Name: McAlister's Gourmet Deli
Address: 1651 E. University Dr., Auburn, AL, 36830

McAlister's Deli in Auburn is a casual dining restaurant known for its wide variety of sandwiches, salads, spuds, and famous sweet tea. Located in a convenient spot for both locals and visitors, McAlister's offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a great choice for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or group gatherings. What sets McAlister's apart is its commitment to quality ingredients and fast, friendly service, ensuring every guest enjoys a fresh and satisfying meal. The menu at McAlister's features fan favorites like the McAlister's Club, the Giant Spud, and their signature sweet tea, which remains a customer favorite. Guests can also enjoy soups, salads, and customizable sandwich options. McAlister's offers catering services for events and gatherings, as well as online ordering for added convenience. While there are no seasonal offerings, McAlister's consistently offers a variety of daily specials and combo options. Whether you're craving a hearty sandwich or a refreshing glass of sweet tea, McAlister's Deli is the perfect spot for a delicious and convenient meal. Stop by today or visit their website to explore the menu and order online for pickup or delivery.

McAlister's Gourmet Deli

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

Mikata Japanese Steakhouse is a popular hibachi grill and sushi restaurant located in Auburn, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional Japanese cuisine with interactive tableside cooking. Known for its skilled chefs who perform while preparing meals on hibachi grills, Mikata provides an entertaining and delicious meal for families, friends, or special occasions. The vibrant atmosphere, along with fresh, high-quality ingredients, sets Mikata apart as a top destination for Japanese dining in the area. The restaurant features a wide range of menu options, including hibachi-style steak, chicken, and seafood, as well as a variety of fresh sushi rolls. Signature dishes like the filet mignon hibachi and the Mikata roll are customer favorites. Mikata also offers a full bar with sake and specialty cocktails to complement your meal. Convenient parking is available on-site, making it easily accessible for guests. While the restaurant does not host ongoing events, it is a popular spot for birthdays and celebrations thanks to its lively, entertaining atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a fun night out or a memorable meal with family, Mikata Japanese Steakhouse offers a dining experience that delights both the palate and the senses. Stop by for lunch or dinner, and visit their website for more information or to make a reservation.

Mikata Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Dinius Park, located in Auburn, Alabama, is one of the city’s public parks, spanning just over 13 acres. Named in honor of the Dinius family, who generously donated the land and additional properties to the City of Auburn, the park offers a variety of recreational amenities. Visitors can enjoy two dedicated dog parks: a spacious 1.06-acre area for large dogs and a 0.48-acre space designed for smaller breeds. The park also features a natural playground, a family pavilion for gatherings, and convenient restroom facilities.For those who enjoy walking, there are both mulch and paved trails that wind through the park, along with a peaceful pond. Approximately 44 parking spaces are available for visitors. Whether you're bringing your furry friend or simply seeking an outdoor escape, Dinius Park is an ideal destination for both relaxation and recreation in Auburn.

Dinius Park

Lost Pizza Co. in Auburn serves up creative, Mississippi Delta–inspired pizzas in a fun and laid-back setting. Known for its house-made dough, scratch-made sauces, and bold flavors, the menu features specialty pizzas, wings, tamales, pasta, sandwiches, and fresh salads. Guests can enjoy dine-in or takeout, with carry-out and online ordering available. With its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients, Lost Pizza Co. is a standout spot for pizza lovers and anyone craving comfort food with a twist.

Lost Pizza Co. Auburn

Created by the chef-owner behind Acre, Bow & Arrow brings together South Texas barbecue and Alabama potluck in a lively, come-as-you-are setting. Smoked meats are cooked over a live-fire Kudu grill, paired with hearty Southern sides like hashbrown casserole, collard greens, and brisket beans. The menu also features a variety of Tex-Mex favorites, offering bold flavors and generous portions. Guests can enjoy a full bar with craft cocktails alongside lunch and dinner service

Bow and Arrow

Clean Eatz in Auburn is a healthy food restaurant that offers a variety of delicious and affordable options. The dine-in cafe menu includes burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, build your own bowls, smoothies, and more. They also provide a weekly meal plan service, with a new menu going live on the website every Tuesday. You simply place your online order, pick up your meals at Clean Eatz in Auburn, take them home, and then just heat and eat. Most meals are under 500 calories. In addition to the café menu and meal plans, healthy food options at Clean Eatz in Auburn include Grab ‘N’ Go meals, protein smoothies, healthy snacks, and catering for all occasions.

