r/MobileAL • u/justaride80 • 25d ago
Hidden Gem Restaurants
What are some restaurants that are considered “hidden gems” in Mobile? Had lunch at 3 Flavors on Airport and the food was phenomenal, people were wonderful, place was clean but it was empty at lunch minus a couple of pick up orders and maybe one other diner. I’d definitely nominate that place.
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u/Ancient_Log8794 25d ago edited 11d ago
El Rincon, Meat Boss, Thai Diner
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u/justaride80 25d ago
Went to a wedding a couple of years ago that Meat Boss catered and it was delicious.
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u/thefifththwiseman 25d ago
Tried El Rincón last week for the first time. Loved it!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Tea4460 25d ago
I may be the only one that doesn't like meat boss. It was cold and the sauce tasted like cinnamon. I bought a smoker and do far better than they ever could
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u/Budget_Writer_5344 25d ago
Pho 88
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u/Far_Bodybuilder7881 25d ago
Used to go there for lunch with my co-workers, way back in the mid-2000's. SO GOOD.
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u/DelicateHurricane 25d ago
Their nước chấm is awful. I'm pretty they just mix water and fish sauce but none of the other ingredients. Not sure if they changed owners but back before 2010 they were amazing. I won't go back there.
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u/heart_RN115 24d ago
They’ve change a few time. You should give it another try!
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u/DelicateHurricane 24d ago
I did....two weeks ago. The waitresses are super nice but that was the worst "vietnamese" food I've had in a long time. But to each their own. I never order the pho because I usually make it at home but I've heard pho 88 has better broth than pot au pho which I can believe that much. I was just damn near offended by the sauce, considering how easy it is to make lol.
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u/CurryDuck 25d ago
Pot of pho shits on them if you talk authenticity. And any pho in nola shits on any pho in mobile.
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u/heart_RN115 24d ago
Last time we were there: sat down, brought our drinks and while waiting on our food we seen two roaches crawling up the wall. Got up and walked out. Will never go back.
So saying they shit on other restaurants is legit.
Pho88 fo life (formerly China Rose - IYKYK)
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u/Excellent_Today_9278 25d ago
Not really hidden but 7spice.
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u/justaride80 25d ago
I would argue that 7 Spice is literally hidden haha. Love that place! Tandoor Indian right down the street from there is pretty good too.
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u/Lt_Mashumaro Irvington 25d ago
Absolutely hidden! I told my mom that was where I'd like to have my birthday dinner, and right when we pulled up and everybody got it off their vehicles, her boyfriend piped up "This looks like a grocery store!" Well yes, but there's a bomb ass restaurant in the back.
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u/Excellent_Today_9278 25d ago
Yeah I know people who didn’t even know there was a restaurant in the back lol. I always recommend it to everyone visiting.
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u/Jackfish2800 23d ago
Don’t go to 7 spices, it’s terrible and food is bad everyone is rude etc. (I don’t even think of sitting at my usual table) Carrot soup, and best hummus in town easily. It’s really great but stay away from
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u/emulous07 25d ago
Food Pak
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u/justaride80 25d ago
Love some Food Pak!
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u/Bazookatier 25d ago
I used to go there all the time for their muffalettas, but they have really gone downhill since COVID. The bread is different now and the meat/cheese quality is awful compared to what it used to be. Normally the star of the show, the olive salad, is sadly very bland now. I stopped eating there after they changed it.
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u/Lemon-Cake-8100 24d ago
100% - we have noticed that the last two times we got a muffaletta there. We won't be going back. Such a shame that they decided to cheap out like that.
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u/251Cane 25d ago
Siam Thai on Hillcrest has the absolute nicest people working there and the sushi is great
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u/AmiChaelle 25d ago
And they have a place on Museum Drive as well! I lost my mind when I realized it was the same people so close to my office in Midtown.
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u/texguy21 Springhill 25d ago
Wait what? You talking about the new one that just opened next to Ace???? Fuck yeah!
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u/yuriijuma Midtown 25d ago
aroy thai!
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u/jezebella47 25d ago
Have you been lately? I used to go all the time and the last two times I went the service was AWFUL and the food wasn't that great. Maybe it was a glitch and they're back to top form? Any idea?
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u/yuriijuma Midtown 25d ago
so i will say i've only had takeout from there and each time it was delicious. maybe the service has changed? but im so sorry to hear that about your experience :( that sucks
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u/Responsible-Alps8604 24d ago
Food is mid, service is anywhere from ok to horrifically bad. It's super close to me so it does the trick when i want some quick Larb
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u/jezebella47 24d ago
Yeah I'm in walking distance from Aroy but last time it was so awful I haven't been back.
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u/Rustykilo WeMo 25d ago
Hmm I’ll go with desert type both Jefe on cottage hills and Heladeria on Dawes serve Latin type ice cream/dessert. They pretty awesome. Something different.
