Shortlist: Eight Restaurants In Calera (AL) That Locals Love!

Calera, located 30 miles south of Birmingham along I-65, is one of the major chemical lime manufacturing sites in the United States. The once-named “Lime Kiln Station” now has roughly 13,800 inhabitants, and a surprisingly good food scene.

The residents of this bustling city are lucky to have a great variety of unique restaurants and culinary experiences. Far from being a quaint town with limited choices, Calera has a whole array of food options to choose from, like Asian restaurants, BBQ places, wineries, and more.

We’ve gone ahead and compiled the best restaurants in Calera, so that you can focus on flavor, while we do all the legwork!

The Best Restaurants In Calera, AL: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Bertolone’s Classic Italian Restaurant

Classic Italian food, locally owned and operated, big on flavors and with a separate kids’ menu available.

Authentic Italian at its finest, Bertolone’s Classic Italian Restaurant deserves to rank highly on any list of the top restaurants in Calera. Not only is it run by an Italian American family, meaning you’ll get flavorful and traditional Italian food, but it also does a great job of celebrating Italian culture and heritage, something that each generation of Bertalone’s is proud to share with everyone who steps into the restaurant.

The interior is just as warm and delightful as the family and staff itself! Tastefully done up in earthy tones, the walls pay homage to Italy with some classic Italian paintings hanging on them. The attention to detail paid to the seating arrangement that’s done up in a timeless black and white set up, adds to the charm and allure of the place. It’s definitely, a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy some great family time in.

Their starters, soups, salads, pizzas, and entrées are lovingly prepared from age-old Italian traditions, and Bertolone family secrets, that will surely thrill your taste buds whether you choose to dine in or choose takeout.

And if culinary perfection is what you’re after, then Bartolone’s will not disappoint. Their lasagna is especially coveted and even has a keto option to it for those looking for a healthy option. Plus, they also have a great kids’ menu that will surely be a big hit with the little ones.

Bertolone’s is closed on Mondays. It opens from Tuesday to Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm, and from Friday and Saturday 11 am to 9 pm. On Sundays, it’s only open from 11 am to 8 pm again. So, make sure you check the schedule before heading out

Address: 209 Supercenter Dr, Calera, AL.

2. Zapopan Mexican Restaurant

Local Mexican hangout, with an extensive menu, vegetarian options, and great photo ops!

A town is incomplete unless it has a local Mexican restaurant that everyone flocks to and that’s just how Zapopan Mexican Restaurant completes Calera’s dining experience. Adding to the town some spicy, original, and fresh Mexican cuisine that will entice even the most skeptical of people.

Zapopan is also a local haven, so if you want to see what the locals are eating and what their usual orders are like, this is the place to be. With a courteous and friendly staff, great atmosphere, and exceptional food, Zapopan will surely be a big hit with the fam.

They have a ‘Margarita Tuesday’ where Margaritas are cheaper than the on-menu price too, so if you want to catch that deal, plan to go on a Tuesday to truly enjoy what the place has to offer. With over 55 entrees and countless sides, Zapopan doesn’t skimp on choices either! It also has vegan items and a menu for kids to make ordering for the whole family easier.

The interior is a spacious and colorful open seating plan with plenty of booth and table options to choose from. The bright green, red and yellow walls make for a very entertaining and festive feel that are perfect to snap some pictures against. Overall, the restaurant makes sure that you leave with a thousand new memories that you can fondly reminisce about when you leave Calera and head back home.

Zapopan’s is always open! From Mondays through Thursdays, 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM. On Sunday, it’s open from 11:00 AM through 9:00 PM. So, there’s plenty of time for you to chalk it into your schedule.

Address: 45 Beverly Dr, Calera, AL.

3. Milo’s Hamburgers

Best burger place in town according to many locals, family owned and operated, with exquisite dessert options too.

Milo’s Hamburger is the brainchild of Milo Carlton. A self-taught chef who refined his burger skills as a mess cook in the United States Army before opening his first burger establishment in 1946. With a secret sauce that’s still in use today, he believed that the value of hard work, and providing people something extra while listening to their feedback, were the keys to a successful business.

Milo’s Hamburgers has been doing something right that’s for sure, as it has become a true icon of the town, making it one of the most popular restaurants in Calera.

