Where To Eat in Decatur

Looking for the best places to eat in Decatur? Whether you’re craving classic Southern comfort food, sushi, burgers, or something a little unexpected, Decatur’s dining scene delivers more than people give it credit for. This guide rounds up local favorites, casual go-tos, and must-try spots—so you can skip the guessing, avoid bad meals, and get straight to eating well.

1. The Brick Deli and Tavern

The Brick Deli and Tavern has been a local go-to spot for sandwiches, beer, and live entertainment for years. It has been at its current location in downtown Decatur at 112 Moulton Street East since 2007.

If you like karaoke or live music, sit in the front when the action gets going. If pool is more your thing, head to the back where there are two pay-to-play pool tables.

The Brick Deli’s hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM, Fridays from 11:00 am until 12:00 AM, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM until 12:00 AM. The Brick Deli is closed on Sundays.

The Brick Deli is the #1 rated restaurant in Decatur according to TripAdvisor.com.

2. Alfonso’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant

If you want pizza that is outside of the box, then head to Alfonso’s.

Located on Beltline Road in between Cheeseburger Bobby’s and LawLers Barbecue (just east of Staples), Alfonso’s serves homemade New York-style pizza along with salads, subs, and Italian classics like fettucine alfredo ($8.50), chicken cacciatore ($9.50), lasagna ($8.75), and spaghetti ($8).

Alfonso’s is located at 725 Beltline Rd SW Suite E and opens at 11:00 AM Monday – Saturday (the restaurant is closed on Sunday). 256-350-0211 Reservations are not required.

Alfonso’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant is ranked #9 for Decatur restaurants on TripAdvisor.

3. Big Bob Gibson’s Barb-B-Q

Big Bob Gibson’s has been serving mouth-watering barbecue in Decatur since 1925.

You may have heard of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q thanks to appearances of Pitmaster Chris Lilly on the Food Network. Among Chris’ awards are ten World BBQ Championships and six world titles at Memphis in May.

Or perhaps you may be familiar with Big Bob Gibson’s because of the world famous Alabama White Sauce. Alabama White Sauce is a mayonnaise-based tangy barbecue sauce that is delicious on pretty much anything you put it on.

On the menu at Big Bob Gibson’s, you’ll find items like Bar-B-Q Nachos, salads, loaded potatoes, barbecue sandwiches (pork $4.19), chicken sandwiches, a hot dog, BBQ plates, samplers, Southern side dishes, and homemade pies.

There are two locations: the original is at 1715 6th Ave SE (US Highway 31) and is open daily from 9:30 AM until 8:15 PM, and 2520 Danville Road SW and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM – 8:15 PM.

Big Bob Gibson’s is ranked #3 out of 103 restaurants in Decatur on TripAdvisor.

4. Las Vias Mexican Grill

Mexican food lovers will like Las Vias Mexican Grill located at 1000 Beltline Rd Ste. Q. Las Vias opens daily at 10:30 AM and is open until 9:30 PM Monday – Thursday, until 11:00 PM Friday & Saturday, and until 9:00 PM on Sunday.

The menu is pretty extensive and features everything from appetizers to postres (desserts).

The menu is broken down into categories such as Burritos, Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Fajitas, Pollo, Seafood, etc. making it easy to find the right dish. There are even sections on the menu for niños (children) and vegetarianas.

After being seated, diners are served chips along with salsa and slightly spicy white sauce.

Las Vias has been voted Decatur’s favorite Mexican restaurant by readers of the local newspaper, the Decatur Daily. It ranks #23 on TripAdivsor.

5. Simp McGhee’s

Named after an infamous boat captain, Simp McGhee’s is located at 725 Bank Street Northwest and is one of the more expensive restaurants in the city.

Simp McGhie’s ranks #4 on TripAdvisor, and the reviews are mixed, but it has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Perhaps as a nod to the namesake’s profession, the menu features several seafood dishes like Cajun Shrimp Sauté ($26), Crab Florentine ($29), and Grilled Tuna ($22). Poultry and pork are also on the menu, as are beef dishes like filet mignon and prime rib (market price).

Simp McGhee’s opens at 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday and closes at 9:00 PM Monday – Thursday and at 9:30 on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.

6. Cross-Eyed Owl – Decatur’s Only Brewery

Though not a dining destination, Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company is Decatur’s only brewery creating handcrafted beers and sodas.

Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company almost shuttered it doors due to the pandemic and decreased sales. However, the company has a loyal fan base and was able to secure new investors to keep the beer flowing.

There are 12 varieties of beer on tap: Cream Ale, Dragoon Red Ale, Cotaco IPA, Murloc Gose, One Shoe Brown Porter, Black Ale, Lechuza Mexican Porter, Starfish Dunkelweizen, and Skyline India Pale Lager.

Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company opens Monday – Friday at 4 PM and on Saturdays at 11 AM and at noon on Sundays. Cross-Eyed Owl is ranked #12 out of 23 things to do in Decatur according to TripAdvisor.

7. Noriya Japanese Cuisine

If you’re craving something beyond the usual burgers-and-barbecue lineup, Nori Japan Fusion brings a welcome mix of Japanese-inspired flavors to Decatur’s dining scene. The menu features sushi rolls, hibachi-style dishes prepared in the kitchen, and a variety of Asian fusion options that make it easy to find something whether you’re in the mood for something light or seriously filling.

One thing to note: you won’t find hibachi tables here, so there’s no tableside cooking or show. That said, it’s still a solid choice for a relaxed dinner, takeout night, or dining with a group of friends. Think flavorful food, a comfortable setting, and a break from the expected—without the performance aspect.

Noriya is located in the old Red Lobster building at 2027 Beltline Road. It is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm and Friday-Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.

Final Call

Leave a comment below and tell me—what’s your favorite place to eat in Decatur, or where did I miss the mark? Bonus points if you tag a spot the locals gatekeep. If this list made you hungry (or opinionated), share it with someone who’s always asking, “Where should we eat?”

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