Oh hi, I haven’t posted in months so what better way to say hello than with a posts all about food?  We traveled more in 2017 than ever before and along the way we discovered some amazing eats that quickly became our favorite restaurants.  From breakfast to lunch and dinner and drinks, we made our way through Destin, Gulf Shores, Nashville, Savannah, and Tybee Island.  We traveled through parts of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida so these are our favorite restaurants of the southeast.

Favorite Restaurants of 2017

Louisiana Lagniappe

Destin, Florida + Orange Beach, Alabama

Hands down, the Destin and Orange Beach Louisiana Lagniappe locations were my absolute favorite restaurants of the year.  The Destin location was our first experience during a beach trip with my in-laws.  They kindly watched all of our kids so Justin and I could enjoy a birthday dinner just the two of us.  We chose Louisiana Lagniappe based on Trip Advisor reviews and it did not disappoint.  Fried crawfish tails started us off.  To my surprise, I loved them!  For my entree, I ordered the Lagniappe Stuffed Shrimp.  They were out of the world amazing.  As stuffed as we were, dessert couldn’t be passed up.  Key lime pie and chocolate peanut butter pie hit the sweet spot after a delicious meal.  We sat outside overlooking the water and enjoying the weather.  Both locations offer gorgeous views so grab an outdoor or window seat if possible.

We visited the Orange Beach location in September.  It was just as good as the Destin location.  I again order the stuffed shrimp, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.  They were as wonderful as I remembered.  A green appletini was a first for me.  It was the perfect mix of sweet and tart.  A window seat overlooking the water offered a beautiful view.  Once again, we were stuffed but couldn’t pass up dessert.  Take it to go if you must, but don’t pass up dessert!

Kitty’s Kafe

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Tucked into a shopping area and right beside Target is Kitty’s Kafe.    An eclectic little place with walls covered in photos of mostly dogs, it was packed both times we visited.  Served all day, breakfast doesn’t disappoint. During our short 3 day trip to Gulf Shores, Kitty’s Kafe was our choice for breakfast twice.  Justin raved about their omelets saying it was as close to his Nanny’s as any he’d ever tasted which is a high compliment.  I enjoyed their pancakes one morning and a BLT the other.  Kitty’s Kafe is quaint and affordable.  If you are looking for a simple but delicious meal with a laid back atmosphere, this is your place!  Check out the Kitty’s Kafe menu online.

The Old Mill

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Not exactly a new discovery for us, but one of our favorites nonetheless, The Old Mill offers down home southern comfort food.  The Old Mill is a must for us anytime we are in Pigeon Forge.  Preceding each entree is corn chowder and corn fritters.  Served family style, you’ll enjoy plenty of sides such as greens beans and mashed potatoes.  Chicken pot pie, meatloaf, turkey and dressing, chicken and dumplings, southern style catfish- we’ve tried it all and have never been let down. You will not leave hungry!  Quite the opposite, a to-go box will likely be required. Don’t forget about the included dessert!  After you finish your meal, be sure to take a stroll around the nearby shops including the Old Mill General Store and Farmhouse Kitchen.  There you’ll find mixes to make your own Old Mill specialties at home.

The Olde Pink House

Savannah, Georgia

Packed with history, The Olde Pink House was our first stop during our anniversary trip to Savannah.  Here I had my first taste of the scrumptious Low Country She Crab Soup and discovered my favorite drink, The Pink Lady.  Pink Lemonade and raspberry vodka combine to result in the delicious Pink Lady.  We have recreated this drink many times at home and it continues to be my favorite.  Seated in the oldest part of the house, we were in awe of the craftsmanship.  A phone call bearing extremely difficult news interrupted our meal and resulted in us taking most of our food to go.  That said, those first few bites before the phone call were amazing.  The She Crab Soup and Pink Lady will have me returning every chance I get!

Goose Feathers Cafe & Bakery

Savannah, Georgia

A European style cafe and bakery, Goose Feathers menu offers a wide variety of croissants, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets.  We stopped in for brunch as they are only open until 3PM daily.  As usual, we ordered more than we could eat, but I’m so glad we did because everything was delicious and that meant leftovers later.  A sticky bun, cream cheese croissant, and an Italian Panini were my choices.  Just thinking about that sticky bun has me ready to make the long drive back to Savannah!  It was amazing.  It was packed when we stopped in as well as every time we walked by, but they do offer online ordering so that’s something to keep in mind.  If you have a sweet tooth or enjoy savory soups and salads, put Goose Feathers Cafe & Bakery on your list!

The Breakfast Club

Tybee Island, Georgia

Open daily from 7AM-1PM, get there before the doors are open or be prepared to wait.  The Breakfast Club is what I refer to as a “hole in the wall” place.  From the outside, you’d never guess the deliciousness that awaits inside.  That’s part of the charm.  With no indoor waiting area, you’ll wait outside on benches near the door.  By far the most fast-paced of our favorite restaurants, we were seated at the counter where we had a front row view as the cooks created edible masterpieces.  The Windjammer Hashbrowns (loaded with onions, mushrooms, bacon, and cream cheese) and Blackhawk Breakfast Burrito are two of our top recommendations.  Portions are huge so you will likely leave with a to-go box!

Five Points Pizza

Nashville, Tennessee

A quick overnight stay to see Matchbox 20 at Bridgestreet Arena gave us just enough time to visit two restaurants in Nashville.  Pizza is one of my favorite foods and this place knows how to cook ’em.  With craft beer and New York style pizza served by the slice or made to order, it’s no surprise Five Points Pizza made it’s way to our favorite restaurants list.  We started with garlic knots.  Of course we didn’t stop there, we also ordered a Zeus Stromboli, a Zeus Pizza, and a Hot Hawaiian Pizza.  Yes, it was just Justin and I.  Yes, we did snack on leftovers the entire drive home.  No, we probably didn’t share once we were home.  Because of it’s laid back feel, Five Points Pizza is perfect for drinks with friends on a Friday night, lunch during the week, or brunch with your husband on a Sunday morning.

So there it is- our favorite restaurants of 2017.  From fancy to no-frills, seafood to pizza, I hope you will find a favorite of your own here!  If you visit one of these great places, please come back and let me know what you thought!