In a world where certainty feels like a distant memory, you might wonder if anything remains reliably wonderful. Yet here in Selma, amidst all the questions life throws our way, these 20 restaurants stand as delicious answers—offering comfort, joy, and flavors that feel like coming home.
American Deli
$ | (334) 526-4446 | WEBSITE
American Deli’s obsessively perfected lemon pepper wings are perfect for celebrating a big night in, even if all you’re commemorating is surviving another day without checking your bank account. Available for both pick-up and delivery, Selma’s standout wing spot is now offering their signature extra-crispy, very-wet wings to-go, and for much lower prices – orders now start at $12 (compared to the $25 they used to cost pre-pandemic).
But if you’re not really f-eeling like eating wings, this Alabama restaurant also has a large assortment of shrimp fried rice, other popular dishes, and sides by the plate for sale. Call (334) 872-1900, or place an order through their website and most major apps.
Hardee’s
$ | (334) 872-8351 | WEBSITE
Breakfast has always been important, but during busy mornings, it’s been downright essential. But if you can’t handle another bland granola bar or sad instant oatmeal, give your hungry stomach something satisfying, like a stop at Hardee’s.
This Selma fast-food spot is the ultimate champion of convenience (except, like, in a practical way… we just wanted to hit that crisp description) and serves all sorts of morning staples made with care, including that divine bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit that’s perfect for starting the day. Hardee’s is available for takeout through their fast and efficient window. Drive up, order quickly, or just swing by for a reliably delicious morning meal.
Chatinos mexican grill
$ | (334) 526-1978 | WEBSITE
While eating the quesadillas and enchiladas from this Selma restaurant, you might find yourself getting hit with a wave of actual déjà vu. Maybe that’s because you’ve eaten it in a parallel universe, but most likely, it’s because you’ve had the food at Chatinos, the authentic Mexican grill that’s run by the owner Cecil. He’s now brought those signature dishes back, and is offering them in flavors like shrimp soup and chicken fingers, as well as a variety of chips, salsa, and pure, raw, sweet tea.
Check Chatinos for updates, or visit for generous portions through their welcoming service.
Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot
$ | (334) 431-5159 | WEBSITE
Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot is an elder statesman in restaurant years (and in normal years, too). That’s because this barbecue joint has been serving the community for over eight decades. Located in a vibrant spot in Selma, they’re dishing out a variety of traditional classics here, such as amazing brisket, lemon pepper wings fried to perfection, and some of the best catfish and onion rings around – all of which can be enjoyed in their friendly, down-home atmosphere.
Whether you’re actually sharing with others, however – that’s between you and your conscience. Available for dine-in in their clean, rebuilt space since the tornado, stop by or call for their excellent service.
Lannie’s Bar-B-Q #2
$ | (334) 872-8573 | WEBSITE
While barbecue joints across the state are stocked with the smoked meats of Dreamland, Archibald’s, and Big Bob Gibson, if you’re the type who suspects slow-cooking pork might be just a little beyond your backyard skills, then head to Lannie’s.
This Selma restaurant specializes in authentic pulled pork and chicken, and serves everything from the classic pulled pork sandwich to standout sides like fries, coleslaw, corn fritters, mac and cheese, and collard greens, all available for dine-in or convenient takeout—just pull right into the parking out front.
The Coffee Shoppe
$ | (334) 878-2739 | WEBSITE
The Coffee Shoppe is a family-owned spot in Selma, and a favorite for breakfast or lunch. And there’s basically only one thing you need to know here – perfectly crafted coffee, like the amazing caramel macchiato or the smoothie that’s especially popular, which are the ideal companion for relaxing with a panini and/or staring peacefully out the window until a friendly staff member checks on you and reminds you to try a cupcake. Each visit comes with warm hospitality, from Mrs.
Tina’s inviting service to the super friendly owners. Available for casual visits or catering, stop by their welcoming atmosphere.
