Name: Mandarin House
Address: 3800 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL, 36801

Craving authentic Chinese cuisine in Opelika? Look no further than Mandarin House, a family-owned restaurant renowned for its huge buffet, diverse menu, and full bar. Voted the best Chinese restaurant in town, Mandarin House is the go-to spot for flavorful dishes, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. From General Tso’s Chicken and Mongolian Beef to stir-fried classics, Mandarin House offers a variety of freshly prepared dishes to satisfy every craving. The highly rated lunch buffet is perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed meal inside the restaurant or grabbing takeout for a cozy night in, Mandarin House delivers consistent quality and bold flavors every time. While they don’t offer ongoing specials, the delicious food and full bar make it a local favorite.

Mandarin House

Things to Do in Auburn-Opelika

Explore the beauty and excitement of the Auburn-Opelika area, where there is something for everyone. Visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to appreciate world-class art exhibits. Experience the natural beauty of Chewacla State Park with its hiking trails and waterfalls. Take a stroll through historic downtown Opelika and enjoy its unique boutiques and vibrant dining scene. For sports enthusiasts, catch an Auburn Tigers game at Auburn University, known for its spirited football, basketball, and baseball games. Don't miss the Opelika Pickleball Facility, with 24 individually fenced, covered, and lighted courts, perfect for year-round play.

Local Highlights
Auburn University: Known for its beautiful campus and sporting events, Auburn University is a hub of activity and culture.

Downtown Opelika: Enjoy the charm of a historic downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Chewacla State Park: A natural retreat offering hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping.
Opelika Pickleball Facility: One of the best pickleball facilities in the Southeast, providing year-round play on 24 lighted courts.

Dining and Accommodations
With a wide range of dining options from casual eateries to fine dining, the Auburn-Opelika area caters to all tastes. Notable mentions include The Hound for its hearty Southern fare and Café 123 for a fine dining experience in a historic setting. Accommodations range from the luxurious Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National to charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Plan your visit to Auburn-Opelika today and discover why it is a prime destination for sports, culture, and Southern hospitality! For more information, visit Auburn-Opelika Tourism.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Gigi’s Cupcakes in Auburn is a specialty bakery known for its beautifully crafted, gourmet cupcakes, offering a variety of flavors that change daily. This charming bakery is the go-to spot for sweet treats, made with high-quality ingredients and topped with signature buttercream swirls. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious dessert, Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a unique experience with flavors and designs that stand out from other bakeries in the area. In addition to their signature cupcakes, Gigi’s offers a selection of cookies, brownies, and custom cakes for special events. Gluten-free options are available, ensuring everyone can indulge. Convenient parking is available right outside, making it easy to pop in for a quick treat or to pick up custom orders. Popular cupcake flavors include Wedding Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Triple Chocolate Torte, with seasonal favorites rotating throughout the year. Gigi’s Cupcakes is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a sweet snack. Visit their store to browse the daily selection or check out their website to place a custom order for your next event.

Gigi's Cupcakes

Taste of Asia is a beloved Asian restaurant and supermarket in Auburn, AL, offering a wide variety of authentic and flavorful dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of East Asia. Known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Taste of Asia serves up a menu that includes everything from sushi and sashimi to savory stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a light sushi roll, a hearty bowl of pho, or a flavorful Chinese-style stir fry, Taste of Asia provides an exceptional dining experience with something to satisfy every craving. The inviting and relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Taste of Asia is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options for your convenience. The restaurant features a cozy interior with comfortable seating and easy parking nearby. Popular menu items include the signature sushi rolls, pho, Mongolian beef, and the crispy General Tso's chicken. Taste of Asia also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or new to Asian cuisine, Taste of Asia provides an authentic and satisfying dining experience in the heart of Auburn.

