20 Best Restaurants in Dothan, AL
This article was written by local contributor Josie Evans & edited by the Travel Lens team.
If you ever find yourself in Dothan, Alabama, you're in for a treat.
With a wide variety of fantastic restaurants and local eateries, there's something to please every taste bud.
I've personally dined at many of these places and can't wait to share my recommendations with you.
Let's embark on a culinary adventure through the best restaurants in Dothan, Alabama.
River Nile Cafe
Every time I visit River Nile Cafe, I find myself falling in love with the place even more.
The restaurant is tucked away in an industrial-looking retail center, and it's always a fascinating experience to dine in a building that was once a WWII POW camp for German soldiers.
The food at River Nile Cafe never disappoints.
My go-to choice is their portobella on croissant sandwich, served with the most delicious "flat" steak fries, which are perfectly seasoned.
My partner often gets the chef salad with Caesar dressing, and we both agree that the diced dill pickle in it is a game-changer.
We're also huge fans of their dessert selection, especially the ones labeled "Katie Bell's" because they're made in-house.
Their sweet potato fries are simply to die for – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and served with an amazing sauce.
I dare say they might be the best sweet potato fries I've ever had!
And if you have room for dessert, their baked goods always look so fresh, enormous, and simply irresistible.
The atmosphere at River Nile Cafe is cozy and inviting, with charming decor that adds to the overall experience.
Plus, there are other rooms and halls you can explore, making it feel like a little adventure each time you visit.
Richie B's Pizza
I am always on the hunt for great pizza places in my neighborhood, and I recently stumbled upon Richie B's.
This modest NYC-themed eatery offers pizza, sandwiches, and sides in an old-school space with TVs.
I decided to give it a try for a quick lunch, and it did not disappoint!
I ordered a veggie slice while my husband went for the meat slice, and we couldn't resist trying their NY-style cheesecake.
Everything was delicious - the pizza was flavorful, with tasty dough and high-quality cheese.
The cheesecake was the star of the show for us, with the right consistency and still moist, making it a perfect dessert.
I also noticed they had a tempting salad option, which I might try next time for a healthier option.
Express Family Restaurant
I must admit, from the outside, Express Family Restaurant doesn't look like much.
It's not a fancy place, and the interior is a bit dated.
However, once you get past that, it's a hidden gem in our town.
You might even say it has a certain charm to it.
As someone who's been going there for years, I can vouch for the quality of their food.
Their menu may be limited, but it doesn't mean they don't serve up some fantastic dishes.
The roast beef sandwich with fries is a personal favorite of mine.
The gravy is mouthwatering, and the bread is toasted to perfection, ensuring it doesn't become soggy.
It's no wonder Express Family Restaurant is a favorite among locals, and the place is always bustling during lunchtime.
Besides the roast beef, I've tried their fried chicken, spaghetti, and Philly sandwich, all of which were equally delicious.
I recently had the lasagna, and it was superb!
Also, don't miss out on the homemade peanut butter cake if you have a sweet tooth - it's divine.
The Juicy Crab
I recently dined at The Juicy Crab in Dothan, and let me tell you, it was a fantastic experience!
I had heard mixed reviews about the place, so I was a bit skeptical at first.
However, my skepticism quickly vanished once I stepped inside this bustling seafood restaurant.
Despite the packed parking lot and crowded interior, I was able to place a to-go order and receive my food in under 15 minutes, which was impressive.
I opted for a seafood combo with a side of crawfish, and I was not disappointed.
The food was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the serving sizes were generous enough for me to take some home.
The prices were a bit on the higher side, but considering the quality of the food and the fact that it's a seafood restaurant, I thought it was well worth it.
Bishop's Home Style Cooking
One of my favorite spots to grab a meal in town has to be Bishop's Home Style Cooking.
I've been there a couple of times, and their food is nothing short of excellent.
The portions they serve are quite generous, making it worth every cent spent.
What I particularly enjoy about the place is the delicious food, which always leaves me craving more.
It could get crowded at times, but I believe that's just because everyone knows where to find good food.
Pho SaiGon
Recently, I discovered a new Vietnamese restaurant in town called Pho SaiGon.
I decided to give it a try with my spouse, and it turned out to be a delightful experience!
We started off our meal with delicious Vietnamese shrimp and pork rolls, accompanied by a tasty peanut sauce.
For our main courses, I tried the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with udon noodles, while my significant other opted for the Special Combination with vermicelli noodles.
Both dishes were absolutely delectable!
We also indulged in Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee made with sweetened condensed milk, which was the perfect way to end our meal.
The ambiance at Pho SaiGon is clean, well-lit, and minimalistic, which I personally appreciate as a fan of minimalism.
It was clear that the establishment had a strong grasp on providing excellent service and quality dishes from the very beginning, which is quite impressive.
I've since returned to Pho SaiGon and tried other menu items, like their chicken soup, which comes with a tray of fresh cilantro, basil, sprouts, and jalapeños to personalize your dish.
