5 delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Huntsville to help keep your heart healthy

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When meals are prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, not only do they taste better, but they’re better for you! By eating at farm-to-table restaurants, you are supporting local farmers and growers and uplifting the local economy. Read on to learn about all the best farm-to-table restaurants in Huntsville.

Tips for making heart-healthy meal choices

When dining out making heart-healthy decisions can be intimidating, but it’s all about balance. Here are some tips to consider when picking your plate:

1. Choose lean protein: Opt for grilled chicken, fish or tofu instead of fried or fatty meats.
2. Load up on vegetables: Ask for extra vegetables as a side dish or as a topping on your entree.
3. Watch your portion size: Share an entree with a friend or take half of your meal home for leftovers.
4. Limit sodium: Ask for sauces and dressings on the side and limit the use of salty seasonings.
5. Choose whole grains: Look for menu items that feature whole-grain bread, pasta or rice instead of white bread or pasta.
6. Avoid added sugars: Choose fresh fruit or a side salad. 
7. Drink water: Choose water, unsweetened tea or other low-calorie beverages instead of sugary drinks.

By following these tips, you can make healthier choices while dining out and support a healthy heart. With that in mind, here are five farm-to-table spots around Huntsville that make eating right easy and delicious:

1. Cotton Row Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of downtown Huntsville, Cotton Row Restaurant is a local favorite featuring eclectic dishes such as Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cake and Crispy Pork Belly Risotto. When you take a seat at the table, you’ll enjoy unique meals in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Through the years, Cotton Row has developed relationships with local farmers and foragers to source their ingredients, including Alchemy Farm, Flat Rock Growers, Green Street Market and Schmuck Farm in Huntsville.

• Location: 100 Southside Sq, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: Sunday-Monday, Closed | Tuesday-Saturday, 4-9:30PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Oak Tree Bistro

It doesn’t get much more “farm-to-table” than an eatery located on an actual farm! You’ll find Huntsville’s only vegetarian bistro, Oak Tree Bistro, in the new Oakwood Farms Market.

Oakwood Farms is the only farm in Huntsville that provides farm-fresh produce to its own market, and it’s poised to be the largest Urban farm in North Alabama. The bistro offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian breakfast sandwiches, paninis, burgers and pizzas using produce grown on the Oakwood University campus and from local farmers.

• Location: 5001 Adventist Blvd NW Huntsville, AL 35806
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10AM-6:30PM | Friday 10AM-4PM | Closed Saturday | Sunday 10AM-5PM
• Website | Facebook

3. Farm Burger

Huntsville locals rave about Farm Burger—and for good reason. Their farm-fresh menu is centered around unique flavors and healthy ingredients. They also depend on local farmers, ranchers and land stewards for their ingredients and pride themselves on providing the most sustainable, fresh plates possible.

On the menu, you can choose from chef-inspired grassfed burgers that go a bite above what you’ll find at the average burger joint. Feel free to ask the staff where your food is sourced—they’ll be happy to let you know. Plus, gluten-free and vegan options are available.

• Location: 930 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Building 200, Ste 219, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: 11AM-9PM Daily
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. CO/OP Community Table + Bar

Co/op Community Table not only has southern hospitality down pat, but they teach the importance of sustainability and local ingredients in each dish. Knowing that they’re thoughtfully-sourced, you can enjoy every bit of these seasonally-inspired, flavorful plates.

Co/op teams up with Bill’s Honey Farm, Belle Chevre, Bronze Star Farm, Madison County Farmer’s Market and more local farms to bring you the freshest meal possible.

• Location: 800 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM-3PM, 5-11PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-3PM, 5PM-12AM | Sunday 10AM-3PM, 5-10PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. 1892 East Restaurant

1892 East Restaurant is a can’t-miss spot that fosters positive food-farmer-neighbor interactions to provide the highest quality local dishes. You can dig into delicious chicken pot pie while supporting local foods at farmers at this spot in the Five Points Historic District. 

Ayers Farm Family Market, Springer Mountain Farm, Humble Heart Farms and more have partnered up with 1892 to bring you the best of the best.

• Location: 720 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11AM-2PM
• Dinner Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5-8PM | Friday-Saturday, 5-8PM
• Brunch Hours: Sunday, 10AM-2PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Stay on top of your health with more advice from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama by visiting AlabamaBlue.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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