Clean Eatz

sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt in Auburn offers a colorful self-serve experience with a wide variety of rotating frozen yogurt flavors, including nonfat, low-fat, dairy-free, and sorbet options. Guests can build their own creations with an extensive selection of toppings, from fresh fruit to classic candies and sauces. With a bright, family-friendly atmosphere and endless combinations to choose from, sweetFrog is a fun spot for a customizable sweet treat.

Sweet Frog

Moon Golf is a locally loved golf shop in Auburn, offering top-quality gear, custom fittings, and friendly, knowledgeable service. Whether you’re upgrading your clubs, getting fitted for the first time, or browsing the latest apparel, Moon Golf makes it easy to feel confident both on and off the course.

Moon Golf

Lily Jane Boutique, located near Midtown in Auburn, is a charming women’s clothing store offering a curated selection of trendy and timeless Southern-style apparel. Known for its unique earring wall and stylish gameday outfits, Lily Jane Boutique provides a wide range of options for women looking to stay fashionable and on-trend. Whether you’re shopping for everyday casual wear, chic outfits for special occasions, or the perfect gameday ensemble, this boutique offers a personalized shopping experience that caters to your style. Open Tuesday through Saturday, Lily Jane Boutique offers a variety of clothing, accessories, and footwear. The boutique frequently updates its inventory with fresh arrivals, making it a must-visit for fashion-forward women in Auburn. The standout earring wall has become a favorite feature, offering a selection of statement pieces that add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. For those looking to elevate their wardrobe with Southern charm or find the ideal gameday outfit, Lily Jane Boutique is the perfect stop. Visit the store to explore their latest collections or check their website for more information on new arrivals and upcoming specials.

Lily Jane Boutique

Sword + Skillet is a popular food truck located at Midtown in Auburn, AL, offering bold, Southern-inspired flavors with a creative twist, featuring a variety of classic dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, and other mouthwatering comfort food favorites. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a delicious snack on the go, Sword + Skillet brings the taste of Southern hospitality directly to you with a fresh, innovative approach to traditional flavors. Sword + Skillet operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., making it the perfect spot for a midday meal or a quick bite. The food truck moves around Auburn, often stationed at local events, parks, and hotspots, so be sure to check their social media for daily locations. Popular menu items include the signature fried chicken sandwich, house-made cinnamon rolls, and Southern breakfast skillet. Sword + Skillet also offers seasonal specials and rotating dishes that showcase fresh, regional ingredients, ensuring there's always something new to try. Whether you're a local or visiting Auburn, Sword + Skillet delivers a delicious and convenient Southern dining experience right to your door.

Sword + Skillet

Fun & Fancy Children's Boutique, located in Auburn, is a specialty store offering a charming selection of children's clothing and accessories. Known for its carefully curated collection of unique, high-quality items, the boutique caters to parents looking for stylish and comfortable outfits for their little ones. From everyday wear to special occasion outfits, Fun & Fancy provides a range of options that make shopping for children both fun and fashionable. Open Monday through Saturday, the boutique offers a variety of products, including clothing, shoes, and accessories for infants, toddlers, and young children. With brands that focus on quality and design, the store is a go-to destination for parents seeking well-made, fashionable pieces for their kids. The boutique frequently features seasonal collections and limited-edition items, offering fresh styles throughout the year. For those looking to dress their children in unique, stylish clothing, Fun & Fancy Children's Boutique is the perfect spot. Stop by the store to explore their latest collections, or visit their website for more information on new arrivals and special promotions.

Fun & Fancy Children's Boutique

Cicis Pizza features an all-you-can-eat buffet with a wide variety of options, including fresh salads, savory pasta, oven-baked pizzas, and sweet desserts. With endless combinations and family-friendly pricing, it’s a popular choice for casual dining. The Auburn location offers a welcoming space for groups, families, and anyone craving comfort food with plenty of variety.

CiCis Pizza

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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