The Tastiest Thin Pizza
Before the major pizza chains arrived in Huntsville, Big Ed’s ws everyone’s choice, and many still swear by it. Big Ed’s was first hidden in a small shopping center near the intersection of Pulaski Pike and Oakwood Avenue. It now has an easy-to-find location near the corner of Memorial Parkway and University Drive. It’s the oldest surviving pizza parlor in town. 903 Memorial Parkway N.W. Phone: 489-3374.
The Cream of the Crop in Coffee
If ever Huntsville had a coffeehouse, the Kaffeeklatsch is it. Anytime your tastebuds scream for caffeine, the ’Klatsch can answer them. In the ’50s, this hangout would have suited the Beatniks perfectly. Likewise, it would have beeen hip in the ’60s, and it truly was far out when it appeared in the 1970s. What’s left? The Kaffeklatsch is open daylight hours serving pastries and a variety of coffee blends. An adjoining bar is a popular nightspot, featuring blues, jazz and other unorthodox entertainment. 103 Jefferson St. N.E. Phone: 539-1636 and 536-7993.
Meanest Meat Ball Sandwich
Stanlieo’s Sub Villa believes that sandwiches are the spice of life, and the meat ball sandwich here is definitely the spiciest in town. This isn’t the only imaginative creation at Sanlieo’s, though. Try the steak and cheese or the submarine at either of the two locations. 605 Jordan Lane N.W. Phone: 837-7220; 602 Governors Drive S.W. 536-6585.
The Very Best of Everything
In searching for favorite specialty items at Huntsville restaurants, the name of one popular chain restaurant surfaces over and over again. It is T.G.I.Fridays, the place with the most extensive menu in town. Give yourself time to browse through the voluminous booklet of appetizers, brunch items, entrees, desserts or whatever suits your fancy. It is beyond belief how a single kitchen could produce so many different specialties. Folks mention the nachos, cheese sticks, chicken fingers, burgers or brunch. This is also a fun place to take the children. 4935 University Drive N.W. Phone: 830-2793.
The Best Knife-Throwing Show in Town
When you’re looking for a place to take a lively bunch of adults or youngsters, Mikato Steak House is always a crowd pleaser. The cooks juggle their knives before your eyes, speak their own style of Japanese-American language and create stir-fried finery. Areas are sectioned off to make each group of diners feel that they are having their own private party. In fact, you expect geisha girls to appear anytime. 4061 Independence Drive N.W. Phone: 830-1700.
A Cheap But Clean Meal Anytime
For years, peoople have been traveling from the far reaches of the city to feast on the hot dogs, cheeseburgers and fried chicken at Mullins Drive-In. The curb service is gone, but don’t be shy to walk in, regardless of your attire, to witness middle-class Huntsville at its best. Actually, politicians find this an attractive place for a little hand-shaking on the sly when their other hangouts are closed. Had Mullins been open when Andrew Jackson marched his men through here in 1814, they would’ve surely stopped. 607 Andrew Jackson Way N.E. Phone: 539-2826.
These are six of more than two dozen restaurants included in this Tried and True chapter of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dining--Tried and True
These are restaurants that survive from the 1985 edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE. The descriptions are as they were originally written unless the restaurant has moved or substantially changed since then.
The No. 1 Greasy Spoon
To lubricate your bones at any hour of the day, Big Spring Café No. 2 awaits. This is the successor of Big Spring Café, displaced and forgotten many years ago. Stop in before your next hunting trip to stock up on some vittles that will keep you warm. 2906 Governors Drive S.W. Phone: 539-9994.
The Best of Bavaria
This isn’t old Germany, but you would never know by the décor, the waitresses or the food at Ol’ Heidelberg. This fine restaurant offers the best variety of schnitzels and wursts this side of the Rhine River. Ol’ Heidelberg also has one of the largest wine selections available at any restaurant in Huntsville. And a weinstube in the midst of this establishment offers a place for an Oktoberfest anytime. 6125 University Drive N.W. Phone: 922-0556.
The Reuben That You Been Thinkin’ Of
One of Huntsville’s oldest surviving sandwich shops is Duffy’s Delicatessen. Former Alabama football player Duffy Boles opened this sandwich shop nearly 35 years ago, and it’s been feeding lunch to a regular crowd of office-workers ever since. The Greek desserts are a nice ending to your meal. 2324 Whitesburg Drive S.E. Phone: 533-4179.
