10 Must Have Dishes in Mobile, Alabama
by: Chris Andrews
Mobile is a city full of iconic dishes. Our rich history of six flags have created an infusion of different cultures that have directly influenced our food scene. Whether you were born under an azalea bush or a first time visitor to our historic city, this is our list of the 10 must have dishes.
1. Oysters
Wintzell’s Oyster House
Wintzell’s is the landmark restaurant in the city of Mobile. A visit to Mobile would not be complete without fresh, Gulf oysters from Wintzell’s who have been serving them fried, stewed and nude in the original location since 1938. It doesn’t matter how you get them, just get them!
2. West Indies Salad
Bayley’s Restaurant
The West Indies Salad is one of several dishes that started and has its roots right here in Mobile, Alabama. For the best iteration of this classic dish of jumbo, lump crab meat served cold with vinegar, go have the original at Bayley’s. Don’t forget the fried crab claws – also started at Bayley’s!
3. Bacon Cheeseburger
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club
Let’s be honest, in Mobile seafood is king but if you ask Mobilians their opinion on must have dishes, Callaghan’s bacon cheeseburger is going to be at the top of their list every time. Their loyal following of fans is a big reason why Garden & Gun just named Callaghan’s “South’s Favorite Bar.”
4. Dew Drop Inn Hot Dog
Dew Drop Inn
The Dew Drop Inn has been serving hot dogs so long it was a novelty food when they first opened in 1924. Get the signature dog “all the way”, topped with chili, sauerkraut, ketchup, and mustard. No visit to Mobile is complete without a Dew Drop Dog!
5. Shrimp and Grits
Von’s Bistro
Shrimp and grits are a Gulf Coast favorite and nobody in Mobile does them quite like Von. Von’s innovative fusion menu of “Southern-Asian” is what makes her a favorite with the locals in Mobile. Three cheese grits topped with a delicious crawfish creole sauce makes this is a must-have dish!
6. BBQ
MeatBoss
Yeah sure, north Alabama gets all the attention when it comes to Alabama BBQ but watch out because MeatBoss in West Mobile is quickly gaining notoriety! MeatBoss was recently named in Travel + Leisure’s “25 Best Places for Barbecue in the US.” Whether you get the pulled pork, ribs or beef brisket you will be coming back for more.
7. Seafood Gumbo
The Royal Scam
A visit to Mobile without eating gumbo is like a visit to Philadelphia without getting a Philly Cheese Steak. Sure, our city sister over there gets all the credit for gumbo and rightfully so but for the best seafood gumbo in Mobile, The Royal Scam is the place to go! Every spoon is sure to be filled with fresh, Gulf seafood and that perfect seasoning. Recently voted “Best Gumbo” by Mobilians also gives it quite a reputation.
*Since the pandemic, the Royal Scam has not re-opened. However, Royal Scam gumbo is served daily at their sister restaurant, Heroes Sports Bar and Grille. *
8. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
The Cheese Cottage
Where else can you go and get over 100 cheeses from all over the world? The Cheese Cottage! Located in a lovely historic cottage off St. Louis Street, the cheese and charcuterie board from The Cheese Cottage features some of the best selling cheese, meats and jams available on the Gulf Coast.
9. Crawfish and Spinach Dip
Heroes Sports Bar and Grille
Heroes Sports Bar is where sports fans in Mobile go to watch the big game. It’s also where you can find the champion of appetizers, the crawfish and spinach dip at Heroes. A spinach and cheese-based dip filled with cut crawfish on top of a chewy, pita bread is so unique to anything else in Mobile, it’s a cant miss!
10. Causeway Hot Catfish Bowl
Ed’s Seafood Shed
Situated on the Mobile Bay Causeway, Ed’s Seafood Shed serves delicious Gulf seafood. The Causeway Hot Catfish Bowl is a bowl of fried, hot catfish, cheese grits, and turnip greens. There’s not a better dish anywhere on the Gulf Coast!