My partner also enjoyed their grilled pork dish, and we shared some scrumptious fried dumplings with sweet chili sauce.
Sister's Soul Express
Let's talk about my favorite soul food restaurant in town, Sister's Soul Express.
I've been going there for quite some time now, and it never fails to impress.
It's perfect for when I want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending a fortune.
One of my favorite things about Sister's Soul Express is the variety of ways you can enjoy their food.
They offer drive-thru, take-out, and dine-in options, so you can have a fantastic meal no matter how much time you have.
I can't wait for them to move into their new location on Reeves Street – I know it's going to be even better than before!
The food itself is absolutely mouthwatering.
The country-fried steak is a must-try, and if you get the chance, don't pass up on their fried pork chops.
On one memorable visit, I had a slice of their strawberry cake for dessert, and it was truly amazing.
You can tell that they put a lot of love and care into every dish.
Cookie's Corner Cafe
Every time I crave some good old-fashioned Southern comfort food, I find myself at Cookie's Corner Cafe here in Dothan.
One of the things I love the most about this place is that it's cafeteria-style, which allows me to choose my favorite classic Southern plate of one meat along with three sides.
Considering the number of call-in orders and the always-packed parking lot, it's clear that I'm not the only one who has discovered the gem that is Cookie's Corner Cafe.
I've tried a variety of dishes from their to-die-for Sunday dinner menu, but I must say their specialty fried chicken is the real showstopper.
It's honestly in competition for being the best fried chicken I have ever eaten.
Mama T's Restaurant
One of my all-time favorite places to eat is Mama T's Restaurant.
Whenever I have family or friends visiting from out of town, I always make sure to bring them here because I know they'll be blown away by the delicious food and excellent customer service.
One of my favorite dishes at Mama T's is their oxtails, which are cooked to perfection and melt in your mouth.
I also love their smothered pork chops – they're so tender and flavorful.
And let me tell you, you can't leave without trying their banana pudding.
It's so good that I usually end up devouring it before I even think to snap a photo.
What I love most about Mama T's is that it's not just a restaurant; it's like walking into someone's home and being treated like family.
The portions are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable.
Charlotte's Restaurant
Let me tell you about my experience at Charlotte's Restaurant.
The old-fashioned nook has been around since 1994, and just walking in feels like stepping into my grandma's kitchen.
The food here is absolutely amazing.
It's like a taste of home with every bite, and they have a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
Every time I go, I'm torn between trying something new or sticking to my favorites.
One of my favorite things about Charlotte's Restaurant is the atmosphere.
It's fast-paced but still relaxed, making it the perfect place to stop in for a quick but satisfying meal.
Plus, the unbeatable pricing means I can treat myself to a delicious Southern meal without breaking the bank.
I can't tell you how many times I've brought friends and family to Charlotte's and received nothing but praise for my choice.
The Toasted Yolk Cafe
Every now and then, I crave a hearty breakfast, and The Toasted Yolk Cafe in Dothan is my regular spot.
I remember my first time visiting shortly after they opened, and I was pleasantly surprised by the outdoor seating area.
Although the weather wasn't ideal for sitting outside that day, I've since enjoyed many meals under the sun.
I decided on the cowboy scramble, while my partner opted for a grilled chicken sandwich.
The biscuits tasted homemade, which was a lovely touch.
Meanwhile, my partner was quite pleased with the sandwich.
Since that first visit, we've become regulars at The Toasted Yolk Cafe, and I'm always impressed by the excellent food and even better service.
The shrimp and grits are a must-try, and their coffee is amazing.
On a recent visit, I tried the sweet potato waffle with cinnamon butter and syrup, a side of bacon, and a caramel macchiato.
The waffle was delicious, and the bacon was crispy - just the way I like it.
At the end of our meal, we shared a celebratory fist bump for leaving no crumb behind!
Barbecue King LLC
As a regular at Barbecue King LLC, I can confidently say that this bar and grill has some of the best barbecue dishes in the area.
The first time I visited, I was treated like a regular and instantly fell in love with their collards and fried fish.
Their sweet tea is fantastic, but I must warn you that their pink lemonade can be quite sweet – but hey, that's what you expect when you're eating in the South!
The ribs at Barbecue King are tender, and the pulled pork is juicy - the perfect combination for a barbecue lover like me.
Their meat is a balanced mix between Kansas City and Texas styles, not too sweet and not too spicy.
I particularly love their selection of barbecue sauces, including a tomato-based Kansas City-style sauce and a mustard-based Carolina-style sauce.
On a recent visit, I had the pleasure of trying their pork chop dinner, which was just as delicious as their ribs.
Annie Pearl's Home Cooking
One of my favorite places to eat in town is Annie Pearl's Home Cooking.
I've been going there with my family for years, especially on Sundays after church.
Their southern cuisine has always been a treat, even though it's not the most extraordinary, it still holds a special place in my heart.
Their "all you can eat" seafood is absolutely delightful, with the catfish cooked to perfection and the shrimp being equally delicious.
