Hoover is a thriving suburb of Birmingham, Alabama that offers residents and visitors a vibrant dining scene. From casual eateries to upscale establishments, Hoover has something for every palate. With so many excellent restaurants to choose from, it can be difficult deciding where to eat.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type |
|---|---|
| Dave’s Pizza | Pizza |
| Hero Doughnuts and Buns | Doughnuts and Coffee |
| Amore Ristorante Italiano | Italian |
| Taziki’s Mediterranean Café | Greek and Mediterranean |
| Mexico Lindo Mexican Grill | Mexican |
| Cajun Seafood House | Cajun and Creole Seafood |
| Tiny Feet Tea | Brunch, Lunch, and Teas |
| Big Bad Breakfast | Breakfast/Brunch |
| Another Broken Egg Cafe | Breakfast and Lunch |
| Rogue Tavern | Gastropub |
| Little Donkey Tacos and Tequila | Mexican Fusion |
| The Yard Milkshake Bar | Desserts and Ice Cream |
| Nabeel’s Cafe and Market | Mediterranean/Middle Eastern |
This article explores 12 of the top restaurants that Hoover has to offer. For each restaurant, you’ll find details on the cuisine, ambience, signature dishes, and what makes it stand out. Whether you’re a longtime Hoover resident or just passing through, this list offers a taste of the best food this city has to offer.
Dave’s Pizza
Name and Location: Dave’s Pizza in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Opened in 2013, Dave’s Pizza brings authentic New York-style thin crust pizza by the slice or pie to downtown Tuscaloosa. They use quality ingredients for generous toppings on their hand-tossed fresh dough.
What to Expect: No-frills counter-service joint serving classic cheese, pepperoni pizzas alongside specialty options like meat lover’s, Hawaiian, veggie and more. Reasonably priced for a satisfying quick meal.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am-11pm for dine-in, takeout and delivery within 5 miles. Whole pies $10-28. Slices $2-4. Cash only. Call 205-349-3278 to order.
What Makes It Stand Out: Part pizzeria, part craft brewery, Dave’s Pizza serves up delicious thin-crust pies along with a great selection of craft beers. Patrons can build their own pizza with a wide variety of fresh toppings or order one of Dave’s signature pies.
Top picks are the barbecue chicken pizza topped with barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, onions, and cheddar and the Greek pizza loaded with spinach, artichokes, black olives, roasted red peppers and feta. With its laid-back environment and mouthwatering pizza creations, it’s easy to see why Dave’s Pizza is one of the most popular restaurants in Hoover.
Hero Doughnuts and Buns
Name and Location: Hero Doughnuts and Buns in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Founded in 2014, this homegrown Tuscaloosa business serves made-from-scratch doughnuts, savory buns and custom cakes paying homage to local heroes from veterans to nurses, teachers and more.
What to Expect: Creative menu options like red velvet doughnuts with cream cheese icing or chicken salad buns. They offer hero discounts and donations benefiting local charities and frontline workers.
Visitor Information: Storefront at University Blvd. Grab-n-go case has daily flavors. Order dozens, custom cakes online 1 day ahead. Open Tues-Fri 7am-5:30pm, Sat 8am-1pm. Closed Sun/Mon.
What Makes It Stand Out: Hero Doughnuts and Buns puts its own delightful spin on the classic doughnut and coffee shop. Featuring creative baked goods like red velvet cheesecake and maple bacon doughnuts alongside specialty coffee drinks, this vibrant spot has quickly become of the best places in Hoover to grab breakfast or a midday snack.
Hero’s cinnamon sugar doughnut is piled high with cinnamon sugar that perfectly complements the light, fluffy dough. Whether you opt for something sweet or savory, Hero offers some of the best doughnuts and coffee in town.
Amore Ristorante Italiano
Name and Location: Amore Ristorante Italiano in Northport, AL
History and Significance: Family-owned for 20+ years, this casual Italian eatery has been a staple in the Northport community. They serve up homestyle classics like lasagna, spaghetti, pizza and more made fresh in-house using old recipes.
What to Expect: Cozy, welcoming ambiance and friendly service. Menu features familiar pasta dishes, pizzas, calzones alongside daily specials like seafood alfredo, chicken parmigiana. Reasonable prices, large portions.
Visitor Information: Open Tues-Thurs 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-10pm. Closed Sundays/Mondays. Takeout available. Avg entrée cost $10-18. 205-333-9889.
