At the Shipyard Café, experience award-winning burgers with a twist of gourmet Southern food that redefines diner cuisine.
A little gem tucked away in Chickasaw, Alabama, the Shipyard Café has made a name for itself during Mobtown Burger Week with its spectacular Bacon Honey Melt. This standout burger showcases the café's passion for quality and craftsmanship, setting it apart in a competitive culinary landscape. But it's not just the burgers that are worth the visit; the diverse menu also features unique offerings that tempt the taste buds.
Quality Burger Craftsmanship
The brain behind the innovative menu is Mostafa Giddu, whose dedication to culinary excellence is evident in every bite. At the Shipyard Café, quality is paramount. The burgers start with a comprehensive approach to beef preparation, striking an ideal balance of fat content while ensuring consistency. According to Giddu, allowing the meat to rest helps lock in juices and flavors, resulting in a dining experience like no other. “Food is quality, okay? As somebody that cares about food, I take it personally,” Giddu remarks, emphasizing his commitment to health and taste.
Customers can choose from a variety of burgers, priced overwhelmingly affordably. The basic cheeseburger is an enticing $8.95, escalating to a double for just $9.95. One popular addition is the fried egg, a mere 50 cents extra that brings the experience to new heights. Those who dine here find themselves delighted not only by the delicious flavors but the quality preparation that has made the café famous.
Distinctive Menu Items
An unexpected surprise on the menu is hummus with chopped gyro meat, available as an appetizer for $8.95. This innovative dish conveys Giddu's rich culinary background, blending North African, Greek, Italian, and French influences. This creamy, savory hummus stands out, making diners rethink what they expect from a casual café. The fried shrimp po-boy ($12.50 for the combo) also adds to the Gulf Coast flavor palette typical of this unique eatery.
Breakfast at the Shipyard Café is no ordinary morning routine. Signature items like the gyro-egg-and-cheese biscuit ($6.95) and gyro burrito ($8.95) push traditional breakfast boundaries, incorporating the café's unique flair into beloved classics. The gyro burrito is substantial, with sautéed potatoes enhancing the dish, making it both flavorful and filling.
The Influence of Southern Cuisine
Giddu's vision for the Shipyard Café extends beyond typical Southern meals. He believes that Southern cuisine has the potential to be as distinctive as Creole or Caribbean offerings. “Here in the South, small entrepreneurs try to create our own, hoping one day we can elevate our name,” he states. This drive is evident in menu offerings that guests may not typically expect in a diner, making the Shipyard Café a destination worth visiting.
Despite its humble location, Giddu remains committed to establishing the café’s identity. While restaurants in Mobile and Saraland gain popularity, Giddu aims for the Shipyard Café to be recognized for its unique contributions to Southern cooking.
Support from Community and Beyond
Community engagement has been a significant driver of the Shipyard Café's success. Over 60% of Giddu's loyal clientele call Saraland home, showing that support from locals is crucial. With initiatives like Mobtown Burger Week that highlight local culinary endeavors, awareness for the café increases, showcasing their award-winning burger craftsmanship to a broader audience.
Giddu's partnership with DoorDash has also transformed the café's online food delivery capabilities, allowing even more customers to enjoy their gourmet Southern food from the comfort of their homes. “We took our time curating the clientele base, and it’s amazing to see our growth,” Giddu says with gratitude, highlighting the community’s support
Conclusion: A Destination for Food Lovers
The Shipyard Café packs much more than just award-winning burgers; it epitomizes the art of creating gourmet Southern food in a diner setting. Whether you're craving a delicious burger, innovative breakfast options, or an enticing appetizer like hummus, this café delivers on all fronts.
For anyone in the vicinity of Chickasaw, the Shipyard Café is a hidden treasure worth exploring, combining rich culinary traditions with a modern twist. With its focus on quality ingredients and unique menu items, your next dining adventure awaits just off the beaten path.