What's New in Auburn-Opelika in 2021

A Guide to What's New in AO Since Last Football Season

Counting down the days until Auburn football returns to the Plains? Head coach Brian Harsin isn't the only new addition to the Auburn Family in 2021. Check out this top 10 list of new things to do and see this football season! War Eagle and welcome back to the Loveliest Village.

1. The Well

With an elegant atmosphere and decadent teas, The Well is a wonderful stop for all the ladies of the family! A tearoom located in downtown Opelika, you can find a wide variety of teas, lattes, and collagen waters to fit your taste. Additionally, they serve delicious food from Cup and Saucer as well as freshly made toast and paninis.

2. New Parking in Downtown Auburn

Good news for visitors! There’s a new public parking deck in downtown Auburn called the Burton St. Parking Deck (Auburn Bank). The best part? Downtown Auburn businesses can validate your parking ticket with a purchase receipt. The deck has entrances off of Burton St. and E. Magnolia Ave. Parking is open to the public for only $1 per hour (up to 6 hours) and $15 per day (meters reset at 5am). Download the ParkMobile or LAZ Parking app.

3. Mo’Bay Beignet Co.

Bring on the beignets! Downtown Auburn's new breakfast spot, Mo'Bay Beignet Co. serves authentic, made-from-scratch beignets, signature syrups, and freshly brewed coffee! Open daily and open late, what's not to love about this new beignet place?

4. Axe Throwing

Looking for a fun group activity? Not one, but two new axe throwing venues opened in Auburn-Opelika this year. Check out Blade & Barrel in Auburn’s new Midtown entertainment district. Blade & Barrel offers nine throwing lanes, is family-friendly, and had a cool BYOB policy. Check it out here. Opelika’s Axe Marks the Spot is another option located in the heart of downtown Opelika within walking distance of our famous distillery and breweries.

5. Good Ol’ Boys is Back!

Good Ol' Boys Family Restaurant has been proudly serving the best steaks and catfish in East Alabama at affordable prices since 1993 and has recently reopened for business. Looking to meal away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Auburn? Good Ol’ Boys is located off of Lee Road and just a short 10-minute drive from downtown. Meeting you with smiling faces and full plates, Good Ol’ Boys is back and better than ever!

6. Cheeto’s Fusion Dessert Café

This Korean fusion café offers Korean food, drinks, and desserts. The delicious and unique creations are available for takeout and delivery as well as in-person dining in their trendy, colorful atmosphere located in Opelika. Cheeto’s is a must try and an authentic experience – not to mention highly photogenic.

7. Dough Pizzeria

Dough Pizzeria is the newest spot for delicious wood-fire pizzas. Located in downtown Opelika, they happily serve all ages looking to curb those carb-heavy cravings. Whether you are looking for a classic pepperoni and cheese or a local specialty like the Beltline or Diavlo, Dough Pizzaria has got you covered. Pair a slice with craft beer for the perfect Saturday night combo.

8. Tart & Tartan

Celebrating something special, had a bad day, or satisfying sweet tooth? Allow us to introduce Tart & Tartan, a new bakery located in downtown Opelika. They offer a new menu every day, updated each morning on their Instagram (hyperlink here). Serving cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and other sweets, Tart & Tartan is the perfect stop for a sugary treat. But wait, there’s more! They also have daily take-home casseroles and dips, perfect for the entire family.

9. Coffee Mafia

Coffee Mafia is a hip coffee shop that has taken over the previous Auburn hotspot, Mama Mocha’s, with the mission to continue serving quality espresso and Mama Mocha’s coffee. Other than an exciting rebrand and new management, it is the same coffee shop you know and love.