Flora-Bama Yacht Club. The address says Florida, but this casual waterfront restaurant serving high-end grub sits on the Alabama-Florida state line and is more closely associated with Orange Beach, Ala. No need to dress up; the beach vibe is strong here. Entrees start at $12. 17350 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, Fla. 850-483-6272, florabamayachtclub.com.
Saw's Soul Kitchen. Located in the hip, burgeoning Avondale area of Birmingham, this barbecue joint also specializes in traditional soul food dishes. If the small dining area is full, get it to go and head a couple of doors down to the Avondale Brewing Co., which doesn't serve food — they'll let you bring Saw's dishes into their establishment. Plates start at $9.99. 215 41st St. S., Birmingham. 205-591-1409, sawsbbq.com.
Wildflower Cafe. Mountaintop cafe adorned with lots of local art and a friendly atmosphere, where locals and tourists mingle. Plenty of healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Try the tomato pie. Entrees start at $14. 6007 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone, Ala. 256-634-0066, mentonewildflower.com.
Chez Fonfon. This classic French bistro in the Southside neighborhood of Birmingham is owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Stitt, who also owns the legendary Highland Bar and Grill next door. Entrees start at $11. 2007 11th Ave. S., Birmingham. 205-939-3221, fonfonbham.com.
King Neptune's. Royal Red shrimp are only found in the Gulf of Mexico, and this longstanding seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores features the lobster-like delicacy on its menu. Platters start at $15. 1137 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Ala. 251-968-5464, kingneptuneseafoodrestaurant.com.
Irondale Cafe. Open since 1928, this is the place that made fried green tomatoes famous. It served as the inspiration for the cafe in the novel "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," which the hit film was based on. Under $15. 1906 1st Ave. N., Irondale, Ala. 205-956-5258, irondalecafe.com.
Bright Star. Serving Alabamians since 1907, this is one of the state's landmark restaurants, dishing out Greek-style steak and seafood dishes in classic environs. The broiled seafood platter is a longtime favorite. Entrees start at $15.25. 304 19th St. N., Bessemer, Ala. 205-426-1861, thebrightstar.com.
The Hangout. Open-air casual beach bar-restaurant with plenty of amusements for kids and adults. Home of the Hangout Music Festival each May. Entrees start at $16. 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, Ala. 251-948-3030, thehangout.com.
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