Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is not only home to the University of Alabama and its legendary football team, the Crimson Tide, but also to a vibrant culinary scene that offers a diverse array of dining options. From classic Southern comfort food to international cuisines, Tuscaloosa has something to satisfy every palate.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the best restaurants in Tuscaloosa, each with its unique atmosphere, menu, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking to experience the best of what Tuscaloosa has to offer, this guide will help you navigate the city’s thriving food scene.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que
Dreamland Bar-B-Que is a Tuscaloosa institution that has been serving up delicious, slow-cooked barbecue since 1958. The restaurant’s signature dish is its fall-off-the-bone ribs, which are cooked over a hickory-fired pit and basted with a tangy, vinegar-based sauce.
Other menu highlights include the pulled pork, smoked sausage, and homemade banana pudding. The atmosphere at Dreamland is casual and welcoming, with wooden tables, red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and walls adorned with vintage signs and memorabilia.
Chuck’s Fish
Chuck’s Fish is a seafood restaurant that prides itself on using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. The menu changes daily based on what’s in season and available from local suppliers, but you can always expect to find a selection of raw oysters, sushi rolls, and entrees like the pan-seared grouper or the low country shrimp and grits.
The restaurant has a modern, upscale atmosphere with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a full bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ
Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ is another Tuscaloosa barbecue joint that has been serving up delicious smoked meats since 1962. The restaurant is known for its hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and chicken, as well as its tangy, mustard-based sauce.
The sides are also noteworthy, with options like mac and cheese, baked beans, and collard greens. The atmosphere at Archibald & Woodrow’s is no-frills and laid-back, with a focus on the food rather than the decor.
Rama Jama’s
Rama Jama’s is a classic diner located just across the street from Bryant-Denny Stadium, home of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. The restaurant is decked out in Alabama memorabilia, with jerseys, helmets, and photos covering the walls.
The menu features classic diner fare like burgers, fries, and milkshakes, as well as Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and chicken-fried steak. Rama Jama’s is a popular spot for fans on game day, but it’s also a great place to grab a hearty breakfast or lunch any day of the week.
Five Bar
Five Bar is a modern American restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with its rotating menu of five entrees, five appetizers, five red wines, five white wines, and five beers. The menu changes daily based on what’s fresh and in season, but you can expect to find dishes like seared scallops, braised short ribs, and roasted chicken.
The restaurant has a sleek, contemporary atmosphere with exposed ductwork, concrete floors, and a large bar area that’s perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
Southern Ale House
Southern Ale House is a gastropub that offers a wide selection of craft beers and elevated pub fare. The menu features dishes like pimento cheese fritters, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits, as well as a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and entrees.
The restaurant has a laid-back, industrial atmosphere with exposed brick walls, metal accents, and a large outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying a beer and some fresh air.
Ruan Thai
Ruan Thai is a family-owned Thai restaurant that has been serving up authentic, flavorful dishes since 2008. The menu features all of the Thai classics like pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup, as well as some unique specialties like the crispy catfish salad and the duck pad prik king. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere with colorful artwork and traditional Thai decor.
Depalma’s Italian Cafe
Depalma’s Italian Cafe is a cozy, family-owned restaurant that has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine in Tuscaloosa since 1995.
The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and entrees like chicken parmesan and eggplant rollatini, as well as a selection of Italian wines and desserts like tiramisu and cannoli. The atmosphere at Depalma’s is warm and inviting, with checkered tablecloths, vintage posters, and soft lighting.
Heat Pizza Bar
Heat Pizza Bar is a trendy, industrial-chic restaurant that specializes in artisanal pizzas and craft cocktails. The menu features a variety of creative pizza toppings like fig and prosciutto, roasted mushroom and truffle oil, and spicy soppressata and honey, as well as salads, appetizers, and desserts.
The restaurant has a hip, energetic atmosphere with exposed ductwork, concrete floors, and a large bar area that’s perfect for enjoying a craft cocktail or a local beer.
Evangeline’s
Evangeline’s is a charming, New Orleans-inspired restaurant that offers a taste of the Big Easy right in the heart of Tuscaloosa. The menu features classic Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys, as well as a selection of fresh seafood and steaks.
The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere with exposed brick walls, vintage decor, and live jazz music on select nights.
The Avenue Pub
The Avenue Pub is a cozy, neighborhood bar and grill that offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu of classic pub fare. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers like fried pickles and buffalo chicken dip, as well as a selection of local and regional craft beers. The pub has a laid-back, friendly vibe with dart boards, pool tables, and TVs showing sports games.
Epiphany Farm-to-Fork Cuisine
Epiphany Farm-to-Fork Cuisine is a fine dining restaurant that focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create inventive, seasonal dishes.
The menu changes frequently based on what’s available from local farmers and suppliers, but you can expect to find dishes like seared scallops with roasted beets and goat cheese, grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri, and house-made pastas with seasonal vegetables. The restaurant has an elegant, modern atmosphere with white tablecloths, soft lighting, and a tranquil outdoor patio.
Conclusion
Tuscaloosa’s dining scene offers something for everyone, from classic Southern barbecue to inventive farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual burger and a beer or a fine dining experience with white tablecloth service, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in this vibrant college town.
The 12 restaurants featured in this article are just a small sample of the many excellent dining options available in Tuscaloosa, but they represent some of the best and most beloved spots in the city. So next time you find yourself in Tuscaloosa, be sure to check out one (or more!) of these fantastic restaurants and experience the best of what the city’s culinary scene has to offer.