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Mardi Gras pop-up bar, The Cheesecake Factory + more openings around Bama
From one of the oldest riverfront hotels in the Southeast to an exciting Mardi Gras themed pop-up bar and celebration, here’s what’s new in the state of Alabama.
Selma, Alabama
1. The Historic St. James Hotel
The historic, 184-year-old St. James Hotel in Selma has officially reopened for business. On Tuesday, January 26, the Southeast’s only surviving riverfront Antebellum hotel had its official ribbon-cutting and is now ready for guests to explore its splendor.
While in Selma, you can visit historic sites like the Edmund Pettus Bridge, dine at amazing restaurants, learn about the state’s Civil Rights history and more.
Make sure to check out our latest on this famous hotel for the full experience.
Huntsville, Alabama
2. The Veggie
Calling all vegans and lovers of fresh food. The Veggie, a Black female-owned vegan catering and meal delivery service launches its first brick and mortar in Huntsville. Owner, Chef Adyre Mason, will whip up grab-and-go, family-style and ready-to-eat meal options at The Veggie Quick Service Cafe.
Mason is planning on opening her first location in Huntsville’s Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment District this February.
3. Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment will be bringing an array of fun to the Huntsville area. The family-friendly company is similar to Dave and Busters’ arcade, but will include options like:
- Bowling
- Laser Tag
- Gravity Ropes
- Virtual reality options
- Billiards
- Zipline
This is the company’s first location in the state and is sure to be tons of fun. They’ll also feature dining and bar options so you can eat, drink and play all at one location.
- Location: 365 The Bridge St #106, Huntsville, AL 35806 (Bridge Street Town Centre)
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. The Cheesecake Factory
Hope you’re hungry Huntsville because The Cheesecake Factory is headed y’alls way. The only other location in the state is in Birmingham and it never disappoints. With over 200 dishes and tons of cheesecake flavors, you really can’t go wrong.
Like the Main Event Entertainment development, the new restaurant will be in the Bridge Street Town Centre across from P.F. Changs.
- Location: 365 The Bridge St #106, Huntsville, AL 35806 (Bridge Street Town Centre)
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Dragon’s Forge Cafe
Cheers. Photo via Dragon’s Forge Cafe’s Facebook 
So whimsical. Photo via Dragon’s Forge Cafe’s Facebook
The Rocket City welcomed a cafe unlike any other in December 2020. What makes it so unique? It features popular caffeinated drinks and fantasy all in one.
Located in the historic Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment district, Dragon’s Forge Cafe combines a whimsical atmosphere complete with copies of Dungeons & Dragons, a dragon throne and antiques with fantasy-themed drinks like:
- Cherry Heart Latte
- Blushing Dragon Iced Latte
- Fairy Garden Iced Tea
- and MORE
6. MidCity’s Mardi Gras-themed pop-up bar
Mardi Gras pop-up bar. Photo via The Camp’s Facebook 
Mardi Gras pop-up. Photo via The Camp’s Facebook
We love any excuse to be festive, and this year you can celebrate Mardi Gras at MidCity’s outdoor venue called The Camp. They’ll be hosting a three-week outdoor pop-up bar with Mardi Gras-themed decorations and drinks so you can let the good times roll.
The celebration happens now until February 16 with an outdoor concert on February 13.
Guarantee a seat at the pop-up bar by making a reservation.
Tuscaloosa + Montgomery, Alabama
7. Buffalo’s Cafe
Photo via Buffalo’s Cafe’s Facebook 
Photo via Buffalo’s Cafe’s Facebook
Buffalo’s Cafe is coming to Tuscaloosa’s Midtown Village and Montgomery’s Shoppes at EastChase later this year. This is the first time this Atlanta-based restaurant has come to the state and we’re drooling already.
Buffalo’s Cafe offers mouth-watering wings with different sauces along with burgers, salads, tacos and more.
- Location: 1800 McFarland Blvd E, Northport, AL 35476 | 7274 Eastchase Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36117
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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