The Ark: Small whole-in-the wall restaurant alongside the Coosa river. The fried catfish is as good as anywhere with large portions served with tasty hushpuppies. The fried butterfly shrimp are also very popular. For non-seafood lovers the traditional burgers, chicked and other food is served; but it all takes a back-seat to the fried catfish. If “healthy” eating is your plan, this may not be the best place. If good food is your desire, this is the place to go.
Address: 13030 U.S. 78, Riverside, Ala.
Phone: (205) 338-7420
Top O’ The River: Since 1982, this restaurant has provided the finest catfish and seafood in the region. The catfish is farm-raised and grain fed in Mississippi and is served in very large portions. Also, the seafood is flown in twice weekly to insure top quality. Unique to Top O’ The River are some of the side including fried dill pickles, mustard greens and you can start the meal with jalopeno (or regular if you like) cornbread.
Address: 3,330 McClellan Boulevard, Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 238-0097
Hours: Monday-Friday: 5:00 – close
Saturday: 4:00 – close
Sunday: Noon – close
Nino’s Italian Restaurant: MRN radio’s Eli Gold is co-owner of this restaurant that opened in July of last year. Mouth-wateringly good chicken, veal, eggplant parmigiana…New York style pizza are just a few of the many menu offerings. A full menu including appetizers, salads, pasta, calzones, Italian entrees and desserts is available. A kid’s menu is available. And, the restaurant also serves beer and wine. The motto at Nino: “A taste as good at Gold!”
Address: 2689 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL
Phone: (205) 620-1116
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Other Favorites:
Dreamland BBQ: “Ain’t nothing like ‘em nowhere”…legendary ribs and sauce have made Dreamland famous since 1958. The restaurant has been feature in Chili Pepper Magazine, Southern Living Readers Choice Award 2000, USA Today, ESPN and many others. Eight locations around the Birmingham area, further information at www.DreamlandBBQ.com