The other day someone posted in a Facebook group that they wished Fairhope had more restaurant options.

I was shocked because I meet people almost every day who travel here because of our many yummy eateries. The options are endless: farm to table where our amazing chefs work with local farmers; cafes, vegan, healthy (and unhealthy), seafood, gourmet, Italian, pizzerias, bakeries, sushi, good ol’ American and other ethnic options. Staying true to its roots, Fairhope is known for its wonderful locally owned restaurants and if you are from a big city, you’re not going to find many of your big chain restaurants in here!  Fairhope is known for its’ many annual festivities like Arts and Crafts, Mardi Gras, Lighting of the Trees, Witches Ride, Art Walk etc, and we are also known for, and very proud of, having some of the best restaurants around!  I can’t boast about every single one or else you would be reading a book!

Here are 5 Local Top Favorites:

Daragonfly Foodbar:

Address: 7 South Church Street

Dragonfly Foodbar offers all fresh and local ingredients, it’s main items on the menu are tacos and not just you’re typical tacos- these are stuffed with ingredients like pork, New York strip, scallops, lobster, seared tuna, soft shell crab, duck, shrimp and chicken!  They also have signature bowls that are to die for, and don’t forget to try their homemade firecracker sauce; y’all can buy that stuff by the gallon and use it on almost anything!!  You can check out their menu here.

Gambinos

Address: 18 Laurel Avenue

I’ve been coming Gambinos Italian Grill since I can remember.  Their food is absolutely amazing!  It satisfies every taste palate by offering a variety of chicken, pasta, meat and seafood entrees.  My personal favorite is their prime rib.  It’s thick and meaty, full of flavor and if you love a good steak this is the steak for you!  Not only are they a local favorite for their dining experience, but they have the Wise Guys Lounge and karaoke where you can “meet, mingle and dance the night away,” You can check out their menu here.

Panini Pete’s

Address: 42 South Section Street

Panini Pete’s landed a spot on the HIT TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! This New Orleans style café and sandwich shop is so good that their muffaletta was awarded as “one of the top 100 Things to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” and this obviously comes to no surprise for the locals!  And if you love the powdery goodness of beignets and can’t travel to Café du Monde in New Orleans, Panini Pete’s will have you well taken care of.  And it’s worth mentioning that Pete’s panini(s) are to die for right along with their Angus beef burgers and “killer dressed up dogs!”  Check out their menu here.

Sage Mediterranean Lebanese Cuisine and Café

319 Fairhope Avenue

Sage offers fresh, homemade, healthy and authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean entrees.  If your palate is geared towards diverse ethnic flavors, this is the spot for you!  The entrees attract even the pickiest of eaters: children and your meat & potato guys, too!  From their Lamb Chops and Kababs to their vegetarian entrees and hummas, you will not be disappointed!  Sage offers other special diet options as well like gluten free, nut free, dairy free and vegan.  You can check out their menu here.

Locals Burger

410 Fairhope Avenue

Locals Burger is exactly that—LOCAL!  And it isn’t just their juicy hamburgers that are a hit!  Their farm to table meals include local produce and meat, locally made cheese and bread, and only Gulf Seafood!  Y’all, there isn’t getting any more local than this!  Not only is their food local and fresh, but they also feature local breweries so you can have a local beer with your local burger.  Am I being redundant when I say “local?”  I think you get the point.  Check out their menu here.

Well?  What are you waiting for?  Aren’t you hungry yet?  Go on now and try one of these places out!

If YOUR favorite place to eat in Fairhope isn’t listed here, leave a comment and tell me why you think your favorite place should be included in my next blog!

Photo Credits go to: Dragonfly, Gambino’s, Panini Pete’s, Sage Mediterranean Lebanese Cuisine and Café and Locals Burger