Top Three Family Restaurants in Decatur, Alabama

In the South, eating is a major pasttime. Between home-cooked Sunday dinners and church pot-luck suppers, no Southerner can complain about hunger. But when you're tired of cooking, here are some suggestions for great family restaurants in Decatur, Alabama.

If you didn't get enough country cooking at Grandma's, or if your Grandma gave up cooking, there is plenty of rib-sticking soul food at the Cracker Barrel on the Beltline. Cracker Barrels are usually located near the interstate exits, but in Decatur, Cracker Barrel is right in the middle of town, located at the corner of Sandlin Road. Look for the big country porch lined with rocking chairs and you'll be at the right place.

The menu has all the favorites- Country Fried Steak, Chicken and Dumplings, Pinto Beans and Turnip Greens, and MeatLoaf. A variety of vegetables are available as well as fruit cobblers for dessert, and you won't find better Southern Sweet Iced Tea. The atmosphere is casual and kids are welcomed. Puzzles on the table and checkers set up by old-fashioned rocking chairs keep them occupied while you wait on your meal. If you go on Sunday for lunch, though, you might have a wait.

Prices range from $3.99 to 11.99 for an average adult meal and children and senior menus are available. The dining room is large and ample staff are available to see to your needs. When you are finished with your dinner, don't forget to do a little shopping in their country store. A wide selection of merchandise ranging from candies, toys for the kids, and clothing are available. You might want to pick up a seasoned Iron Skillet and cookbook to try some of the Southern cooking at home.

If it's Italian food you are craving, Alphonso's Italian Restaurant has been a favorite in Decatur for many years. Located by Lynn Layton Chevrolet at the corner of Highway 67 and Highway 31 (6th Avenue), the atmosphere is casual and ample parking is provided. Alphonso's has the best pizza in Decatur, but they don't deliver. That makes their pizza a treat for a special night of dining out. If pizza is not what you crave, Alphonso's also offers spaghetti, lasagne, salads, and sandwiches. The most difficult thing about Alphonso's is deciding what to order. I recommend getting a full order of Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Bread, and a pizza with the works, and then dividing it with the family. The service at Alphonso's is excellent and take out is also available. The dimly lit dining and intimate booths makes it an excellent date restaurant.

If Mexican is what you crave, an excellent but not widely known restaurant is La Cabana on Highway 31. Decatur has many Mexican restaurants, but although we have tried many of them, we always come back to La Cabana. My husband is an Arizona native and knows authentic Mexican food when he tastes it. La Cabana has authentic Mexican food served by a Mexican family. The food rating is excellent, the service is efficient, and the menu offers one of the largest varieties of any restaurant in Decatur. We love their Beef Fajitas served on sizzling cast iron platters, Tamales with tender cornmeal wraps, Enchiladas, Taco Salads and more. There are also steaks for those adults who aren't into Mexican food, and a child's menu of normal American fare. Whatever you order for dinner, don't pass up the Flan for dessert. It's worth saving room for.

The interior reflects Old Mexico with strands of ceramic peppers, Mexican sombreros, and even piñatas for the kids to observe and enjoy. La Cabana also brings the largest glasses of iced tea and colas I have ever gotten in a restaurant. The dining room is large enough to handle large groups, so if you have a party of twelve, it won't be a problem at La Cabana. Meals range from $5 to $8, on average, so are an excellent value. Rice and refried beans are served with most meals.

Finer, more expensive restaurants exist in Decatur, but these three are our favorites. The prices are right, the food is excellent, and we know these are excellent places to take our family for a relaxing meal away from home. When family and friends come to visit, we are always proud to take them to these restaurants, and they always enjoy themselves and love the food.