The Depot

The Depot is a beautiful restaurant with an upscale atmosphere and great service. The food is well-presented, but unfortunately, a little disappointing. After hearing so much positive buzz, I just didn't feel it quite lived up to the hype. It was good, don't get me wrong, but not to the caliber of the atmosphere.

Our experience, from the valet parking to the bartenders (Carson), the management checking in to see if we were taken care of, the waitress (Christina) was exemplary. The staff was personable and seemed happy to be there. The ambience was wonderful and a train even came by during our meal, which was absolutley delicious!

We ordered steaks from here, and they were good. We had the wagyu strip and the ribeye. I would pick the wagyu next time. I ordered a side of asparagus, and it was good as well. For dessert, we ordered the banana foster & creme brulee bread pudding and enjoyed it. The train came by twice and we thought that was fun. We would recommend coming here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – A Night of Happiness and Phenomenal Food at The Depot in Auburn Visiting The Depot in Auburn was extra special for our family—because my son works there, and we had the joy of experiencing the restaurant not just as guests, but through his world. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, full of Southern charm and historic beauty. The building itself—a restored train depot—is stunning, with its open layout, rustic elegance, and inviting energy that instantly makes you feel at home. But the highlight of our evening? Knowing my son grilled our steaks in the kitchen with pride and professionalism. As a mom, it was such a meaningful experience to see him doing what he loves, surrounded by a supportive and talented team. The staff was wonderful—welcoming us like family and making sure it was a night to remember. The food, of course, was absolutely outstanding. The steaks were grilled to perfection—juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Every course was crafted with care and attention to detail. But I have to rave about the peach and corn cobbler—what a creative and delicious twist on a classic Southern dessert! The warm peaches paired with the gentle sweetness and texture of corn made for a unique and comforting finish to the meal. Don't forget the ice cream! Service was top-tier—gracious, attentive, and genuinely kind. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the staff make you feel like you're part of something special. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Auburn, with top-notch cuisine and heartfelt hospitality, The Depot is the place to go. And if you happen to see Michael proudly working the grill—you’ll know why this mama is beaming. ❤️

We had a nice dinner. Pork and a burger. It’s a bit overpriced. Atmosphere was fun and cozy

Unfortunately not the best. Southern food trying to make it an elegant experience it failed. The menu doesn’t match the place. I had a party of 8. I checked the menu a month out. Looks like it will be pleasing to my people. The night before. I checked the website. Looks like the menu is still good . Got here tonight and nothing I wanted was on the menu. It’s my birthday party . Everyone found something on the menu to eat. I decide to play it safe and order the appetizer salad with a smoked salmon.$15 plus $4. My bf got chicken meal. The green beans were not cooked all the way. The chicken had gravy all over it. We got the bill and they charge $30 for salad plus reg salmon. The waiter made the mistake and gave us regular salmon $15 not smoked salmon. Plus they charge $25 to cut your cake. Which we bought our own Individual desserts. We got that junk fee taken off. It’s a glorified Cracker Barrel. Never again. We left and went around the corner and got a real meal for half the price. Warning…..don’t go here unless you want to pay a mint for Cracker Barrel food.

Depot has been one of my favorite restaurants in town for years, but last night was absolutely a 10/10. The service staff was kind and the food was out of this world good! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good meal.

I had the most amazing meal, Tapas Tuesdays are my favorite, and I got all of them listed on their specials menu! Best dinner ever, a big thank you to the chefs! Every single tapas dish was perfectly done and amazing flavors!

My wife and I dine here often and have never been disappointed. This week we decided to bring our kids to experience it.....the first time was such a hit, they asked to go again a few days later! Christian was our server both nights and was AMAZING! Very friendly, reviewed all options in detail, had great recommendations, and took time to chat with our boys about sports. Looks like we will be dining here with the entire family more often!