With numerous burgers and sandwich options to choose from, there’s something for everyone at Milo’s. Whether you’re craving meat or want some chicken tenders, the place has it all. Just make sure to order some extra servings of Milo’s original sauce to add an additional level of deliciousness to your meal. Top the evening off with their fried pies and you’ll be in seventh heaven.

With a simple, diner-like décor, Milo’s is a great place to just relax and enjoy the food. The eatery is often where many locals can be found, taking in one of the best burgers the town has to offer. The staff is polite and efficient too, so if you’re unsure of what to order, they can definitely step in to help.

Enjoy a great meal at Milos any day of the week, because the restaurant is open from 10:30 am to 9 pm every day. Making it a great spot to go to when you don’t want to worry about closing and opening times.

Address: 1 Limestone Parkway, Calera, AL.

4. Corbin Farms Winery

For a more upscale and chic evening out. Live music, trivia, murder mysteries and other fun events take place all the time. Outdoor seating available as well.

This is an upscale and chic place to go to if you want to enjoy an elevated night out. It’s perfect for date night too, so if you’re looking to unwind together while enjoying some delicious food, Corbin Farms Winery is the place to go for a romantic evening around town.

The family-owned place is one of the most popular restaurants in Calera, and also does an awesome job of keeping itself relevant and fun. With many themed dinners and events going on now and then, you’ll have a great time no matter what the occasion. From Murder Mystery nights to Trivia nights, the staff and owners make sure to add a layer of excitement to every meal that they serve. If you want to be prepared for what you’re getting into, it’s a great idea to check their Facebook page and see what they have lined up for when you’re visiting Calera.

The ambiance of the place is phenomenal too, with many locals hosting private dinner parties and other large family events here as a result. That just goes to show how well the place is decorated and how trained the staff is in accommodating all sorts of requests.

Their fresh food is simply divine too, with their chicken scallopini and chicken parmesan being crowd favorites. It also goes without saying that they have a comprehensive wine list, with locally owned and extracted wines that will give you a real flavor of Calera. Your server or ‘wine therapist’ will make sure to give you some recommendations to complement your meal, if you’re unsure of what to pair with your food.

Corbin Farms Winery is closed from Monday to Wednesday and opens on Thursday from noon to 3 pm and Friday from noon to 3 pm too. On Saturdays, it’s open from noon to 5 pm, and on Sundays, it’s open from noon to 3 pm too, making it a great lunch spot.

Address: 800 Highway 87 Calera, AL.

5. Magic Wok

Hole-in-the-wall, authentic Asian food with dine-in, delivery, and take-out options.  

In the mood for some amazing Asian food? Look no further than Magic Wok. This traditional Chinese restaurant will surely become one of your favorite spots to visit in Calera. Bursting with flavor and spice, this place delivers on all accounts, making it a popular local and tourist dining spot.

If you’re sick of bland food that really doesn’t taste that great, then a visit to Magic Wok will surely fix the need for flavor in your life. Their coconut curry chicken has a following all of its own, while their Mangolian Beef is also supremely popular. They also have a ton of veggie dishes that you can choose from.

Everything on their menu lets you know its relative spice level, so if you aren’t looking for something too hot, make sure to check the little chili pepper indication next to it. Similarly, if you want something that’ll make you feel the burn, then there are plenty of options that will do just that too!

The interior is simple and understated, which really works with the vibe that the place has going on. The aesthetic makes you feel calm and at peace, which are both elements of Chinese culture that the staff and owners have tried to share with the customers. You’ll be in a perfectly content mood, right till the food shows up, after which you’ll be scouring for more.

Magic Wok is closed on Mondays and opens from Tuesday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays 11 am to 9:30 pm. On Sundays, it’s also open from 11 am to 9 pm, making it a great family dinner solution to the nights when you just want some good comfort food before hitting the bed.

Address: 275 Supercenter Dr, Calera, AL.

6. El Taco Truck

For Taco lovers looking for bold flavors and exceptional service. Outdoor seating plans available.