What Makes It Stand Out: Regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Hoover and the surrounding area, Amore Ristorante Italiano provides a fine dining experience in an intimate ambience. From classic pasta dishes to seafood and steak entrees, Amore’s menu features authentic Italian fare made with fresh, homemade ingredients.
A standout signature dish is the osso buco alla Milanese, a tender veal shank braised in a rich wine sauce with risotto Milanese. With its warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and scrumptious Italian cuisine, Amore is a favorite special occasions destination.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
Cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean
Ambience: Laid-back, Order-at-the-counter
Signature Dish: Grilled Chicken Pita
Name and Location: Taziki’s Mediterranean Café in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Founded in 1998, this fast-casual franchise brings the flavors of the Mediterranean using fresh high quality ingredients. Their iconic roasted chicken, hummus, falafel, gyros and more have garnered a loyal following.
What to Expect: Order bowls, pitas, salads featuring grilled meats, veggie sides and signature sauces in a vibrant cafeteria-style setting. Family-friendly menu has options appealing to most tastes and diets.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10:30am-9pm. Starters from $3.50, entrées average $8-15. Order online for pickup or delivery. 205-247-7665.
What Makes It Stand Out: Fast, fresh and flavorful, Taziki’s brings the bright, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to Hoover. Taziki’s serves up generously sized Greek and Mediterranean classics like gyros, souvlaki and falafel along with salads, sides and their house-made dressings. Taziki’s grilled chicken pita wrap stands out for its simple combination of ingredients that captures the essence of Greek flavors.
Filled with slices of their signature grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and cooled cucumber sauce, this pita lets the fresh tastes and textures shine. Casual counter-service combined with tasty Mediterranean fare makes Taziki’s a local favorite.
Mexico Lindo Mexican Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
Ambience: Colorful, casual
Signature Dish: Tacos al Pastor
Name and Location: Mexico Lindo Mexican Grill in Northport, AL
History and Significance: Serving Northport since 2005, this colorful family-run cantina brings fast-casual authentic Mexican fare prepared fresh with care including signature quesobirria tacos, loaded nachos and more.
What to Expect: Large menu of classic burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, combo plates either à la carte or meal deal with rice, beans. Margaritas, Dos Equis beers available. Kid-friendly with budget prices.
Visitor Information: Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. Tacos $2-4.50 each. 205-333-1835 for takeout.
What Makes It Stand Out: Bringing the vibrant sights, sounds and flavors of Mexico to Hoover, Mexico Lindo Mexican Grill offers fresh, made-to-order Mexican dishes perfect for dining in or taking out. Tacos are the specialty here, with a wide variety meat fillings and toppings to choose from to build your perfect taco.
The tacos al pastor, comprised of thin slices of marinated pork and pineapple, onion and cilantro stand out for their wonderfully balanced sweet and savory flavors. With its festive decor, quick service and authentic Mexican fare, Mexico Lindo is a tasty break from ordinary chain restaurants.
Cajun Seafood House
Name and Location: Cajun Seafood House in Northport, AL
History and Significance: Delighting diners since 2014, this casual Cajun spot specializes in seasoned seafood boils allowing customizable spice levels. Famed for their flavorful, abundant crawfish when in season.
What to Expect: Choose your own seafood by the pound then pick desired sauce, spice level and sides. Other menu stars include po’ boys, jambalaya paella, gumbo ya-ya. Service can be slow but food is worth the wait!
Visitor Information: Open Weds-Sun 11am-9pm. Closed Mon/Tues. Call in orders recommended. Avg entrée cost $15-25. 205-333-3474.
What Makes It Stand Out: For outstanding Cajun and Creole cuisine, seafood lovers flock to the Cajun Seafood House. Offering casual surroundings paired with generous portions, this local favorite serves up baskets and platters overflowing with fried shrimp, catfish and oysters alongside lobster tails, crab legs and po boys.
Cajun Seafood House’s signature seafood platter presents a bountiful selection of lightly breaded and fried fish, shrimp and oysters served with fries, coleslaw and hush puppies. Wash it down with a cold beer or their excellent hurricanes for a taste of Louisiana. With flavors that delight and prices that please, Cajun Seafood House is one of Hoover’s finest spots for seafood.
Tiny Feet Tea
Name and Location: Tiny Feet Tea in Northport, AL
History and Significance: Opened 2018, Tiny Feet Tea is a bright, whimsical tea house owned by two sisters aiming to provide community, positivity and quality organic teas sourced from independent growers around the world.
