This was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish! The fried green tomatoes were a clear favorite... perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. I hate tomatoes. But theeeeeeeese? OMG. I also had the smokehouse burger, and it was hands-down one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. Everything tasted fresh and was cooked just right. What really stood out beyond the food was the overall experience. The staff was incredibly nice, welcoming, and attentive without being overbearing, which made us feel right at home. The restaurant itself was clean and comfortable, and even the bathrooms were spotless, which always says a lot about a place. It also hasn't been very busy the times we've gone, which made for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Even so, the food came out quickly and was still hot and fresh, which is the best of both worlds. We actually loved it so much that we went back again just a couple of days later, and it was just as good the second time around. If you're looking for great Southern food, friendly service, and a laid-back dining experience, Dale's Southern Grill is definitely worth a visit. The ONLY thing I didn't like was the kids' chicken finger meal. I tried one of the chicken fingers when biting it to give to my toddler, and it wasn't good. The taste was weird and it was gummy. I ended up not giving her them. read more

Dale's Grill, Hoover, Alabama Family owned, Southern specialties, $10 lunches from 11-4 daily....... Meat and 3 Southern restaurants have dwindled over the years, but we still have a few that are proud to serve home-cooked meals from scratch. Dale's is a family-owned restaurant, following the meat plus vegetables plus desserts formula that we've always loved. With a cozy diner vibe, Dale's has more booths than most restaurants, plus big tables, so you can easily accommodate your family and friends. There are Southern recipes (I'll attach menus) and daily specials. The daily specials are a steal for $10 from 11-4. The wait staff are courteous and will keep the tea coming. Just like you like it! read more

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I wish I can give it a zero. It has been a while since I been here, but absolutely not, absolutely not.Count your days because this type of carrying on can't last. This quality and quantity of this food is beyond poor. You gave me a slice of meatloaf and a thin slice at that and beyond dryer than the Sahara desert, and the chicken breast had to be from a chick because it was the smallest chicken breast I ever seen. We didn't even notice it when the plate was sat down. The place need a deep clean not touch up paint. You have senior citizens that are here majority of the time.find a safer walking space for them instead of this slippery floor and broken and crack pieces on it. And do us all a favor and do a deep clean. People feel comfortable with eating at establishment only if it's clean. The walk way to the restroom needs to be decluttered and deep cleaned. I'll never be back and I'm sure you guys want last long with these type of shortcuts and dry small food. read more

Dale's Southern Grill - It looks bigger in the photo the small chick breast( which you split a chicken breast in half looks like) - Southern Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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My wife and I ate lunch there today. we had not been in over a year but today was a disappointment. we ordered poppy seed chicken that was bland and mostly rice. The carrot soufflé was heavy and burned. even the bran muffin which we have enjoyed in the past was dry and lacked flavor. I did try the strawberry shortcake that was good. I the past a table at noon was hard to get but today the restaurant was only about 2/3's full. I guess we are not the only ones that realize this is no longer the great place to eat that it used to be. read more

Wow!! What a local jewel. I had a fabulous lunch here. The pot roast was really something special. Fresh vegetables and cornbread. Their menu has something for everyone. Great wait staff and the restaurant is nicely decorated. read more

We went to Dale's after a show at BJCC. We were not disappointed!! Everything was fresh, hot and yummy!! Our waiter Jose, was awesome!! Great service and great food!! There are TVs for sports folks, but not loud! Everything clean!! (: read more

Dale's Southern Grill - 2-8oz Filet Mignons, 2 baked sweet potatoes, squash casserole and jalapeño corn bread. - Southern Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

Well, it's been a long time since we've been here. The place has been redecorated and looks really nice. The people are still super nice but the food quality has went down. The seafood sampler was average. The crab cake had no flavor and lacked seasoning. The catfish isn't fresh water catfish. That was definitely swai. I know catfish and that did not taste nor had the texture of real catfish. Even fruit hard didn't make a difference. The Mac and cheese had no flavor. It was like having noodles and liquid cheese. The yams tasted like warmed over potatoes and they weren't sweet. I was hoping for a better experience, but I might give them another At a later date. Kitchen, get it together!!!!!! read more