Taste of Asia

Hibachi Sushi Grill & Buffet is a family-friendly restaurant located in Opelika, offering a vast selection of Asian cuisine that makes it a go-to spot for those craving variety. This buffet-style restaurant is known for its wide range of dishes, including sushi, hibachi-grilled items, seafood, and classic Chinese cuisine. With a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, it’s ideal for families, large groups, or anyone wanting to explore multiple flavors in one sitting. The buffet features freshly prepared sushi rolls, a hibachi station where diners can customize their grilled meats and vegetables, and a variety of seafood options like crab legs and shrimp. The sushi bar and hibachi grill are popular for their fresh, high-quality selections, and the restaurant often offers seasonal specials, giving diners something new to try throughout the year. Whether you're looking for sushi, hibachi, or classic Chinese dishes, Hibachi Sushi Grill & Buffet in Opelika has something for everyone. Visit for lunch or dinner, or check out their website for more information on their menu and offerings.

Hibachi Sushi Grill & Buffet

Game Time Hobbies, located in Opelika, is a specialty store catering to hobbyists and game enthusiasts of all ages. Offering a wide selection of board games, trading card games, miniatures, and model kits, Game Time Hobbies is a go-to destination for anyone looking to dive into their favorite pastime or discover a new one. Open Monday, Wednesday through Friday, and Saturday, Game Time Hobbies provides everything from tabletop games to accessories like dice, card sleeves, and paints for miniatures. The store frequently hosts events such as game nights, tournaments, and hobby workshops, making it a popular spot for local gaming communities. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, Game Time Hobbies offers something for everyone. For hobbyists looking to expand their collection or gamers eager to try something new, Game Time Hobbies is the perfect stop. Visit the store to explore their extensive selection, or check their website for information on upcoming events and new product arrivals.

Game Time Hobbies

At Game Time Hobbies, they celebrate all types of games — from the strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering to the classic competition of Monopoly and the playful chaos of Munchkin. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a casual player, or just looking for a fun game night with friends, they've got something for everyone. Explore their extensive collection of board games, trading card games, and tabletop adventures. Their knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect game, build your deck, or learn something new.

Trek Bikes, located in Auburn, is a premier bicycle shop offering a wide range of high-quality bikes, gear, and accessories for cyclists of all levels. From mountain bikes to road bikes, Trek Bikes provides top-of-the-line equipment backed by expert knowledge and customer service. Whether you’re a casual rider or an avid cyclist, Trek Bikes is known for its dedication to helping customers find the perfect bike and accessories to suit their needs. Open Monday through Saturday, Trek Bikes offers bike sales, professional repairs, and maintenance services. The shop features a variety of popular products, including helmets, cycling apparel, and parts, ensuring that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable ride. With a welcoming atmosphere and skilled technicians, Trek Bikes stands out as a trusted resource for all things cycling. Stop by Trek Bikes in Auburn to check out their latest models, schedule a tune-up, or find the perfect cycling gear to elevate your ride.

Trek Bikes

The Auburn-Opelika Skate Park is the area’s only dedicated skate center and a top spot for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter community. It features ramps, rails, and bowls for all skill levels, from beginners just starting out to advanced riders pushing their limits. Whether you want to practice new tricks, hang out with fellow skaters, or just enjoy some fast-paced fun, this skate park is the place to be. Open year-round, it’s a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Looking for the best place to skate near Auburn or Opelika? Come check out the Auburn-Opelika Skate Park today!

Auburn-Opelika Skate Park

Savanh's Thai Kitchen offers more than just a meal – it delivers a true Thai culinary experience. Head chef Phounsavan, a mother with a passion for helping the needy and elderly, has been perfecting her Thai cuisine since she was 17 years old. Her dishes are crafted with love, bringing together authentic flavors and textures that transport diners to the heart of Thailand. In 2018, Phounsavan’s sister, Phousone, left her career at Boeing to help realize her sister's dream of opening a restaurant. Together, they named it Savanh Thai Kitchen, incorporating "Savanh," meaning "Heavenly" in Thai and Lao, to reflect their vision of offering a heavenly dining experience. At Savanh's Thai Kitchen, each dish is made with care, and the goal is for every customer to leave with a smile. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Thai flavors or trying it for the first time, this Auburn gem promises a warm, welcoming experience that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Visit them to enjoy a taste of heaven.

