5 Restaurants That Define Auburn-Opelika's Culinary Scene
Sponsored Feature — Paid for by Auburn-Opelika Tourism. This story was produced by Alabama Foodie/WEDO Media with information and photography provided by the sponsoring organization and participating businesses.
The Auburn-Opelika culinary scene is one of a kind, and it shows up on the plate right away. Start with slow-smoked barbecue pulled straight from the fire, then make your way to fresh Gulf seafood, house-made pastas, and seasonal dishes that shift throughout the year. There is range here, but it all feels intentional. You will find kitchens led by nationally recognized talent, including an Iron Chef winner, alongside restaurants that have built their reputation over time by doing things well and doing them consistently. Here are a few worth getting to know.
The Waverly Local
Tucked away in the small, charming town of Waverly, Alabama, The Waverly Local, often called “The Local,” is a Southern roots restaurant set inside what was once one of the state’s first Ford dealerships. The space still carries that history, now paired with a warm, inviting interior that shifts easily from sunlit lunches to softly lit dinners.
The menu is built around what is in season and close to home. Produce is sourced locally whenever possible, including tomatoes and squash from Mace Glasscock, collard greens from Andrew Lowery in Waverly, and cucumbers and lettuces from Ralf du Toit of Extreme Green Farms in Auburn. A daily Gulf seafood feature brings in fresh coastal flavors, alongside Southern staples like half-smoked chicken, bacon-wrapped Wickle’s okra, blue crab cakes, and roasted ranch pork.
The bar features a rotating selection of local craft beers, along with wine by the glass or bottle and a full cocktail menu. Each option is simple, well done, and designed to pair easily with the menu. It is easy to start with one thing and end up trying a few more.
ZaZu Gastropub
Housed in what was once a vacant commercial building in downtown Opelika, Zazu Gastropub now spans five levels, each one adding to its character. The space blends old and new with sand-colored walls, exposed brick, wide-plank flooring, flickering gas lanterns, and repurposed wooden beams from Opelika’s Old Mill. The menu is built around quality ingredients and strong local partnerships, including Opelika Grows, Alabama Seafood Co., and Oakview Farms Granary. That attention shows up in everything from fresh seafood to grains and produce sourced close to home. The offerings change with the seasons, but the approach stays steady. Zazu leans into comfort food from across the country, with favorites like duck fat fries earning their spot on the table.
Behind the bar, the lineup is just as considered, with more than 20 craft beers on tap, an extensive wine list, and a full cocktail menu.
With so much to take in, from the layered space to the menu itself, it is the kind of place where plans tend to stretch a little longer than expected.
Cafe 123
Located in downtown Opelika, Café 123 brings together Southern cuisine with a subtle French influence in a space that feels polished without being overdone. Set inside the historic Haynie’s Drugstore building, the restaurant carries a vintage atmosphere shaped by its past, with black and white checkered tile, candlelit tables, and a dining room that stays quiet and intimate.
The menu focuses on quality ingredients and familiar dishes done well. Hand-cut ribeyes and filets stand out for steak lovers, alongside sushi-grade tuna and fresh seafood selections. Chef Eron Bass keeps things moving with rotating specials and seasonal features, while signature touches like his brown sugar rub show up across a number of dishes. Starters like beer-battered asparagus with lemon aioli and a tableside Caesar salad for two add just enough detail without overcomplicating the menu.
The bar offers a solid selection of craft beers, an extensive wine list, and a full cocktail menu that pairs easily with the menu. It is the kind of place that works best when the lights are low, the table is set, and there is no rush to leave.
Bow & Arrow
Bow & Arrow serves up a bold mix of Southern comfort and South Texas barbecue with plenty of flavor to go around. Created by Chef David Bancroft, a former Iron Chef winner, the restaurant marks his second venture in Auburn- Opelika and highlights his signature style with smoked meats cooked over a live-fire Kudu grill.
The menu blends bold barbecue flavors with Mexican favorites, making it a standout on the local dining scene. Guests can dig into slow-smoked brisket, pork, and turkey alongside fajitas and enchiladas, or stick with Southern classics like crispy fried chicken and catfish.
Come hungry, because portions are generous and meant for sharing or savoring. The drink menu is just as fun, with everything from mules and frozen margaritas to the oversized 53 oz. Painkiller for those feeling adventurous. Non-drinkers are just as covered, with options like Mexican Coca-Cola adding a refreshing and authentic touch.
Whether you are stopping in for smoked meats, a round of margaritas, or a laid-back meal with friends, it is the kind of place where the table fills up fast and nobody leaves without a to-go box.
Hamilton's on Magnolia
A block off Toomer’s Corner, Hamilton’s is one of those places you end up at sooner or later. It has been part of downtown Auburn for years, with a smaller dining room that fills up fast and a steady mix of regulars who already know what they are ordering.
The fried green tomatoes are a good place to start, topped with grilled shrimp and finished with balsamic sauces. From there, you can go lighter with the grilled salmon over mixed greens with tomatoes, carrots, tortilla strips, and a Thai lime cilantro dressing, or lean into something like the blackened chicken fettuccine, with chargrilled chicken, parmesan cream sauce, green onions, and diced tomatoes.
The bar stays busy, especially with cocktails like the Espresso Martini made with Cathead Vodka, Kahlúa, and cold brew from Bitty & Beau’s, a local Auburn coffee shop known for employing people with disabilities, finished with a splash of cream. Hamilton’s is convenient and consistent, a reliable stop in the middle of downtown.
Worth the Drive
Spend a little time working your way through these spots, and it starts to make sense. Nothing feels out of place, and each stop brings something different. With a booming culinary scene, Auburn-Opelika is the place to visit.
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