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I love this place. A fast, delicious, southern diner that is no frills but good food amd good service. My family and I like to go after church on Sundays. I LOVE the chicken livers. My favorite side is the carrot souffle. Pick muffins over roll or have them both and cornbread! Make it a southern experience for just 5 bucks more and you get an extra side and a dessert. read more

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I was recently here to dine in for lunch. The service was friendly. For my meal I had their fried chicken livers with carrot soufflé and steamed cabbage. The fried chicken livers were amazing and fried to perfection!!! OMG!!! Annnnnnd the portion was huge! I didn't love my sides. Carrot soufflé had way too much cinnamon in it and the cabbage was bland. Not much flavor! The star of the show was the gravy served with the chicken livers..... soooooo good. I probably could drink it! Ha! I don't know if Dale's has changed ownership over the years. It definitely felt differently and their menu seems reconstructed as well. Something is different. The dine in experience was cool. I sat at a comfy /spacious booth. The atmosphere here is casual and there's a bar section with TVs. read more

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Classic Southern food out in Hoover... I want to love it here. My grandparents had their 50th wedding anniversary party in the back room back in 1993. Dale's is a Hoover staple, but lacks the charm of a traditional meat-and-three. Recent renovations, restaffing, and commercialization of their take-out all take away from the down-home atmosphere that the food begs. The Fried chicken was delicious, creamed corn is too sweet, fried okra are just ok. Poppyseed chicken was good, but covered in far too many cracker crumbs. I fear that Dale's lost its charm a few years ago. read more

Dale's Southern Grill - Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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I went to Dale's on a weekday during the lunch rush. It was busy inside but I still got my food in a timely order, which was awesome because I was a part of a party of ~8 people. I ordered their southern crab cakes with hush puppies and broccoli for my sides. Now, I'm not sure if this is a thing anywhere else, but they put powdered sugar on top of the hush puppies. It was more of a dessert than a side. That definitely threw me off, and I probably wouldn't get hush puppies from there again. If that sounds like your type of hush puppy, then great! It just wasn't for me. The rest of the food was good, though! The crab cakes were very tasty. I always get excited when a place serves them because they can be hard to come by. Definitely authentic southern food (except maybe the hush puppies). read more

The food is blah at best. DO NOT bother with the stuffing/ dressing!!! It is absolutely disgusting.

service was good....but, we had a room reserved for a group, at 4:30. At around 6:15 they told us we needed to leave so another group could come in...really???? Food was ok, nothing special, the sausage on my red beans and rice was burned on the outside, not much flavor on the rest. That being said, being asked to leave, was ridiculous. Evidently someone messed up on the private room, and we were the ones who had to leave, will never go back there! And on the website it says great cocktails, but they only serve wine and beer, and 2 people ordered the same beer, after which they said they were out of that particular one....really????? Do not recommend this place read more

Such a great vibe in here and the servers were all each perfect people. Great layout and cleanliness on here. All the food we ordered was great. The blackened chicken and the Peanut chicken were both delicious. The jalapeño cornbread was very yummy. The Mac n cheese, hushpuppies, corn , and fried green tomatoes were all very good too. read more

Dale's Southern Grill - The blackened chicken and the Peanut chicken The jalapeño cornbread Mac n cheese, hushpuppies, corn , and fried green tomatoes - Southern Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

Worst meal we have ever had. It used to be very good but apparently they have a new chef. We will never go back there. Then the waiter tried to charge us for food we told him was bad. TERRIBLE!!! read more