Wow amazing American seafood restaurant inside Auburn University campus. 1. Ambiance: love the southern historical + retro modern style. 2. Food is amazing, we tried to order different dishes and share family style and ALL WERE GREAT! shows real care on quality ingredients/seafood, flavor combination and plating/presentation. Prices are moderately high but the worth for food and service. Wine pricing seems reasonable, had a California cab house wine for $35/bottle. 3. Service is AMAZING: reception girl got us a nice table for 5 with happy hour men inside the restaurant section without reservations just be used there wasn't enough seating for my party of 5 at the bar. Our server Mack was super friendly, attentive, even chatted with us for 5 mins and took great care of us. All the other servers were all smiling also! I would definitely come back here again on my next visit! Tip: Free Valet parking!

Service was excellent. The chicken was a little dry, but overall a good meal. While chicken is difficult to keep moist. A train came by while we were dining and that was cool too!

YUM, YUM, YUUUUUUMMMM! I enjoyed every single thing that touched my lips here, such a delish experience :) As an Auburn Alum, I was excited to come browse some new places that now call the city home since I graduated. My friends and I came here for dinner on our first night back and it was such a great choice. We started at the bar for happy hour where we tried a few different cocktails. My first choice was a ginger heavy drink and while it wasn't my personal style, my other friend loved it. I ended up going with champagne since bubbles are never out of style. After that we loaded ourselves up wity oysters, they had so many different kinds and a few were even on the happy hour menu. My fav were the little honey's. Tiny, but juicy and sweet. I kept the seafood trend going and ordered the shrimp and scallops as my main dish, they were flavorful and paired well with the grits underneath. We were a pretty late group of seven, but our server was so patient and kind as we debated what all to try and she nailed the specifics of each order. The lights dimmed a bit throughout the evening, giving the place a down home, elegant vibe. We saw lots of sweet couples and folks celebrating birthdays. Can't wait to stop by again during my next visit!

We came for Father's Day Brunch and the food is great and the service is friendly. We unfortunately sat at a big booth table behind a big curtain and it was hot as heck! And the water glasses are small and no ice and the water is room temp. As soon as you went to the regular dining area it felt nice and cool but I am 6 months pregnant and it was miserable eating so hot. Then the music was too loud and the right vibe for the situation (reggae) and I was so overwhelmed by that noise. But all in all it's a good place and I do look forward to going back.

We stop here every time while visiting Auburn. Always nice service and good food (tuna!) Solid drinks and wine list. Had our water glasses go dry most of the evening this time and thought the messaging about graduation weekend reservations was a little over the top. Still a top dining spot in the area.

The food was excellent, the service impeccable, & the ambiance was perfect for a nice intimate date or a group get together. I had the scallops & shrimp blue corn grits & it was amazing! She had the Italian herbed Grouper & vegetable ratatouille. The 3 scallops were large & grilled to perfection. Her Grouper portion was thick & prepared perfectly. For dessert we shared a lemon curd tart with a berry compote topping. It was very good & a great ending to a memorable dinner. You won't be disappointed to choose The Depot for your next special night out.

The Depot is a no-nonsense "our way or the highway" restaurant. The owner / manager have designed a controlled environment to deliver their culinary delights under a watchful eye and a stop watch, because they believe the "system" is better than the experience. From start to finish, it's a robotic operation from the reservation confirmation messaging ("arrive 10 minutes late and your table is gone" and "valet parking is limited!") until you sign the check. During our meal, a "viewer" stood in the midpoint of the restaurant with her back to the wall, iPad in hand, surveying the landscape of tables artfully (or scientifically?) managing the "clock". While the owners and managers probably believes it delivers an efficient process, the restaurant lacks any warmth. Service was good, other than when we were seated. We were the first table at 5pm and the restaurant was empty but they refused to move our table to a booth because it would disrupt their "system". Food was okay. Some average. Some not. The grits in the shrimp and grits was non traditional and overwhelmed the entire dish. The fish plates were appealing but many mixed with bacon, which was an odd combination. Limited appetizers unless you are in an oyster mood.