The Numero Uno in Cheese Dip
Set your tastebuds on fire with a bowl of cheese dip from El Palacio restaurant. This Mexican eatery is tucked away near the intersection of Governors Drive and Memorial Parkway. The stucco walls and ceiling give this the atmosphere of a real adobe mansion. 2008 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 539-6075.
Blue-Ribbon Homemade Pies
Before Gibson Barbecue, Mother always baked the best pies. But during the last 50 years, this family restaurant has taken over that distinction. Gibson’s has the most delicioius, homemade pies and sky-high meringue. Lemon ice-box, pecan, coconut, you name it – they’re all good complements to a meal of barbecue pork, beef or chicken at either of Gibson’s two locations. 3319 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 881-4851; and 8412 Whitesburg Drive South. Phone: 882-0841.
These are the first five of more than two dozen restaurants included in this Tried and True chapter of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE.
The No. 1 Greasy Spoon
To lubricate your bones at any hour of the day, Big Spring Café No. 2 awaits. This is the successor of Big Spring Café, displaced and forgotten many years ago. Stop in before your next hunting trip to stock up on some vittles that will keep you warm. 2906 Governors Drive S.W. Phone: 539-9994.
The Best of Bavaria
This isn’t old Germany, but you would never know by the décor, the waitresses or the food at Ol’ Heidelberg. This fine restaurant offers the best variety of schnitzels and wursts this side of the Rhine River. Ol’ Heidelberg also has one of the largest wine selections available at any restaurant in Huntsville. And a weinstube in the midst of this establishment offers a place for an Oktoberfest anytime. 6125 University Drive N.W. Phone: 922-0556.
The Reuben That You Been Thinkin’ Of
One of Huntsville’s oldest surviving sandwich shops is Duffy’s Delicatessen. Former Alabama football player Duffy Boles opened this sandwich shop nearly 35 years ago, and it’s been feeding lunch to a regular crowd of office-workers ever since. The Greek desserts are a nice ending to your meal. 2324 Whitesburg Drive S.E. Phone: 533-4179.
The Numero Uno in Cheese Dip
Set your tastebuds on fire with a bowl of cheese dip from El Palacio restaurant. This Mexican eatery is tucked away near the intersection of Governors Drive and Memorial Parkway. The stucco walls and ceiling give this the atmosphere of a real adobe mansion. 2008 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 539-6075.
Blue-Ribbon Homemade Pies
Before Gibson Barbecue, Mother always baked the best pies. But during the last 50 years, this family restaurant has taken over that distinction. Gibson’s has the most delicioius, homemade pies and sky-high meringue. Lemon ice-box, pecan, coconut, you name it – they’re all good complements to a meal of barbecue pork, beef or chicken at either of Gibson’s two locations. 3319 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 881-4851; and 8412 Whitesburg Drive South. Phone: 882-0841.
These are the first five of more than two dozen restaurants included in this Tried and True chapter of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Introduction
Condominiums are sprouting up where cotton has grown for years. More and more new clothing stores and specialty shops appear, and they find a profitable place among the long-established businesses. A town with much tradition and pride in its past is making history as the future unfolds. This is Huntsville – the self-proclaimed Rocket City and one of America’s top technology centers. If you live here already, you are to be applauded. Visitors should beware that Huntsville is contagious, and it is catching.
I caught onto the city quite by accident in 1977. There was a job opening at The Huntsville Times, and I wanted it. With it came an opportunity to live in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. My first few weeks here, I stared out the window of my one-bedroom apartment at the cotton fields that stretched for miles to the west. Today, those fields are gone — replaced by apartments, condominiums, warehouses and office complexes.
Since moving to Huntsville, I have tried to take advantage of as many of its pleasures as possible. At The Times, I began writing a column in 1979 called “Night Moves,” which covers the city’s nightlife. The idea for the original THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE, published in 1984, stemmed from the many phone calls I received from readers wanting to know where to entertain visiting friends or where to take their spouse on a special occasion. This second edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE reflects changes that had come during the following year. It includes more than a dozen new eating establishments and nightclubs, as well as several dozen additional suggestions for shopping. None of the businesses have paid to be in the book. All opinions expressed herein are my own, and the choice of items to include was entirely mine. At the same time, I would like to commend those businessmen and women whose establishments are included here, and I would especially like to congratulate those that have remained unchanged from the first edition. In addition to making it easy on the author, they have proven to have consistent service.
Of course, this book could never have come to pass without the enthusiasm of civic leaders and support of co-workers and bosses at The Times. My family encouraged me to continue during long nights when the Sandman begged me to sleep. I would also like to thank the many friends who have assisted by editing, proof-reading or helping research this book. Without people like them living here, Huntsville’s attractions would have little meaning.