Reflections Coffee Shoppe
$ | (334) 878-5282 | WEBSITE
Open for years now, this Selma café is a certified local favorite, and serves some of our favorite coffee in the city. Made with exceptional beans and crafted by the friendly staff, alongside delicious menu items like the strawberry lemonade and bowtie pasta, the result is a welcoming, cozy experience that’s sure to shake you out of your morning routine rut. And if it doesn’t, you should probably check your pulse.
R & B Barbecue
$ | (334) 875-3671 | WEBSITE
It doesn’t get any more classic than R & B Barbecue, a restaurant in Selma that serves some of the best home cooking in Alabama.
Now open for dine-in, you can enjoy all of their incredible dishes on-site, like a perfectly fried pork chop, a hearty cut that’s cooked to golden perfection (!!), or their barbecue pork plate, a generous serving that brings together every comfort food on the menu, like mac and cheese, fried okra, corn, and coleslaw, and is served with an absolute mountain of banana pudding. Pudding it into our hearts? We’ll work on that one.
Captain D’s
$ | (334) 872-7000 | WEBSITE
Captain D’s fried fish isn’t just the best in Selma, or even the best in the state – according to anyone who’s tried their perfectly crispy samplers platter, it’s the best in the region.
And now, you can enjoy this consistently delicious seafood from the comfort (and convenience) of your own car, where you’ve been busy contemplating life’s greatest questions, like ‘Is grilled salmon really worth the extra wait?’ and ‘How many hush puppies is too many, really?’ In addition to the aforementioned fried favorites, this friendly establishment is also offering plates of their stuffed crab, jalapeño poppers, and tons of fried shrimp and okra.
Available for quick service with easy parking – just pull up and watch them cook it fresh in the open kitchen.
Huddle House
$ | (659) 899-4330 | WEBSITE
Huddle House is a welcoming Southern breakfast spot. Here’s what you need to know: They open early every morning, and their menu features favorites like strawberry pancakes and eggs, waffles with fresh fruit, and the ribeye steak & eggs platter. Once you arrive, you’ll find the parking lot conveniently located next to Vaughn Kidney Center, with free parking and handicap accessibility. But be warned – you gotta get there before the morning rush. The tables tend to fill up fast on weekends.
Hancocks Barbeque
$ | (334) 872-5541 | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of the same old dry chicken and bland sides but still crave some honest Southern comfort, then it’s time to head to Hancocks Barbeque. This family-run spot in Selma smokes their pork low and slow every day, with a secret rub that’s been passed down for generations.
Served with nothing but a side of their tangy coleslaw and a slice of white bread, this is the kind of straightforward, satisfying meal that’s exactly what you need when you can’t bear to microwave another frozen dinner. Hancocks Barbeque does get packed at lunch, so plan for tight seating, but the friendly staff and consistently hot food make it worth the squeeze. Prices are fair, and the homey, Cracker Barrel-like atmosphere feels like a warm hug.
Just be ready to circle for parking—this place is a local staple for a reason.
Happiness Nutrition 27
$ | (334) 526-2889 | WEBSITE
We all have our favorite tea shops (ours rhymes with steep-and-sip), but perhaps it’s time to add a new name to the rotation. Try Happiness Nutrition 27 – on paper, the Selma tea spot might sound a little basic, but this cozy neighborhood place is secretly serving one of the best experiences in town.
For just $6, you can order an incredible custom tea blend, which comes with aromatic herbal infusions, fruity notes that dance on your tongue, and super-smooth matcha that’s been carefully sourced – all of which will be patiently explained to you by their friendly and knowledgeable staff, even if you’re just grabbing the cup to-go.
The Downtowner Restaurant
$ | (334) 875-5933 | WEBSITE
Oh, The Downtowner Restaurant. What was once a simple, straightforward name has turned into something almost like a promise, beckoning warmly as we remember a time when lunch meant sitting down with friends and the only thing keeping us from a proper meal was a busy schedule. Well, those days are back, and if we’re going to be enjoying downtown Selma, we might as well be doing it with a plate or two of their delicious turkey and gravy with collard greens and candied yams.
Available for a classic downtown lunch, stop by for their meat and three or burgers.