Food here is so good! Service is even better. Highly recommend. Manager talked to my AU junior about a job. Just a great meal overall.

Our server did a great job answering all of our questions about the menu. For an appetizer we had the asparagus fritters which were very unique but amazingly delicious. We also loved their twist to the house salad. The dressing was refreshing. Entrees we ordered their ribeye & pork chop. We weren't a huge fan of the Alfredo sauce on the steak. Maybe on the side to dip a piece in but not smothered (wasn't expecting that). The pork chop was phenomenal! Smoky and cooked perfectly. The blue grits were also very delicious. Dessert we had banana foster with the ice cream on the side. Each bite you could taste every flavor they added to it. Would recommend everything except for the steak. We will definitely come back to try other items on the menu.The story of the building and the ambiance inside was a perfect set up for a date night or even a business dinner.

I love this place for this southern town. I can't get enough of upscale southern comfort foods if it is done right and this place does it right! Clean look, service was adequate (not over the top with our waitress), nice vibe, and good food. Can't recommend because 4 of us had different things and they were all good. Cater to what you like.

Bit underwhelming. My husband and I both had fish dishes and both filets cooked fairly unevenly, overcooked in some areas. Only gone once so don't want to be too harsh. Would try again.

This is a very nice and popular restaurant close to downtown Auburn, AL. It is imperative the reservation. Nice history of the place and nice ambience overall. The service is great too. A good choice of oysters are often available.

The service was a little slow, but the food was excellent. The staff was friendly, and the chef checked on us.

Huge scallops with shrimp and grits? Come on!! GREAT meal and GREAT service!!!!! Will definitely return!

Had dinner at the Depot the other evening. I have been in town a few times and eaten here 3 times recently for dinner. This past weekend, Christian was our server. He should be training others in providing excellent service. The food at this restaurant is amazing, and I wish that I lived closer to eat here more often!

My husband and I have enjoyed many meals at The Depot over the years, including our 40th wedding anniversary this week! The food is so delicious and the service is always amazing! We also just love the atmosphere. This is absolutely our favorite restaurant in Auburn!!

Delicious fish in a unique atmosphere. Great place for a special occasion, or even for just a cocktail.

We had an extremely disappointing experience trying to book an event for my grandmother's 100th birthday. The event manager was condescending and rude, and made it clear our business was not welcome or appreciated. Very disappointing due to the restaurants reputation. Left the GM a message regarding our experience and no one ever reached out. We will never be back.

Chef Scott and his Culinary Team always send out only the best food. The drinks from Jerrica and her bartender's are always impeccably delicious, Ashton/Troy/Kelton and their front of house team are always on the very tip top of their game with service. Also they always have the best and correct mood and ambience set. 10/10 would recommend The Depot for anyone looking for a special occasion or even just a date night. Also Connor and Mackenzie are always fantastic servers.

Great appetizers, seafood, and atmosphere. We have always received great service. Try the asparagus risotto fritters.

I always go to The Depot for their champagne happy hour and oysters so it's no surprise with how amazing this place is. Consistently amazing food and service! I ordered 6 oysters (forgot which) and they were fresh per usual. Nice and salty! My friend oyster the crab dip for the table and it never fails to amaze me, quite delicious always and it's topped with chorizo. For my entree I ordered the crusted halibut and it was so fresh with the tomato and balsamic rice it was a perfect pairing! I left so full and satisfied. For drinks I order the Napa Valley seasonal cocktail and it was super cute and made me feel like the holidays. For my second drink I asked for a holiday themed tequila lemon drop and the bartender did not miss! Absolutely exquisite and such a great time with great friends. One of my fave restaurants in Auburn!

Outstanding service; food!! Highly recommend! We had to wait for a table- but they make it so inviting to come in and have a drink while you wait. Great experience

I love the way it's decorated inside! My husband and I both had the Salmon and it was delicious. They had a great selection of mixed drinks and beer. Our waitress was super nice and helpful. I was thrown off by the required valet parking, since the parking lot is very small. We did make a reservation ahead of time! They seem to stay busy.

