Restaurant Review: Two Sisters Bakery & Deli

Two Sisters is a splendid spot for breakfast, a sweet treat or a superior sandwich. The friendly, casual, deli-style eatery is located halfway between Downtown Fairhope and the Grand Hotel. After opening in February 2011, it rapidly gained recognition for a delectable assortment of baked goods, all crafted from scratch: decadent cinnamon rolls and three types of scones – dried cherry almond, blueberry and cranberry pecan. They also serve homemade cookies, bars and other desserts along with baked breads, such as focaccia, ciabatta and croissants, plus full breakfasts, soups, salads and daily specials.

Surprisingly, two sisters do not run the restaurant. Instead, it is a joint venture of colleagues, Tammy Clevenger and John Lozano, who share an interest in food. (John dubbed the place, Two Sisters, because wife Liz and her sister had wanted to open a bakery, but currently neither sister is involved in the day-to-day operations.) John is in charge of creating all the sandwiches. Clevenger oversees all baking. The sandwiches, panini and wraps are creatively named and feature fresh ingredients and inspired combinations. Signature sellers include the Hen Pecked Panini, the Chicken Little Wrap and the Coconut Dream Dessert. The BLT sandwich, billed as the Porker BLT, boasts some bodacious applewood smoked bacon and is one of the best versions of the classic around. Shakes, malts and smoothies are fun menu additions. They also sell Boar’s Head meats and cheeses by the pound. Dine in at cheery, blue cloth-topped tables or dine out on the deck in the shade of majestic oaks. Catering and delivery are available. 

On the Menu

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Nicely seasoned without being too spicy, this filling, rich and flavorful starter is brimming with shredded chicken,  tortilla wedges and topped with cheese.

Chicken Salad
A pretty, sizable salad of mixed greens is loaded with roasted chicken breast, walnuts, tomatoes, slivers of red onion and a generous scattering of blue cheese, served with a lively raspberry vinaigrette.

Twitty Panini
Warm turkey is topped with thick, crisp bacon, avocado slices, melted Swiss cheese and ranch dressing on grilled, pressed wheat bread. This sandwich, left, is hearty, delicious and addictive.

Coconut Dream Dessert
A lovely layered confection of coconut custard and sweet cream cheese atop a thick, nutty, shortbread and capped with whipped cream.

Two Sisters Bakery & Deli • 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. M – Sa. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Su. 19452 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope. 517-0622. twosistersbakerydeli.com

text by Sallye Irvine • photo by Elise Poché