The best restaurants in Decatur

38 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 38 places · showing the latest additions first

Whitt's Barbecue

Restaurants

Local BBQ chain offering hickory-smoked meats, wings & sides in a low-key counter-service setting.

1 S Marion St A (Athens)

Local BBQ chain offering hickory-smoked meats, wings & sides in a low-key counter-service setting.

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Bojangles

Restaurants

Southern-inspired fast-food chain known for fried chicken & biscuit, plus signature sides.

1316 US Hwy 72 E (Athens)

Southern-inspired fast-food chain known for fried chicken & biscuit, plus signature sides.

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Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

1331 US Hwy 72 E (Athens)

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

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Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

1212 Kelli Dr (Athens)

Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

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Run a Decatur business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Subway

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

908 S Jefferson St (Athens)

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

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Chick-fil-A

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

1291 US Hwy 72 E (Athens)

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

15386 Flinders Ln (Athens)

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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Marco's Pizza

Restaurants

Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.

22099 US-72 Unit H (Athens)

Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.

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LawLers Barbecue

Restaurants

Local BBQ chain serving St. Louis-style ribs, sandwiches & comfort sides in a casual setting.

1506 US Hwy 72 E (Athens)

Local BBQ chain serving St. Louis-style ribs, sandwiches & comfort sides in a casual setting.

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Captain D's

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving fried fish & shrimp combo meals along with gumbo & funnel cakes.

102 US-31 S (Athens)

Fast-food chain serving fried fish & shrimp combo meals along with gumbo & funnel cakes.

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Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

15412 Greenfield Dr (Athens)

Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

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Waffle House

Restaurants

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

1507 US Hwy 72 E (Athens)

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

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Whataburger

Restaurants

Circa-1950 fast-food chain for counter-serve burgers, some stacked with multiple patties.

1327 US Hwy 72 E (Athens)

Circa-1950 fast-food chain for counter-serve burgers, some stacked with multiple patties.

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Taquería el Paisa turns out handmade tortillas, legit al pastor and enchiladas that taste like someone’s abuela is running the line, with…

1707 Central Pkwy SW M

Taquería el Paisa turns out handmade tortillas, legit al pastor and enchiladas that taste like someone’s abuela is running the line, with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors dialed for modern appetites.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 7, 2026

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With funky, art-filled vibes, 36 draft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and creative stone-baked pies, Mellow Mushroom Decatur nails the…

202 Moulton St E

With funky, art-filled vibes, 36 draft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and creative stone-baked pies, Mellow Mushroom Decatur nails the downtown group hang. Think chewy, flavor-packed dough, loaded calzones, vegan and gluten-free options, and trivia or doodle nights that make lingering feel mandatory.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Chuck E. Cheese

Restaurants

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

1801 Beltline Rd SW G

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

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Marco's Pizza

Restaurants

Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.

2699 Sandlin Rd SW Unit A-1

Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.

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Serrano's Mexican keeps it easy and tasty with made-to-order favorites, street burritos, steak nachos, even birria ramen, plus cold beer…

1401 Carridale St SW Unit B

Serrano's Mexican keeps it easy and tasty with made-to-order favorites, street burritos, steak nachos, even birria ramen, plus cold beer and cocktails, and they make gatherings painless with catering or a reserved table, so your next family night or birthday basically plans itself.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Family owned since 2017, Pizza Roma - Decatur brings old-world craft to pies with dough made fresh daily, a brick oven, and marinara kicked…

2006 Danville Rd SW Ste D

Family owned since 2017, Pizza Roma - Decatur brings old-world craft to pies with dough made fresh daily, a brick oven, and marinara kicked up by proprietary spices.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 25, 2026

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From street tacos to a legit Baja Chicken Bowl, La Terrazita Mexican Grill leans into fresh ingredients, slow-cooked recipes, and that…

2614 Hwy 31 S

From street tacos to a legit Baja Chicken Bowl, La Terrazita Mexican Grill leans into fresh ingredients, slow-cooked recipes, and that homemade touch. It’s a go-to for bold, comforting flavors and catering when you want your gathering to taste like an upgrade.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 11, 2026

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When potluck season sneaks up or you just want dinner handled, The Honey Baked Ham Company has the marinated smoked hams locals swear by,…

2804 Spring Ave SW Ste B

When potluck season sneaks up or you just want dinner handled, The Honey Baked Ham Company has the marinated smoked hams locals swear by, plus turkeys, roasts, and desserts that make weeknights and game days in Decatur feel like a holiday.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Since 1977, Alfonso's Pizza & Italian Restaurant has been Decatur's family-owned spot for legit pies and pastas, with sauces and dough made…

725 Beltline Rd SW Ste E

Since 1977, Alfonso's Pizza & Italian Restaurant has been Decatur's family-owned spot for legit pies and pastas, with sauces and dough made fresh daily. Grab an easy takeout night, rally the crew for group dining, or tap their catering when you want zero-stress comfort food this week.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Las Vias

