Although Tuscaloosa is primarily known for their football team, an often-overlooked component of the town is the variety of restaurants it has to offer. Ranging from perfected southern style barbecue to mouthwatering Thai, Tuscaloosa can offer anything to satisfy your cravings. Born and raised just fifteen minutes away from the university, I’ve had the chance to try the majority of credible restaurants in the area. Because many college students do not have their car here at school, and usually try to avoid spending excessive amounts on a single meal, I have included below a number of restaurants that are close to campus and budget friendly.

Moe’s BBQ

As a staple food in the state, one cannot say they have been to Alabama without eating its barbecue. Although there are a plethora of BBQ joints in town, Moe’s seems to offer the perfect balance of quality food and a unique ski-lodge themed atmosphere. Originating from Vail, Colorado and started by my dad’s childhood friend, Moe’s is true Alabama barbecue. The slow-cooked pulled pork, accompanied with their signature tangy, vinegar based sauce, the first bite reminds me of summer cookouts and tailgates on the quad. Moe’s has a number of special things that other barbecue restaurants do not offer. They have side specials everyday ranging from mac and cheese to their signature baked beans. The restaurant converts into a bar at night, offering live music and nightly drink specials. Located just between strip and downtown Tuscaloosa, Moe’s is no doubt a go-to for a true Alabama experience.

Surin of Thailand

With the wide range of foreign cuisine the town has to offer, Surin of Thailand has been my favorite local restaurant since middle school. Their Pad Thai is unbeatable, and when I went to boarding school in DC, I was unable to find a hidden gem like Surin. I crave their crispy crab rangoons and savory Pad Thai with a kick, awaiting the next time I go. In addition to the Pad Thai, Surin offers a wide range of noodle/rice dishes, curry and even sushi (make sure to go for $1 midnight sushi Thursday-Saturday.)

Southern Home-style Cooking: The Waysider and City Café

If you’re looking for a restaurant that reminds you of your grandmother’s cooking for a great price, both the Waysider and City Café are great choices. I have been going to the Waysider since I was a toddler, and I still go with my dad once a week. The Waysider is a favorite by Nick Saban even, as I have seen him in there on a few occasions for breakfast. While the college students enjoy their biscuits and gravy for breakfast, my friends and I prefer the lunch, as it is less crowded and has more options than the breakfast menu. Each day, The Waysider has a specialized lunch menu based on what they have brought in fresh every day. I go in hopes that the chicken potpie and creamed corn will be on the menu, but I could end up having with potato skins and candied yams instead. Located a little over five minutes from campus, The Waysider is a cheap, convenient and easy choice. While I prefer The Waysider’s fresh vegetables, City Café’s hamburger steak is to die for. Paired with homemade gravy and caramelized onions, not even The Waysider could compare to the delicacy of this soulful dish.

Taco Mama

My go to restaurant for dinner with friends is Taco Mama. Unlike other Mexican restaurants in town, Taco Mama ensures its customers that their ingredients are fresh, and you can taste the difference. Although it is a bit pricier than Moe’s or Chipotle, it is well worth it for the big outside deck and music that they play. Taco Mama by far has the most options out of any restaurant in town. In addition to having a set menu, you can build your own salad, quesadilla, burrito, bowl, and even tacos. The topping options far excel chipotle, including three types of jalapeños, and even guacamole (that isn’t extra!) Additionally, the chips and salsa come with the meal, and their queso is the perfect balance of creamy yet flavorful. When I go, I build my own quesadilla adding shredded chicken, grilled and fresh jalapeño, grilled onions, cilantro, guacamole, pico de gallo, and corn.

Chicken Quesadillas

2 chicken breast

2 tbs salsa

2 tbs cumin

2 tbs chili powder

2 tbs salt

2tbs pepper

dash of olive oil

8 medium tortillas

2 cups Mexican blend cheese

2 tbs butter

First, I seasoned the chicken breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. I baked the chicken for 30 minutes on 350 degrees, then shredded it with two forks, adding the salsa to the chicken.

Then, I heated a pan to medium high and lined it with butter, placing the tortilla then adding the chicken mixture and cheese inside of it, then folding the tortilla over