Don’t let the name deceive you, this isn’t a food truck, rather it’s a small establishment that’s intent on delivering big flavors. With their specialties being tacos, this hole-in-the-wall eatery is one of Calera’s hidden gems. It’s a diamond in the rough that is super popular with locals, so if you want to try something authentic and traditional, do it the native way and go to El Taco Truck.

The menu is simple, but you’ll find a wide variety of meats on it as well as tasty fried plantains and churros. On top of that everything is made fresh to order and seasoned to perfection so no matter what you end up choosing, you’ll know it was prepared from scratch with love. Just what you want while you’re in town. Their beef burritos also come highly recommended so keep that in mind while ordering!

While the restaurant does not have an indoor dining space, they do have some outdoor seating that is great for when the weather is nice. They also have a delivery option, perfect if you want to enjoy what they have to offer from the comfort of your hotel (we all have those days!)

El Taco is closed on Mondays and opens Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm for its lunch service and from 5 pm to 9 pm for its dinner service. On Sundays, it’s only open for lunch from 3 to 8 pm. So, make sure you catch it on a day and time that it’s open!

Address: 8101 US-31. Calera, AL.

7. Tin Top BBQ

No-nonsense BBQ eatery with home-style dessert options. Perfect for the whole family.  

Another local secret that Calera has tried to gatekeep is Tin Top BBQ. While BBQ isn’t Alabama’s specialty this restaurant makes it hard to wonder why. With some exceptionally rich and traditional BBQ and tantalizing sides, this restaurant absolutely deserves a mention on a list of the best restaurants in Calera.

Their ribs, burgers, steaks, and potato salad are extremely popular, and their accompanying secret sauce is exquisite. So, even if you just stick with these basics, you’ll surely have a great time when you go to Tin Top BBQ.

Many locals even rave about both their desserts, which are peanut butter pie and banana pudding, so make sure you save some room for dessert and try those out as well. Their helpings are large as well, so if you want to share something and order for the table, that would be a great idea too!

While the interior is simple, it does have a whimsical feel to it that plays well with the atmosphere that the owners have tried to create. The wooden walls and pictures also play an ode to American BBQ and its importance as a culinary specialty of the nation. The staff is also super friendly and love to dote on tourists so make sure to ask their advice on what to order if you’re unsure.

Tin Top BBQ is closed Sundays and Mondays and opens from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm. Make sure to add it to your itinerary so you don’t miss out on some amazing BBQ!

Address: 3477 County Road 33 Calera, AL.

8. Sage Bar & Grill

Sports bar, with traditional bar food and tons of local activities like bingo, karaoke, live music and trivia to enjoy.

A perfect restaurant to end our list with, Sage Bar & Grill is a locally owned and operated restaurant in the heart of Calera. It provides the best setting in which to have a drink and a snack while watching the big game. So, if there’s a game you don’t want to miss while in town, then Sage is the place to go. With a lively atmosphere, as expected from a bar, there’s plenty of excitement around, sometimes with live music to enjoy too!

With their restaurant having some classic American faves, Sage is a home away from home. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner options, their timeless flavors will make you feel right at home no matter when you go.

Their burgers and wings are locals’ all-time faves, so make sure to order some of those. They also have a kid’s menu that’ll be a big help if you have some little ones with you, as well as a great dessert menu to satisfy any sweet tooth.

With a lively atmosphere and plenty of bingo, trivia, and karaoke nights, Sage Bar & Grill is a great evening out, so if you want to spend a night with great food and awesome festivities then this is the place to be.

The restaurant’s interior is set up to accommodate all the happenings as well, with a bar and plenty of televisions playing the latest game. Comfortable seating options make sure that you can sit back and enjoy your time here.

Sage is open throughout the week. From Mondays to Wednesdays 11 am to 10 pm and from Thursdays to 11 am to 12 am and on Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm. So stop by one of the most fun restaurants in Calera whenever you can!

Address: 4979 US-31 Calera, AL.

The Best Restaurants In Calera: Our Final Thoughts

That’s all there is to it, folks. Our favorite restaurants in Calera. This list has some pretty unique options so make sure you plan ahead of schedule so that you can experience all of them at least once.

With staggered dates and times of opening, it’s a good idea to know beforehand where you want to go on what days during your visit, so there are no untimely surprises of places being booked or closed.