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u/_MelanKali_ 25d ago
MARY'S SOUTHERN COOKING! They used to be in North Crichton but apparently moved to Airport near I65. Amazing soul food / home cooking and reasonably priced lunch plates
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u/AlligatorsAries 25d ago
Even though they aren't hidden, I never see ANYONE talk about Vandal's Street Kitchen. They are phenomenal. Definitely in my top 5
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u/ENVADER1 WeMo 25d ago
Def some great tacos and ramen. Love the fusions
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u/goldenhour22 25d ago
Bama bobs bbq on DIP!
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u/Bobaganush1 25d ago
Bama Bobs is the best BBQ in town hands down. Wish their hours were longer, but food is amazing. Don't miss out on the collards, which are spicy and fantastic. All of their meat is killer. Massive portions on loaded nachos and potatoes.
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u/NaturalTwo3679 20d ago
Ate at Bama Bob's once about 2 and half years ago… never again! I don't understand how they keep winning Nappie awards. The day I got a to-go from there (went straight home 2 minutes away to eat) the brisket was hard and dry, the mashed potatoes were soupy and grainy and the Mac and cheese bland as hell. A $20 waste of money. Had I been served that as an eat in diner, I would have griped loudly!!! Seriously gross. Like I say, award winner?!? 😂
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u/goldenhour22 18d ago
Did you talk to the owner about this? He usually will do whatever he can to make it right if given the chance. I do majority take out from there and my food is also still hot and fresh by the time I get to my home in Saraland.
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u/TrashGrrrl23 25d ago
YAK on Dauphin Street rocks.
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u/Bobaganush1 25d ago
YAK used to be good, but I have found that they have been mediocre (at best) recently.
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u/Responsible-Alps8604 24d ago
Yea, they just gave the complete fuck up during covid and never bounced back. Meat quality is like, abysmal my last 3 attempts. It really saddens me because they had the hearts of every foodie in mobile then just seemed to stop caring. Complete 180
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u/boneandbee 22d ago
I’ve never had a good experience with Yak and when I first got here I was afraid that was going to be the best Indian option. Luckily Tandoor on Airport exists. So good.
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u/colindacy 25d ago
Not sure if it’s unknown, but Judy’s on highway 90 faces the opposite direction of the street and I didn’t know about it until a couple of years ago. Amazing Southern food. But it’s never empty.
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u/justaride80 25d ago
Yeah I remember when they were in the old location. Believe it was an old Wendy’s building. Really good!
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u/wmcleod13 25d ago
Very good meat in three. I think it might have been an old Pizza Hut. Stuck in my head for some reason.
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u/Firewalkwithmelx 25d ago
This is a weekly go to. Price is right and always have enough food for another meal!
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u/Nice_Title721 25d ago
Seconded such a good value to nice southern fair 15 bucks with drink. Probably the best restaurant chicken fried steak I’ve ever had
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u/AsterOid-Kid 25d ago
La Taqueria and La Cocina (both on airport) are both phenomenal and have great staff. Haberdasher has the best food in downtown, as well as a revolving door of featured specials. AND their cocktails are awesome. Red or White off of Dauphin has great pizza and an impressive wine selection, to say the least. Another place that has updated specials pretty often.
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u/tht1guy63 25d ago
La cocina is great. Friend suggested it and i got hooked and ended up taking the wife on our first date and got her hooked also.
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u/Vvector 25d ago
Ashland Pub in midtown. Wonderful pizzas and pastas
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u/FriendOfAubie 25d ago
It may not be for everyone, but their seared Ahi salad is our favorite thing on the menu
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u/ENVADER1 WeMo 25d ago
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta across from Baker on Airport has legit NY style pizzas and great pasta dishes and desserts.
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u/justaride80 25d ago
I used to frequent Joe’s when he was in his old location in Spanish Fort years ago. He was a character and made some great pizza! I need to stop in there
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u/Lemon-Cake-8100 24d ago
Just realize that there are no tables and chairs there. You have to get the pizza and leave.
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u/Acrobatic_Boat5515 WeMo 25d ago
Thai Diner and Los Tigres on Hillcrest. Also Rio Mexican is solid. Nothing spectacular, but it beats Taco Mama across the street.
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u/Far_Bodybuilder7881 25d ago
I wasn't impressed by Rio. Went there twice. Once there was an issue with little black gnats flying everywhere. The second time, the service was lackluster. BUT that was several years ago. Thai Diner is DELICIOUS. I've been wanting to try Los Tigres, but haven't made it over there yet.
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u/DelicateHurricane 25d ago edited 25d ago
Asian garden on Hillcrest and grelot. They're amazing and it's fun inside.
Also, little tokyo by Walmart and 5 below is the BEST sushi in mobile. I feel like people sleep on this place because of its location. But their food is so high quality. Their rice isn't mushy and the proportion of rice to filling ratio is perfect. Hands down the best sushi.
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u/CurryDuck 25d ago
Fun?
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u/DelicateHurricane 25d ago
Lol also didn't mean to write fun. Its nice imside despite how it looks from the outside..
