Wahlburgers is a full-service and family-friendly restaurant and bar owned by actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, as well as their chef brother Paul. (You might also have seen the reality show on A&E.) The Huntsville location opened just before Christmas at the emerging planned community MidCity District, on the former site of Madison Square Mall.
(Just look for Little Richard. He’s tough to miss.)
Lea, Aaron, and I checked it out on a Wednesday night. I had been anecdotally but consistently trained to expect a wait, so I informed our party accordingly. Happily, we arrived about a quarter to six and sat right down. (It didn’t take long for people to wait after we arrived, though. This is a popular place.)
There is indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a small bar. We chose a booth inside and started sizing up our appetizer choices. There is some personality here, including tater tots with truffle oil and fried spinach bites. We went with fried dill pickles and sweet chili-glazed chicken tenders. Both were delicious, and the pickles were notably vibrant, having obviously been fried on-site.
There are seven burgers on the menu, each served with a “classic” side or a “signature” side for a slight upcharge. I went with the BBQ Bacon burger, which the menu informed me is Donnie’s choice. It includes white cheddar, bacon, fresh jalapenos, barbecue sauce, and avocado spread. Aaron got an Impossible Burger–Mark’s choice–which includes smoked cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions, housemade chili spiced tomatoes, and Wahl Sauce dressing its namesake plant-based patty. We pounced enjoyably. We chose fries and onion rings, which were both fresh and excellent accompaniments.
Now, if you’re a contrary sort who rolls up to a place with burgers in the name and says “what else,” then Wahlburgers has plays for you. Lea enjoyed her crispy fish sandwich. There are also two chicken sandwiches available, as well as a handful of entree salads. (I’m thinking that seared salmon & street corn salad may have my name on it for next time.) Lea initially chose the kale and Brussels sprout slaw for her side item, but alas, they were out of it. There’s another go-back.
Dessert includes several ice cream-based options. We had two milkshakes in chocolate and chocolate mint, and a scoop of coffee ice cream. They didn’t last long. There is also a “Fluffanutta” grilled sandwich on offer, with banana, peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and Nutella. (I always called just peanut butter and marshmallow creme a fluffernutter, but whaddya gonna do? Argue with the Wahlbergs?) It sounds delectable, and the banana makes it healthy, right?
For those with special dietary needs, all of the burgers are available with either a gluten-free bun or no bun. You can get a turkey patty instead of beef if you like. There are also vegetarian options on the menu (the aforementioned Impossible Burger, a Caesar salad, and numerous sides).
With Huntsville’s explosive growth we always have a new restaurant to try, and Wahlburgers is a good pickup. Our supper was tasty, our service was excellent, the atmosphere is fun, and it’s not a budget-buster. It’s an effective intersection of cost and distinction, as appropriate for a night you don’t want to cook as it is for meeting friends and laughing after work.
Wahlburgers
MidCity District, Huntsville
(256) 261-3821
Bo Williams is a Christian, husband, father, writer, and human trafficking activist. He is the Director of Public Relations for the North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force (stnow.org). He enjoys IndyCar racing, wristwatches, and spending time with his family, especially at the beach. You can keep up with Bo day to day at BoWilliams.com.
