Top 'O The River, Gadsden Location

By Leigh Bratina

My little brochure of the 100 best places to eat is becoming quite dog eared, but it continues to direct me to some really good restaurant's and eateries across the state. On Sunday it was Top O'the River location in Gadsden, Alabama. Situated along the banks of the Coosa River the restaurant specializes in catfish and seafood. Top O the River is a seafood restaurant serving food on a metal plate, corn bread in a skillet, and coleslaw in a metal mug with a spoon. This establishment is highly recommended by the many of the locals. If your looking for fine china, linen napkins and polished silverware this is not the place. However if you want good food at reasonable prices, this restaurant is worth the stop. The Catfish plate is a bargain for 9.95. My mother, who was my dining partner, instead opted for the shrimp plate for $12.00. The meal came with coleslaw, cornbread, potato and 8 good sized shrimp. I chose to get a baked potato and eat the "free sides" that come with every order. The sides included were cornbread, coleslaw and pickled onions-as much as one can eat.

The menu offers a variety of seafood and steak items, but also included the unique deep fried pickles, onion rings and spicy greens (turnip greens). Fortunately when I went in for a late lunch I avoided peak times and would suggest to go either a bit later or early, as the restaurant tends to get somewhat loud towards those 'peak' times, (11:00 - 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.), with all the large groups and families coming in. The restaurant offers a children's menu and stocked bar. Visitors of all ages will like to see the three-to-four foot catfish in the lobby tank. Over all the experience was very enjoyable and the food was very satisfying, my only complaint was slow service after our food was served, but I am certain that is not the norm. Top O the River-a nice family establishment.

1606 Rainbow Dr. Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 547-9817
Open Hours Mon-Thur 5pm-9pm, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 4pm-10pm, Sun 12 Noon-8pm

**There are additional locations in Anniston and Guntersville.

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories