Fresh food simply tastes better. And the freshest food there is, is food grown on local farms, cooked in local kitchens. By removing the need to ship it across the country (or the globe), you get that just-picked flavor AND help boost the local economy. In addition to farmers markets and Community Support Agriculture shares, you can reap the same benefits by supporting restaurants who source their food locally. More and more restaurants are choosing to buy local produce, meat, cheese, beer, and more. This post showcases some of my favorite spots that support our community’s farms and economy, feel free to add your own in the comments. : )

My favorite locally sourced places meet the following criteria:

A majority of (if not all) food used is sourced from local farms, dairies, breweries.
Food is well prepared and showcases the ingredients

With those criteria in mind, these are my top three go-to places for locally sourced meals in Huntsville.

3Skillets

A breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner (Thur-Sat) spot located on the square downtown, 3Skillets serves that standard of southern fare, the meat and three menu. They set themselves apart with their fresh ingredients, commitment to local food, and seasonally updated menu.

Perfect for:

Breakfast or lunch with a few friends
Trying classic Southern dishes without the cans, preservatives, and additives
Click here to read a full review of 3Skillets.

EAT AT 3Skillets

Location:
121 North Side Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 533-2233
Visit their Facebook page here
Hours:
Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm (Breakfast and Lunch)
Saturday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (Breakfast)
Thursday-Saturday: 6:00pm – 10:00 pm (Dinner)

CHEF WILL THE PALATE

Chef Will the Palate is an entirely vegan food cart located outside of Lowe Mill. Using local, sustainable ingredients he prepares generously sized meals featuring thoughtful flavor combinations. The day I reviewed it, the schedule was more of a guideline than a rule, but if you have the time and patience to wait, you will be rewarded.

Perfect for:

Beautiful days where you want to linger outside
Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten intolerant diners

Click here to read a full review of Chef Will the Palate

EAT AT CHEF WILL THE PALATE

Location:
2211 Seminole Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: (256) 617-6052
View their website here
Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Friday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm [spacer size=”0″]

1892 East

Located in 5 Points, 1892 East is committed to locally sourced goods, so much so that their mission and vision statements focus on fostering a local food economy. Their menu includes local produce, meat, cheese, and beer and also emphasizes vegetarian and organic options.

Perfect for:

Special occasion dining
Local beer aficionados

Click here to read a full review of 1892 East

EAT AT 1892 EAST

Location:
720 Pratt Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-512-9776
Visit their website here
Find them on Facebook here
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 11am -2pm, 5pm-10pm
Saturday: 5pm-10pm
Sunday Brunch: 10am-2pm