Central Restaurant

Central Restaurant is an upscale casual restaurant and event venue in Montgomery, AL. Located in the heart of the Downtown entertainment district, the business highlights local and seasonal ingredients, utilizing fresh Gulf seafood, local meats, and greens to offer a unique approach to comforting classics. The kitchen prepares wood-fired dishes within an 1890s warehouse space that features exposed brick, gas lanterns, and a bustling open kitchen. Executive Chef Jason McGarry leads the culinary team, bringing nearly two decades of experience across the South to the menu. He began his career as a short order cook at a family-owned restaurant in Brunswick, GA, before graduating from the Greenbrier Culinary Apprenticeship Program in West Virginia. His approach emphasizes passion, technique, and discipline to deliver artistically plated dishes.

The venue offers three private event rooms that accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 300 guests. These spaces provide both indoor and outdoor functionality, allowing the staff to accommodate various private events. Central is open for dinner five nights a week and holds a rating of 4.60 based on 1279 reviews. The restaurant has been recognized by several publications, including Southern Living, which named it one of the best things to do in Montgomery, and the Alabama News Center, which listed it as an essential local restaurant. It was also featured in a New York Times article about 36 hours in Montgomery.

The location sits on Coosa Street, just steps from The Legacy Museum and the Hank Williams Museum. It is also a short walk from the Hank Williams Statue and nearby streets such as Bibb Street and West Jefferson Street. Central Restaurant stands out in Montgomery for its dedicated use of regional ingredients and its established reputation among the large base of customers it has served.