This is my favorite restaurant in town. The food is great as well as the service. The atmosphere is also top notch. If you're looking for fresh seafood in the area then this is the place for you.

The food was delicious. I wanted crab like I saw on the website but they didn't have it. They have a daily menu.

Food, Service and Ambiance were excellent. My salmon was amazing. Great mix of fine dining and comfortable vibe. I'll be a regular.

The vibe was so great and the meal was phenomenal. The wood fired oysters were flavorful, we enjoyed a charcuterie board (but weren't the biggest fans of the pate, but I don't like pate in general), and we split the New York strip which was divine. It came with a blue blanc sauce that was incredible. The service and plating was impressive. Valet parking and recommend reservations, but we got a table without much issue anyway

Food was really good. Our waitress had a great attitude and everyone was nice. Their sweet tea was c tier. The trout was so good, but it made me have to camp on the commode

Service and food was great! Would definitely come back. The banana fosters dessert was amazing! Only complaint was they ran out of filet as I ordered my main dish.

Food and services were all outstanding. The restaurant was an amazing place to spend our anniversary.

We love the depot !! The food is always excellent as is the service. We tell everyone to make sure and dine there, it never disappoints!!

We love coming here!!! The food is always so good and the service is always great. We came with a group of 5 and had a great time. We loved seeing so many gluten free options on the menu too!! We started with wood fire grilled Oysters and the crispy asparagus risotto Fritters. I also tried the Filthy Dirty Martini and it was soo good! For entree I had the coconut curry shrimp and seafood noodle bowl- it was delicious and a little spicy which I loved! Everyone else loved their entrees- the lobster special, swordfish kabobs, the ribeye, & the GF burger! Highly recommend all of these dishes!

Food is very good. Service is always good. Quality choices and consistent. Highly recommend

Awesome atmosphere!! Oysters are always on point and the food is fantastic!! And it located in God's country!!!! War Eagle!!!

Good service and good food. The story of the place is very cool to read about. The host stand is a work of art!

Love the decor and convenient location. Great service. The creamed corn and bananas foster bread pudding were both awesome!

Everything was truly a wonderful experience. We have only eaten there for lunch and tried for dinner since we were In Town. Great service. Enjoyed the crab dip, oysters, halibut, red fish, crab cakes, and all desserts were great. No complaints.

Always had a good experience at the Depot. Great food and atmosphere. No one in the area has a raw oyster menu that matches theirs.

Still the best in Auburn. Chef Scott's food is always great and of course the oysters! Wonderful crew.

The building is beautiful with great attention to detail. Exceptional service, wonderful food, great experience around.

My restaurant for special occasions like Wednesday night. great food wonderful atmosphere

Christian was very attentive and professional. The bread pudding is the best I've had! May come just for that! Only eaten here three other times and Entrees I've had, are excellent.

My favorite nice restaurant in Auburn! I love their rotating menu, oysters on the half shell, and their apps. They are known for their seafood, so I always make sure to order that and it never fails. The drinks and spirits menus are also great.

This restaurant is fantastic from the valet to the service and food and beverages. We love the Depot!

The food was great, the drinks were great, the vibe was awesome, and the service was first class. After being so disappointed in VINTAGE 2298, The Depot is hands down the go to place in Auburn.

Everything about this place is amazing. The pork chop is a must have. Our server (for the life of me I can't remember her name) did an excellent job of taking care of us. Ask about the dessert. You won't be disappointed.

The menu never disappoints. The most consistent food in Auburn, in my opinion. Excellent service, a refined yet cozy ambiance, and a great variety of appetizers and drinks. I have enjoyed many dinners here and plan to enjoy many more!

The food here is outstanding, particularly a salmon dish and another with rainbow trout. Oddly, they don't offer bread. We would have liked some.