A Guide to some of our favorite Mom & Pop food joints in the Auburn/ Opelika Area
My husband and I love to find local dives and restaurants to eat! Every place we have lived, we have gone exploring each week with excitement knowing we would discover local community and yummy food with each adventure.
About 6 years ago, my body began to get so sick when I ate most foods. And as time progressed, it got worse! I had to eliminate so many things that were staples in my diet: milk, dairy, gluten….I know, what’s even left? This made it nearly impossible to eat at most fast food chains and restaurants because so much of their food is frozen and pre-packaged. We found out over time, that I could add some of these back in, as long as it was in small doses. And the fresher the better. So we turned to a lot of “mom & pop” type places that make most of their food fresh and from decent ingredients. Apps like Yelp make it super easy to find local places that offer plant-based options so that we can all find something that appeals to us!
After being in Auburn for 4 years now, I have accumulated a list of Local Places you will love! They are great for those who can eat anything, and for those who have tummy issues as well.
Crepe Myrtle Café
Right now, they operate out of a Food Truck.
They have a permanent location coming soon at the corner of Samford Avenue & Glenn Avenue.
They have fresh veggies, yummy herbs, and homemade crepes every day!
https://www.facebook.com/CrepeMyrtleCafe/
Mama Mocha’s
Fantastic coffee and breakfast options.
Mama Mocha is Wonder Woman! And her awesome sauce shines through their coffee! They have a roastery right here in the area, so you can buy fresh beans. Or you can sit and enjoy the great vibes.
The staff in Auburn and Opelika are always super friendly and helpful on days when you’re indecisive!
El Taco Veloz
Fast. Authentic. And they are so good!
Two words, Taco Tuesday!
Best bang for your buck in the area.
https://www.facebook.com/El-Taco-Veloz-965200976862101/
Bizilias Café Auburn
The breakfast burritos are huge!
They also have hot & cold sandwiches.
This is one of the first places we wondered into in Auburn.
Our house wasn’t ready the day we drove in from Waco, so we pulled in to this little café. The owners were so kind and welcoming that we have been coming back for years now.
https://www.facebook.com/biziliascafeauburn
Byron’s
We enjoy this local place for breakfast.
The food is good, and it feels like you’re eating with relatives.
And the BBQ is great too!
https://www.facebook.com/Byrons-Smokehouse-148645945193691/
Irritable Bao
This family is passionate about food & community!
You can get authentic Chinese Dumplings.
This crew helps get resources to children living & scavenging for survival in third-world trash dumps.
They are doing some AUsome things!!
https://www.facebook.com/FoodTruckWithACause/
The Hound
Their brunch is out of this world!
It’s not super cheap, but it is super worth it.
They have everything from homemade biscuits and gravy to jalapeño pepper jelly.
And if you are into local brews, they do tap takeovers for Alabama breweries throughout the year.
Pannie Georges Kitchen
When we’re in the mood for soul food and southern cooking, this is where we go.
They have all your comfort food favorites like mashed potatoes, greens, different meats throughout the week, and some dessert to finish it off!
https://www.facebook.com/PannieGeorges/
Chicken Salad Chick
It is corporate now, but this gem started in the Auburn/Opelika area.
They have quality chicken salad in about 12 different flavors!
And their story is so interesting.
Even though it has a cute tea room feel, every male family member we have taken there has loved it!
https://www.chickensaladchick.com/our-food/restaurant-menu/
Mylks Cookies
We love cookies! Fresh, chewy, delicious cookies.
I discovered Mylks at a meeting for work. One day a group of coordinators and our central office staff had to meet a vendor that takes care of our online payments. What do smart sales reps bring to a meeting full of ladies? Gourmet cookies.
Smart move guys because I have been a fan ever since!
These are just some of our favorite local places!
If you have places you guys love please drop them in the comments below.
We are always looking for more places to add to our list.
