8 Restaurants In Dothan (AL) That Locals Love For Food & Vibes!

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Last updated on January 10, 2023 by Wandering our World

Despite being a small and quiet city, Dothan aka ‘The Peanut Capital of the World’ attracts tourists from all over Alabama. From guided museum tours to splashing around in water parks, there’s plenty to do for people of all age groups here. 

Of course, that list also includes dining at some charming laidback eateries.

So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of the best restaurants in Dothan, AL, where you can experience everything from tacos, American classics, Japanese delicacies, and more with a side of Southern hospitality.

Bon appetit! 

Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

Our Top Eight Restaurants in Dothan, AL: Food Worth Waiting For! 

1. KBC 

Well-known eatery serving elevated Southern eats in a rustic-chic dining area and bar alongside outdoor courtyard seating with live music 

As one of the few places in town that combine a good atmosphere with even better food, KBC is arguably the most lauded and happening restaurant in Dothan, AL.

After owner/Chef Kelsey gained experience at Michelin-star restaurants like Dovetail (and later won Top Chef season 16), she established KBC in 2008 as a way to showcase her culinary skills. Now wholesome comfort foods served with finesse and pizzazz – that’s exactly what you should expect here.

The rustic-chic ambiance of exposed brick walls, country-style furnishing, and a bar just adds to the overall experience. And their shaded outdoor seating area with a fountain and brick walls with plants on them reminds us of courtyards in Italy. It’s a one-of-a-kind ambiance in little Dothan, especially when they’ve got live music on as they do ocassionally. 

But the food is really the best part here. Lunch features lots of gourmet sandwiches, and some of the most popular picks include the ‘Burnt Ends Melt’ with brisket ends and house BBQ sauce on panini bread and the ‘Bee’s Knees’ with fried chicken, pickles, and Southern slaw in a bun. These are huge, by the way, and enough to satisfy the biggest of appetites.

Meanwhile, dinner comes with an eclectic menu studded with refined Southern dishes. Start with something like coconut shrimp or smoked duck flatbread with garlic bechamel. Move on to the flavor-packed pan-seared snapper Pontchartrain with smoked gouda grits and lump crab or go for hearty picks like the pork chop served with succotash and chimichurri sauce. 

Brunch on Saturdays (10 am onwards) is just as delightful – try some of their highly innovative biscuits and gravy, then wash it down with a stellar mimosa or bellini.

Find them open Monday-Saturday 11 am – 2.30 pm for lunch and Tuesday-Saturday 5.30 – 8.30 pm for dinner. With this being one of the most popular restaurants in Dothan, it goes without saying that reservations are necessary at the weekend!

Address: 151 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 

2. Richie B’s

Local establishment dishing out huge NY-style pizza slices in a casual counter-order dining area 

In a town where NY-style pizzas are nowhere to be found, Richie B’s brings authentic (and gigantic) pizzas that look like they’re straight out of a Big Apple pizzeria. Combine that with owner Richie’s hospitality, and it’s a recipe for success.

For the few hours this place is open in the day, it remains jam-packed with locals who are absolutely hooked on these crispy, cheese-dripping slices.

The venue itself is no stunner, with red walls, TVs, and walls with pictures of the different movies Richie worked in (he happened to be an actor!), but it’s really the food that keeps folks coming back for more.

What makes these pizzas so ridiculously good is the fresh dough, of course, that’s rolled out thin and crisp, so you can fold the slice in half in true NY fashion. The fresh toppings, a very tomato-y pizza sauce, and high quality cheese also obviously make a difference.

Not to forget that these slices are by far the biggest anywhere in and around Dothan – so much that one will be enough for most people. Order your pizzas by the slice, or get the whole thing (they’ve got a whopping 25-inches pizza too).

Oh and, did we mention their Philly cheesesteaks? These bad boys have got everyone raving! Filled with the juiciest sirloin, best cheeses, and fresh veggies inside a huge dally roll, they look absolutely heavenly. Don’t forget to top your sandwich with some of their famous viper sauce.

Drop by between Tuesday-Saturday from 10.30 am – 1.45 pm, order at the counter, grab a seat, and devour these insanely impressive slices. And don’t be surprised if Richie comes by your table to chat – he loves mingling with the guests! 

Address: 3590 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL

New York style Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/EzumeImages

3. Cactus Flower Cafe 

Mexican food with a Californian twist served in an elegant ambiance with patio seating 

Dothan has some serious competition when it comes to Mexican eats, but Cactus Flower Cafe has been giving all the other eateries a run for their money since 2014.

In a sea of calorie-dense Mexican restaurants, this place is a healthy oasis in Dothan, offering bright and fresh flavors minus the extra fat and grease with an unmistakable Californian flair.

