1.    Big Bob Gibson BBQ: All the way back in 1925, L&N railroad worker Robert “Big Bob” Gibson began cooking pork shoulder and chicken in a hand-dug pit in his backyard, while serving BBQ on an oak plank table nailed to a sycamore tree. After drawing in large crowds for the past several years, Gibson opened his first permanent BBQ location on 6^th Avenue in 1952. A larger restaurant was built in 1987, which was easily able to fit and cater to more people. This year, Big Bob Gibson is celebrating its 100^th year under the leadership of great-granddaughter Amy and her husband Chris Lilly.

Best things to order: Wing plate, Rib plate, brisket, chicken, or turkey, and most certainly their very own, original white BBQ sauce must be used!

Website: https://bigbobgibson.com/

2.    Simp McGhee’s: In the 1880s, William “Simp” McGhee was a riverboat captain on the Tennessee River who was known for bringing his pet pig into bars and giving him beers, as well as being known for having a long-standing affair with Katherine “Miss Kate” Lackner and for his reckless boat-driving. In his honor, Robert and Jenny Lind Riddle opened a restaurant and named it “Simp McGhee’s.” 39 years later, the restaurant is still a very popular location for residents and visitors.

Best things to order: Known for its Cajun-style seafood, the signature dish of the restaurant is seafood-filled mushroom caps, but other amazing menu items include gumbo, red beans and rice, crawfish egg rolls, shrimp dishes, and much more!

Website: https://www.simpmcghees.net/

3.    The Brick Deli: The Brick Deli opened at 112 Moulton Street in 1998. Over the past 27 years, the destination has become very popular for both residents and visitors, as it is known for its pub-like atmosphere. It is an amazing spot to grab a drink with friends, watch sports, and listen to live music!

Best things to order: Reuben, cornbread, spicy chili, turkey club, and so much more!

Website: http://www.brickdeli.com/

4.    Bank Street Grill: Opening in 2015, this locally-owned restaurant brought Decatur a place to go out with friends and have a nice, relaxing dinner. Even though it is a small restaurant, it is known for having a big atmosphere filled with drinks, laughs, and all sorts of fun!

Best things to order: At Bank Street Grill, there is a very large diversity of steaks, burgers, seafood, and more that is available, like fried green tomatoes! Come check it out for yourself!

Website: https://bankstreetgrilldecatur.com/

5.    Kimmie’s Kitchen and Social House: Kimberly “Kimmie” Strickland found this restaurant just last year at 102 2^nd Avenue, and this unique restaurant is known for its lounge charm mixed in with a feel of a speakeasy, a great place to visit on a night out, or if you just want to listen to some live music! The restaurant is known for its mix of soul and tropical dishes.

Best things to order: Chicken and waffles, steak, wings, tacos, jerk chicken pasta, coconut shrimp key lime pie, and so much more!

Website: https://kimmiessocialhouse.com/

6.    609 Social Market: This restaurant, which was developed by Yogi Dougher and Steve Armistead, was opened in February of 2024, and it actually serves as a hybrid between a market and a restaurant. It features an open kitchen, raw bar, locally sourced seafood and meats for sale, and some amazing food!

Best things to order: Gumbo, chicken salad, oysters, pasta, sandwiches, soups, and so much more!

Website: https://www.609social.com/

7.    Josie’s: In 2018, Christy and John Wheat found Josie’s at 109 2^nd Ave NE, and it is known for its mix of Mediterranean and Italian-style dishes, as well as being a very popular place to listen to some live music.

Popular things to order: Flatbreads, wraps, tacos, salads, pasta, cocktails, tiramisu for desert, and more!

Website: https://www.josiesdowntown.com/