So I had heard about Dale's and finally decided to try it out. The restaurant was very clean and the staff were super nice. We had a very large group and so thankfully they were able to accommodate us and sat us in an "exclusive" room in the back. We were very appreciative of that. Our party ordered various items from the salmon to the chicken tetrazzini to the kids chicken tender meal, etc. The general consensus was the food was just "ok." It lacked major seasoning. Even the sweet tea lacked sugar. Again the food wasn't bad, but be prepared to have to add a lot of salt and pepper. We decided to try Dale's again in the future so this review will be continued at a later time... read more

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The food here is super! Bet get jere early or there is a wait! We had the seafood sampler, the southern shrimp over gouda grits and a cheeseburger for our kid. It was all great and fresh. Hint, the Lima beans are to die for and the fish and shrimp are great also but the gouda cheese grits were killer! We did not have room for dessert. The waitress Lacey she was quick, polite and sweet and the ambiance was like a small diner that was very clean. The chairs and booths were soft and very comfortable. Do yourself a favor and get here early and enjoy yourself! read more

It was horrible!! Food was lacking in flavor and was not very warm. I have ate there several times, no more. Is it under new management or ownership?? read more

I came here on a Friday night because I saw that they had seafood gumbo which I love of course. When I walked in the waitress asked me did I need to place an order to go or to be seated? I told her to go. She walked away and then a man, I'm not sure if he was the manager, came around not friendly at all and gave me the menu. I told him I wanted gumbo and that was it. He rang me up. I paid for it and he walked off. He said it would be about 10 minutes, but it took way longer than that. Finally, when the gumbo arrived, there was no conversation had. Normally when you pick up your order they say "thank you for coming" or "hope you enjoy" something like that but nothing was. I did ask for some crackers and he went to go get me some. I opened my bag and he dropped them in. He just didn't seem friendly at all. I get in the car and tasted the gumbo. It didn't taste like seafood gumbo at all. It tasted more of like a vegetable soup. The green onions on top were very overpowering. I used to come here years ago and I've never had a problem. I don't know if it's a new staff or what but the vibe in there is just not friendly at all. While I was waiting on my order another man came in and placed a to go order and he said the same thing as we sat and chatted while we waited on our food. read more

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I could only eat half the Dale's seafood combo plate. It was atop a mountain of fries (they could've been better). The one chicken tender was surprisingly really good. The 6 shrimp were tasty, but the coating they used was off. It was giving crushed corn flakes. I will eat the 2 catfish for dinner but they looked great. All aside, you can't hardly beat Dales cause who gives that much food for $20? Plus, I had two other sides that were included with a roll and a hushpuppy! Awesome deal, tasty meal... lol! I picked it up for lunch. Called in my order and it was ready when they said. Always good service from the cute manager at the bar who commented on my Marvel tshirt. So that's a plus too! read more

Dale's Southern Grill - Fried combo. Pickup! - Southern Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

This evening my girls and I visited Dale's Southern Grill located in Hoover, Alabama where we encountered the most horrific experience that could actually happen within a restaurant. Some of the food was under cooked, my kids food was old, and after taking one bite I agreed to pay for our drinks, but not the food. I was confronted by some Caucasian guy with a curly bob with a busted down part in the middle of his head that appeared to be high off of something demanding me to pay for food that we had not eaten. Then, he began to get the opinions of other customers and insinuated that I was lying and they have been cooking their food the same way for twenty plus years. He also Implied that something must be wrong with me and that I am crazy. That's not it, an older gentleman picked up chicken tenders and shrimp off of our plates, he began breaking the food a part, and became angrier about the fact of me not willing to pay the bill. He kept mentioning that we shouldn't come to restaurants, order food, and just because I don't like it expect for them to take the food back. At this point, I called the police because wonder boy had the audacity to follow to my vehicle and take snippets of my tag. Please do not visit this spot because their workers are absolutely unprofessional and will get hostile with you for not liking their food. read more

