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An instructor leads a hands-on jewelry-making workshop at a wooden workbench with tools and metal stamps, as participants gather around — Make your Auburn trip a little more memorable with a visit to one of these new businesses. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

Planning a trip to Auburn for football season? If you’re heading to the Loveliest Village on the Plains to cheer on the Tigers (or you’re just looking for a fun and easy weekend getaway), there’s never been a better time to check out the Auburn-Opelika area’s newest spots.

Just two hours from downtown Birmingham, Auburn and Opelika are sister cities with a little something for everyone—with Auburn’s college-town energy and Opelika’s charming, historic downtown, there’s plenty to see, eat and do.

From coffee shops and bakeries to rooftop Italian dining and custom jewelry studios, here are six new businesses in Auburn-Opelika worth adding to your game-day itinerary.

1. Banditos | Opelika

A Mexican spread with a halved quesadilla, tacos, pickled onion cups, salsas, a margarita, and Modelo beer on a wooden table — Yum! Make sure you visit Banditos with a big appetite. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

If you’re looking for a casual bite before or after the game, make the short trip to Banditos—a lively Tex-Mex restaurant that began as a food truck founded by husband-and-wife team Jacob and Gabi VanHorn. Located in historic downtown Opelika, Banditos is a popular destination for both visitors and locals, known for its signature brisket crunch wraps, on-site smoked meats and its self-styled “Alabama’s Best-Mex” street food.

Banditos: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 404 S 10th St, Opelika, AL 36801
Hours:
- Wed-Sat: 11AM—8PM
- Sun-Tues: Closed

2. Boris Bakery | Opelika

Three arms reaching from a doorway holding a croissant, a Boris Bakery matcha drink, and a sweet roll — Start your morning with freshly baked treats, coffee and matcha at Boris Bakery. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

Located in historic downtown Opelika right next to Banditos, Boris Bakery is a Korean-inspired bakehouse and café that’s made a name for itself with breads, pastries, coffee, matcha and standout items like its Korean streusel bread. With sweet aromas and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Boris Bakery is the ideal stop before a cute stroll around picturesque Opelika.

Boris Bakery: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 404 S. 10th St., Suite B, Opelika, AL 36801
Hours:
- Wed-Fri: 7AM-3PM
- Sat: 8AM-4PM
- Sun: 8AM-3PM
- Mon-Tues: Closed

3. Breve Lounge | Auburn

Stack of waffles dusted with powdered sugar, served with whipped cream, butter, sprinkles, and diced strawberries — Enjoy sweet treats and tempting mocktails at Breve Lounge. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

A stylish coffee shop by day and dessert + mocktail lounge by night, Breve Lounge is your spot for every kind of craving. Located in the heart of Auburn along College Street, Breve is your go-to spot for handcrafted espresso drinks, brunch, dessert flights and a post-game nightcap.

Breve Lounge: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 154 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
Hours:
- Mon-Wed: 7AM-6PM
- Thurs: 7AM-10PM
- Fri: 7AM-12AM
- Sat: 9AM-12AM
- Sun: 9AM-4PM

4. Circa | Auburn

Interior of a men's clothing boutique with folded shirts on display tables, racks of garments lining both sides, and a customer browsing near the back — Browse premium menswear and timeless styles at Circa on Auburn’s College Street. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

Fellas, if your game-day outfit is in need of an upgrade, don’t miss Circa—a premium men’s clothing boutique specializing in timeless style, custom-fitted clothes and unparalleled customer service. Locally owned and located in downtown Auburn along College Street, Circa carries menswear from premium brands like Greyson Clothiers, ONCEPT.nyc and Florence, Alabama-based Billy Reid.

Circa: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 159 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 10AM-6PM
- Sat: 10AM-4PM
- Sun: Closed

5. Olivine | Auburn

Overhead view of a shared meal with roasted chicken, shrimp pasta, grilled steak, pita with dip, seafood rice, and glasses of red wine and water — Find Neapolitan-inspired dishes made with Alabama-grown ingredients at Olivine. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

Roasted chicken quarter garnished with rosemary, served over sauteed greens with a glass of red wine in the background — Find Neapolitan-inspired dishes made with Alabama-grown ingredients at Olivine. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

Located atop the AC Hotel by Marriott Auburn, Olivine is a new Italian restaurant offering Neapolitan-inspired dishes made with Alabama-grown heirloom ingredients and wood-fired techniques, putting a local spin on some of Italy’s iconic culinary traditions. After dinner, pay a visit to the rooftop bar for cocktails and unbeatable views of downtown Auburn.

Olivine: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 146 N Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 5-10:30PM
- Fri-Sat: 5PM-12:30AM
- Sunday: Closed

6. Perch Jewelry Studio | Auburn

Instructor helping a student craft a piece of jewelry with pliers at a workbench in a studio — At Perch, guests can create their own one-of-a-kind pieces. (Visit Auburn-Opelika)

More than just a jewelry store, Perch is an interactive studio where customers can shop handcrafted pieces by local artisans or create their own one-of-a-kind piece. Located along Gay Street, Perch also offers hands-on workshops—the perfect activity for a girls’ trip to Auburn!

Perch Jewelry Studio: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 416 S. Gay St., Auburn, AL 36830
Hours:
- Tues-Fri: 11AM-7PM
- Sat: 10AM-7PM
- Sun—Mon: Closed

Want to see the full list of what’s new in Auburn-Opelika since last football season? Whether you’re grabbing a pastry before kickoff, shopping downtown or settling in for a rooftop cocktail after the game, visit Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s website to learn more and plan your next trip to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

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