A business lunch is a tricky endeavor. Of course you want the food to be good but if you are the one recommending a lunch spot there are other criteria to consider. My short list includes:

• Mutually convenient location
• Quick service–short waits for the food and no dawdling on the check
• Good food with broad appeal
• Ambiance conducive to conversation–relatively quiet with tables far enough away that others can’t easily eavesdrop

With those criteria in mind, these are my top three go-to places for business lunches in Huntsville. (Click on the restaurant name to read a full review.)

The Eaves

With a menu featuring generously sized salads and sandwiches, the Eaves has something for everyone to enjoy. The ambiance is fine dining with cloth napkins and tablecloths, large pieces of framed artwork, and servers outfitted in all black. Prices range from $9-$13.

Perfect for:

• Entertaining clients
• Meetings with higher ups
• Having a longer conversations

Eat at The Eaves

Blue Plate Cafe

A local favorite, the Blue Plate Cafe features “down home” cooking in a hustle and bustle environment. Their popularity ensures a packed parking lot but they turn tables quickly and the wait (if any) is usually short.

Perfect for:

• Giving out-of-towners a taste of southern cooking
• Picky eaters

Click here to read a full review of Blue Plate Cafe [spacer size=”0″]

Eat at Blue Plate Cafe

Location:
3210 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL 35803
Phone: 256-533-8808
Visit their website here; Find them on Facebook here
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 6am-2pm [spacer size=”0″]

Hildegards

I must admit, my experience with Hildegards is confined to dinner, but the food is extraordinary and the ambiance is nicer than your average lunch spot. They offer both wine and beer if that suits your company’s culture.

Perfect for:

• Something a little different but still “safe”
• Those who like to do business with a drink in hand

Click here to read a full review Hildegards

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Eat at Hildegards

Location:
2357 C Whitesburg Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-512-9776
Visit their website here; Find them on Facebook here
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 10:30am-8:30pm
Friday-Saturday: 10:30am-9:30pm