Great experience here. Friendly staff. The food was fantastic ! Dine in experience was very good. I decided on a second visit. This time I chose takeout. Big mistake. I ordered smothered pork chops, candied yams and broccoli salad. The broccoli salad was the only thing palatable. The pork chop was smothered and mushy and the chop was mystery meat. Didn't look, feel or taste like meat. The yams were just sliced sweet potatoes with a syrup poured over the top. I find that when ordering takeout I should examine the food before leaving. read more

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Chicken livers were very good. Fried green tomatoes were sliced way too thin - almost like potato chips after frying and no green tomatoes taste. The breading was thicker than the tomato. read more

On November 8, 2025, I called the restaurant to verify if they would be open on Thanksgiving Day and would there be a special menu for the holiday. I was assured by the man who answered that indeed they would be open and the regular menu would be in place. I then went online and made my reservation, it was confirmed. All set for the big day. Upon arrival at 12:55 P.M., we discovered that the restaurant was closed. The sign said see you Saturday. I looked online again, no reference to being closed and then I went to Facebook where it was posted the restaurant would be closed for Thanksgiving. It seems to me that having a reservation that I would have been contacted in some way form or fashion to let me know. Not very good customer service. My family had no Thanksgiving meal. Update - at 2:15 PM on Thanksgiving day I was sent a cancellation notice for my 1:00 PM. reservation. Now - this makes things even worse! read more

This is a MUST GO!!! My first visit at this restaurant and I have completely bought in! First, we were received with a pleasant greeting and immediately seated. Upon being seated our drink order was quickly taken and brought to our table. Our order was taken a few minutes after drinks were served...where does this happen these day?! The menu was filled with delicious southern cuisine. I ordered the vegetarian meal...it was great! This is such a great place for families and also good for a hangout spot. Good bar and tvs for watching sports. I was so pleased with the food, so I ordered our Christmas dinner with them. All the food was a hit! I will definitely go back. read more

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This chain had a restaurant in Vestavia years ago that I visited. It was nice. I have been here a few times and the food is good. I really had my first fried green tomatoes here and I liked them. Today I had fried catfish, twins. Also had fried green tomatoes and carrot soufflé. Both sides were repeat items. Catfish is also. Caroline was our waitress and she took great care of us. The place is nice. There are booths and tables and the hostess is accommodating to your preference of seating. I met some former coworkers there and I am sure we will return. read more

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After friends recomendations, we decided to try it today. I got fried catfish and it must have been cooked in grease with something else. Tasted bad. My lady got fried shrimp and only could eat 2. I tried the shimp and couldn't eat it. May be a good place and this was a bad day and won't be returning. read more

I'm a regular customer who enjoys the grilled cheese/chili combination (seasonal) , the gumbo, fried shrimp and cheese burgers. You are seated promptly and the service is provided by a good wait staff. Also there is a meeting place for friends and family in a private dining room. it's locally owned and if you are a regular like me... the owner greets you with a nice smile and says hello, how are you. read more

Great place to eat! Multiple menu items to choose from, it's really taste oriented. Fast friendly service personnel, fast hot tasty food, nice ambiance, can be really crowded after 12. We also got a few frozen take out items, 1 I won't get again is the lasagna, it was suppose to be meat lasagna but I couldn't really see any, too much cheese that didn't melt very good. read more

Enjoyed this place greatly. Clean inside. Well priced, with lots of southern classics. The fried chicken livers were so good! Wife got the creole meatloaf, and it was delish as well. We will be repeat customers. read more

This is our "Go To" place for Comfort food, like Mom's cookin. Pork chops with glazed apples are delish, plus their carrot soufflé is very special. I love their big soft rolls. Cabbage, greens and plenty of delish veggies to choose from. I like a B'ham classic dish , Fried Green Tomatoes. Ask for sauce to go with it. Their fried shrimp looks delish and a generous serving. Red velvet or carrot cake cupcakes are ready to go by the door and look very tempting. If you like country cooking with lots of choices straight out of the 1950's, you should try it! Decor is sort of Diner special. Hard working wait staff! Always too full for dessert but they look really good: red velvet cake, strawberry shortcake, etc. Be sure to take Granny there as the authentic dishes from her best days will bring back some memories!! read more

Food was o.k. but we had a veggie plate 3@$2.49 ea., chicken and dressing at $12.99?--plus 2 teas---how can that total $34.00+?

