Publications often highlight Fairhope as a top place to visit, live and retire, and the locals know that once people get here, everyone has to eat. And they make sure it's also a top place to do just …
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Publications often highlight Fairhope as a top place to visit, live and retire, and the locals know that once people get here, everyone has to eat. And they make sure it's also a top place to do just that.
The idyllic downtown area is small, easily walkable and packed with restaurants and cafes along with antique stores, art galleries and clothing boutiques. In the summer, it is not unusual to see tourists walking around with maps as they take in the area before heading to the beach.
The culinary scene in Fairhope is constantly changing and evolving, making it a destination for travelers and residents alike. The past year has seen old favorites move to new locations, brand-new additions and a few coming soon. While there are always rumors percolating that places like Starbucks, Chicken Salad Chick and Five Guy’s Burgers and Fries are coming to town, here are some solid bets.
NEW AND OPEN
What: The Kind Café is Fairhope’s first bagel bakery. Their crunchy exterior and chewy interior is everything you want in a bagel. The menu offers a selection of flavors from plain to sesame bagels, a selection of cream cheese flavors made in-house, bagel sandwiches and coffee. The interior design of the space is welcoming and makes a great spot to meet friends.Delta Soul
What: Located inside The Mill in Fairhope, this quick counter-service restaurant has a menu full of southern comfort food classics. Everything your southern soul desires from fried green tomatoes and fried chicken to new twists like fried apple pie chicken sandwich and chicken potpie chimichanga.
Where: The Mill Fairhope, 85 N. Bancroft St., Fairhope
EllenJay Cookies
What: EllenJay Cookies has been a staple in Mobile for years, and they recently opened a satellite location inside The Mill in Fairhope. The menu features decorated sugar cookies, cakes, cookie sandwiches and tea cakes.
Where: The Mill Fairhope, 85 N. Bancroft St., Fairhope
The Fairhope Burger Company
What: The Fairhope Burger Company is the latest addition to The Mill in Fairhope after opening in March. It specializes in burgers topped with unique toppings. Not in the mood for a burger? The menu includes chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and loaded French fries.
Sean’s Prime Dining
What: Chef Sean Travis has been serving the Eastern Shore for years out of the Eastern Shore Street Eats food truck, but in March he moved his operation to a permanent location. Recent menu specials include lobster roll, pork belly roulade and gulf snapper ceviche.
Where: 58 N. Section St., Fairhope
Porterhouse BBQ
What: The name and logo may sound familiar for this new downtown eatery. Porterhouse BBQ started as a food truck around the area, and they now have a brick-and-mortar location on Fairhope Avenue. The menu features smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs and burgers.
Where: 410 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
OLD FAVORITES WITH NEW LOCATIONS
Fairhope Chocolate
What: Fairhope Chocolate moved from Fairhope’s French Quarter to a prime location on Fairhope Avenue. The bigger space offers cozy seating areas, beer and wine, a larger selection of housemade gelato and bakery items.
Where: 403 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Rae’s Kitchen
What: Rae’s Kitchen outgrew their original space long ago, but they have a brand-new location right in downtown Fairhope. The same tasty food, dips and ready to cook casseroles are now in a larger space with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of downtown parking.
Where: 72 S. Section St., Fairhope
Bay Breeze Café
What: Bay Breeze Café moved into a new space with a large covered deck, more seating capacity and a liquor license. The menu still features classics like their delicious roasted corn and tomato bisque, sandwiches and wraps, but they have expanded to offer dinner and live music on certain nights.
Where: 212 ½ Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
COMING SOON
Pearl Restaurant
What: Pearl Restaurant looks like it will open soon with the promise of cocktails, seafood and a raw bar.
Where: 334 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Panini Pete’s Pizza and Pasta
What: Chef Pete Blohme has been working on a new dinner menu for his Fairhope Panini Pete’s location that promises freshly made pizza and pasta. He has been pushing out teasers for months, but we are hopeful he won’t make us wait much longer.
Where: 42 ½ South Section St., Fairhope