So we come to the pages of a new THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE. May you find it entertaining and informative, and may it help you find better ways to enjoy our wonderful city. If any of your favorites have been omitted, please let me know for future reference. And if any of thse bests fall by the wayside, look at this book as a way of recording the way Huntsville was. If anyone during the 21st century discovers a copy of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE and finds anything in it interesting, the work will not have been in vain. But for today, join me as we travel though these pages to THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE.
--Mike Kaylor
NOTE: This was the Introduction from 1985 slightly edited and updated for clarity.
I caught onto the city quite by accident in 1977. There was a job opening at The Huntsville Times, and I wanted it. With it came an opportunity to live in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. My first few weeks here, I stared out the window of my one-bedroom apartment at the cotton fields that stretched for miles to the west. Today, those fields are gone — replaced by apartments, condominiums, warehouses and office complexes.
Since moving to Huntsville, I have tried to take advantage of as many of its pleasures as possible. At The Times, I began writing a column in 1979 called “Night Moves,” which covers the city’s nightlife. The idea for the original THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE, published in 1984, stemmed from the many phone calls I received from readers wanting to know where to entertain visiting friends or where to take their spouse on a special occasion. This second edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE reflects changes that had come during the following year. It includes more than a dozen new eating establishments and nightclubs, as well as several dozen additional suggestions for shopping. None of the businesses have paid to be in the book. All opinions expressed herein are my own, and the choice of items to include was entirely mine. At the same time, I would like to commend those businessmen and women whose establishments are included here, and I would especially like to congratulate those that have remained unchanged from the first edition. In addition to making it easy on the author, they have proven to have consistent service.
Of course, this book could never have come to pass without the enthusiasm of civic leaders and support of co-workers and bosses at The Times. My family encouraged me to continue during long nights when the Sandman begged me to sleep. I would also like to thank the many friends who have assisted by editing, proof-reading or helping research this book. Without people like them living here, Huntsville’s attractions would have little meaning.
So we come to the pages of a new THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE. May you find it entertaining and informative, and may it help you find better ways to enjoy our wonderful city. If any of your favorites have been omitted, please let me know for future reference. And if any of thse bests fall by the wayside, look at this book as a way of recording the way Huntsville was. If anyone during the 21st century discovers a copy of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE and finds anything in it interesting, the work will not have been in vain. But for today, join me as we travel though these pages to THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE.
--Mike Kaylor
NOTE: This was the Introduction from 1985 slightly edited and updated for clarity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dining
Specialty Items
The Right Stuff
Bill of Fare
Time of Day
Entertainment
Pubs and Clubs
The Arts
Sports and the Outdoors
For the Little Ones
Sights
Shopping
Things for the home
Things to Wear
Odds and Ends
Surrounding Area
Dining
Entertainment
Sights
Shopping
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Annual Events
People, Places and Things
Index
Friday, January 23, 2009
Foreword by Bill Easterling
I was 9 years old on a morning that sparkled when I first saw Madison County from the top of Brindlee Mountain, and I knew I had found my home. There were five of us jammed into a 1946 Chevrolet with suitcases, pots, pans -- just the essentials to begin a new life until our furniture arrived from Texas. My father, a government employee, had transferred to Redstone Arsenal, and I remember how uneasy we all felt when he gave us the news that we were going to some place called Alabama.
Now on this beautiful day, after a long night's drive, he pointed his bony finger over the steering wheel and said to my mother, my two brothers and me: "There it is!" That was in 1949, and I've been in Huntsville ever since, except for a few months some years ago when I became temporarily insane and worked for a newspaper in another town. There aren't many what you'd call "original" Huntsvillians to be found, but I like to believe I qualify. For there was no "Rocket City USA" then. All that came later. In 1949, it was mostly cotton fields, pastures, Redstone Arsenal and a quiet little city about to explode at the seams. When it did explode, the noise deafened, and it is still being heard.
Push forward, then, to the present. In the three-plus decades since I rode over Brindlee Mountain as a scared little boy, many people uprooted and replanted here and now call Huntsville home. This city has a wide assortment of peoples and cultures, customs and religions, and all have blended well to make it a unique place to live. Huntsville has it all: Modern airport, splendid civic center, gallery of night spots, restaurants to satisfy any taste, active artistic community, superb museums, ample recreation, superb business community.
