One of the best things about Huntsville is that we get nerdy. We get geeky. And it’s celebrated all across the city in beautiful ways.
This city has always been a hub for smart people—who may or may not be rocket scientists! We embrace our weirdness, and like to have fun doing it. So, I’m rounding up the best experiences in Huntsville for games, and good eats, all for superhero and comic book fans! Go get your geek on.
Supper Heros
Supper Heros is bringing that comic book flavor to your next meal. Because, whether you’re a Marvel or DC fan, you gotta eat—right? Step inside this Winchester Road sandwich joint and you’ll see why it’s one of the most fun restaurants in Madison County.
You’ll take a seat at a table covered in comic book pages! Lining the walls are all kinds of figurines and framed comic books, with a different superhero movie playing at one end of the dining room. The choice has varied each time I’ve visited.
When I’m craving a local burger or guilty pleasure type of sandwich, I know this is the place to be. Take note of the menu—some serious creativity went into making it look just like a comic book! I recommend The Huntsvillain (get it?), a burger featuring pepper jelly and pepper jack cheese on a grilled jalapeño bun. For more fun, check your receipt after dining for a cute note: “Hunger is vanquished. Dinner is saved!”
Toybox Bistro
This Jordan Lane gem is a destination for food and fun, all in one! Ask anyone who has been to Toybox Bistro—there’s something for everyone. A true bistro, but a little elevated, this spot has affordable entrees and a casual vibe. The twist comes from some unique flavors and the games and toys that surround you on every shelf.
But, the food really could stand just on its own! Choose from numerous sandwiches, like The Hades with ghost pepper cheese, sweet-and-spicy fried pickles, and fried jalapeños. But by the restaurant’s own admission, the waffled mac is a specialty. Mac and cheese, with more cheese on the outside, all ironed into waffle form is really *chef’s kiss.* It’s also one of the only places in town that I know of where you can order poutine (fries, covered in cheese and gravy) or the Memphis Poutine, which comes in bowl form and includes bbq with the fixings. If you prefer to customize, try a Ripper Dog—with (half-pound!) options like The Punisher, where you can build your own.
So this origin story goes, a restauranteur and collector got together and decided both passions can become one! They, with the help of a cast of characters, helped create this restaurant to display all their collectibles from Star Wars and Star Trek, and Transformers. Now, they’re offering a place for you to enjoy them too.
SuperHero Chefs
Superhero Chefs on Old Monrovia Road should be your next stop for breakfast (or lunch!) This menu is seriously impressive, with Instagram-able (and delicious) options to please any family member.
First, their pancakes are two inches thick! Flavors include blueberry with lemon mascarpone, peanut butter, or red velvet. If that’s not your style, the waffle bites and waffles are also a hit.
On the sandwich menu, you must choose between superhero (vegan) or villain (meat). For instance, a sandwich featuring avocado and caramelized onions where you pick either Thor: a plant-based burger on top with veggie sausage, or Loki: a beef short rib burger with candied bacon. Choose wisely!
Follow all that up with character-themed drinks, like the Magneto Mojito made with Dragonberry Bacardi.
Pints & Pixels
When you cross an arcade with a bar, soda fountain, and dessert shop, you get Pints & Pixels!
Located at your favorite local hangout, Campus No. 805, this spot is one of the coolest places to blow off steam. Have a milkshake, or a craft beer from the taps, among 40+ arcade games. From Pac-Man to Donkey Kong, pinball, skeeball, and more, it’s a wonderland for kids and kids at heart.
I recommend getting a game wristband and spending a few hours roaming, drinking your chosen beverage, and gaming. Honestly, even the people-watching is great here.
Huntsville Comic and Pop Culture Expo
And, here’s your reminder—Huntsville’s own comic and pop culture convention is this month! April 21-23, 2023 at the Von Braun Center, this year’s event (the 8th annual!) boasts 50+ celebrity guests, plus all the vendors, artists, panels, and more you’ve come to enjoy.
Dare I say my favorite part of this is seeing attendees out and about in the Rocket City with their outfits on? The whole area becomes all our beloved fandoms, personified, for that weekend. This family-friendly convention is known as “Alabama’s largest celebration of all things Geek”, and each year it delivers. Come visit and check it out!
Come Get Your Geek On in the Rocket City
With so many options to live out your comic book or fantasy dreams, Huntsville is the place where nerds and geeks come to thrive. We’re a city full of quirks, and we like it that way! Get your geek on in Huntsville!