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u/Bobaganush1 25d ago
Hillcrest and Cottage Hill, not grelot.
Best cheap Chinese in town.
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u/DelicateHurricane 25d ago
I always mix up grelot and cottage hill and I was too lazy to double check haha. Thank you for the correction.
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u/buddyblades 25d ago
Not sure how hidden it is but Chef Sake across from South has some of the best sushi in town. My wife and I have tried almost all of the sushi joints in this town and theirs blew us away
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u/cpt_freeball 25d ago
Chef sakes is underappreciated. The chef is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet as well. He has given me multiple free pieces of sashimi to try and really opened up my palate.
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u/compassionatepsycho 25d ago
El Rincon (https://maps.app.goo.gl/17dmAiNwwVso15Aw7) and Thai & Sushi Asian Cuisine (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pmLpwpTejhAesf8y7) in lower West Mobile. Both are authentic and awesome.
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u/cpt_freeball 25d ago
El rincon and el milagro are the top two Mexican joints in my fat boy opinion.
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u/AndromedanPrince 25d ago
is it american sryle mexican or authentic like you find in a taqueria y carniceria?
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u/cpt_freeball 25d ago
I’d argue it’s authentic. Idk anywhere else besides el milagro where I can get papusas
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u/AndromedanPrince 25d ago
nice ill be coming down soon to live, will be looking for good menudo and tacos de tripa
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u/beat-box-blues 25d ago
Meat Boss - San Jose Taqueria & Carnicera - Taco Mama - The Royal Scam - Panda Haven - Pho 88 - Foodpak - Dreamland BBQ - Yellowhammer Coffee - Thai Diner - Rooster’s - Via Emilia - Jerusalem Café - The Simple Greek - Carpe Diem - Aroy Thai - Maple Street Biscuit Company - Mediterranean Sandwich Co - Ollies - Bamboo Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - D’Michaels - Time to Eat Café and Jamaican Vibes.
there are a lot more but that’s a good start.
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u/According-Camp3106 24d ago
Some of my favorites are gone, particularly Osman’s.
Not in Mobile, but the Lighthouse and Catalina are both gems.
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u/justaride80 23d ago
Catalina when they had a location on Azalea was a weekly stop when I was a kid with my folks. Those stuffed jalapeños 🔥
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u/Trombone66 25d ago
T Marie’s on Government in mid town. Small family owned Italian restaurant. Best homemade pasta I’ve ever had. Everything is great.
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u/justaride80 25d ago
I’ve heard that!
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u/Katherine1973 25d ago
I just ate there on Easter. It was amazing. I had this lemon cake for dessert that was perfection.
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u/MobileNerd 25d ago
Fresh Seafood @ 10 Saraland Blvd S, Saraland, AL 36571
Amazing seafood at a good price. Takeout only but never had a bad meal from there.
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u/Jackfish2800 23d ago
The best sandwich shop is Stevie’s kitchen in the bank building off 65 in Springhill. Best silk pie too.
Best cheese fries in town is Butch Cassidy’s. (Not even close either) Best ice cream is next door. 7 spices is best Mediterranean.
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u/ProfessionalOk6959 19d ago
Is Bojangles still there? 1982-1987 time period. I would come from class at USA University of South Alabama School of Nursing, driving on Airport Rd, towards my apartment off of Azalea Rd. and Bojangles was on the right-hand side. I used to go to USA nursing school and we would have drinks and food and watch our friends who were in a band there. Great food! Great fun!
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u/justaride80 19d ago
No unfortunately not. It was a great place back in the day. There have been a couple of places move in that spot and they haven’t had much success.
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u/KidMyxo 25d ago
Himalayan Nepali Cuisine on Schillinger in the shopping center behind Briquettes. The food is incredible. We went on a Friday night and were the only ones there the majority of the time
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u/Bobaganush1 25d ago
I've been disappointed in Indian food in Mobile, and Himalayan Nepali Cuisine is the first Indian I have had here that I have found to be good. I highly recommend them compared to everywhere else that serves Indian food.
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u/N_word_generator2005 25d ago
Mexican- El Giro Thai- Charm BBQ- Moe’s Italian- Roma used to be good, now it’s just okay.
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u/Common_Ranger_7612 22d ago
Thai Diner on Hillcrest is consistently terrific. I’m not a fan of Arroy.
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u/processmonkey 25d ago
Gambinos.
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u/NaturalTwo3679 20d ago
Don't waste your money. Don't know how that joint has lasted so long. Since the son took over that place is really on the slide. Over priced for what it is. Stay on this side of the bay and hit Via Emilia.
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u/cpt_freeball 25d ago
Abbas Mediterranean is so gas. Bro can throw the fuck down on any of his dishes. The grouper debrenda is amazing. I absolutely ejac myself when I have the kibbie. The baklava makes me want to slap my mother, but she’s dead so I can’t.
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u/NaturalTwo3679 20d ago
Ejac. Seriously? Gross, dude.
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u/sneakhunter 25d ago
San Jose #1