener served on a toasted bun and topped with the mustardy slaw -- a combination that is hard to beat and even more difficult to replicate. Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q is a spot loved by musicians coming to town to record and locals alike.
  • T – Tomato & Egg at Rivertown- Rivertown Coffee Co is a great spot to hang out with friends, study or just enjoy a great meal. The Tomato & Egg is a popular item from their breakfast menu. It features beefsteak tomato, fried egg, spinach, and pesto mayo serves on your choice of wheat, sourdough, bagel, English muffin, or as an omelet.
  • U – Unagi Don at Ichiban- Ichiban is a Japanese Restaurant loved by locals for its top-notch cuisine and the hibachi grill experience. The Unagi Don is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of steamed white rice and topped with fillets of grilled eel. If you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone, this is the perfect place for you.
  • V – Veal Marsala at Ricatoni’s- Locals frequent Ricatoni’s for the tasty Italian dishes and the hometown atmosphere. The Veal Marsala is a popular menu item. It consists of a breaded veal topped with mushrooms in a marsala wine sauce and served with tagliarini piace pellerossa.
  • W – Wake & Steak Signature Bowl at Esther’s Eatery- Esther’s Eatery is a casual restaurant focusing on fresh ingredients. You can build your own bowl, or you can choose a signature bowl from the menu like the Wake & Steak. The Wake & Steak consists of baby spinach, baked mac-n-cheese, roasted broccoli, balsamic-rosemary flank steak, and Dijon-herb vinaigrette.
  • X – Xangos at Los Trojas Cantina- This Xango Mexican-style cheesecake at Los Trojas Cantina will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Xangos are often described as fried cheesecake chimichangas and are often topped off with whipped cream or ice cream.
  • Y – Yard Work Skillet at Big Bad Breakfast- Big Bad Breakfast puts the emphasis on the first meal of the day, but their extensive menu offers dishes that can be enjoyed all time of the day. The Yard Work is one of their skillet dishes consisting of three scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, onions, potatoes, and cheddar.
  • Z – Zoey Belle Burger at 2nd & 13 Sports Bar and Grill- You can go to 2nd & Thirteen to watch the game with your friends or just to satisfy that craving for homemade, game-day food. The Zoey Belle is one of 2nd & Thirteen’s popular burgers. It is handmade, seasoned, and customizable to satisfy every customer.

COVID-19 has had a big financial impact on restaurants. Although dine-in options are limited in some restaurants, you can still support our local restaurants by purchasing carry-out orders and gift cards.

About The Author

Taylor E. Vance

Media Relations Intern