Living in Auburn, you probably think you've seen and eaten it all. 'Tis not so!
Here's five restaurants that you didn't know existed, but desperately need to try.
Byron’s Smokehouse
Byron’s is situated along the desolate stretch of Opelika Road that is better known for its garages than its grub. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it looks like an abandoned Wendy’s that is, in all likelihood, haunted.
When Tuberville was at Auburn, he would drop by Byron's Smokehouse and eat with locals that he affectionately dubbed “unpaid assistant coaches.” The sandwiches at Byron’s feature all the classics of a good barbecue joint: pulled pork, Southern-style sides and an endless flow of sweet tea. After 5 p.m., college students can get two sandwiches, a side and a drink for only $5. Save your money and satisfy your appetite with a hearty helping of barbecue.
Creole Shack
The Creole Shack, aptlynamed, initially appears to be just that: an abandoned shack on the side of the road, halfway between Auburn and Loachapoka. However, its creole and cajun seafood has a loyal group of locals and a handful of adventurous spirits flocking there. A self-proclaimed “small place with good taste,” the Creole Shack promises good, old-fashioned Southern cuisine without the fuss. It is known for its étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, shrimp and andouille over spicy rice complete with fried green tomatoes.
Block & Barrel Deli
Block & Barrel Deli is tucked away on Airport Boulevard. This deli serves sandwiches made on the spot. Grabbing lunch in Auburn’s downtown area typically involves long lines and maneuvering through thick weekday traffic and coming to a screeching halt on at least 17 crosswalks on Magnolia. This hidden lunch spot promises a much easier transaction. Its sandwiches, in the time-honored tradition of Block & Barrel Deli, feature thickly sliced meat and cheeses, dressed to order and served hot or cold. They also serve homemade soup, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
“I’d recommend The Jersey Club,” said Kip Snyder, owner of Block & Barrel. “It’s roast beef, pepper jack cheese, cheddar, horseradish and ranch. That comes with a drink, a bag of kettle chips and some homemade banana pudding.”
Durango Taqueria y Carniceria
Located on Dean Road, this Durango has the same name as another Mexican resturant in town, but the experience is one-of-a-kind. In a shopping strip attached to the Voodoo Needle, Durango’s location is not marked by a sign. If you didn’t know to look for it, you wouldn’t guess that it housed a hub of delicious Mexican dishes.
Durango is a strange hybrid between sit-down restaurant and grocery store. A few tables are crammed into the front of the store, but in the back you can buy fresh produce, meat, spices and novelty items.
“It has a very authentic feel,” said Chris Gluckman, junior in biomedical sciences and a Durango regular. “That’s the draw for me. You can order in Spanish, but they speak English, too. When I go there, it reminds me that Auburn is not just college students, twenty-somethings and white Americans. I like going there because it reminds me of that and gives me a broader view of what’s around me.”
After tossing back a couple of burritos, Gluckman recommends grabbing a bag of Pan Dulce, a traditional Mexican pastry, from the bread aisle. It comes in packages of six, so there’s plenty to share with friends. The prices are delightfully low, at approximately $2 per taco.
Pannie George’s Kitchen
Pannie George’s Kitchen on South College Street is a restaurant that got its name from the owners’ grandparents, Pannie and George Askew. Their affinity for hosting huge family events equipped their children to become masters of Southern-style cooking. On Sunday afternoons the Askews invited their family and neighbors over for Sunday lunch. In fact, the restaurant is a replica of their grandparents’ kitchen, decorated with colors that come straight from Pannie and George’s home. Pannie George’s offers a different meat and vegetable selection each day.
It’s a mom-and-pop place with all your go-to comfort foods. They’ve got corn bread, pecan pie and sweet tea, but Pannie George’s is best known for its delectable fried chicken.
“It’s the best soul food in Auburn, and it’s so affordable” said Callie McQuaig, pharmacy school student.
According to the restaurant’s website, the purpose of the business can be summed up by Nehemiah 6:3, which says, “I am doing a great work; therefore I must stay on the wall.” According to the online reviews, that great work might very well be the fried chicken.
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