Even the ambiance is unlike your typical fiesta decor. Here, you get a fine dining set up, with white tablecloths and a charming fountain in the middle of the dining area.

A cozy little patio offers pet-friendly outdoor seating too. The atmosphere is elegant, dimly lit, and quiet enough for date nights, but you can certainly wear casual clothes and lick the plate clean if needed (spoiler alert: you will be licking the plate clean).

Although the menu isn’t as extensive as what you might be used to, it has everything you could be craving that day. Highlights include the Mahi Mahi tacos topped with a creamy lime sauce and the Southern California burrito stuffed with natural fries, carne asada, guac, and salsa verde.

Or if you want something more soul-warming, try the smooth and velvety Fiesta corn chowder with some extra cheese for that ‘oomph’ factor. The handmade tamales, house-stuffed chile Relleno, or the juicy Asada steak and fries are more wholesome and hearty options.

No matter what you order, you’ll receive absolutely fresh stuff made from scratch and high-quality ingredients, because that’s what sets them apart from others.

Pair your meals with some of their fantastic margaritas or wines, and savor Cal-Mex cuisine at its finest. Go ahead and visit them any day between Monday-Saturday from 11 am onwards. 

Address: 5412 Montgomery Hwy, Dothan, AL

Mexican food display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Elihu Castillo Ramirez

4. Fire Stone

Innovative global eats served in a casual yet polished atmosphere with a full bar and patio 

Serving an eclectic menu of cuisines from around the globe, Fire Stone has been one of Dothan’s favorite locally-owned businesses since 2010.

It’s a place where you can socialize with friends and family over chef-curated dishes and creative cocktails, with a bright and modern atmosphere that’s unlike most places in town.

An airy area of laidback seating arrangements forms their dining room, with a view of two of their huge wood-fire ovens. There’s a full bar too, and some outdoor seating for a more intimate experience.

Although their menu offers a bit of everything, you have to try some of their thin-crust artisan pizzas that come straight out of their brick ovens. Crispy crusts, with just the right amount of cheese and sauce, and quality ingredients – even the harshest of critiques melt when presented with these pizzas.

Create your own pizza, choose innovative ones like the ‘Figgy’ or the ‘Fun Guy’, or go classic with the Margherita.

Other highlights from the menu include a decadent wood-fired lasagna, filet mignon, Philly cheesesteaks, and shrimp and grits in a cajun cream sauce. Pretty much everything comes out looking and tasting spectacular since they start off with fresh local ingredients and make it all to order. 

Of course, you can’t skimp on their cocktails – they’re also one of the reasons Fire Stone is considered one of the best restaurants in Dothan.

And drop by on weekdays from 11 am onwards, or 10 am onwards on weekends to experience their drool-worthy brunch. They’ve got some imaginative offerings like savory French toast, hollandaise sandwiches, and apple-cider mimosas to brighten up your weekend mornings! 

Address: 250 S Oates St, Dothan, AL

wood fired pizza on table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/JulyProkopiv

5. Ooka Sushi 

Creative sushi and hibachi served in a trendy and modern space with AYCE and ala carte options

There’s nothing quite like some good sushi, and though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the AYCE Ooka Sushi can really change your mind about this cuisine.

Savor vibrant and fresh-out-of-the-water sushi, Hibachi, and Japanese delicacies at this aesthetic and modern eatery that makes you feel fancy while maintaining a relaxed and casual vibe.

Colorful ambient lighting, chic decor, and a bright chandelier dominate the dining area as talented chefs busily make rolls in clear view of the patrons at the sushi bar. 

You can get stuff ala carte, but if you’re opting for an AYCE dinner, you’re in for a treat. Kick back on the seats, and order as you eat. There’s no buffet or bar here, and they’ll keep bringing out as much stuff as you want (though wasting food will add a surcharge).

A steaming hot bowl of miso soup or the vibrant squid salad is a great way to kickstart your meal before feasting on the show-stopping sushi. They’ve got creative stuff like the Ooka roll with snow crab and mango in soybean paper or the Mexican roll with tuna and Jalapeno alongside classics like California rolls. It’s all rolled to order and very refreshing to munch on.

Move on to the perfectly grilled Hibachi, intensely-flavored noodles, or Teriyaki and of course, you have to get some of the Sake to go along too. 

With efficient and super pleasant service and overall affordable prices, we couldn’t ask for more at Ooka Sushi. They’re open every day from 11 am onwards (noon on Sundays). 

