Dining Out In Mobile, Alabama

RECOMMENDED

LIQUID

NO-JA

MARTINI'S

These are places in the "Downtown" section which encompasses this side of the tunnels, west to Broad (fudging a little to include some of our homies on the Midtown periphery like Callaghan's, Guido's, Bakery, and Pizzeria. If you don't like what you see here, PACK A LUNCH! No, seriously, check out the causeway establishments (like Felix's Fish Camp and the Original Oyster House) as they are also just a few minutes away and offer tremendous views of the Bay. And, of course, heading Westerly, there's the "Midtown" section which includes such wonderful places as Ruth Chris' and Justine's.

Ever notice how unoriginal the folks that name Mobile's restaurants and bars are? Let see, the Bakery used to be -- a bakery! The Garage? A garage. The Bike Shop? Yep. Cafe 615 is at 615 Dauphin Street and 219 is at 219 Conti Street. (And don't get us started on the whole LODA, No-Ja nonsense.) Well, what they lack in name originality is more than compensated for in 219's fare. Because it's a block away from the County Courthouse (and because of the demise of our beloved Loretta's and Quatorze), this little eatery is packed with government employees who know a good thing when they see it. If there is such a thing as an upscale sandwich place, this is it. Definitely not a "fern bar. Serves drinks and usually stays open to accommodate Saenger events.

Michael's Midtown not only began the trend towards fine eateries, it trained many of the area's best chefs. This was probably the first fine restaurant that sprang from that legacy. They, in turn, have expanded on the tradition of offering excellent cuisine. Not only is the setting pleasant, the food is the area's best. Fresh soups and homemade bread and desserts, inventive salads, pasta dishes, and more. The deli next door is also top-notch, serving great take out and one of the best wine selections around.

One of the best additions to the Downtown scene has been this Thai restaurant. It's so popular for lunch, you'd better get there before noon. If you're looking for a nice quiet evening eatery, this is it.

This is easily the best Downtown place to eat. It's easy on the eyes and the palate. Cafe 615 is on par with Ruth Chris' for really top rate fare. If you're looking for a steak Downtown this is the place. It has the best looking bar and waitstaff in the city. Recently under new management, they have added what is the city's classiest Sunday brunch. Not only is that fare excellent, they have a buffet-style mimosa/screwdriver/Bloody Mary bar. Sunday! Sunday!Sunday!

When Chuck and JT took over this ____ (what's the Irish equivalent of "venerable"?) Mobile institution it just got better. This is where the locals go to get a beer, watch a game, play shuffleboard, and chat. Really nice (what's the Irish word for "ambiance"? Someone help me here!) ____. Their lunches always feature a special and a nice respite from the downtown lunch rush. When the weather permits, they keep the windows open. It has a New Orleans neighborhood feel to the place. Go there for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, watch a game, BS with the locals.

After years of selling those wonderful treats, they have opened an old-fashioned soda shoppe and are selling light fare like gumbo and muffalettas . Remember, these folks do everything top grade. Try their lemonade or sundae and sodas.

We were heart-broken when they moved the original Guido's off to WeMo. These guys know what they're doing. Here in the heart of the Oakleigh Garden District you can get some really excellent fare in (a) building(s) big enough to host a multitude of settings. As the name implies, they are heavy on the pasta dishes but look for a really extensive and sophisticated menu that will satisfy just about any palette.

Southern-style food, specializing in smoked meats, with daily specials. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

No matter what its latest incantation, the ghosts of Chuck and Tom will always rattle through this sports bar. Food is passable but the ambiance is great thanks to our favorite guy The Rasp. Settle down to enjoy a BLT or a chicken wings while you catch a game on TV. This is the guy version of Spot of Tea. This is not a chain clone but a truly Mobile experience. Roll Tide! War Eagle! Whatever!!!!

They passed a law to allow Mobile's first (and only) mini brew pub. This is the third try for this place. Try the beer, skip the airport food.

(Eds Note, Captain's StarDate 4/12/2007: Good friends Andrea and Jay Stallworth came back from this place last night raving - in a good way - about the food and the service. So, to be fair, and since this place could be such a wonderful asset to the downtown scene, give them a try. )

Just across the street from the Cathedral and Cathedral Square, they serve typically Italian fare. Their pizzas are really good AND THEY DELIVER!!!.

Prime rib buffet on Friday nights. Otherwise, it's just not-so-good hotel food. Bayview Room offers an outstanding view of the city.

Another little out-of-the-way place favored by the locals, this place is really excellent. Don't be fooled by the name, their pizza is excellent, but their entrees are as good and sophisticated as any thing offered at the other fine dining establishments listed here.

Liquid is the most daring of the Downtown eateries. Situated right next door to the Bicycle Shop, this bar is not only a really pleasant, quiet and out-of-the-maelstrom kind of place, it serves a menu that will impress even the snottiest hardcore sushi addict and tempt even the pansiest palette. Their repertoire is a really nice blend of classic and nouveau sushi cuisine, a truly impressive array of Sashimi and Nigiri.

