The best restaurants in Opelika

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

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Restaurants · 42 places · showing the latest additions first

Panera Bread

Restaurants

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

1550 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

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Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.

1451 Gateway Dr Ste C

Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.

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McAlister's Deli

Restaurants

Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea.

1651 E University Dr (Auburn)

Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea.

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Marco's Pizza

Restaurants

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

231 N Dean Rd Ste 1 (Auburn)

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

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

Barberitos

Restaurants

Order-at-the-counter chain known for Southwestern staples like burritos & a salsa bar.

1619 Opelika Rd #120 (Auburn)

Order-at-the-counter chain known for Southwestern staples like burritos & a salsa bar.

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Homestyle Mexican cuisine & cocktails served in an unpretentious cantina with booth seating,

2400 Gateway Dr

Homestyle Mexican cuisine & cocktails served in an unpretentious cantina with booth seating,

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

1051 Fox Run Ave

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

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Waffle House

Restaurants

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

2346 Bent Creek Rd (Auburn)

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

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Relaxed pizzeria chain serving NY-style hand-tossed pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.

2415 Moores Mill Rd Suite 200 (Auburn)

Relaxed pizzeria chain serving NY-style hand-tossed pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.

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Waffle House

Restaurants

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

2064 Interstate Dr

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

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Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

2524 Enterprise Dr

Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

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Local chain known for ribs, chicken & BBQ sandwiches, plus sweets such as cakes & cookies.

2494 Enterprise Dr

Local chain known for ribs, chicken & BBQ sandwiches, plus sweets such as cakes & cookies.

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Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

1345 Opelika Rd Ste A (Auburn)

Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

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Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

2115 Pepperell Pkwy

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

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Subway

Restaurants

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

2101 Frederick Rd

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

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Waffle House

Restaurants

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

1738 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

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

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Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

1460 Gateway Dr

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

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Marco's Pizza

Restaurants

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

1459 Fox Run Pkwy

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

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New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

2336 Tiger Town Pkwy

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

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Subway

Restaurants

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

1017 Columbus Pkwy

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

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Locally owned since 1993, Venditori's Italian Restaurant keeps Auburn happily sauced with homemade sauces and Italian classics, hot garlic…

2575 Hilton Garden Dr (Auburn)

Locally owned since 1993, Venditori's Italian Restaurant keeps Auburn happily sauced with homemade sauces and Italian classics, hot garlic rolls, and a signature house salad locals swear by. Order online, snag a reservation, or tap their catering for family-size feasts...

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Botanic

Restaurants

Botanic is the kind of spot you wander into for elevated Southern plates at The Grille, then stay for a market browse, a greenhouse…

1702 Frederick Rd

Botanic is the kind of spot you wander into for elevated Southern plates at The Grille, then stay for a market browse, a greenhouse daydream, and a bar drink while live music kicks up. Plus, The Market has gifts from local artists, and the Garden Shoppe stocks favorite gardening tools.

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Zazu Gastropub

Restaurants

Low-key, rustic-chic tavern featuring 20+ craft brews on tap, plus New American eats & wine.

112 S 8th St

Low-key, rustic-chic tavern featuring 20+ craft brews on tap, plus New American eats & wine.

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Local staple known for corn nuggets, burgers, "fishbowl" drinks & game nights in lively digs.

1151 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

Local staple known for corn nuggets, burgers, "fishbowl" drinks & game nights in lively digs.

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Part bar, part restaurant, and fully Auburn, Tiger On The Green serves up easygoing eats and cold drinks in a clubhouse setting, plus…

2601 E University Dr (Auburn)

Part bar, part restaurant, and fully Auburn, Tiger On The Green serves up easygoing eats and cold drinks in a clubhouse setting, plus LawnGolf when you want to play between bites. Soccer fans, they screen Premier League matches, and they’re set up for casual parties too.

From the Auburn newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Pokemoto Auburn

Restaurants

Hawaiian-style counter-serve eatery chain serving build-your-own rice bowls and burritos, plus boba tea and wraps.

2900 E University Dr Ste 150 (Auburn)

Hawaiian-style counter-serve eatery chain serving build-your-own rice bowls and burritos, plus boba tea and wraps.

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Easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.

