The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a vibrant and exciting city, home to a diverse range of cuisines and eateries. From casual fast food joints to fine dining, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an unforgettable experience, this guide will take you through the best places to eat out in Tuscaloosa.

Burgers and Barbecue

Tuscaloosa is renowned for its burgers and barbecue. The city’s signature burger joint, FIVE, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its patties are made with fresh, local ingredients and served on a toasted bun with all the classic toppings. There’s also the iconic Dreamland Bar-B-Q, serving up delicious smoked meats and classic sides. The restaurant has been around since 1958 and is still as popular as ever.

For a more unique experience, try The Avenue Pub. This gastropub offers up creative takes on classic dishes, like a double-stacked bacon burger and slow-smoked pork belly tacos. Wash it all down with one of their craft beers or signature cocktails.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to Georgia’s Barbecue. This family-run restaurant has been serving up its own unique take on barbecue since the 1950s. Their signature dish is the Georgia’s special, a combination of pork, beef, and chicken topped with a sweet and spicy house-made sauce.

Seafood and Sushi

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best seafood in the South. The city’s premier seafood spot is The Fish Market, a casual spot with a wide selection of fresh seafood. The menu features everything from classic fish and chips to more creative dishes like seared scallops and blackened shrimp tacos.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Sushi on the River. This chic restaurant serves up a variety of creative rolls, from the classic California roll to more inventive creations like the spicy Tuscaloosa roll. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of sake, beer, and wine.

For a more low-key atmosphere, try The Dock at Waterfront. This waterfront restaurant serves up fresh seafood in a casual and relaxed setting. The menu features everything from classic dishes like fried shrimp and fish tacos to more creative dishes like grilled octopus and ahi tuna.

Pizza and Pasta

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best pizza in the South. The city’s most popular spot is Little Italy, a family-run restaurant serving up classic Neapolitan-style pizzas. The menu features a variety of creative topping combinations, from the classic Margherita to the more inventive fig and prosciutto.

For a more unique take on pizza, try Pieology Pizzeria. This fast-casual restaurant offers up custom-made pizzas, with a wide selection of toppings and sauces to choose from. The menu also features an array of salads, sandwiches, and wings.

If you’re in the mood for pasta, head to Pasta Fresca. This chic Italian restaurant serves up a variety of classic dishes, from spaghetti and meatballs to more inventive creations like roasted garlic and spinach ravioli. The restaurant also offers a selection of Italian wines and craft beers.

Asian Cuisine

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best Asian cuisine in the South. For a classic Chinese experience, head to Chinatown. This family-run restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, from Kung Pao chicken to Peking Duck. The menu also features a selection of dim sum options.

For a more contemporary take on Asian cuisine, try Wok & Roll. This modern restaurant serves up a variety of creative dishes, from teriyaki bowls to spicy ramen. The menu also features a selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to Momo’s Korean Grill. This casual spot serves up classic Korean dishes, from bibimbap to bulgogi. The restaurant also features a selection of craft beers and sake.

Mexican and Latin American Cuisine

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best Mexican and Latin American cuisine in the South. For a classic experience, head to El Rincon. This family-run restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, from tacos and enchiladas to tamales and burritos. The menu also features a selection of tequilas and margaritas.

For a more unique take on Mexican cuisine, try El Jimador. This modern restaurant serves up creative dishes, from grilled fish tacos to chipotle-braised pork. The menu also features an array of craft beers and tequilas.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to La Parrilla. This casual spot serves up classic Latin dishes, from Cuban sandwiches to empanadas. The menu also features a selection of Cuban-style cocktails.

Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best vegetarian and vegan cuisine in the South. For a classic experience, head to The Greens. This casual spot serves up a variety of dishes, from falafel wraps to tempeh sandwiches. The menu also features a selection of vegan desserts.

For a more contemporary take on vegan cuisine, try The Happy Leaf. This modern restaurant serves up creative dishes, from jackfruit tacos to mushroom burgers. The menu also features an array of craft beers and wines.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to The Spiral Path. This chic spot serves up classic vegan dishes, from vegan mac and cheese to vegan lasagna. The menu also features a selection of organic wines and craft beers.

Breakfast

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best breakfast spots in the South. For a classic experience, head to Big Bad Breakfast. This family-run restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, from pancakes and waffles to omelets and huevos rancheros. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and mimosas.

For a more contemporary take on breakfast, try Cracker Barrel. This modern restaurant serves up creative dishes, from breakfast burritos to breakfast pizzas. The menu also features an array of breakfast cocktails and smoothies.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to Sunrise Café. This chic spot serves up classic breakfast dishes, from pancakes and French toast to eggs benedict. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and wines.

Desserts and Sweets

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best desserts and sweets in the South. For a classic experience, head to Sugar Rush. This family-run bakery serves up a variety of treats, from cakes and cookies to macarons and cupcakes. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and wines.

For a more creative take on desserts, try The Cheesecake Factory. This modern restaurant serves up a variety of creative dishes, from strawberry cheesecake to red velvet cake. The menu also features an array of specialty coffees and milkshakes.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to The Sweet Tooth. This chic spot serves up classic desserts, from ice cream sundaes to brownies. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and wines.

Coffee and Tea

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best coffee and tea spots in the South. For a classic experience, head to Black Market Coffee. This family-run café serves up a variety of specialty coffees, from lattes and cappuccinos to pour-overs and cold brews. The menu also features a selection of teas and pastries.

For a more modern take on coffee and tea, try Starbucks. This popular chain serves up a variety of creative drinks, from matcha lattes to mocha frappuccinos. The menu also features an array of pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to The Loose Leaf. This chic spot serves up classic teas, from black teas to green teas. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and wines.

Fine Dining

Tuscaloosa is home to some of the best fine dining in the South. For a classic experience, head to The Queen. This upscale restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, from steak and lobster to duck and pork. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and wines.

For a more modern take on fine dining, try The Imperial. This chic restaurant serves up creative dishes, from seared scallops to roasted duck. The menu also features an array of craft beers and wines.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to The Parkview. This upscale spot serves up classic dishes, from steak and lobster to seared salmon. The menu also features a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood for burgers and barbecue, seafood and sushi, pizza and pasta, Asian cuisine, Mexican and Latin American cuisine, vegetarian and vegan cuisine, breakfast, desserts and sweets, coffee and tea, or fine dining, Tuscaloosa has something for everyone. With its wide selection of restaurants, from casual spots to upscale establishments, Tuscaloosa is the perfect place to eat out.