What to Expect: Cozy, eclectic decor. Menu features classic and signature tea lattes, organic loose leaf teas, pastries, toasts and light lunch fare. Painting workshops, social nights hosted. Kid and dog-friendly spot.
Visitor Information: Open Tues-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Closed Mondays. Teas/coffees $3-7. Cash/cards accepted. Order online or call 205-345-8337.
What Makes It Stand Out: Blending coffeehouse favorites with globally inspired flavors, Tiny Feet Tea brings a unique and tasty dining option to Hoover. Alongside specialty coffee drinks, you can choose from a variety of teas such as bubble teas with popping boba, matcha green tea or Thai iced tea.
Tiny Feet also incorporates unexpected ingredients like turmeric and lavender into its lattes. Beyond the beverages, this stylish spot offers a range of toast, grain bowls, sandwiches and salads at breakfast and lunch.
Avocado toast is a must-try, with fresh avocado, soft boiled egg, sesame seeds and microgreens atop thick gluten-free bread. With its laidback ambience and standout drinks and dishes, Tiny Feet Tea is a charming addition to Hoover’s dining scene.
Big Bad Breakfast
Name and Location: Big Bad Breakfast in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Founded in 2008, this Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch chain prides itself on using quality ingredients for creative spins on classic morning fare alongside strong coffee at affordable prices.
What to Expect: Hearty menu stars like chicken and waffles, shrimp n grits, stuffed hash brown, bananas foster pancakes offer adventurous twists alongside traditional options done right. Fast, friendly service.
Visitor Information: Open daily 7am-1:30pm. Entrées average $9-15. Kid’s menu available. Order online or call 205-345-0477 for takeout/delivery.
What Makes It Stand Out: Focused on hearty, comforting breakfast and brunch fare, Big Bad Breakfast stands out for its playful twists on southern and retro-American classics in a cool, laid-back environment. Named for chef John Currence’s bestselling Big Bad Breakfast cookbook, this restaurant puts its own creative spin on eggs benedict by topping pulled pork or lobster with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
But Big Bad’s crispy Belgian waffles and boneless fried chicken tenders take the cake for signature dish. Perfectly cooked waffles, deliciously seasoned fried chicken and real maple syrup come together in this creative, decadent southern classic plate. From sweet to savory, Big Bad Breakfast hits that comfort food spot.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Name and Location: Another Broken Egg Cafe in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Part of a popular breakfast cafe franchise since 1996, this location brings New Orleans-inspired Southern comfort food centering fresh eggs, unique benedicts and signature cocktails to the Tuscaloosa community.
What to Expect: Upbeat vibe for breakfast or brunch. Known for fluffy buttermilk biscuits, creative eggs benedict options, crispy hash browns, Belgium waffles and more done right. Full bar available.
Visitor Information: Open daily 7am-2pm. Reservations recommended weekends. Entrees $8-15. Happy hour Mon-Fri 9-11am. 205-758-0833.
What Makes It Stand Out: Focusing on innovative interpretations of traditional breakfast and lunch items, Another Broken Egg Cafe prides itself on creating dishes made with simple but effective ingredients. Presented in a bright, cheerful dining room, standout menu choices include stuffed French toast filled with mascarpone and fresh berries and unique loaded hashbrown variations.
But Another Broken Egg’s Blackstone Benedict steals the show, with savory country ham layered with bacon, cheddar, wilted spinach, roasted tomatoes and poached eggs atop English muffins, smothered in hollandaise sauce. Whether you stop by for a quick start to the day or leisurely brunch, Another Broken Egg delivers fresh twists on breakfast favorites.
Rogue Tavern
Cuisine: Gastropub
Ambience: Modern, sleek
Signature Dish: Rogue Burger
Name and Location: Rogue Tavern in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Opened 2011 in downtown Tuscaloosa, this lively gastropub fuses creative takes on comfort foods alongside 30+ craft beers on tap and inventive cocktails in a hip, laidback setting.
What to Expect: Menu changes seasonally but expect gourmet starters, flatbreads, burgers, hearty main plates with global accents done right. Weekly events like trivia, karaoke, live music. Great happy hour specials.
Visitor Information: Kitchen open Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11am-11pm. Closed Sundays. Entrees $12-25. Casual dress. 205-752-7600.
What Makes It Stand Out: Offering a contemporary gastropub experience in a stylish setting, Rogue Tavern takes a chef-driven approach to creatively elevated pub fare and handcrafted cocktails. The menu focuses on putting unique spins on classic dishes like mac and cheese, fish and chips and pot roast.