Great selection. Usually a menu that diverse leaves a lot to be desired. Not here. I had turkey and dressing. Turkey was a touch dry but the dressing and sides made up for that. My son had the seafood platter and my wife and son's girlfriend had the braised beef tenderloin. All were delicious. Service was great for a busy Sunday afternoon. Would definitely go back. read more

This is a really good lunch option in the Hoover area. The updated decor is nice. I ordered buffalo chicken tenders and they came out as regular chicken tenders-which I actually preferred once I tasted the Buffalo sauce on the side they brought out 15 minutes later (it's just Moore's Buffalo sauce-not homemade). The green beans were excellent as was the fried okra. The service was very good at first but extremely lacking once the order was placed and drinks were delivered. read more

Veggies are great! Service is wonderful The location is very easy to get to. Atmosphere is very comfortable read more

went to dales for lunch on 11/20/2024, terrible service and the food was so disappointing we had to send it back it was so bad, instead of removing the price for the plate we sent back, they adjusted the the price $10.00 .. wait staff has no idea how to serve, brought side items out while we wait for our orders, waitress not very attentive to our table In addition the ceiling tile was falling down at the hostess station, while we waited on the horrible food i enjoyed eating at Dales before, will not be returning read more

Yelp! It's Sunday and everybody wants some good old soul food. Well Dale's always delivers delicious southern cuisine. We are being served by Mariella today! She is on top of it from drinks to desserts. Thanks Mariella, your kindness does not go unnoticed. Dales, You got a crowd today and everybody in their Sunday best. Lots of excitement is in the air as people eat and fellowship. We are a party of 4 today, Ty, Mommy, Dee and Me. We ordered fried green tomatoes as an app. I don't eat them, but they disappeared especially with that tasty Texas Caviar on the side, Yum! Ty got fried chicken, rice and broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes and fried okra. Mommy got a burger, coleslaw and fries. Dee got a half rack of ribs, new potatoes, cornbread dressing and broccoli rice casserole. Ribs were Amazing. I got glazed ham, yams, cornbread dressing and turnip greens. This stuff here good. And they had delicious rolls or cornbread to accompany your meal, Yes I got them both!!! Then, we opted for a southern experience and GOT SOME red velvet cake, peach cobbler and Strawberry Shortcake for DESSERT! I had to change this review to 5 stars, strawberry shortcake alone is worth all the hype. Y'all already know, as long as Dales got that Strawberry Shortcake, She'll be back! read more

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It's alright but nothing special. Food is decent at best. Large menu so could be good food that I have not tried.

It had been over a year since eating here and while the food was good, it just wasn't "that" good to return. Well, today we decided to give it a try and we were truly surprised with our meal! The restaurant has really upped their game in the menu, decor, flavor and service. Standard items are still offered but new items have been added giving a more modern vibe. My blackened pork chop over sautéed zucchini and squash was delicious and I chose squash casserole and carrot and raisin salad with a moist Raisin Bran muffin. The country fried steak was tender and well seasoned with coleslaw and corn pudding and cornbread which made an excellent meal. With an extensive well-rounded menu Including a breakfast plate for lunch/supper to choose from, we will make Dale's a regular rotation when eating out. read more

Very average food. The quality has decreased greatly based the last couple of visits. Food is definitely not as tasty as it used to be. Our last visit was Jan. 24, 2025. Grilled mushrooms were not grilled. They tasted like they were poured right from a can or jar. Cornbread dressing was lukewarm. Grilled grouper was dry, not seasoned well, and appearance not appetizing. Service was acceptable, but the overall experience was subpar. read more