Address: 4863 Montgomery Hwy, Dothan, AL

Sushi platter arrangement
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/AtlasStudio)

6. Conestoga Steak House 

Family-owned steakhouse with a straightforward menu and informal atmosphere 

Going to a steakhouse almost always means dining in style with formalities, but Conestoga removes all that fuss from the equation and does what it does best – cooking up perfect steaks.

It’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of eatery that’s been around for over four decades in Dothan, and their homestyle food can really remind you of grandma’s cooking.

It’ a straightforward space stuffed with casual seating arrangements and dimmed-out lighting makes for the entirety of the dining area, so don’t expect anything fancy here.

The menu is pretty simple too. You come here for steaks, and top-quality steaks are what you get – not much more.

They might not be big on atmosphere and frills, but their steaks surely pack a punch in terms of flavor. Expect a hefty filet marinated and then grilled to the exact temperature you prefer, oozing with juice, and seasoned just the right amount.

Choose from select options like ribeye, filet mignon, or steak tips, all of which are served with freshly-baked yeasts rolls. Throw in some sides, which are just as easy and comfy, such as baked potatoes, salad, and steamed broccoli.

It might sound simple, but that’s what makes this place so special. They’re always reliable and highly skilled with their steaks, so even the snobbiest of steak snobs will be satisfied here. Try and save room for their peanut butter pie too! 

They’re open between Tuesday-Saturday from 4 pm onwards – expect to wait a bit on weekends since they don’t do reservations for small groups and are one of the most popular restaurants in Dothan. 

Address: 3549 Montgomery Hwy, Dothan, AL

beef steak display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/lisovskaya

7. Thai House 

Elegant eatery dishing out Thai delicacies with authentic flavors served in a quaint and peaceful atmosphere 

Adding diversity to this small town’s dining scene, Thai House brings authentic Eastern flavors to Dothan, AL with an incredible atmosphere and service.

Although takeout is common here, we highly recommend you dine in their elegant interior studded with Thai and Asian-inspired artwork, alongside a small bar area. The atmosphere is quiet yet laid back and draped in soft music in the background, so it’s great for a nice intimate dinner. 

With an extensive menu of beautifully-presented dishes infused with bold Thai flavors, there’s something for every palette here.

Start with something like the steamed dumplings or Thai BBQ skewers to build up an appetite, then hone in on the noodles. Firm, intensely flavored, and full of fresh ingredients, their spicy noodles and Pad Thai offer a satisfaction level that’s off the charts.

Other entrees such as the Thai spicy steak, a seafood hotpot, or some crispy duck with red curry sauce are worth trying too, and everything has adjustable spice levels and is made-to-order.

And although they do have wines and beers, we urge you to try their Thai iced tea – it’s one of their best-sellers. 

Find this gem of an eatery open from Monday-Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm for lunch and 4 – 9.30 pm for dinner. 

Address: 4177 Montgomery Hwy #10, Dothan, AL

Chef is stirring vegetables in wok
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/bgton

8. Ray’s Restaurant 

Long-standing eatery serving American comfort food in a humble setting with a few outdoor seats

If what you’re looking for is a family restaurant and comfort food, then Ray’s Restaurant is your best bet for that ultimate homey experience.

Since 1969, Dothan locals have been coming to this humble mom-and-pop joint for homestyle American classics and hearty breakfasts, and that alone speaks volumes about their continued success.

It’s a no-frills place located in a quiet neighborhood, with booth style and regular seating, alongside some outdoor tables in case you want to soak in the sun.

As one of the most popular breakfast spots in town, Ray’s offers a scrumptious spread of homestyle picks for you to start your day off on the right foot.

Buttery biscuits split open and topped with gravy, hash browns, pancakes, and sandwiches are some of the stuff offered. Not to forget their city-wide famous omelets, especially the Ray’s Omelet that comes filled with hash browns, ham, bacon, veggies, and cheese inside 4 eggs to satisfy the mightiest of appetites.

Their lunch offerings remind us of grandma’s meals, with meatloaf, chicken livers, fried chicken, and hamburger steak served in hearty portions. Throw in a side of cheese grits or baked beans, and you’re all set. You can also devour sammies, burgers, wraps, and the ever-so-popular peach cobbler. 

Find them open Monday-Saturday at the crack of dawn from 5 am to 2 pm for the comfiest meal ever, and do check their socials where they post lunch specials every day. 

Address: 1740 S Oates St, Dothan, AL 

Omelet with parsley, cherry tomatoes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Plateresca

The Best Restaurants In Dothan, AL: Our Final Thoughts

With a good mix of casual and classy, this town has a surprisingly good food scene.

So if you ever find yourself in the area, give our favorite restaurants in Dothan a try, and you’ll be left counting the days till you can return.

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.