Noticing that The Levee acknowledged on their Facebook page that they had taken all of this feedback productively, I was ready to see if these seasoning modifications had come to fruition. I had heard various reviews that commented on the extremes of food either being too salty or too bland. We were first presented with hushpuppies that accompanied all meals. It felt like only seconds before our server started bringing food to our table. We decided to start our meal with a pimiento cheese ball appetizer accompanied by pita triangles. My husband went for the classic fried catfish and fries route at the encouragement of our server.

I opted for a seared Ahi tuna salad including apples, grapes, roasted walnuts, and a wasabi vinaigrette. Though I wouldn’t call seafood my cuisine of choice, I was on a mission to try something true to the focus of the restaurant. Our server shared a handful of specials while also inviting us to take a peek into the newly opened oyster bar and fresh seafood market adjacent to the restaurant. Sitting down to take the environment in, I mentally noted the large banquet rooms that could easily accommodate private parties in the future. Having never been to Wintzell’s, I relied on my hubby to point out all of the building updates, including a large number of booth seating and an impressive river view bar set up. With my husband/number one dining companion in tow, we set out to experience good food despite mixed reviews on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Seeing the amount of posts on my social media emphasizing the arrival of The Levee, I knew this had to be my next lunch destination. As a project of well-known restaurateurs Chris Bradshaw and Allen Aldridge, in addition to Gary McGee, formerly with Cypress Inn, The Levee Bar and Grill aims to provide an upscale seafood environment while also providing classic steak, chicken, and pasta entrees.

Patrons will notice a number of updates on the building, including the removal of entrance palm trees, mounted fish, and the old garage doors that previously opened up the restaurant to the Black Warrior River. Once home to Wintzell’s Oyster House, the new Levee Bar and Grill provides an updated waterfront dining experience adjacent to Dreamland Barbecue. If you’ve driven by Bridge Street in Northport lately, you’ve likely noticed a new eatery in town. THE LEVEE BAR AND GRILL // A GOOD RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE

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