The corner of Florida Street and Old Shell Road has quietly become one of Mobile’s busiest dining destinations, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing. Over the past year, the shopping center that locals still call the “Publix shopping center” — officially known as Midtown Center — has added restaurant after restaurant, and the latest arrival is raising the bar again.
The Simple Greek opened its doors last week, bringing an interactive, build-your-own dining concept to the Midtown corridor. Guests choose a pita or a bowl as their base, then customize it as they move down the assembly line, choosing from a range of premium Mediterranean ingredients and toppings. The format will feel familiar to fans of Moe’s Southwest Grill, Chipotle or Pie Five, except the flavors lean distinctly Greek.
Early visitors have praised the fresh ingredients, friendly service and quick turnaround. Because the menu is entirely a la carte, first-timers are encouraged to pace themselves — it is easy to load up a tray with more than you intended once you start moving down the line.
Wonderland Café brings a taste of Alice to West Mobile
Diners looking for something a little more whimsical can follow the White Rabbit to Picadilly Square, where the new Wonderland Café has opened at the corner of Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road. The Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant may be the most colorful eatery in Mobile, serving bubble teas, chicken salad, charcuterie boards, quesadillas and more, all presented with the flair of a Mad Hatter’s tea party.
The café is open daily for lunch and dinner, with a Sunday brunch service, and is available for private parties and catering. Those interested in booking an event or learning more can reach the restaurant through social media or by calling 251-378-5300.
OK Bicycle Shop hosts its 6th annual Holiday Market
Downtown, the OK Bicycle Shop at the corner of Dauphin and Washington is gearing up for its sixth annual Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. Vendors will line the bar with handmade and specialty items, including clothing, jewelry, art, furniture, home décor, handbags, candy and food.
The bar’s regular menu, known for pairing sushi with tacos, will also be available, along with its full bar offerings. The Holiday Market will run alongside the OK Bicycle Shop’s Christmas Drag Queen Brunch, which begins at 1:30 p.m. the same day.
Businesses and individuals interested in becoming a vendor for the Holiday Market can email DauphinManagementInc@gmail.com for an application. The vendor entry fee is $30, with proceeds benefiting St. Mary’s Home for Children.
Wok by d’Bay heading to downtown Fairhope
Across the bay, Fairhope diners can look forward to a new addition from a familiar face. Chef Joe Ou, who has run Master Joe’s sushi restaurant in Fairhope since 2009 and later added Shanghai Cottage for Chinese specialties, is opening a third concept at 420 Fairhope Ave. Wok by d’Bay will skip the sushi and buffet format in favor of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Ou, who also operates a second Master Joe’s location in Orange Beach, is now hiring for the new Fairhope location, with applications currently being accepted at the existing Master Joe’s restaurant.