Wintzell’s Oyster House, Mobile, Alabama

I never really thought I’d find myself in Mobile, Alabama, but, we passed right through it on our drive from New Orleans to Birmingham. Mobile is a gulf-coast city and has an old, authentic downtown that is worth checking out for a bit of history. While you’re there, grab some lunch where the locals eat- Wintzell’s Oyster House.

Wintzell’s is the most unique restaurant I have ever seen.

The entire place- literally wall-to-wall- is covered with funny little sayings. You could spend days reading the truisms on the wall. Advice about love, life, etc. Pretty funny.

And the oysters are fantastic! I had to use my hipstamatic app on my iphone for these photos because Mobile really did feel like a step back into the past. So, the actual presentation did look quite nice, trust me. We ordered some grilled oysters that came topped with herbs and cheese. The catch of the day was grouper, and we had that blackened. It was one of the best pieces of fish I remember eating. Ever. Really- No exaggeration. Super moist, cooked perfectly, and seasoned with an evenly balanced spice rub that was sweet, salty, and spicy. Delicious.

So, on your next southern road trip, look for a Wintzell’s rather than a Waffle House. There are a number of locations. Not as many as there are Waffle House locations, but I don’t even want to start talking about that. Really… I don’t even want to start. I’d rather end on a positive note: Wintzell’s Oyster House is southern experience not to be missed.