Like many cities, Montgomery has a nice selection of locally owned restaurants that provide variety and style for visitors and citizens alike. Here are just a few of the local restaurants in Montgomery that keep citizens and visitors alike full and happy.

Downtown Montgomery is the center for both the state offices of Alabama and several of the major cultural attractions of the city. One of the most popular of the downtown restaurants in Montgomery is the Montgomery Brewing Company, located on Jefferson Street. Housed in what was once an old cotton warehouse, this casual dining establishment is located within walking distance of Riverwalk Stadium. Featuring a line of signature draft beers that are brewed on the premises, the menu suggests various selections of ale for each of the entrees.

Upon request, you can sample each of the signature beers and decide which one you like the best. Menu options range from simple hamburgers to more exotic seafood options. One of the local favorites is the Cajun pizza that is often paired with mixed green salads and a generous glass of Montgomery Blonde ale. For persons who prefer wine or soft drinks instead of beer, there are selections that will be right for just about every taste.

For a quick hot dog and crinkled fries, nothing beats the historic Chris’ Hot Dogs on Dexter Avenue. Located a few blocks from the state capital building, Chris’ is one of the oldest continuing restaurants in Montgomery. In business since 1917, locals flock to Chris’ for old-fashioned hot dogs and hamburgers that are served with a mountain of French fries. The hamburgers and hot dogs are prepared to order while you wait. One of the reasons Chris’ Hot Dogs have remained in business all these years is their secret sauce that is used liberally on the meats as well as a dipping sauce for the fries. The restaurant features a lunch counter as well as a section with comfortable booths.

Anchoring the west side of downtown is one of the best pizza restaurants in Montgomery. Tony’s Pizza, located on Day Street, has a long history of excellence. Their signature dish is referred to as a Round To Italy. With a hand tossed thin crust, this pizza is piled high with plenty of meats, cheeses and other toppings. A word of caution when enjoying a slice of this house specialty: there are too many ingredients for you to pick up the slice. Use a fork instead.

The northeast corner of downtown Montgomery is host to an integral part of the city’s past, known as Old Alabama Town. Nestled among the historical homes, churches, and exhibits is a favorite local coffeehouse named Nellie Cameron’s. Located on Hull Street, Nellie Cameron’s is named for the grandmother of Dave Cameron, who owns and operates the coffeehouse with his wife Teresa. Guests can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere complete with a broad selection of coffees and teas brewed and flavored to order. For a quick treat, there are plenty of cookies, muffins, and other sweets to enjoy.

Heartier appetites can opt for mouthwatering Chef and Greek salads, along with several signature sandwiches. Guests who visit Nellie Cameron’s on Saturdays may be in for a special treat. Local bluegrass musicians gather for impromptu jam sessions on that day, allowing guests to enjoy old favorites while relaxing with a hot latte or a cold chai blend.

For home cooking, nothing beats the Capital Grill, located in the midtown district on Mt. Meigs Road. With traditional meat and three offerings daily, Capital Grill also offers a full selection of breakfast items in the morning and a range of specialty fish entrees for lunch and dinner. One of the more popular offerings found at the Capital Grill is their Greek salad, gently tossed with salad dressing made from scratch in the restaurant kitchen. If you ask, the staff will be happy to pour up a bottle of the dressing for you to take home.

Thai food in the Laotian tradition can be found at the Green Papaya, located in the restored Eastbrook Shopping Center. Persons who have never tried Thai food will be amazed at the menu selections, which include soups, spicy dished that include meats, vegetables and fruits, and tofu combinations. Begin the evening with fried tofu slices or quick fried chicken wings, and then progress to such favorites as spicy Thai spaghetti. Vegetarians will find it easy to substitute tofu for meats in any of the dishes, while meat lovers can request a mix of beef, chicken, and seafood if they like. Many consider the Green Papaya to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Montgomery.

Corsino’s on South Court Street has been a favorite watering hole for over five decades. Offering lunch and dinner, this oldest of all the Italian restaurants in Montgomery is known locally for its spaghetti, eggplant parmigiana, and lasagna entrees. Mounds of piping hot garlic bread and generous portions of salad make this an ideal place to grab a quick lunch, or enjoy a tasty and filling dinner before heading off to a concert or baseball game. Excellent selections of wines are available to accompany the meal, with home brewed tea and plenty of sodas on hand as well.

Local restaurants in Montgomery offer a wide variety of options, with something for just about every taste. True to the Southern tradition of hospitality, no one goes hungry in Montgomery except by choice.