Now the hub of North Alabama has been properly documented by another of its transplated "natives." In Where to Find The Best of Huntsville, author Mike Kaylor has not only captured the flavor of my favorite city, but has also published a guide that leads the reader right to the doorstep of whatever he or she seeks. This isn't just a "where-to" book. It transcends the ordinary and takes us into cobweb-covered nooks and crannies where the heart and soul and history of this town lie hidden.
Like many thousands of us, Mr. Kaylor has come to love this place nestled in the shelter of the mountains. He has explored Huntsville as few before him have. The result is a piece of work that all of Huntsville can be proud of, and I am delighted to have been asked to be a small part of it.
NOTE: Bill Easterling died of cancer in December of 2000.
Now on this beautiful day, after a long night's drive, he pointed his bony finger over the steering wheel and said to my mother, my two brothers and me: "There it is!" That was in 1949, and I've been in Huntsville ever since, except for a few months some years ago when I became temporarily insane and worked for a newspaper in another town. There aren't many what you'd call "original" Huntsvillians to be found, but I like to believe I qualify. For there was no "Rocket City USA" then. All that came later. In 1949, it was mostly cotton fields, pastures, Redstone Arsenal and a quiet little city about to explode at the seams. When it did explode, the noise deafened, and it is still being heard.
Push forward, then, to the present. In the three-plus decades since I rode over Brindlee Mountain as a scared little boy, many people uprooted and replanted here and now call Huntsville home. This city has a wide assortment of peoples and cultures, customs and religions, and all have blended well to make it a unique place to live. Huntsville has it all: Modern airport, splendid civic center, gallery of night spots, restaurants to satisfy any taste, active artistic community, superb museums, ample recreation, superb business community.
Now the hub of North Alabama has been properly documented by another of its transplated "natives." In Where to Find The Best of Huntsville, author Mike Kaylor has not only captured the flavor of my favorite city, but has also published a guide that leads the reader right to the doorstep of whatever he or she seeks. This isn't just a "where-to" book. It transcends the ordinary and takes us into cobweb-covered nooks and crannies where the heart and soul and history of this town lie hidden.
Like many thousands of us, Mr. Kaylor has come to love this place nestled in the shelter of the mountains. He has explored Huntsville as few before him have. The result is a piece of work that all of Huntsville can be proud of, and I am delighted to have been asked to be a small part of it.
NOTE: Bill Easterling died of cancer in December of 2000.
The Best of Huntsville is back
The 140-plus page guide to North Alabama called The Best of Huntsville by Mike Kaylor first appeared in 1984, when 10,000 copies sold out within months. A second edition hit the book stores a year later with updated information. It was never reprinted.
I wrote and published the book in response to the many phone calls from readers of The Huntsville Times wanting advice on nightlife and entertainment. I began writing a weekly column for The Times in 1978 that covered clubs, restaurants, local bands and other activities. People would call to ask where they should go for an anniversary dinner or what was fun for out-of-town visitors. The book was a summary.
Each year since then, I have planned to update The Best of Huntsville, but it never became a priority. Today's technology, though, gives me a chance to bring it up to date and make it an interactive guide book. That's what this blog will do.
Huntsville graphic artist and actor Fred Sayers illustrated the book, and many of his illustrations will appear here. My dear friend Bill Easterling, who died in 2000, wrote the book's Foreward. The Library of Congress number is 85-080556 and the book carries the ISBN: 0-916039-01-3.
My plan is to begin transcribing portions of the book in this blog that have withstood 25 years of change and to add new innovations. When it's updated, we'll release it again in print. Join me in this new venture. I'm excited about it. I hope you are too.
Copies of the original THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE book are available. Post a comment for more information.
I wrote and published the book in response to the many phone calls from readers of The Huntsville Times wanting advice on nightlife and entertainment. I began writing a weekly column for The Times in 1978 that covered clubs, restaurants, local bands and other activities. People would call to ask where they should go for an anniversary dinner or what was fun for out-of-town visitors. The book was a summary.
Each year since then, I have planned to update The Best of Huntsville, but it never became a priority. Today's technology, though, gives me a chance to bring it up to date and make it an interactive guide book. That's what this blog will do.
Huntsville graphic artist and actor Fred Sayers illustrated the book, and many of his illustrations will appear here. My dear friend Bill Easterling, who died in 2000, wrote the book's Foreward. The Library of Congress number is 85-080556 and the book carries the ISBN: 0-916039-01-3.
My plan is to begin transcribing portions of the book in this blog that have withstood 25 years of change and to add new innovations. When it's updated, we'll release it again in print. Join me in this new venture. I'm excited about it. I hope you are too.
Copies of the original THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE book are available. Post a comment for more information.
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