Your Guide to Dining In DeKalb

#DininginDeKalb

When people think of Lookout Mountain, Alabama, they often picture our stunning natural landscapes and charming small communities, but one of the best reasons to visit DeKalb County is our burgeoning food scene. Most people have heard about the famous tomato pie at The Wildflower Cafe, the fantastic selection of local (and not so local) beer at Vintage 1889, the fabulous “JoJo” potatoes at The Bar-B-Q Place, and the list goes on. You can explore the wide variety of cuisines like these on our website, or keep reading for our not so widely known dishes in DeKalb!

Nestled on top of Lookout Mountain in sleepy Mentone, The Green Leaf Grill serves up something for every palate and every wallet, from the $2.95 pinto beans and cornbread to the $28 fresh jumbo lump crab cake special. This local establishment puts an emphasis on local, so even the seafood specials are fresh. Don’t miss the catfish! In 2018, The Green Leaf Grill took home the Bama’s Best Catfish Restaurant award from the Alabama Farmers Federation.

For caffeine fiends, finding a good cup of joe on the road can sometimes be a struggle, but espresso enthusiasts from all over have been spotted at The Spot Coffee Shop. The full menu of hot and cold coffee drinks gives coffee lovers a wide variety of ways to get their fix, and the full menu of paninis for both breakfast and lunch makes it a great place to fill up, be it in the morning or later in the day. The blended coffee freezes are a perfect treat for an afternoon of exploring. The atmosphere and eclectic charm of this building also makes it great for just relaxing, if you had rather.

Locavores love Roadside ‘Que! All of Roadside’s meat products are Non-GMO, antibiotic free, and pasture raised at Fudge Family Farms in nearby Madison, Alabama. And that attention to detail extends far beyond the ingredients list: all meat is smoked in-house and day-of for that coveted down-home flavor. Spice up your weekdays with the special menus for Taco Tuesday and Nacho Average Wednesday, and know there’s nothing like the mouth-watering brisket burgers to put you in a Fri-yay state of mind. (P.S. Be sure to try the brussels sprout hash.)

If you’re still craving the ‘que, look no further than Rib Shak. This local’s favorite is known for the dish on their sign—the ribs are fall off the bone, finger-lickin’ good. But our top recommendation, the innovative soul taco, is the stuff of a foodie’s fusion dreams: a cornbread pancake, buried in BBQ, coleslaw, pickles, and sauce. If you are looking for something a little bigger, get the Big Willie’s Cheesburger, I promise you will not leave hungry! Stop by to see where Southern soul meets South of the border style!

Nancy’s Lunchbox shares a space with Alice Circle, a creative space for art classes, jewelry, home décor, and more, making this Rainsville staple a perfect retreat for an afternoon with the kids. The menu at Nancy’s features yummy, light sandwiches like the Alice (a chicken salad BLT), the Lola (a BLT with spicy pimento cheese), a ranch turkey club and sides like a pear walnut salad and pistachio fluff. Finish your light lunch with a sweet treat, as Nancy’s Lunchbox has a mouth-watering menu of delicious cupcakes and edible cookie doughs.

The name Tip Top Bake Shop references its location atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone, but it also describes this local bakery’s sweet treats. Swing by for out-of-this-world baked goods, like Scottish shortbread with pink buttercream, crisp meringue with lemon curd, and chocolate eclairs with French creme, or fill up on their more substantive menu of soups and sandwiches. While you wait, browse their selection of souvenirs, which features locally-made wares, specialty foods, and gift baskets galore. Don’t skip out on the homemade fudge! It’s sure to be a hit for any sweet teeth on your souvenir list.