5 Restaurants Locals Swear By in Auburn-Opelika
Looking for the best-kept food secrets in Auburn-Opelika? We've got you covered! These five spots may not be on your usual dining radar, but trust us—they're worth the detour. From barbershop fried chicken to hidden-market bao buns, this list is all about those under-the-radar bites that locals swear by. Watch the video for a sneak peek, then grab your appetite and get exploring!
1. Uncle Charley'z
📍 403 Opelika Rd, Auburn
This soul-food sanctuary is tucked inside a barber shop – yes, you read that right. Uncle Charley'z serves up some of the best fried chicken in town, alongside breakfast sandwiches, Creole cheese fries, and their legendary "Ghetto Punch." By day, it's a cozy spot with the sweetest staff you’ll ever meet. By night? Uncle C's transforms into a tiny but mighty bar with live music and good vibes all around. Snag a seat, grab some wings, and let the good times roll!
2. Taqueria y carniceria Durango
📍 435 N Dean Rd, Auburn
Gas station tacos? Oh, you bet—and they’re some of the best in town. Taqueria Durango is tucked inside a Mexican convenience store, and it’s the definition of a hidden gem. Owned by a local family with two other locations in town, this spot cranks out some of the most authentic flavors around. The alambre—a sizzling mix of crispy steak, caramelized peppers, onions, and melty Oaxacan cheese—hits just right, especially when topped with smoky chipotle salsa from their killer salsa bar. And don’t leave without grabbing one of their house-bottled fresh juices or coconut milk drinks—they’re made in-house and ridiculously refreshing.
3. Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar
📍1900 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika
A time machine disguised as a drive-up dairy bar, Mrs. Story’s has been slinging all-the-way dogs and thick chocolate shakes since 1952. Order your hot dog loaded with chili, cheese, onions, relish, and mustard, just like Miss Susan up at the counter recommends. Pro tip: Always, always get a shake. It’s the kind of nostalgic goodness that makes you want to roll the windows down and blast some oldies.
4. Taste of Asia
📍3750 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika
Tucked away inside the Asian Supermarket in Opelika, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot cranks out dishes that locals even miss. Go all the way to the back, and boom—Taste of Asia awaits with scallion pancakes, sautéed string beans, and honey walnut shrimp that’ll blow your mind. But the real showstopper? The fresh steamed bao with Peking duck. Soft, fluffy, rich, and flavorful—this dish might just be the best bite in town.
5. Zoe's Delight
📍2757 AL-169, Opelika
For 23 years, Zoe’s Delight has been serving up home-cooked meals that feel like a warm hug. Think comfort-food classics like country-fried steak with mashed potatoes, crispy Southern-fried fish, and sweet heat wings. It’s all good, but the real sleeper hit? The salads. (Yes, really.) Fresh, loaded with toppings, and anything but boring, these greens deserve some serious love. Plus, with Mimi and her crew running the show, you’ll feel right at home from the second you walk in.
Auburn-Opelika is full of hidden gems, and these five spots prove that the best eats aren’t always the most obvious. Watch the video, make a plan, and go get yourself something delicious off the eaten path. You can thank us later!