The Roots of the Wildflower
Nestled atop Lookout Mountain in the heart of Mentone, Alabama, the Wildflower Cafe grew from humble beginnings into one of the South’s most beloved destination cafés. The cafe was born from a deep love of nature, soulful hospitality, music, art, and the simple joy of bringing people together. After leaving city life behind in search of something more grounded and meaningful, Moon found herself called to Mentone, a place whose beauty and spirit would ultimately shape both her life and the Wildflower experience.
Long before opening the café, Moon lived off the land on a wooded homestead near the Little River, cooking meals on a wood stove, growing and preserving food, and creating handmade herbal goods inspired by the natural world around her. This craft evolved into a small shop selling teas, soaps, and salves. This shop led the pathway into the Wildflower Cafe opening in 2007. Becoming a cozy gathering place where comfort food, creativity, music, and mountain magic could all exist under one roof.
Today, Wildflower Cafe is known for its warm, eclectic atmosphere, live music, local art, lush gardens, and soulful food. The menu features favorites like the famous tomato pie, fresh ground burgers, loaded shrimp grits, quiche, Mediterranean pasta, house cut filet mignon and homemade desserts. Gluten free friendly, including the out of this world peanut butter pie.
More than a restaurant, the Wildflower Cafe has become a place where travelers and locals alike come to slow down, connect, and feel nourished. Not just with food, but with authenticity, beauty, and genuine community.
At its heart, the Wildflower Cafe remains rooted in Moon’s belief that creating meaning and connection matters. Every handmade detail, every shared meal, every song sung through the dining room is part of that spirit. Helping keep Mentone a little funky, a little magical, fed, and full of smiles.
Get to know our town!
Enjoy a few fun facts about this historical little town!
The Little River meanders through Mentone, Alabama. It’s the only known river in this hemisphere to flow along the top of a mountain.
It is believed the Welsh explorer, Prince Maddock, sailed into Mobile Bay in 1170.
There is evidence of Welsh constructed forts at DeSoto Falls dating back as far as 1482.
It is believed that the ancestors of the Creek and Cherokee inhabited Mentone dating all the way back to 8000 BC.
The Mentone Inn and Howard’s Chapel are on the Alabama Registry of Landmarks and Heritage.
The Mentone Springs Hotel was on the national register of historic places but burned down March 1, 2014.
Since the late 1800s people have visited and loved Mentone for its health restoring benefits, including its healing mineral springs and clean air.
Take a walk down Mentone's timeline!
The first house was built in Mentone by Robert Vernon. It is now the central structure of St. Joseph's on the Mountain Episcopal Church.
1854
Mentone began its organization as a township.
Mentone was given its name by Alice Mason, the daughter of John Mason. Some claim John Mason to be the town's founder.
Mentone's first newspaper, the Mentone Gazette, was published by C.M. Smith. Later this paper would be known as the Tri-County Gazette. During this period there were no telephones. As such this newspaper served as the town's only source of information.
The home that would become the eventual location of the Wildflower Cafe was built. At one time it was the home of the Graham Family, who were relatives of Martha Berry, as well as the Shropshire family.
The first post office was built by Ed Mason near the current site of the Mentone Inn.
Dr. M.G. Yocum opened the first doctor's office. In those days doctors still did house calls by horse and buggy.
Square dances were held upstairs in the Hitching Post. Downstairs was the post office, country store, and drugstore.
The post office was moved across the street.
120 years after it was built as a family home this storied building would become the home for the Wildflower Cafe.
1882
1884
1885
1887
Early 1890s
Early 1900s
1926
1888
2007
Voted Best Cafe in Alabama
By readers of Alabama Magazine
2015 and 2025
Featured in the Book
The Southern Foodie: 100 Places to Eat in the South Before You Die”
Check out more about the cafe!
‘Fresh, Local and Incredible’
Why people drive hours to experience the unique food, music and art
of one of Mentone’s signature restaurants
By Times Journal
Best of Dekalb Awards
Best Destination
Best Place to Bring a Guest
Best Atmosphere
Best Healthy Options
Selected "Best Restaurant in Dekalb County"
By AL.com in April 2017/June 2021
Hours
Monday to Thursday: 11 am - 2 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 3 pm (Lunch)
4 pm - 8 pm (Dinner)
Sunday: 11 am - 2pm
Reservations
Lunch:
Walk-ins Only
Dinner:
Reservations Suggested - Walk-ins Welcome
Reservations can only be
made by phone at 256-634-0066
To-Go Orders
To-go orders can be placed during business hours at 256-634-0066 or by walk-in