restaurants in gadsden

10 Best Restaurants in Gadsden Alabama

Gadsden being the largest city in Etowah County is home to some of the finest restaurants in the area. Residents and tourists alike get to enjoy different cuisines served by friendly professionals. Below are the top 10 best restaurants in Gadsden.

pizza in gadsden

1. Tre Ragazzi’s Italian Café

Arguably the best restaurant for delicious pasta, pizza, and calzones, Tre Ragazzi’s Italian Café is always packed especially on weekend nights. The restaurant serves their pizzas in a New York style thin crust infused with a few Italian touches like getting most of their ingredients from Italy. Their homemade marinara and Alfredo sauces are especially a favorite for many customers.

2. Kati Thai

Located at the magnificent Noccalula Falls at the mountain village, Kati Thai is a modestly sized restaurant that specializes in Thai food. It is a family owned business and has a capacity of 55 seats. Kati Thai may have a small parking lot, but the Thai food makes it all worth it.

3. Top O’ the River

Another family owned business is Top O’ the River which opened its Gadsden location in 1983. Top O’ the River specializes in providing the best catfish and seafood dishes in the area. The restaurant makes all their meals fresh daily and on a cook to order basis. Their grain fed and farm-raised catfish is delivered twice a week to ensure utmost freshness. The restaurant is especially popular for their distinctive menu picks namely fried dill pickles and mustard greens among others.

4. Courtyard Café

A favorite pick for many Southern food lovers, Courtyard Café, is located in the Center for Cultural Arts building. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner experiences with dinner targeted for the romantic and lunch for families. Some popular picks from the menu include rib eye steak sandwich, fried green tomatoes and of course the chicken & dumplings.

5. Pruett’s Bar-B-Que

Experts in Southern BBQ style, Pruett’s BBQ stays true to its brand by incorporating the Southern culture into its customer service and general restaurant atmosphere. Customers are spoilt for choice with the many picks available on the menu from a turkey sandwich, sweet potato fries, pulled pork sandwich, fried chicken, BBQ salads and even pie.

6. Old Mexico Cantina & Grille

Located at 93 Walker St. just across Walmart, the Old Mexico Cantina & Grille gives its customers a blend of the classic and modern dining experience. This is owing to their proven track record, exquisite décor and Mexican feel. Some recommended menu picks include the beef burritos, tacos, and the La Vega lunch special.

7. Harp & Clover

The restaurant and pub offer a blend of the Irish and Southern style of food and drinks with mostly lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Harps & Clovers include on the menu two traditional Irish style foods that are the Shepard’s Pie and the Banger’s and Mash which are a favorite for many. Customers are also served with sandwiches, burgers, gourmet salads, soups and deserts, all with a Southern/Irish touch.

8. Blu Chop House

This restaurant and bar, having been opened in 2016, is Gadsden’s first fine dining venue. Blu Chop House sources its high-quality meats and seafood locally. Their lead chef, J. P. Pendergrass is a world class professional who together with the founding team work towards maintaining a “big city fine dining” experience to all their customers.

9. Beans and Greens

Located in Ball Play, about 15 miles away from the hectic downtown Gadsden is the Beans and Greens restaurant, a little-known delight for buffet style food lovers. The restaurant offers delicious breakfast and lunch buffets that include their much-loved chicken fingers, Southern fried catfish, hush puppies, homemade cinnamon rolls and sweat tea among others.

Known for their delicious wings, burgers, and oysters, Jefferson’s Restaurant opened up in Gadsden in 2006 but was founded in Jacksonville, AL in 1991. The restaurant has a sports bar atmosphere and has the award winning double dipped wings among other picks on its menu. Some of which include hand breaded chicken tenders, salads, pickles, and sandwiches.

For more ideas, these are good review sites here and here.

Looking for a home in Gadsden? Here are some tips on what to look out for.

home

Home Buying Guide To Gadsden Alabama

Gadsden city is a fairly cosmopolitan region that is home to well over 38,000 residents. The real estate scene in the city is especially friendly to new home buyers who can get their dream homes at fair prices. Below are a few key factors to consider before buying a home in Gadsden.

Budgeting and Financing

Home ownership begins at budgeting and evaluating how much money can be put towards this move and more so how much to borrow. Most people cannot afford to pay cash for a new home, luckily there are many reputable lenders to help out. Some of the common mortgage types include the 15 or 30-year fixed rate mortgage, the adjustable rate mortgage, the convertible option, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans and the Veteran Affairs Loans. The convertible option is usually a good middle ground between the fixed and adjustable rate, however, the lender will advise you on which options to go for.