But the Rogue burger has developed a cult following for its house ground and aged beef patties served with applewood smoked bacon, pimiento cheese and comeback sauce on brioche buns. With its combo of hip decor, boozy shakes and iconic burger, Rogue Tavern brings a trendy but laid-back dining and nightlife option to Hoover.
Little Donkey Tacos and Tequila
Name and Location: Little Donkey in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Opened 2021, this vibrant cantina brings Baja coastal cuisine to life through scratch-made Mexican fare, signature margaritas and lively ambiance reminiscent of vacation vibes in downtown Tuscaloosa.
What to Expect: Tacos, burritos and other Mexican staples with creative twists like Baja fish, blackened shrimp, carnitas. Extensive tequila menus. Buzzing social happy hour scene with games. Artsy, colorful decor.
Visitor Information: Kitchen open Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11am-11pm. Tacos $4-8. Margaritas $8-15. No reservations. 205-349-5621.
What Makes It Stand Out: Fighting through fierce contention, Little Donkey stands out for its festive atmosphere and the city’s most unique taste on Mexican food. Housed in a former laundromat, Little Donkey Tacos and Tequila features colorful street art on its walls and lively Latin music.
Mexican street fare gets deliciously inventive touches here like Korean barbecue beef tacos, chicken tortilla soup garnished with fried chicken skin chicharron and of course, crispy fried shrimp tacos. Little Donkey also hosts specials like Adult Chocolate Milk Fridays and boozy brunch on the weekends. Vibrant settings paired with tacos and drinks with a twist make Little Donkey a happening spot for drinks and eats.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Name and Location: The Yard Milkshake Bar in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Opened 2017, this dessert shop whips up elaborate stacked milkshakes with unlimited toppings in custom Yard glasses. Their photogenic drinks have made them a phenomenon on social media and with University of Alabama students.
What to Expect: Indulgent milkshakes with layers of cookies, cake pieces, candy toppings soaring feet high. Menu changes seasonally but has 30+ flavors. Order classic shakes or customize your own.
Visitor Information: Open Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Fri/Sat 12pm-12am. Shakes $8-15. Order takeout online up to 30 days ahead. 205-345-2275.
Showstoppers like the Cookie Dough Explosion shake feature not just cookie crumbles blended in but an entire cookie sandwich and slice of chocolate fudge brownie stuck right in the top. Beyond shakes, The Yard serves up classic hot fudge sundaes, homemade pastries and daily specials. With its cheerful pink-and-white striped decor and indulgent campy creations, the Yard sweetens up the Hoover dining scene.
Nabeel’s Cafe and Market
Name and Location: Nabeel’s Cafe and Market in Tuscaloosa, AL
History and Significance: Opened in 1989, Nabeel’s is an acclaimed Tuscaloosa staple run by a Palestinian family serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine alongside imported groceries that give a taste of the Middle East.
What to Expect: Homestyle favorites like shawarma, falafel, kebabs, hummus, tabbouleh salads made fresh daily. Extensive deli selection. Hookah lounge upstairs, bakery rack onsite. BYOB friendly.
Visitor Information: Open daily 9am-8pm. Entrees average $8-15. Grocery items available for retail purchase. 205-752-7505.
What Makes It Stand Out: A neighborhood institution for over 30 years, Nabeel’s Cafe and Market has been serving homestyle Mediterranean cooking from family recipes since 1991. Known for its welcoming service and fresh halal dishes at inexpensive prices, Nabeel’s offers patrons a taste of the Middle East without leaving southeast Hoover.
Top menu choices include shawarma wraps filled with thin-sliced meats and falafel that keeps customers lined up daily. For the full experience, order the Nabeel’s family platter with a sampling of appetizers like falafel, grape leaves and roasted lamb served with your choice of shawarma and rice or couscous.
Whether dining in or taking out, Nabeel’s homey setting and comforting cuisine offer a satisfying taste of Arabic cooking done right.
Conclusion
From long-running community staples to exciting new spots, Hoover offers some of the Birmingham region’s best and most diverse restaurant choices. No matter your tastes or budget, you’re sure to find memorable cuisine in dishes that reflect Hoover’s southern heritage, international influences and chef-driven creativity.
Whether planning a special night out or simply searching for a hearty meal, this guide covers 12 restaurants that deliver excellent food with flavors that will keep you returning again and again. So pull up a seat at the table and dig into the vibrant food scene that makes dining in Hoover such a delectable experience.