Tapas dining became all the rage several years ago, with dozens of restaurants opening all over the country specifically featuring these types of “small plates.” Over time, many full-service establishments have began to offer more options for diners that prefer a smaller portions, or the opportunity to try more than one menu item.

Small plates are also perfect for sharing, and the most fun is for each person to order a different thing and pass the plates around the table. Some of my favorite places to get small plates in Hunts-Vegas are also some of my favorite dinner spots.

Brix

BRIX on Airport Road is one of the few places in the area with patio dining. They added this feature in the spring and it has given a new dimension to this self-described tapas and wine bar.

Something I have always enjoyed at Brix is that they offer tapas sized portions of their most popular entrees, which not only gives you the option of a smaller plate, but also a more affordable choice. Even better—on Wednesdays, they have 3 for $6 tapas and happy hour until 7:00.

If you go: I recommend the shrimp and grits, the tenderloin skewers or the fresh vegetable pasta. Any of these are enough for most folks for dinner, especially when paired with a salad or one of their homemade soups.

Brix shrimp and grits — Shrimp and grits at Brix

Address: 964 Airport Road
Huntsville, AL 35802
Click here for directions

Phone: 256-881-3396
Visit their website
Find them on Facebook

Hours:
Lunch: Wednesday-Friday 11:00-2:00
Dinner: Monday-Saturday 4:30-til

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Mezza Luna

MEZZA LUNA in Jones Valley is, in my humble opinion, one of the best places in town to sample small plates. And they have just unveiled their new summer menu!

It features one of my all-time favorite summer dishes; a salad with thick, juicy slices of locally grown tomatoes, black-eyed pea and grilled corn relish topped off with a dollop of creamy homemade dressing, a couple of slices of crisp bacon AND whole pods of fried okra!

It is the most unique salad I have ever had and is pretty much a meal in its’ self. Also new to the summer menu is an Italian sausage stuffed calamari that is topped with a slightly spicy tomato based sauce. Again—to die for![spacer size=”0″]

Mezza Luna Huntsville AL — A small plate of yum at Mezza Luna

Mezza Luna also has a happy hour from 4:00-6:00 Monday-Saturday with other favorites like the caramelized onion dip with fresh chips, or the cheese pizza for only $5!

Address: 2724 Carl T Jones Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35802
Click here for directions

Phone: (256) 650-2514
Find them on Facebook

Hours:
Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Surin Huntsville martini — Careful when you pick up Surin’s martinis; they are filled to the rim!

Surin of Thailand

SURIN of THAILAND is also located on Airport Road, and while not locally owned, the staff and management are some of the friendliest in Huntsville. Famous for their “to the rim’ martinis and classic Thai food, they have recently brought back an old favorite deal—half price appetizers from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday-Thursday!

The small plates at Surin offer a change of pace from other restaurants and feature such yummy treats like Surin baskets (tiny fried pastry cups filled with a mixture of corn, chicken, cilantro and spices), pot stickers steamed and served with a spicy curry sauce, always tender crispy squid served with a wonderful sweet and tangy sauce, and chicken or beef larb—ground lean meat with Thai spices served with cool crispy cabbage for the low carb diner.

All of these dishes are consistently delicious and are perfect for sharing, as a meal or before ordering dinner or sushi. Don’t forget one of the specialty martinis to top off your experience![spacer size=”0″]