A down payment of 20% or less is usually market standard, therefore, the home buyer must save up the amount prior to approaching the lender. While some home owners may offer low down payment rates it is always wise to pay higher since the full amount will eventually be paid. The closing costs i.e. title searches, homeowner insurance and inspections, will total to about 2% to 5% of the loan amount. These in addition to moving expenses should be taken into account.

Buying a home is a huge investment thus it is recommended that you hire a licensed Gadsden real estate agent to represent you through the transaction. The license can be cross checked on the Alabama Real Estate Commission registry for validity.

new home

Type of property

Being a homeowner can be a headache thus you can opt for low maintenance and extra amenities as is provided by condos, apartments and town homes. However, these options may attract regular HOA fees among other recurring fees. Looking through listings of real estate in Gadsden can land you on tempting fixer-up and foreclosure deals but caution and a thorough break down on renovation costs should be taken into account. Single family houses are especially popular in Gadsden area.

Price of the home

The price of the property is mostly dependent on factors like lot area, floor size, location, type of home, extra features, fence, number of garages or parking space, number of bedrooms and bathrooms among others.

While choosing the ideal home may lean heavily on one’s preferences the following examples can give you a rough idea of what you can get for your money.

For the price of 50k home buyers can get a modest single family home with a small floor space of about 1200-2300 sq. ft. Notably, you can still get a good deal on homes that need renovating or tearing down as well as foreclosure deals, however, caution is advised. See an example here.

For 150k you can get a lot to develop or a single family, small footprint home with at least two bedrooms and two bathrooms like this one.

For 350k you get a better location, bigger lot area as well as additional home features. The home will mostly have 3-5 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms. The floor sizes will be slightly large depending on the location of the home and may range from 3000 to slightly over 4500 square feet. See this example.

For the price of over 500k you get a bigger lot and floor space footage, luxurious extra features. Such features include enclosed sun porch, subzero refrigerators, many garages, fireplace and granite kitchen counter tops and pools among others. Some of the homes in this price range will include more than 5 bedrooms, more than 5 bathrooms, dining room and an open kitchen space. Take a peek at these luxury homes.

Other factors

New home buyers to the Gadsden area need not worry about school proximity as the city already has 14 schools. This is in addition to being home to Gadsden State Community College and two other small satellite institutions, the University of Alabama and Jacksonville State University.

gadsden jobs

10 Part Time Jobs To Consider in Gadsden Alabama

Recent statistics show that 29.4% of Gadsden’s population lives below the poverty line, this is higher than the national average of 14.7%. Therefore, getting a part time job is not only wise but highly encouraged. Below are some common part-time jobs that are readily available in Gadsden city.

1. Sales Associate

Businesses in this area such as Dollar General, Great American Cookies, GNC, Bath & Body Works and T-Mobile, usually hire sales associates to reinforce the existing team depending on the store’s needs. Their schedule is usually very flexible and may involve carrying out cashier and/or stocker functions. The main responsibilities tied to the position include general customer service, placing stock merchandise on shelves, unpacking trucks and assisting in maintaining a clean, well-organized work area. Also try the real estate sales companies for part time sales work. 

2. University Student Aid Part-time Jobs

The Jacksonville State University offers its enrolled students part time jobs in the institution as long as they meet the set qualifications. Students with a GPA of 2 or higher and taking a minimum of three hours per spring or fall are the ones who meet the minimum qualifications for this program. The available part time jobs may vary from Communication Lab Assistant, Clerical Assistant (Night Shift) to Models for Figure Drawing Class.

3. On Call Teller

BB&T Corporation is always in need of tellers to maximize on customer satisfaction and cut operation costs. The on-call teller is expected to offer professional client service, perform basic transactions and perform any other assigned tasks based on branch’s demands.

4. Temporary Ticket Seller

Jacksonville State University hires temporary ticket sellers to assist in the daily operations of the ticket office. The job involves counting and handling money as well as performing clerical tasks related to the sales of tickets during athletic and student events. The work is done on weekends, evenings or on an “as needed basis”.

5. Seasonal Store Associate

It is during holiday seasons (September-January) that businesses like Gap’s Old Navy store, Big Lots, Kirkland’s and Victoria’s Secret hire temporary stock associates. Their responsibilities, work schedule as well as employment period is determined by the needs of the business. Also check the service industry for openings. 