Hog Heaven BBQ
$ | (334) 875-1175 | WEBSITE
Sure, cooking breakfast at home sounds cozy and satisfying (and maybe even a little nostalgic), but when it comes down to it, you probably don’t have a proper smoker, or like, still use the microwave to reheat leftovers. Let Hog Heaven BBQ help you. This Selma institution has perfected the art of quick, delicious meals with options like sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches – a hearty, satisfying breakfast that’s served all day and comes at a fair price that won’t break the bank.
Stop by for a meal or take it to go as you hit the road.
Tally-Ho Restaurant
$$ | (334) 872-1390 | WEBSITE
No offense to those chain steakhouses, but there’s only so many times a year you can settle for a basic filet. We’ve got an alternative for you: Tally-Ho. This charming restaurant in Selma is owned and operated by the same team behind the local dining scene, so expect the same crazy-high levels of steak quality, as well as unique dishes like the best-ever Chicken St. George.
Right now, they’re offering everything from perfect filet mignon to amazing zucchini bread, and the complimentary French bread and muffins are a delightful start. Tally-Ho is available for dine-in in their beautifully lit dining room or cozy lounge, reservations recommended through their website.
Mr Waffle
$ | (334) 874-7600 | WEBSITE
Forcing yourself to eat something fancy while craving comfort food is kind of like trying to, well, do anything else when you’re really hungry: Pretty pointless. Unless, that is, you’re heading to Mr. Waffle in Selma. We usually go for the pecan waffles, a simple but satisfying plate of golden-brown waffles with toasted pecans sprinkled generously on top – which just so happens to be perfect for soaking up the limited maple syrup selection.
Call ahead if you want, or just walk in for a casual and reasonably priced meal.
Sumn’ Quick
$ | (334) 412-8293 | WEBSITE
As much as you love (and support) your local fast-food chain, if you’re looking for something truly special today, look no further than Sumn’ Quick. The charming Southern restaurant has a lovely outdoor barn house theme that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests are treated like family. Made-to-order right before your eyes, the food here is fresh and satisfying, but never too heavy, and comes with that legendary Southern hospitality.
Try the Pineapple Lemonade, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sam’s Southern Eatery
$ | (334) 526-2306 | WEBSITE
You’ve been staring at the same sad sandwich for what feels like weeks, so it’s time to make like a cast-iron skillet and get sizzling. Enter – Sam’s Southern Eatery. This Selma staple has a lineup of classic, soul-satisfying dishes we really haven’t found done better, like jumbo fried shrimp with that perfect crunch, catfish fried to golden perfection, and crispy okra that hits the spot. And, we think it goes without saying, all of these come with a side of genuine Southern hospitality.
Sam’s Southern Eatery is available for a comforting dine-in experience, just head over to their Selma location, or find them ready to welcome you for your next craving.
Church’s Texas Chicken
$ | (334) 877-1129 | WEBSITE
Selma’s most reliable, most satisfying comfort food is a perfectly cooked chicken tender. Crispy and golden-brown, the classic fried treat comes with classic sides like apple pies and seasoned fries, and is the perfect choice for when you’re craving something hearty – but don’t want to deal with the hassle of a complicated sit-down meal.
Church’s Texas Chicken now has one convenient location – a clean and inviting spot on its own spacious parking lot – just be aware that some visitors have reported occasional panhandling in the area.
The Sandbar
$ | (334) 877-1444 | WEBSITE
Although you could just drive past this riverside spot, pulling into the parking lot is half the experience – because it gives you a chance to take in that waterfront view, which, when we called to ask about their holiday hours, the friendly voice simply said “We’ll be here serving until the last customer leaves” (but with, like, a genuine Southern warmth). But location/convenience/distance/etc.
aside, it all becomes pretty irrelevant once you start eating their satisfying and affordable dishes, like their crispy fried catfish, perfectly grilled shrimp, and tender okra that tastes like a comforting hug from your grandma. Available for dine-in with that great river view, just head out to the waterfront location or give them a call.