2319 Bent Creek Rd #100 (Auburn)

Easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.

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Bow & Arrow

Restaurants

When your week calls for proper brisket and a side of queso-fueled happiness, Bow & Arrow nails it with South Texas smokehouse vibes,…

1977 E Samford Ave (Auburn)

When your week calls for proper brisket and a side of queso-fueled happiness, Bow & Arrow nails it with South Texas smokehouse vibes, housemade tortillas, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, plus classic BBQ plates with borracho beans. Pair it with a margarita and pretend chores can wait until tomorrow.

From the Auburn newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Culver’s

Restaurants

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

2080 E University Dr (Auburn)

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

231 N Dean Rd Ste 5 (Auburn)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Agave Loco Mexican Grill is that low-key spot you keep in your back pocket for busy nights, with classic tacos and saucy enchiladas that…

1032 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

Agave Loco Mexican Grill is that low-key spot you keep in your back pocket for busy nights, with classic tacos and saucy enchiladas that hit the comfort-food switch. Order a cocktail, settle in, and let the conversation do the heavy lifting.

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With an extensive lineup of Japanese dishes and a full bar, Takoyaki Restaurant hits that sweet spot for Auburn locals who want easygoing…

2035 Interstate Dr

With an extensive lineup of Japanese dishes and a full bar, Takoyaki Restaurant hits that sweet spot for Auburn locals who want easygoing vibes with real flavor. Think shareable plates, comforting bowls, and cocktails that play nice with umami, perfect for low-key weeknights or catch-ups that accidentally run long.

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Taqueria Durango keeps it simple and delicious with tasty tacos, a legit salsa bar, and the kind of handmade guac and queso you start…

435 N Dean Rd # J (Auburn)

Taqueria Durango keeps it simple and delicious with tasty tacos, a legit salsa bar, and the kind of handmade guac and queso you start thinking about mid-meeting. Swing by this week when you need an easy dinner that still feels like a treat, then thank yourself later. Check it out.

From the Auburn newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Enduring sports-themed chain with a menu of pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees, plus TVs.

2353 Bent Creek Rd (Auburn)

Enduring sports-themed chain with a menu of pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees, plus TVs.

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Mikata

Restaurants

In the mood for sizzle therapy this week, Auburn? Mikata lines up hand-crafted sushi and hibachi cooked right at your table by lively…

323 Airport Rd (Auburn)

In the mood for sizzle therapy this week, Auburn? Mikata lines up hand-crafted sushi and hibachi cooked right at your table by lively teppanyaki chefs, so you get flavors and fireworks. Planning a gathering soon?

From the Auburn newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Cook Out

Restaurants

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

1601 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

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Since 1975, Country's Barbecue has done it the hard way, smoking pork over hickory and oak, simmering brunswick stew for two days, and even…

1021 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

Since 1975, Country's Barbecue has done it the hard way, smoking pork over hickory and oak, simmering brunswick stew for two days, and even squeezing lemons for that pie and lemonade. Go for the ribs or Black Angus hamburger steak, stay for the fresh-cut fries and easygoing vibe.

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Relaxed pizzeria chain serving NY-style hand-tossed pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.

2408 E University Dr (Auburn)

Relaxed pizzeria chain serving NY-style hand-tossed pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.

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Chain serving burgers, wings, fried rice and cheesesteaks in a casual space.

819 E Glenn Ave #140 (Auburn)

Chain serving burgers, wings, fried rice and cheesesteaks in a casual space.

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Since 1989, Byron's Smokehouse has kept Auburn fed with hearty breakfasts, quick lunches, and smokehouse favorites that taste like…

436 Opelika Rd (Auburn)

Since 1989, Byron's Smokehouse has kept Auburn fed with hearty breakfasts, quick lunches, and smokehouse favorites that taste like somebody’s granddad still watches the pit, so when you want comfort that’s simple, unfussy, and properly smoky, go this week for good food done the Byron’s way.

From the Auburn newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

2311 Bent Creek Rd (Auburn)

Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

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Laid-back eatery with quirky decor offering pizza, pasta & subs, plus wings & other appetizers.

1940 E Samford Ave (Auburn)

Laid-back eatery with quirky decor offering pizza, pasta & subs, plus wings & other appetizers.

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