1. MoBay Beignet Co.

Beignets are coming to downtown Mobile in early 2020! Located at the corner of Dauphin and Hamilton beside SOCU, MoBay Beignets will also be serving Cafe Au Lait and fresh brewed coffee alongside their delicious white powered beignets. Buttercream, cinnamon and a seasonal syrup is also optional. We can’t wait to see MoBay Beignets become a staple in downtown Mobile!

2. The Cheese Merchant

The Cheese Cottage has in two short years become one of the most popular restaurants in Mobile. For 2020 their newest spin off in addition to their location on St. Louis Street is The Cheese Merchant, coming to the newly renovated Merchants Bank Building in downtown Mobile. The Cheese Merchant is all cheese and things that go with cheese. They will serve all tapas and small plates for the folks on the east end of downtown. Food served will be everything from a maple and brown butter cornbread grilled cheese stack to a khatchapuri cheese “boat”. Wine by the glass, plus vegetarian and gluten free options will also be available. The Cheese Merchant is not just for the business crowd they will still have a casual feel like the Cottage and we can’t wait!

MoBay Beignets (Photo courtesy of MoBay Beignet Co. Facebook)

3. The Hummingbird Way

Coming to the former Kitchen On George location in the Oakleigh neighborhood is The Hummingbird Way. Chef Jim Smith has spent time last decade as the “First Chef” in the governor’s office preparing meals for the family and the special events at the Governor’s Mansion. Chef Jim also gained national fame on Bravo’s “Top Chef” in 2016 when he finished in the top 10 on the show. The menu is expected to be “modern Southern” but also very seafood heavy that includes an oyster bar and other seafood dishes. Jim is after all on the chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission. They are expected to be open January 7 and will surely give another reason for food travelers to stop into Mobile.

4. Las Floriditas

Bob Baumhower’s newest restaurant in Mobile, Las Floriditas is scheduled to open in January 2020 in the former bank vault inside the basement of the RSA Trustmark Building. A cuban style “speak-easy” with a secret door entrance. The bank vault door is still intact and will be a large part of the decor of the former First National Bank Building. The former deposit boxes will all be repurposed as cabinets. Hours will be 4pm-2am and should be a nice “after party” for visitors of their sister restaurant Dauphin’s.

Old Majestic Brewing Co. (Photo courtesy Old Majestic Brewing Co. Facebook)

5. Old Majestic Brewing

Old Majestic Brewing is newly opened in Downtown Mobile on St. Louis Street directly behind The Cheese Cottage. Currently Old Majestic has the Majestic Blonde, Four Fathers Stout, J Cain Cream Ale and the Missing Summer Ale on tap. They also have a food menu prepared next door from The Cheese Cottage that includes favorites such as the Reuben, Mobile Muffaletta, Buffalo Chicken Salad sandwich and even a beer board to enjoy that fresh pour with.

6. Gwen’s House

Gwen’s House is newly opened in the former Applebee’s location on Government Blvd. in west Mobile. Rapper Yung Bleu opened the soul food restaurant and named it after his best friends mother, Mrs. Gwen who would cook for him and his friends when he was growing up in Mobile. The restaurant has been completely renovated and Mrs. Gwen will be heavily involved in cooking and preparing the dishes.

Gwen’s House (Photo courtesy Gwen’s House Facebook)

7. The Portsider

The Portsider is the newest seafood restaurant opening in downtown Mobile at the former Bucks Pizza location. The Portsider will be serving fresh oysters from the Gulf of Mexico but you’ll also be able to enjoy oysters from waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific along with other great seafood dishes. A city like Mobile that is historically known for its seafood will now have another great seafood option to brag about.

8. The Yummi Crab

The Yummi Crab seafood restaurant is coming to the old Melting Pot location on Montlimar Drive across from the Home Depot. Expect a menu of fried seafood, crab legs and lobster tail along with cocktails and drink specials all coming soon to the west Mobile area.

9. Bar B Quing With My Honey

Bar B Quing With My Honey has been a staple in the Mt. Vernon community for years. The owners have now brought the BBQ to midtown Mobile! The new location will celebrate their soft opening on January 3rd. Located off Airport Blvd. at the Loop. Midtown now has a great BBQ option to enjoy.

10. Oyster Republic Collective Eatery

Located just beside Heroes Sports Bar and Grille in downtown Mobile, Oyster Republic will be home to numerous locally owned places to eat and drink when the doors finally open. No restaurants have been announced yet and the renovation of the building places the opening to late 2020 and possibly into 2021 but a food hall will be great for small or niche restaurants looking to start up or test new concepts.

Oyster Republic Collective Eatery (Photo courtesy of Downtown Mobile Alliance Facebook)

11. Bake My Day

Bake My Day cookies has gained national notoriety as one of the best bakeries in the country for gourmet cookies. They are expanding to their new location in midtown inside the historic Ashland Fire Station on Old Shell Road in addition to their location in on McGregor Road in Spring Hill.

Braided River Brewing Co. (Photo courtesy of Braided River Brewing Co. Facebook)

12. Braided River Brewing Co.

Braided River Brewing Co. is the latest brewery to be announced coming soon to Mobile. Located on St. Louis Street inside the historic Wheeler Building which was originally a Chevrolet dealership and a former home to the Mobile Press Register. Braided River has begun brewing a brown ale that will be served in the taproom along with others as soon as construction is completed. They are set for their grand opening on February 1st

13. BrewHounds

BrewHounds is a dog park and bar opening up in downtown Mobile this spring. BrewHounds plans to serve craft beers and wine alongside the dog park for your furry ones to play. They are finalizing the details of their location and should have an announcement very soon.