The Mid Life Dating Files 2025

What is your favorite restaurant?

My “Favorite” Restaurant… (Because Apparently I Can’t Commit 🍽️)

If you’ve ever asked me, “What’s your favorite restaurant?”—bless you. You clearly think I’m a person capable of making simple decisions. I am not.

Choosing one favorite restaurant is like asking me to pick a favorite child… except all my children serve margaritas, pasta, and dessert trays. So here we are.

Let’s just say I have a collection of favorites. A well-balanced diet, if you will.

First up, when I’m feeling a little fancy (or just want to pretend I am), I head to Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Birmingham. Now before you say, “But wait… steakhouse?”—let me stop you right there. I’m a vegetarian, thank you very much, and I have zero interest in steak. But their side dishes? Incredible. The vegetables alone deserve their own spotlight, and the desserts? Absolutely worth every bite. Add in their amazing wine selection, and suddenly I’m just there living my best plant-based, dessert-loving life.

Then there’s my beach personality. She exclusively dines at The Red Bar. If you know, you know. The atmosphere alone deserves its own fan club. I go for the salads and manicotti, but stay because I don’t want to leave. Ever. Someone check on me—I may still be there.

Back in Birmingham, one of my go-to spots is The Southern Kitchen & Bar—and let me tell you, they do everything right. Brunch? Yes. Lunch? Of course. Dinner? Absolutely. The atmosphere is spot-on, and their mixed drinks and wine choices are just as impressive. It’s one of those places where you go in thinking you’ll order something simple and end up saying, “Well… maybe just one more thing.”

Now, let’s talk Mexican food, because that’s a love language. In Guntersville, Julia’s Mexican Restaurant has guacamole made right in front of you—which is both impressive and slightly dangerous because I will eat the entire bowl. Their fresh salsa and margaritas? Perfection. Honestly, I could set up a small office there and be completely content.

Also in Guntersville, The Rock House Eatery is my go-to when I’m feeling a little more “date night” than “chips and salsa.” It’s upscale, cozy, and the menu never misses.

And if you’re more of a brewery person, you’ve got to check out Main Channel Brewing Company right at the harbor. You can sample as many beer flights as your heart desires (for research purposes, of course), and the menu is just as impressive. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and pretend you’re a craft beer expert.

Right here at home in Gadsden, I’ve got a soft spot for Blackstone Pub & Eatery—and not just because my best friend and her husband own it (okay, maybe a little). The beer selection is top-notch, the pizza is amazing, and the Hippie Nachos? Life-changing. Plus, cauliflower crust is an option, so technically I’m being healthy. Don’t argue with me on that.

When I’m in Panama City, I like my meals with a side of waterfront views. Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill and The Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar both deliver that “I should probably move here” feeling. Great food, great drinks, and a view that makes you forget every email you’ve ever received.

And of course, there’s Diego’s Burrito Factory—because sometimes you just need a margarita exactly the way you want it… which, for me, is always. Sitting outside, good food, good vibes—what more do you need?

So, what’s my favorite restaurant?

Yes.

All of them.

Because life is too short to only love one place when there are this many good menus in the world—and plenty of vegetarian options calling my name.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a very important decision to make… queso or dessert. (The answer is both.)