Invented in 1762, sandwiches have been a perfect lunch choice for centuries. With endless combinations comes endless possibilities for constructing the perfect sandwich. Rae’s Kitchen, a cozy lunch spot hidden in downtown Fairhope, does just that. 

When craving a simple, quick meal for lunch, nothing comes to mind quicker than a good sandwich. As I entered Rae’s around 1 p.m. with that very goal in mind, cozy vibes and eclectic decor greeted me. After perusing the menu, I ordered at the front before sitting down in the dining area. The vibrant rugs, bright flowers and mismatched chairs contributed to the quirky, western vibe. A variety of art, all available for purchase, lined the colorful walls.

After considering my options, I settled on a grilled pimento sandwich with pickles. I’ve had many pimento sandwiches in my life, but none come close to beating this one. The cheese, between two pieces of beautifully toasted oat-nut bread, was perfectly melty with crushed up pecans that gave it a uniquely delicious texture. The pickles that I added on contributed a sweet and spicy crunch. Additionally, all sandwiches are served with a side of kettle chips and pickles. The chips were fine, but the pickles were the real star of the show. Rae’s homemade pickles are by far the best I’ve tried. All sandwiches come with about 3 or 4 on the side which almost isn’t enough! They have a unique sweet and spicy flavor while packing a delicious crunch. 

I also got a side of their sweet potato and feta salad. As a sweet potato lover, this dish caught my eye. The sweet potatoes, feta, kale and pecans go very well together. It’s a unique and tasty salad that is unlike any other that I’ve had, although I think it would be better served at room temperature, rather than chilled. 

Finally, for a little something sweet, I grabbed an Ooey Gooey Cake Square for dessert. This is one of my favorite desserts that definitely isn’t found everywhere, so I was excited to see it here. This treat was the perfect ending to lunch, with its gooey texture and subtle sweet flavor; although, the crust could have been a little chewier. Overall, it was a great dessert and end to my meal.

I was looking for a quick lunch spot, and quick was certainly what I got. Customers order at the counter before their food is brought to a table of their choosing. They can also grab a dessert or drink from the cooler. As for the service, it was extremely fast. It was a matter of minutes after sitting down that my food was brought out, even though the restaurant was moderately busy. Those in a rush could probably be in and out in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect stop for people on a quick lunch break. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, serving up southern hospitality along with southern cooking.

For its prime location in downtown Fairhope, Rae’s prices aren’t bad at all. My sandwich was $10.25, plus an extra dollar to add pickles. The salad I added on was $4.50, and my cake square was $3.75, bringing my grand total to $19.50. The sandwich itself wasn’t too pricey, but adding drinks and sides can quickly rack up the price. However, for the quality of the food I’d say that it’s worth it.

Rae’s kitchen is truly a hidden gem nestled in downtown Fairhope. From its quirky decor, friendly faces and delicious homemade cooking, it has certainly become my favorite lunch spot and earns a 5/5 in my book.