Coffee Shops and Restaurants in Huntsville, AL: Local Spots to Try First

Huntsville has a big local food scene for a city its size. You will find locally owned coffee shops in almost every part of town, a downtown full of patios near Big Spring Park, and busy food districts like MidCity, Campus No. 805 and Stovehouse. If you are moving here, trying a few of these spots is one of the best ways to get to know each area before you pick where to live.

What are the best local coffee shops in Huntsville?

Some of the most loved coffee shops in Huntsville are locally owned, and each one has its own feel. Here are a few to start with, by area.

• Honest Coffee, downtown: on Clinton Avenue with a covered patio and bay doors that open in nice weather.
• Bus Stop Coffee, downtown: a coffee shop by morning that turns into a local brewery at night.
• Old Towne Coffee, Five Points: on Pratt Avenue with monthly specialty drinks and coffee beans to take home.
• Gold Sprint, near Lowe Mill: set in an old car repair shop filled with plants and vintage art.
• Onward Coffee, MidCity area: craft coffee drinks in a renovated space.
• Angel's Island, Memorial Parkway: one of the longest running local coffee shops in town, with a drive thru.
• Roosters Crow, Whitesburg: roasts its own beans in house.
• Amelie Coffee, Hampton Cove area: a hidden gem on Highway 431 for folks on the south side of the mountain.

Hours and menus change, so check before you go.

Where should I eat in downtown Huntsville?

Downtown Huntsville is the easiest place to try a lot in one walk, with many restaurants around the courthouse square and Big Spring Park.

• Cotton Row: an award winning modern American restaurant on the square.
• Commerce Kitchen: Southern food with sidewalk tables under string lights.
• Domaine South: French food and wine with a patio overlooking Big Spring Park.
• Pane e Vino Pizzeria: pizza on the ground floor of the Huntsville Museum of Art, right on the park.
• The Revivalist: breakfast, lunch and dinner inside the 106 Jefferson hotel.
• La Esquina Cocina: Mexican small plates and traditional dishes.
• Purveyor and Melt: casual fine dining and grilled cheese favorites on The Avenue.

What are MidCity, Campus No. 805 and Stovehouse?

They are three of Huntsville's food and fun districts, where you can eat, grab a drink and bring friends or kids in one stop.

• MidCity: a newer district in west Huntsville with restaurants, shops and The Camp, which has food trucks, coffee and live music. The Indie and Lost Boy Coffee at Hotel Indigo and Perseus Sound Bar are two newer spots here.
• Campus No. 805: a former school turned into a spot with breweries, pizza and lots of patios.
• Stovehouse: a food hall with several restaurants, bars and a lawn with games.

Moving to Huntsville? Tell me what you love to do on a weekend and I will point you to the areas that fit. Start your relocation plan or read our guide to moving to Huntsville from out of state.

Where do people eat outside downtown?

Madison and other parts of Huntsville have their own local spots, so you do not have to drive downtown for a good meal.

• Clift Farm, Madison: a newer center with places like Melt, Grimaldi's pizza and La Parrilla Mexican.
• Village of Providence, northwest Huntsville: a walkable Main Street with Phuket Thai, Taco Mama and Grille on Main.
• Lowe Mill area: JAC's Barbecue opened here, not far from Gold Sprint coffee.
• Hampton Cove: Amelie Coffee is a local favorite on this side of town.

How can food help me choose a neighborhood?

Where you like to spend a Saturday says a lot about where you will be happy living. If you love walking to coffee and dinner, look near downtown, Five Points or Village of Providence. If you want newer homes and a quick drive to restaurants and shopping, Madison and west Huntsville near MidCity may fit. If you like a quieter setting by the mountain, Hampton Cove is worth a look.

Compare areas side by side in Huntsville vs Madison: which is right for your move, and see more to do around town in things to do in Huntsville, AL.

Can I try the area before I buy?

Yes. Many people moving here rent a furnished place first so they can eat, explore and drive their commute before they buy. Our team offers furnished temporary housing through Hall & Co Residences. I am Donalta Hall with The Hall Team at eXp Realty, and I help people relocate to Huntsville, Madison, Hampton Cove and Athens.

Ready to plan your move? Start your relocation plan or book a call with me.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area in Huntsville for coffee shops?

Downtown and Five Points have several local coffee shops close together. There are also good local shops near Lowe Mill, MidCity, Whitesburg and Hampton Cove.

Where is the best place to eat in Huntsville for newcomers?

Downtown around Big Spring Park is a great first stop. Then try MidCity, Campus No. 805 or Stovehouse to see a mix of places in one visit.

Does Madison, AL have good restaurants?

Yes. Madison has its own local and newer spots, including the restaurants at Clift Farm, so many residents eat close to home.

Are Huntsville restaurants family friendly?

Many are. Spots with patios and lawns, like Stovehouse, Campus No. 805 and The Camp at MidCity, are popular with families.