May Challenge to Eat Local in Huntsville
Small businesses and locally owned restaurants are what make Huntsville-Huntsville. Challenge your foodie side with this monthly goal list that will increase your knowledge and palate of Huntsville’s local food scene.
The month of MAY challenge has a Huntsville classic, some new to the scene establishments and a variety of beverages, entrees and snacks with several locations that have Gluten Free and Vegan options available. All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle and in true Rocket City Dietitian fashion, this list contains a mix of all types of foods from savory to sweet.
When you are looking at where to eat this month, refer to this list, get out and explore Huntsville’s local culinary side.
CONTEST: Complete the challenge grid and snag a FREE t-shirt and stickers!
Email your receipts at the end of May to We Are Huntsville (info@wearehuntsville.com) and we will mail you the swag! Specific menu items are suggestions. Any purchase at this establishment during the month of May will count towards your goal. You can spend any amount.
Thank you for supporting our local community and #EatLocalHSV
The BAKINGTIST
222 Holmes Ave Huntsville, AL 35811
Sunday 7am-3pm
Monday-Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday-Saturday 7am-3pm
This scientist turned professional baker extraordinaire began turning heads and wowing farmers markets around Huntsville for years before creating a Go-Fund Me that with the help of her supporters established a permanent location for you to get your sweet and savory pastries, coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice and baking kits. Here grab a CINNABOMB! A brioche bun stuffed with a light whipped cream cheese filling topped with cinnamon sugar and icing.
Hound & Harvest
2358 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL
OPENS EARLY MAY
Brand new backyard bistro that is serving up feel good food! Fresh bowls, salads and tacos featuring seasonal quality produce and proteins beautifully crafted. This is a new concept from the owners of Hippea Camper, North Side Coffee and Sweet Home Spirits. Quaint tables inside this remodeled 1950s home with a large patio and outdoor area where dogs are welcome. Cocktails and mocktails will be served here too. Check out the Beet Salad (roasted beets, baked apples, pickled butternut squash, feta, toasted seeds, pomegranate, cucumbers and balsamic vinegarette).
Oh Crepe!
3414 Governors Drive (Stovehouse Food Garden)
Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
Sweet & Savory naturally gluten free rice flour wraps rolled and filled with your choice of fruit, spreads or savory items like bacon and tomatoes. Try the Strawberry Banana Crepe here if you are ready for sliced strawberries and bananas, whipped yogurt, custard cream, granola and a chocolate drizzle.
Pizzelles Confections
2211 Seminole Drive (Lowe Mill)
Sun-Tue CLOSED
Wed-Thurs 11am-5pm
Fri-Sat 11am-6pm
Turning 10 this year, this is artisan small batch chocolate at its finest. Hand crafted truffles with often funny and pop culture relevant. The Sexyback, The Bill Effing Murray bar, It’s Basil, B*tch, Raspberry Beret and more. Mini artisan cakes, marshmallows, chocolate bombs, ice cream, drinks and more. Try a Goodbye Earl truffle (milk chocolate ganache, earl grey tea, local honey in a dark chocolate shell).
Chef Will the Palate
2211 Seminole Drive (Lowe Mill)
Hours Vary
Permanent food trailer parked near the water tower at Lowe Mill Arts.
This award winning chef masterfully creates vegan and vegetarian meals for all. Large volume to go orders definitely worth trying and splitting with a friend. Order at the food trailer and take it to go or sit around the grounds or inside Lowe Mill to eat. Lowe Mill is a repurposed mill that is filled with local Huntsville artisans, shops, restaurants and be sure to head upstairs or ride the man-powered elevator to the indoor swings. Chef Will will give you a great meal no matter what you order, but first check out his famous Black Bean Nachos.
Oshi Poke Bowl and Sushi
201 Jefferson St
Sun Closed
Mon-Sat 11am-8pm
Offering sushi, ramen, poke, boba, potstickers and the like. Try the Crunchy Garlic Tofu bowl with brown rice, arugula, crunchy garlic chili oil, scallions, garlic ponzu and silken tofu.
While you are here, look up! A large serene landscape scene is there to transport your lunch into a zen experience.
Hatch Café
7901 Bailey Cove Huntsville, AL
Sun 1pm-5pm
Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm
Fri-Sat 9am-5pm
Hatch is a non-profit training program the equips young adults to enter the workforce with confidence and a competitive edge. The first physical location of its kind is located inside the South Huntsville Library. They often pair books from the library with a specialty latte at the café. The café also has a variety of pastries, sandwiches and snacks. While you are hear be sure to look at the Coffee with a Purpose Wall. This is a give a latte-take a latte concept. Are you a parent that needs a pick me up? Grab the paper latte off the wall and you are gifted a free drink a local stranger bought for you. Grab a specialty latte here and enjoy the library while you sip on something tasty.
Lanier House
20 Martin St Madison, AL
Sun-Mon CLOSED
Tue-Sat 11am-4:30pm
Tea Room and Private Venue
Afternoon tea service. These are timed reserve ahead sit-down tea services with a set menu that changes monthly. Three teas, three savory bites, two breads and three sweets. Child tea option that serves more kid friendly options.
Tea and Cookie service if you are not wanting a full tea service. The addition of prosecco or champagne is available. If you have certain allergies or need gluten free, contact Lanier ahead of time for the accommodation. Pinkies up and enjoy!
Get out and #EatLocalHSV !

Rachel Brown is the face behind the social media channels: Rocket City Dietitian. Rachel is a Diabetes Educator Dietitian by day and a local food blogger extraordinaire all the other waking hours! Making appearances on local tv, writing for blogs and physical magazines as the go to for all things food, local happenings and spotlights local companies. She promotes a positive relationship with food with an ‘all foods fit’ approach. Facebook | Instagram