If you are visiting Huntsville, you are in for a treat. While the city is best known as the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, there is also a lively food scene for you to taste and enjoy. From upscale fine dining to casual local restaurants, Huntsville has plenty to offer. You’ll even find a selection of indoor and outdoor seating.
Stop by the Bridge Street Town Centre when you just need a quick bite to eat and a chance to shop. They have more than 50 retail stores and over 25 restaurants to enjoy.
When you are ready to explore the restaurants in downtown Huntsville and sample the best fine dining, start with our list of the top four. As an added bonus, with this list, you can park your car once and venture out on foot.
Mazzara’s Vinoteca
Mazzara’s Vinoteca serves freshly made-from-scratch Italian food in a converted historic home dripping with southern charm. Originally built in 1848, the house was moved about a half mile to its current location to escape demolition. This Huntsville institution is one of the finest upscale restaurants in the downtown area. Most tables are indoors, with some outdoor seating provided on the beautiful porch.
The atmosphere is described as “casual fine dining.” The tables are dressed in white linen and elegant stemware. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking you’ll need to put on your Sunday best. Mazzara’s is all about the food and not concerned with stuffy dress codes.
Try Mazzara’s signature meatball appetizer or their excellent charcuterie platter. Any item from the primo or entree section of the menu is sure to please. You’ll also find an excellent selection of wines, both international and domestic.
Mazzara’s Vinoteca is conveniently located in downtown Huntsville, half a mile from the Von Braun Center.
La Esquina Cocina
La Esquina Cocina is not your average food truck serving south-of-the-border food. La Esquina in downtown Huntsville delivers gourmet Mexican cuisine for the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The venue is sleek, modern, and welcoming with a staff that is knowledgeable and friendly.
For an appetizer, try the fresh house-made totopos chips and queso. Main course options include 12 unique taco varieties, and the Cochinita Pibil tacos are a standout favorite. Margaritas, craft cocktails, beer, and wine, are available from the impressive drinks menu.
Food fanatics can stop by La Esquina to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Brunch menu favorites include Chilaquiles Verde or Rojos, Eggs Benedict, and the Huevos Ahogados. In addition to the usual brunch drinks, there is a creative and delicious Mango Guava Mimosa.
La Esquina is located in downtown Huntsville a 15-minute walk from the Von Braun Center.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
When all you want is a great old-school burger and a cold craft beer, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint produces. Don’t ask for standard lettuce and tomato on your burger, though, because Jack Brown’s doesn’t offer that. However, they do provide delicious burgers with unique toppings. The burgers are served on tasty bread and given enticing names like Cobra Kai, Elvis, and Shocker.
The food quality here is amazing, including farm-to-fork American Wagyu Beef from a family-owned farm in Boise, Idaho. One of the more popular menu items is the Chiplet, a burger topped with American Cheese, a fried egg, and applewood smoked bacon.
The knowledgeable servers can help you sift through an extensive menu of craft beers. You’ll find a variety of craft beer styles, with local favorites, international options, and rare beers from around the world.
Jack Brown’s is located in downtown Huntsville a quick 10-minute walk from the Twickenham historic district.
Baker & Able
At the top of the Hilton at 106 Jefferson is the only authentic rooftop bar in downtown Huntsville. Baker & Able is a smartly appointed place with amazing views that serves remarkable cocktails in Huntsville. From the moment you exit the elevator at the top floor, you’ll know you are here for a good time. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
The bar’s name comes from the first monkeys who went to space, and the theme carries throughout the place. Monkies are featured on the wallpaper in the hall and artwork in the lounge. Seating inside is on comfortable chairs and great big couches. Outside on the terrace is spacious and open, with heat lamps and cozy seating.
There is a small tapas menu, but the main event here is craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Try the Perfect Manhatten or the Moscow Mule. The wine list includes international and domestic varieties. Beers range from the classics to imported labels like Modelo, Guinness, and the ever-popular Stella Artois.
Baker & Able is in downtown Huntsville a 15-minute walk from the Twickenham historical district and 10 minutes to the Von Braun Center.
Downtown Huntsville Food Tour
Why not try some of the best restaurants in downtown Huntsville on a tour that is fun and informative? The best way to explore a city is through its food, and this tour will show you some of the best downtown Huntsville restaurants.
As you venture between the best restaurants, your friendly local guide will share stories about Huntsville’s art, history, and culture. Bring your family and friends or make a new friend in the small group. There is no waiting in line as each restaurant seats us promptly.
Join us for a fun time and take home some great memories. Call or go online today to book this fantastic food tour!
