Whether it's home cooked or at a restaurant, good food always brings people together and creates smiles. Every city has "those places" that it's citizens will swear by and praise to the high heavens for their food. Montgomery, Alabama is home to some of these places, and without these restaurants, the city would not be the same (in my humble opinion.) While the prices and decorum of the following places range from a "divey" hole in the wall to something more upscale, they all deserve equal praise.

1. Chris' Hot Dogs

Known for their exceptional hot dogs and hamburgers, they have been serving up killer food covered with their special chili sauce (recipe only known to a few living people) for almost 100 years. Opened on May 1, 1917, Chris' is also the oldest family owned and operated restaurant in Montgomery. If you happen to stop by 138 Dexter Ave in the near future, go in and enjoy a fresh "One and One" with piping hot fries and an ice cold coke (in a bottle, of course!) You will not regret this decision, but you may just need a quick nap afterwards!

Pictured: A Hamburger and Hotdog combo from Chris' Hotdog.

2. NYC Gyro

This location I have recently discovered, and it has become one of my absolute favorite places to grab authentic Middle Easter/Greek fusion on my lunch breaks. Located on 15 Commerce Street in the heart of downtown Montgomery, NYC Gyro does its name justice with their delectable lamb and chicken gyros. I personally have not been able to try their entire menu, but based of the quality of their gyros, I would say the rest of the menu is a sure shot at absolute bliss.

Pictured: A lamb gyro from NYC Gyro

3. La Jolla

People, when I tell you that you need to eat somewhere, I am not kidding you when I say get your butt to La Jolla! This is a more upscale dining experience, so you might want to get out that pair of khaki pants you threw into the corner three weeks ago (iron them...) and throw on a nice shirt (iron that, too!) Now that you're appropriately dressed, sit down and order yourself a Tuna Nacho appetizer and a steak cooked on their Green Egg grill. It is completely appropriate to make yourself a face-diaper out of your napkin to stop the drool from coming out of your mouth. Yes, I speak from personal experience. You can never go wrong with a meal at La Jolla, unless you forget your wallet. Happy Eats!

Pictured: Delicious meats being grilled up on La Jolla's "Green Egg".

4. Saza Serious Italian

Saza's name certainly lives up to expectation when discussing serious Italian cuisine. Located on 130 Commerce Street, they are serving up pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and desserts and do not disappoint with a single dish. My personal favorite is Grandma's Sunday Sauce, meatballs, pork and lamb shoulder served over rigatoni with their Sunday Sauce. This is a twenty dollar dish, but it is worth every penny. Also, try any of their handmade pizzas for a great meal with friends and family. Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr. seriously cares about his restaurant (hence the name!), and delivers delicious dishes every time.

Pictured: Saza Serious Italian's assortment of specialty pizzas.

5. Capitol Oyster Bar

Last, but not least one my list is Capitol Oyster Bar ("best kept secret in this town.") This great place for grub is located on 617 Shady Street, and you won't want to leave. Live music, great seafood and a great view of downtown Montgomery and the Alabama River will have you coming back as a regular. Lunch or dinner, they will have you crying for me.

Pictured: One of many different plates of oysters prepared at Capitol Oyster Bar.

These are just a few of my favorite places to eat in Montgomery, I promise you that any of these places will put a smile on your face and a food baby in your belly. Happy Eating!