Savanh's Thai Kitchen

Laredo Mexican Grill offers an authentic Mexican dining experience in Auburn, known for its flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere. This family-friendly restaurant provides a welcoming space for both casual diners and larger gatherings, standing out for its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. With vibrant décor and attentive service, Laredo Mexican Grill has become a local favorite for those craving a taste of Mexico right in the heart of town. The menu features a wide range of Mexican favorites, including sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and their popular chimichangas. Visitors often rave about the freshly made guacamole and the house margaritas, perfect for pairing with any meal. Laredo also offers daily specials, including lunch deals and happy hour pricing on drinks. For an authentic Mexican dining experience with a friendly atmosphere, Laredo Mexican Grill is the place to be. Visit their website for more information, browse the full menu, or stop by to enjoy their delicious cuisine today!

Laredo Mexican Restaurant

The Maker & Merchant is a vibrant, locally focused retail collective that brings together small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs under one roof. With a storefront in Auburn (and locations across the Southeast), it offers a unique brick-and-mortar experience where shoppers can explore handmade jewelry, apparel, home décor, art, and more, all crafted by independent creators. The Maker & Merchant handles the storefront operations, inventory, and staffing, letting makers focus on their craft and providing the community with a curated destination for shopping local.

The Maker and Merchant

Applebee's in Auburn, Alabama, brings great food and big smiles to the community, staying true to the motto: "Eatin' good in the neighborhood." Whether you're craving juicy burgers, sizzling fajitas, hand-cut steaks, or signature riblets, Applebee’s offers a delicious dining experience for everyone. With a family-friendly atmosphere, affordable meals, and daily specials, it’s the perfect place to gather for lunch, dinner, or late-night bites. Enjoy dine-in, curbside pickup, or delivery, and don’t forget to check out their handcrafted cocktails and happy hour deals.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill

Limitbreaker Lockdown will take place October 2-4 at Lake Wilmore Park Recreational Center in Auburn. This gymnastics meet will feature athletes competing in Levels 1-5, Xcel, and HUGS, with participants, coaches, families, and spectators expected throughout the weekend. Local residents are welcome to come out and watch the competition and support the athletes. Visit the event organizer’s website for meet details, schedules, and spectator information.

Limit Breakers Lockdown Gymnastics Meet

The 2026 Powerball Alabama State Championship, presented by Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball, will take place October 2-4 at the Opelika Pickleball Complex. The tournament will feature singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior divisions for a wide range of age groups and skill levels, with play beginning as early as 8 a.m. each day. Spectators are welcome to come out and watch the competition throughout the weekend, and players can register beginning June 1. Visit the tournament page for registration details, division information, event fees, and the full schedule.

2026 Powerball ALABAMA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA Tour & Southern Pickleball

The Southern Pickleball Association is dedicated to growing the sport of pickleball across the United States by offering affordable, professionally managed amateur events and supporting local pickleball communities. Since our inception in 2021, we have proudly become a cornerstone of community, camaraderie, and competition in the southeast, setting a new standard for what it means to run pickleball tournaments.

With nearly 200 tournaments hosted and over 30,000 players on our courts over the past 4 years, Southern Pickleball continues to bring people together through the joy of the game, fostering connections both on and off the court. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the sport, we strive to create opportunities for everyone to experience the excitement and spirit of pickleball.

Southern Pickleball Association

Welcome to the Alabama Bass Federation Open Challenge, taking place Saturday, October 3, 2026, on Lake Harding in the Valley–Auburn area. This one-day tournament will launch from Po Boys Boat Ramp and bring competitive anglers together for a full day of bass fishing on one of the region’s premier lakes. Participants and spectators will find dining options nearby in Valley, Opelika, and Auburn, with convenient stops for breakfast before launch and meals following weigh-in. View the “Hotels” tab for live and discounted rates, and reach out to Auburn-Opelika Tourism with any destination-related questions. We look forward to welcoming anglers for a well-organized and successful tournament weekend on Lake Harding.

Alabama Bass Federation Open Challenge 

The 2026 ITA DI Men's Southern Regional Championship is a collegiate tennis tournament hosted at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, from October 8–12, 2026. Designed for NCAA Division I men's players, the competition is limited to up to 32 players and features Men's Open singles and doubles events. Organized through the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the tournament gives eligible college athletes an opportunity to compete in a regional championship format.

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