Back Road Bites: A Flavor Trail with Alabama Black Belt Adventures as Your Guide Pt. 1

Last Updated 6/25/2025

Winding through Alabama’s Black Belt is a road trip not marked by interstates or neon signs—but by porchlights, gravel driveways, and the scent of something good cooking just around the bend.

Welcome to Back Road Bites, a trail of 18 unforgettable restaurants found deep in Alabama’s Black Belt, where the food is as soulful as the people and every stop feels like home. This is where time slows down, so unwind and savor the journey.

From golden fried catfish and chicken to red ripe tomatoes, locally grown produce, award-winning barbecue, smoky Conecuh sausage, and homemade desserts like buttery pecan pie, the Black Belt is a feast for your taste buds and your spirit. We’re always serving up something delicious—alongside friendly welcomes and contagious smiles.

Every plate, skillfully prepared by the locals, carries the rich flavors of the land and waterways. So take a deep breath, and follow your nose down these scenic back roads. A cold glass of sweet tea is waiting just around the corner—we promise, you won’t be disappointed.

The best part? Each meal comes with a side of something to see or do. From river trails and state parks to birding loops, fishing holes, and historic landmarks, there’s adventure around every bend. Along the way, discover handmade treasures, local art, and stories worth remembering. It’s the perfect excuse to roll down the windows, take the scenic route, and taste the road less traveled.

The Market at John Hall - Cecil, Alabama

Tucked into the rolling countryside just outside Pike Road, The Market at John Hall is where Southern comfort meets culinary creativity — and where locals and travelers gather for great food, good stories, and $1 oysters on Saturdays.

Let’s start with the star: The Cecil Quail. Featured in Garden & Gun, this dish is a Southern dream — bacon-wrapped quail stuffed with Conecuh sausage and cornbread dressing, served over creamy grits and collards, topped with tomato gravy, crispy onions, and fried parsley. It’s rich, thoughtful, and layered with flavor — the kind of dish that makes you put your fork down just to process it.

But that’s just the beginning. The bacon cheeseburger is the top seller, hand-pattied by in-house grill master Tim Phelps, and proudly proclaimed the best burger in Cecil. And if you roll in on a Saturday, don't miss the $1 oysters, sourced fresh every week from Bayou La Batre and served ice-cold with Alabama pride.

Step inside and you’ll find a space full of character— walls lined with dollar bills, nearly 30 mounted animals and fish, and a quirky, welcoming vibe that’s a little Flora-Bama, a little roadside museum. Outside? A sandpit for the kids, patio seating for the grown-ups, and a laid-back feel that makes you want to stay awhile.

This isn’t just a meal — it’s a slice of community, family, and small-town flavor at its best.

David's Catfish House - Monroeville, Alabama

Family-owned and Alabama-proud, David’s Catfish House has been serving up golden-fried comfort food since 1983. The original Monroeville location is where it all began — with fresh U.S. farm-raised catfish, hand-breaded seafood, and hushpuppies that are practically a local love language. But what really seals the deal? That house-made ranch dressing. Creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping everything from fried pickles to fish, it's quiet legend among regulars.

Order the catfish and shrimp combo or go all-in with the “Big David’s Platter,” and don’t forget an extra side of ranch. You’ll thank us later.

The Red Barn - Demopolis, Alabama

Tucked off Highway 80, The Red Barn welcomes you with rustic charm, a sizzling grill, and that unmistakable small-town hospitality. Inside this longtime Demopolis favorite, wood-paneled walls and friendly smiles set the tone — and the food seals the deal. The Cajun Jubilee, a rich, flavorful medley of chicken, shrimp, and étouffée over rice, is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why taking the back road is always worth it.

We met owner Eddie, who was genuinely proud we stopped in — and with good reason. The Red Barn strikes a perfect balance between hearty steakhouse fare and down-home comfort. It's also part of a local legacy: Eddie and his family run nearby Faunsdale Café, where folks rave about the meat-and-three plates and Southern staples. Together, the two spots showcase the flavor and spirit of the Black Belt.

Cajun Corner - Eufaula, Alabama

If you’re headed to Cajun Corner and can’t decide between pasta or seafood, we’ve got good news — you don’t have to choose. Start with the North Shore Pasta, where Gulf shrimp, crawfish, and spicy andouille sausage meet capellini in a creamy Cajun sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s bold, indulgent, and everything you want in a Southern- style pasta dish.

But don’t leave without trying the blackened grouper sandwich — a local legend served on perfectly crusty bread that holds up to every juicy bite. Whether you're craving coastal comfort or a spicy Louisiana kick, Cajun Corner delivers serious flavor with a side of small-town charm

Alabama Grill - Greenville, Alabama

At Alabama Grill, the menu is as thoughtfully crafted as the atmosphere — a little upscale, a little relaxed, and all heart. Housed in a welcoming downtown space, the restaurant honors both its roots and its future, starting with the Liveakos Pizza, a veggie-packed pie made with Greek ingredients and named after the original founder, Mack Liveakos. It’s a delicious tribute that blends local history with Mediterranean flair.

The rest of the menu doesn’t miss. The grilled mahi sandwich, a spring and summer favorite, is topped with house-made tartar sauce and fresh slaw. The wedge salad layers Bates smoked turkey, crumbled bacon, farm- fresh eggs, and house blue cheese for a plate as pretty as it is satisfying. And the burger? It’s hand-patted daily and served just right — simple, classic, unforgettable.

Conecuh Sausage Company Store - Evergreen, Alabama

If Alabama had a flavor, it just might be Conecuh Sausage — and there’s no better place to experience it than the original company store in Evergreen. This isn’t just a stop, it’s a pilgrimage for sausage lovers. Grab a freshly grilled Conecuh dog made with your choice of flavor — Original, Hickory Smoked, Spicy & Hot, Cajun, Cracked Black Pepper, or All Natural Hickory Smoked — then pile it high at the build-your-own toppings bar.

Inside, it’s part snack stop, part Southern pantry. You’ll find smoked turkey, smoked ham, and exclusive Conecuh products and seasonings not available anywhere else. Whether you're fueling up or stocking a cooler for the road, this is a can’t-miss stop — smoky, savory, and pure Alabama.

Go to Part 2.