Discover the Soul of the Shoals

Discover the Soul of the Shoals
The Dixie Dog at Wildwood Tavern Photo courtesy of Tyler Ross

Ray’s at the Bank is one of the newest lunch and dinner spots in Florence, and its American and Southern-style cuisine and welcoming atmosphere have made it a new go-to for a great meal. The Angus Burger is piled high with bacon, smoked jalapeño pimiento cheese, and pickled green onion for plenty of Southern flair, and any of the daily dessert options are always a treat.

For a fun and fresh meal in Florence, Wildwood Tavern will not disappoint. The menu includes pizzas, sandwiches, and pastas, but the hot dogs steal the show. The nitrate-free, 100-percent natural beef hot dogs come in a variety of creative flavors, from The Korean BBQ Dog to The Dixie Dog, which is smothered in barbecue sauce, melted Cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and Cajun spices. Co-owner Tyler Ross says the restaurant’s motto, “Keep Florence Funky,” shows the restaurant and community’s desire to maintain and pay homage to the fun vibe that comes from the area’s roots in funk and soul music and the arts. 

Discover the Soul of the Shoals
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Prawns at 360 Grille

The rotating, fine-dining restaurant 360 Grille is also at the Marriott Shoals Hotel, and it offers a stunning view of the city of Florence and modern fare with a touch of Southern charm. The popular appetizer BBQ Bacon Wrapped Prawns is a great example of the way the modern eateries in the Shoals area still pay homage to the traditional flavors of the South.

Odette brings delicious elevated American fare with Southern influences to historic downtown Florence. The menu features beautifully crafted meals made with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, and the inviting restaurant has become a community favorite. The Deviled Farm Eggs Two Ways starter includes two eggs with a ham salad filling topped with bread and butter pickles and two eggs with a pimiento cheese filling topped with bacon for their take on a beloved Southern classic.