Go Euro, underground or into orbit for a Rocket City nightlife experience

HUNTSVILLE – As the summer comes to a close it can be easy to feel as though you have exhausted everything there is to do in Huntsville.

However, the city is continuing to grow and flourish with spots opening their doors weekly. With the ever-changing scenery in the Tennessee Valley, there are always places to find for a day with friends, a date night on the town or an evening with family.

European summer vibe 

If the warm weather isn’t enough to have you wishing for a European summer, then watching the Paris 2024 Olympics will certainly do the trick. Lucky for you, Huntsville has no shortage of European-inspired venues to craft your own European summer staycation.

For a sweet treat, be sure to stop in at L’Etoile Patisserie, a Parisian-style cafe stocked with breads, pastries, flaky croissants, coffee and teas and more Tuesday through Saturday. Relax at a table and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Paris-inspired cafe or take your order to go. 

A short drive away is Noella’s Flowers. Also open Tuesday through Saturday, this floral shop offers a wall of blooms for you to hand pick your own market bouquet. Take time to peruse the French-inspired gifts from carefully curated candles to aesthetic garden accessories to a vase perfect for your hand-picked arrangement. 

Journey from France to an Eastern European atmosphere at the Catacomb 435 speakeasy. This reservation-only establishment immerses you into an art deco period of history with the feel of an underground absinthe bar in Prague. It is not only the vibe that sets this speakeasy apart, but there is no drink menu. Instead, the expert mixologist will ask your preferred flavors, liquor and more to craft your perfect cocktail. 

Carry on a feel of London with The Poppy and Parliament, Huntsville’s British pub includes an iconic red telephone booth. The restaurant features British and Irish foods, from classic fish and chips served in newspapers to the 40-ounce prime Braveheart Tomahawk steak, which is presented table-side and sliced to perfection by Head Chef Kristen Caroselli. 

Be sure to take a peek inside the Gourmet Store and Butcher Shoppe next door and choose from a variety of jellies, jams, teas, cheese and more English pantry items to take a taste of England home.

Out of this world eats and drinks 

If there is one thing to be certain of, Huntsvillians are immeasurably proud of our Rocket City. Whether you are a rocket enthusiast or want to show your galactic pride, take time to explore these out of this world eats and drinks.

Start off at The Moon Bakeshop for cosmic coffee and treats! The bakery’s menu changes with the flavors of the season and the baker’s inspiration, ensuring a truly unique experience every time.

Grab a bite and brew at the newly opened Inner Space Brewing Company, a stellar space and sci-fi themed family-friendly taproom. The menu features a rotating selection of craft beers and ciders to enjoy alongside wood-fired Neapolitan and deep dish pizzas. The fun-filled atmosphere is equipped with table-top games and areas for your four-legged friends to join you in the fun! Check out their events page to join them for trivia, bingo, live music and more.

The best way to end an out of this world day is with a view from up above! Named after the first monkeys in space, Baker and Able is a rooftop bar at the 106 Jefferson hotel. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail — we recommend the espresso martini — and delectable small bites as you look out over downtown Huntsville with nothing but the stars above.

Local leisure burgers and brews 

There is nothing like exploring Huntsville’s casual local venues, from live music to local brews and delicious burgers.

Campus 805 features two local breweries in their converted high school venue: Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer Brewing. Both breweries offer a casual space to enjoy a brew while you hang out with family and friends.

Though not a Huntsville-founded eatery, Jack Brown’s has become a local favorite for a casual dining experience. This burger and beer joint offers a patio to relax on to enjoy the downtown atmosphere or grab a table inside as you enjoy your selected choice of specialty wagyu burgers. This small but mighty menu boasts a curated selection of burgers and fries to pair with your craft beer of choice — and the fried oreos, of course.

Or for something a bit more hometownish, venture into Madison for Old Black Bear Brewery, which features local beer, live music on weekends and yard games on the outdoor patio. Serving their locally brewed beers with their made-from-scratch menu of burgers, salads, tacos and more, this casual eatery is sure to hit the spot.

There is still one more chance to catch the Sip & Stroll Night Market at The Orion Amphitheater during Tuesday’s Bootscootin’ BBQ. Enjoy country music, dancing and local BBQ vendors on a fun summer night. The market is free and open to the public with the opportunity to purchase food from the food trucks. 

Huntsville holds an array of local flare to discover for any day or night. Get your European summer fix, go galactic and immerse yourself in Rocket City or just try a new spot for a casual, fun day.

Whatever your craving, your interest or your company, you can be sure that Huntsville holds plenty of hidden gems, local favorites and new experiences for all.