Cafeteria-style restaurant features a variety of home-cooked meals. Weekdays from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

This began as a wildly successful Heroes' spin-off specializing in Southern lunches. Undergoing a change of management, they then complemented the high carb menu nicely so that it now includes just about anything you might want for lunch. Also serving midnight breakfast, just in case you're downtown for one of those late night depositions.

This is our new favorite place. Picture yourself in Atlanta in a posh rendezvous bar, say the Atlanta Ritz-Carlton at Lennox Square. This place is really classy, quiet, and away from the kids (not just your kids but the piercelings and toughs). The real surprise is the menu. We never really considered it a fine dining eatery but, hey! WE WERE WRONG. The whole elegant motif is carried along into its menu. It's also a real late night party favorite, again because the kids are all off at the other end of the block at Haley's.

Home-made jumbo and mini muffins along with bagels, French bread, sandwiches, salads, yogurt, desserts, and coffees. Open weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

He went away and now is back, and we're glad. Situated in the old Almost Six spot, this place is a gastronomic treat. The only downside is it's popularity. It's packed because the hoi-palloi need somewhere Downtown where they can feel comfortable. The fabulous word-of-mouth on this place is driven by the fact that the owner has been associated with some of the best upscale eating establishments in the city. If you dine out only once during your stay here, this is the place.

Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel offers pretty good theme buffets seven days a week. Over-priced and passable. Grilled local seafood, charbroiled steaks. Excellent salad bar and soups. Right across from the state courthouse so it's easy to do a dine and dash. Excellent service.

Well Mead Miller cannot be blamed for lacking in name originality. (What is a "Picklefish"? Ask Harrison.) This place has the feel of an eatery in a university town. No nonsense, low on the pretensions, high on the quality of the fast food staples. The best salads in the city. Their traditional Italian and unique white pizzas, specialty pies, po-boys are also the best you will find. The location makes it a natural for workday lunches, after-hours socials and late (we mean, LATE) alcohol-sopping snacks. Service has improved greatly. 11 a.m. seven days a week and until at least 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

View of Mobile Bay, elegant dining, soft piano music. If you just got off a plane and are staying at the Adam's Mark Hotel this may actually sound good. Fight the urge to raid the mini bar and go downstairs to the bar! (Caution: These folks were hit hard by Katrina. Expect some major inconveniences!)

This is the newest edition to the Downtown fine-dining list. David Rasp of Heroes and lovely Gina Previto of Veets have teamed up to bring Downtown a little flair. Ever swimming upstream, Rasp has somehow conceptualized an upscale lunch with an evening Tapas restaurant. While it might seem a bit schizo, the concept totally works. If you're here over a weekend, eat here and go next door to Veets' Bar. (Really. It's okay. It just looks scary. They are great folks here.) Like Martini's, The Garage, Liquid and The Bike Shop it's where the over-30 locals go to hang out. (Under 30s, report to Hayley's and Boo Radley's). If you're having lunch, walk it off by walking down to the park on the water.

Passable Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful venue. This exquisite place used to be a drug store and is very centrally located at the corner of Dauphin and Royal Streets.

Biscuits and waffles for breakfast; sandwiches, salads, and baked potatoes for dinner.

Absolutely the newest addition to the Downtown dining scene and what a pleasure this place is. While Liquid caters to the rendezvous crowd, this Sushi bar and Japanese restaurant is more family oriented and less pretentious. But make no mistake about it, the surroundings are elegant and the food is definitely on par with Liquid's. And, it's located right across from Bienville Square.

This is one of Downtown's success stories. Mobile's original tea room is a lunch time favorite, especially with the ladies. About a year ago, the city allowed the Dauphin Street eateries to offer "bistro seating", allowing them to put tables on the sidewalks. Now, you, too, can enjoy smog Parisian style. Liquid, Wintzell's and Spot of Tea all offer this. But Spot of Tea's looks out over Cathedral Square. So, when the weather is idyllic, as it often is here, sit outside and take advantage of their huge selection of sandwiches and salads. On weekends, check out their brunch Eggs Benedict.

Lunch buffet. Went in there once. Walked out. Soup Kitchen feel. But, hey, we're picky!

An institution for over 60 years, this is one of those "must do" local places. The place was recently gentrified (a little) but manages to retain the charm of the old "Oysters - fried, stewed, and nude" place. For raw oysters go to the oyster bar and have Willie shuck you a dozen. Don't get them at the table.

Last on this list only by virtue of its name, this is one of Downtown eating's best kept secrets. Hidden away in the dungeon of the (it will always be the "First National") bank building, they serve quality cafeteria-style food at modest prices. Great selection, salads and always a veal cutlet, burger or pizza available. It's near the federal courthouse. Save some time to digest your food by hanging out in Bienville Square.