6. Retail Reset Merchandiser

This job involves building and maintaining attractive displays and generally showcasing products at specified client’s retail location. A high school diploma will pretty much get you through the door for this position. Marketing agencies like Crossmark, Advantage Solutions

7. Part-time Cashier

The job position mostly requires a high school diploma or GED plus the physical ability to stand for long hours and continually lift up to 10 pounds. Businesses like Panera LLC bakery cafes and Academy Sports + Outdoors are already looking for applicants to fill up this position on a part time basis. Many of the restaurants might also require staff. 

8. Stylist/Style Advisor

Justice and Maurices are both popular fashion retail stores located in Gadsden Mall. They mostly cater to young people and thus the more reason to be in touch with the current trends among their clientele. Interested parties can apply as style advisors on a part-time basis and get to enjoy a sizeable cut of the profits.

9. Tutor/ Substitute Teacher

There are over ten schools in the area plus two tertiary level institutions thus creating a ready market for tutoring jobs. Substitute Teachers are also hired on part-time contract basis every academic year.

10. Driver

There still remains many opportunities for drivers in Gadsden city be in goods delivery or cab services. Companies such Gadsden Cartage Co. and Mesilla Valley Transportation among others hire part time drivers especially holders of CDL Class A licenses.

For job opportunities check go here and here

pool cleaners in gadsden

Best Swimming Pool Service Providers in Gadsden Alabama

As a pool owner myself, I’m a fan of automatic pool cleaners as they can help you reduce the amount of money you’ll have to spend cleaning your swimming pool. However, if you prefer a regular local pool service, here are some businesses that offer help in Gadsden. Services range from installation to regular repair and maintenance. Below are the best companies that provide high-quality swimming pool services. 

pool cleaners

1. WBK LLC

This company has been operating in the Gadsden area, and its surroundings, since 1976. It offers a wide range of products and services including installation of all types of swimming pools, water testing equipment, in-ground liner replacements, in-ground automatic pool cleaners, replacement of pump filters and valves. WBK LLC also provides cleaning supplies as well as other swimming pool accessories.

2. B & J Pools, LLC

With over 30 years in the business plus a Better Business Bureau membership, B&J Pools can provide professional services to the Gadsden residents at affordable prices. Their services include ground up construction, concrete renovation, fiberglass pool installation, plumbing replacement, pool enclosure and general maintenance.

3. The Pool Center

Founded in 1983, The Pool Center is one of the leading providers in spa, aquatic and swimming pool equipment. They specialize in swimming pool/ hot tub services, water analysis and general repair and maintenance services.

4. Paramount Pools

Located in Rainbow City, AL Paramount Pools has an able team of licensed engineers and experienced designers who see through the project from start to completion inclusive of regular follow ups. Aside from the general swimming pool services Paramount Pools offers add on features such as sheer waterfalls, decking, fiber optic lighting, fountains, pool bars, fencing, landscaping and decorative accents.

5. G&G Pools

The company has been in operation for close to 3 years now, serving the Gadsden area and its environs. G&G Pools deals with the provision of swimming pool equipment and supplies. The company specializes in deck installation, replacement, repair and complete deck renovation. It also deals with above-ground/ in-ground pool sales and services.

6. All of the Above Pool Co. LLC

The company is located in Southside, AL, where it offers the residents with pool, spa and hot tub services. The company offers pool installation (above-ground, vinyl, fiberglass, and in-ground), repairs, pool & spa cleaning, enclosure construction and wiring. Their team of experts can also help in general repair and maintenance of pumps and filter systems.

7. Custom Pros Services

With over 20 years of experience, Custom Pros Services delivers quality work and guarantees customer satisfaction. The company offers pool installation, repair, and maintenance services at competitive prices.

8. Covenant Pools & Spas

Established in 2000, Covenant Pools provides swimming pool installation as well as repair services. The company deals with top tier brands such as BioGuard, Baquacil and Easy Pool and Spa. Covenant Pools also offers water analysis, pool maintenance, and cleaning services. While the company’s services are competitively priced clients can choose various payment options.

9. Inground Pool Design Inc.

With over 1000 installations, Inground Pool Design is go-to for all in-ground inquiries and services. The company specializes in building Inground pools as well as providing accompanying general repair and maintenance services.

10. BioGuard Pool Experts

With well over 40 years in the pool care industry, BioGuard is one of the leading suppliers of swimming pool and spa care products. The company consists of a team of expert retailers who help the clients in picking the best care products as well as educating them on best pool & spa care practices. BioGuard provides products such as cleaners, sanitizers, water enhancers, and balances among others.