Restaurants

Las Vias Mexican Grill nails the local craving for the good stuff, from sizzling fajitas and hand-made favorites to tacos, burritos, and…

2224 6th Ave SE

Las Vias Mexican Grill nails the local craving for the good stuff, from sizzling fajitas and hand-made favorites to tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, finished with a margarita or cold cerveza. Easy spot for meetups or takeout, with Decatur and Hartselle both covered.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 11, 2026

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When this week calls for pad thai on Tuesday, spicy curry on Wednesday, and a sushi roll reward by Friday, Banana Leaves Asian Restaurant &…

9035 Madison Blvd (Madison)

When this week calls for pad thai on Tuesday, spicy curry on Wednesday, and a sushi roll reward by Friday, Banana Leaves Asian Restaurant & Sushi Bar delivers fresh, flavor-packed plates from Thailand, Malaysia, China, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery keep weeknights easy.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar is the local flex when you want serious pie cred, from a 2x Best Pizza in the World, Pizza Maker of the…

25783 Huntsville Brownsferry Rd (Madison)

Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar is the local flex when you want serious pie cred, from a 2x Best Pizza in the World, Pizza Maker of the Year behind the oven, plus house-made meatballs and a legit wine and cocktail lineup. Grab a pie, linger, make it a midweek ritual.

From the Madison newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Craving legit-from-scratch tacos, vibrant salsas, and a fresh margarita that actually tastes like citrus, not syrup? La Finka | Mexican…

8994 Madison Blvd (Madison)

Craving legit-from-scratch tacos, vibrant salsas, and a fresh margarita that actually tastes like citrus, not syrup? La Finka | Mexican Restaurant & Grill brings modern Mexican flavor to our orbit with whole ingredients, beautiful plates, weekly trivia, and catering for those nights you’d rather host than cook.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Serrano’s Mexican Priceville keeps things fun and unfussy with street burritos, steak nachos, birria ramen, and vegetarian-friendly plates,…

620 Hwy 67 S

Serrano’s Mexican Priceville keeps things fun and unfussy with street burritos, steak nachos, birria ramen, and vegetarian-friendly plates, plus great drinks that do the heavy lifting. Planning a get-together?

From the Decatur newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Chick-fil-A

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

1809 Beltline Rd SW

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Website ↗

Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

1006 Beltline Rd SE

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

Website ↗

Chow King Grill & Buffet is the local move when you want to graze with intent, from Chinese favorites and a hot buffet to made-to-order…

1000 G3, Beltline Rd SW

Chow King Grill & Buffet is the local move when you want to graze with intent, from Chinese favorites and a hot buffet to made-to-order steaks and a steady sushi lineup. Weekends reportedly turn into shrimp central, so bring an appetite and a game plan, not judgment.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

407 Beltline Rd SW

Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

Website ↗

Chick-fil-A

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

2502 Hwy 31 S

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Website ↗

IHOP

Restaurants

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

1428 Beltline Rd SW

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

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Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been an Alabama legend since 1925, serving world championship barbecue that actually lives up to the hype.…

1715 6th Ave SE

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been an Alabama legend since 1925, serving world championship barbecue that actually lives up to the hype. Pulled pork, smoked chicken, baked potatoes, and that tangy signature white sauce make it a weekday no-brainer when you want real-deal Decatur flavor without firing up the pit.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been serving world championship barbecue in Decatur since 1925, and their Original White Sauce is still the move…

2520 Danville Rd SW

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been serving world championship barbecue in Decatur since 1925, and their Original White Sauce is still the move on smoky chicken and more. When you want legit pit-cooked comfort with century-old know-how, this hometown legend delivers the kind of flavor that feels like a win.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Counter-serve chain serving deli fare, such as their Original sandwich, specialty pizzas & salads.

8969 Madison Blvd (Madison)

Counter-serve chain serving deli fare, such as their Original sandwich, specialty pizzas & salads.

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When dinner decision fatigue hits, Noriya Japanese Cuisine comes through with delicate sushi rolls and sashimi, hearty teriyaki, slurpable…

2027 Beltline Rd SW

When dinner decision fatigue hits, Noriya Japanese Cuisine comes through with delicate sushi rolls and sashimi, hearty teriyaki, slurpable udon, and donburi layered with well-seasoned toppings.

From the Decatur newsletter, August 23, 2026

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When dinner inspo fails, Taqueria Acapulco comes through with fresh-as-it-gets asada tacos, comforting pozole, and a lengua burrito that…

2109 AL-20

When dinner inspo fails, Taqueria Acapulco comes through with fresh-as-it-gets asada tacos, comforting pozole, and a lengua burrito that turns skeptics into believers. Add sopes and a pollo torta to the mix, and you’ve got weeknight happiness handled.

From the Decatur newsletter, September 13, 2026

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