I appreciate the good times and tasty meals I've had at Annie Pearl's Home Cooking.
Ray's Restaurant
Just the other day, I had a doctor's appointment and stumbled upon Ray's Restaurant in Dothan.
My friend Marcia and I decided to give it a try, and we were not disappointed.
The menu offered a wide variety of American comfort food, and it was clear that this old-fashioned cafe has been a local favorite since 1969.
When our food arrived, we were blown away by the generous portions and delicious flavors.
It's not often you find a place that serves homemade meals that taste like they came straight from your grandma's kitchen.
The bustling crowd of locals made it clear that we had found a true treasure in our town.
Thai House
Thai House always offers a delightful experience.
The moment you step inside, you are welcomed by a serene, Asian-inspired decor that sets the mood for a relaxing meal.
The true star of the show, however, is the incredible food.
Each dish is prepared with care and expertise, and you can genuinely taste the difference in quality.
One of my personal favorites is the Spicy Drunken Noodles with beef - it's a dish I find myself craving almost every week!
Another fantastic option is the Spicy Chicken Volcano, which never fails to satisfy my taste buds.
Don't forget to leave room for dessert - the warm mango rice is simply irresistible.
Honey's Hotdogs
I couldn't resist the temptation of trying out Honey's Hotdogs, a hot dog restaurant that caught my attention.
Their reputation for delicious hot dogs did not disappoint!
They even gave me a card for a free dessert since it was my first time visiting.
Although they were out of regular-sized hamburgers, I opted for two sliders instead, and they were mouth-wateringly delicious.
The seating was a bit tight, but it didn't bother me too much since the food and service were top-notch.
What really stood out for me was their chili dogs.
I had been craving a good old-fashioned chili dog for quite some time, and I'm so glad I chose Honey's Hotdogs to satisfy that craving.
Their chili was simply amazing, and I couldn't get enough of it.
Hibachi Joe's
Hibachi Joe's is a Japanese steakhouse in Dothan.
I decided to check it out after hearing a lot of great things from fellow residents, and I was not disappointed.
I went with my family, and we ordered the S1 Chicken Supreme, which was more than enough to feed all four of us.
The flavors were spot on, and the portions were generous.
We were all very satisfied with our meal and had leftovers to take home.
I've heard about a few people having a not-so-great experience with their takeout orders, but I can assure you that our dine-in experience at Hibachi Joe's was superb.
I'm looking forward to going back soon and trying some of their other dishes, like the shrimp and chicken lunch box.
Hacienda Azul
I've been living in Dothan for quite some time now and tried different Mexican restaurants, but Hacienda Azul has become my favorite spot.
Their Mexican cuisine always hits the spot with its authentic flavors.
The salsa and entrees are delicious, and the portions are generous.
I recently went there for lunch, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quick seating and attentive service.
One of my favorite dishes to order is the Chicken Fajita for two.
It's reasonably priced and has enough to satisfy both me and my partner.
Of course, we can't leave without indulging in their fried ice cream – it's a sweet and delightful treat to end our meal.
The atmosphere is always fun, sometimes a bit loud, but that's to be expected on a busy night like Fridays.
El Rincon Mexican Restaurant
My friends and I recently dined at El Rincon Mexican Restaurant, and let me tell you, the food was absolutely fantastic!
The shrimp tacos and cheese dip were to die for, and the sweet tea was just the perfect companion to the meal.
We also shared a plate of churros for dessert, and they were fresh, warm, and delicious – a perfect end to an incredible meal.
But the real star of the show was the meat.
I tried the chicken and steak, and they were the best cuts of meat I've ever had in town.
The Pollo Loco and steak tips were particularly noteworthy, leaving me wanting to come back for more.
And the way they presented the food was so fancy, it felt like I was dining at a high-end restaurant!
Oishi Sushi and Grill
I've been living in this town for quite a while now, and Oishi Sushi and Grill has become one of my favorite spots for a delicious meal.
The other day, a coworker recommended it to me, and I couldn't resist going back for lunch two days in a row.
You can check out their Facebook page to get more information about their menu and location.
Their miso soup is incredibly flavorful, and I can't get enough of their light and fresh Nigiri.
I also tried one of their bento boxes, and they were kind enough to accommodate my food allergies.
The next day, I decided to have a roll which wasn't exactly my favorite, but that's just because I wanted to try something new.
I can definitely vouch for the freshness of their sashimi – no hints of it being frozen!
I enjoyed the food so much that I even brought some home to enjoy later.
The customer service, friendly atmosphere, and cleanliness of the restaurant are just some of the reasons I love this place.
Final Thoughts
Living in Dothan has provided me with the opportunity to experience a diverse range of culinary options that truly showcase the best of what the city has to offer.
From the mouthwatering barbecue at Barbecue King LLC to the authentic Vietnamese flavors of Pho SaiGon, it's always a treat to explore the vibrant dining scene.
Whether in the mood for sushi or soul food, Dothan's restaurants never fail to impress and satisfy my taste buds.
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