6 Alabama Steakhouses Tourists Love Trying & 6 That Locals Say Are Must-Visits
Alabama may carry a reputation for football pride and warm southern charm, but its steakhouses are every bit as worthy of celebration.
Picture elegant dining rooms high above the city with sweeping views, or cozy small-town spots where families have gathered around sizzling steaks for decades.
No matter if you’re passing through or you’ve called the Yellowhammer State home all your life, these 12 steakhouses deliver cuts so good they rival the best in the South.
1. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Birmingham’s Upscale Hotspot
Located in The Summit, Perry’s attracts visitors looking for premium dining experiences. Their famous caramelized pork chop has developed a cult following among meat enthusiasts across the state.
The elegant atmosphere and attentive service make this spot particularly popular with out-of-towners celebrating special occasions.
Perry’s also offers a value pork-chop lunch special on select days that savvy tourists often plan their visits around.
2. 360 Grille – Florence’s Rotating Wonder
Alabama’s only revolving restaurant sits majestically atop the Marriott Shoals Hotel, offering breathtaking panoramic views that change throughout your meal. Tourists flock here for the unique dining experience as much as for the hand-cut steaks.
The sunset cocktail hour has become a must-do activity for visitors exploring the Shoals area. Smart travelers book window seats well in advance to guarantee the full rotating view experience while enjoying their perfectly prepared surf and turf.
3. Connors Steak & Seafood – Huntsville’s Shopping Center Gem
Nestled in the popular Bridge Street Town Centre, Connors provides a welcome respite for shoppers and tourists exploring Huntsville’s attractions.
The mesquite and wood-fired grill infuses their center-cut steaks with a distinctive smoky flavor that keeps visitors coming back.
I still remember my first visit during Rocket City’s space festival – their lobster crab bisque nearly made me forget about the Saturn V!
The restaurant’s large dining room and covered patio accommodate both intimate dinners and larger gatherings with equal charm.
4. Big Mike’s Steakhouse – Orange Beach’s Vacation Favorite
Beach vacationers have discovered this Canal Road treasure, making it a regular stop on their coastal Alabama itineraries. The 28-day-aged Certified Angus ribeyes develop incredible flavor profiles that pair perfectly with Gulf breezes.
What sets Big Mike’s apart is their wood-fire grilling technique, which creates a delicious char on each perfectly cooked steak.
The casual beach vibe and no-reservation policy create a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to visitors looking for exceptional food without pretension.
5. Le Moyne’s Chophouse – Mobile’s Downtown Splurge
Housed in The Admiral Hotel, this newcomer to Mobile’s dining scene has quickly become a destination for tourists seeking luxury dining experiences.
The sophisticated atmosphere attracts visitors celebrating special occasions or simply wanting to experience the finest cuts available in southern Alabama.
Their A5 wagyu, sold by the ounce, represents the pinnacle of beef indulgence. Many out-of-towners specifically seek out Le Moyne’s for this premium offering, which isn’t widely available elsewhere in the region.
6. Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Huntsville’s Special Occasion Chain
Even though it’s part of a national chain, Huntsville’s Ruth’s Chris has earned a reputation among visitors for consistently executing the brand’s signature sizzling butter-topped steaks to perfection.
The Gallatin Street location provides an upscale yet approachable option for tourists seeking familiar luxury.
When I celebrated closing a business deal here last year, our out-of-town clients couldn’t stop raving about the perfectly medium-rare filets.
The restaurant’s reputation for exceptional service makes it a safe bet for travelers wanting a guaranteed premium experience without surprises.
7. George’s Steak Pit – Sheffield’s Time-Honored Tradition
Since the 1950s, this Shoals-area landmark has been cooking steaks over an open hickory-log pit, creating a flavor profile that locals swear can’t be replicated. The smoky aroma hits you before you even enter the building.
Regular patrons have been known to drive over an hour just for their perfectly cooked ribeyes. The restaurant hasn’t changed much in decades, preserving a nostalgic atmosphere that feels authentically Alabama – exactly what locals value in their dining experiences.
8. Nick’s Original Filet House – Tuscaloosa’s Beloved Dive
Affectionately called “Nick’s in the Sticks” by locals, this unassuming spot serves some of the best bacon-wrapped filets in the state. University of Alabama alumni make pilgrimages back just for a taste of nostalgia and the infamous Nicodemus punch.
My college roommate once claimed the secret ingredient in their steak seasoning was actually football magic. The no-frills atmosphere keeps prices reasonable while maintaining quality that has locals forming lines outside most evenings.
The beer-battered onion rings alone justify the trip out to Culver Road.
9. Jesse’s Restaurant – Magnolia Springs’ Hidden Treasure
Housed in a historic building in tiny Magnolia Springs, Jesse’s draws locals from across Baldwin County for their expertly prepared dry and wet-aged steaks.
The charming Oak Street location adds to the experience, making diners feel they’ve discovered a true secret. Regulars appreciate how the menu balances steakhouse classics with fresh Gulf seafood options.
The restaurant maintains a perfect balance of upscale quality and unpretentious Southern hospitality that has earned deep loyalty from area residents who consider it their special place for celebrations.
10. Jesse’s On The Bay – Fort Morgan’s Waterfront Wonder
The sister restaurant to Magnolia Springs’ Jesse’s offers the same quality steaks with the added bonus of stunning water views. Locals know to request upstairs seating for sunset dinners that combine culinary excellence with natural beauty.
Area residents particularly appreciate their innovative house dry-aged fish program, which applies steakhouse techniques to fresh Gulf catches.
The Fort Morgan location makes this a favorite for Baldwin County locals celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a premium meal without driving to more touristy areas.
11. Michael’s Steak & Seafood – Birmingham’s Revitalized Classic
Downtown Birmingham residents celebrated when this beloved local name returned to the dining scene. The bone-in ribeyes and massive tomahawk steaks draw carnivores from throughout Jefferson County who appreciate properly aged and perfectly cooked beef.
The addition of a rooftop bar has made Michael’s a complete night-out destination for locals. Birmingham residents particularly value how the restaurant balances upscale quality with an unpretentious atmosphere, making it suitable for both business dinners and casual evenings with friends.
12. Bull Pen Steakhouse – Oakman’s Weekend Institution
This rural Walker County institution only opens Friday and Saturday evenings, creating a weekend tradition for locals who plan their schedules around securing a table.
The simplicity is part of the charm – a straightforward menu focused on perfectly char-grilled steaks and loaded baked potatoes.
I’ve witnessed three generations of a family celebrating together here, sharing stories between bites of medium-rare ribeye.
The limited operating hours have created a special anticipation among regulars who consider scoring a table on busy weekends something of a victory in itself.