Category Archives: Dining Out

Tuscaloosa’s Finest

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If you’re new in town, Tuscaloosa’s myriad of restaurants can seem a little daunting. Every genre of food has at least 2 or 3 different restaurants boasting that their food is the best. Being a sophomore, my experience with the local dine ins is well versed. I’m writing this to give the rookies of Tuscaloosa dining some tips on where to find the best food in Title Town.

Best Barbeque

Let’s start off with what the South is most known for: barbeque. If you’re looking for the best barbeque in Tuscaloosa, look no further than Archibald’s and Woodrow’s. Way out in the sticks, therth it for the most drive is wosucculent ribs in the whole county. At first glance, Archibald’s looks like a shady shack with an incredibly greasy chimney, but once you get inside, the aroma of slow smoked meat hits you right in the face to let you know you’ve made the right choice for barbeque. My favorite thing to get is the mix plate with pork and ribs. Make sure you put their delicious vinegar based sauce on everything and go to town.

Best Fine Dining

Next up we’re taking a trip downtown to the some of the best seafood. Chuck’s Fish is a bit on the expensive side, but their sushi and fish are out of this world. I’d recommend getting the TNT roll if you’re there for sushi or the catch of the day fish tacos. The TNT roll has super fresh tuna and three delectable sauces; a spicy sauce, a soy sauce reduction, and a chili paste that gives it amazing flavor and heat. If you go the fish taco route, you won’t be disappointed. Made with the catch of the day so the fish is always fresh and served with Pico de Gallo and a zesty chipotle ranch, it is without a doubt one of the best fish tacos I’ve had in a long while.

Best Bar/Pub

If you happen to be over 21 and want to have a fun time at one of the local bars, I’d have to suggest you head over to the Avenue Pub on 23rd St. Their happy hour deals include 3 dollar microbrews and a 5-dollar burger that’ll get you coming back for more. My favorite beer they have on tap would have to be the Yellowhammer Dubbel, at 9.2% abv it has a very hoppy flavor that’s just unmatched. The 5-dollar burger comes with all the fixings and a literal bucket of garlic fries. Cooked to perfection and served on a hearty ciabatta bun, for the money it’s the best burger in Tuscaloosa.

Now I’m no food connoisseur or reputable yelper, but if you’re looking for some great tasting food, take my advice and visit these restaurants at least once while you’re in town.

What Tuscaloosa Needs.

Dining Out

Being a native of Tuscaloosa all my life, I have experienced any food that it has come to offer me. Throughout this time, I have seen the imperfections in the food industry in Tuscaloosa and what needs improvement. This is just a quick list of what in my opinion could drastically change the food industry here for the better by creating a more desirable, more satisfiable environment.

Family owned restaurants:

The first the thing that would improve the food here in town is to have more family owned restaurants versus chain restaurants. I believe family owned restaurants take more time in preparing the food and deliver a more flavorful dish. The cooking feels more authentic because they love what they do and take pride in their cooking and establishment. It would look better in town because each individual restaurant would have their own buildings and get to decorate as they want versus chain restaurants where every single one looks the same inside and out. The overall dining experience for us is more pleasurable than any commercial chain restaurant due to the care they put into each aspect of their restaurant.

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Outdoor dining:

Outdoor dining is severely lacking in a town that has such a beautiful campus and is warm for such a majority of the year. I’m sure many people would love the option of sitting outside on warm spring night. Many restaurants in town already have roll-up garage doors on the front or side so it would be easy to incorporate outdoor dining into the restaurant when the weather is warm enough that they have the doors up. On the Strip and in areas like that it may not be feasible because they used all the space for buildings and you can’t put tables and chairs on the sidewalk. However, for any new restaurants being built, I think they should make sure to leave room for outdoor dining because it would be a major attraction for them.

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Food truck court:

A food truck court would be helpful for everybody because if there were a food truck court everybody would know where to go to find the food trucks every day. This also ties in with the outdoor dining because you would have a small area in front of the food trucks just for tables. In Pensacola, they have a food truck court just like this and it provided you with the opportunity to eat 5 or 6 different types of food by walking 40 feet to your left or right. The food trucks on campus can provide you with a higher quality food at almost the same speed as any of the other places to eat on campus. If you have a favorite food truck on campus you would no longer have to worry about it being at a location you can’t go to that day because everything would be centralized and be in the same spot every day. Overall a food truck allows you the eater to eat more often at food trucks because you no longer have to deal with the inconsistencies of changing locations.

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If Tuscaloosa were to implement some of these changes it would create a more inviting environment for all and expand the dining past what we currently have. These changes could create a more upscale feel in town without the sacrifice of the higher prices of very fancy restaurants. These changes may not happen anytime soon, but if they ever come I think they will be to the benefit of everybody.

Nutritious Restaurants Around Town

As college students, we all have those nights when you’re just not in the mood to cook, the meal at your sorority/fraternity house might not be what you’re craving, or maybe you’re just sick and tired of the dining hall food. Whatever the reason is, we all end up going out to eat sometime or another.

For most of us, we focus on choosing the cheapest yet tastiest places to eat which usually leads to deep fried foods dripping in grease and covered in salt. It all seems great until our fate lies between the 4 for 4 deal at Cookout or the buy one get one free pizza at Dominos.

Although these foods may be satisfying to our taste buds, they aren’t very kind to our health. It’s time to start including the nutritional quality as a factor when deciding where to eat. Below are a few of my favorite restaurants around Tuscaloosa that have a variety of healthy options on their menu.

 

Newk’s Eatery is located on University Blvd. so it’s at a very convenient location if you don’t have time for Tuscaloosa traffic. They are known for the fresh ingredients used in their famous soups, salads and sandwiches. There are plenty of pairing options you can choose from which will ensure you leave with a full stomach. I typically choose half of the Newk’s Q sandwich and a cup of loaded potato soup, but you can pair any items you may desire. Newk’s gives you access to a Nutrition Calculator on their website so you are able to select your meal and all of its nutrition facts will appear. This is an easy and accessible way to monitor what you are feeding your body. 

 

Zoë’s Kitchen offers Mediterranean food made from scratch and it’s located right inside Bryant Denny Stadium. That’s how you know it’s good! Its menu provides options for everyone: calorie counters, gluten-free, vegetarians, vegans, and those focusing on their carb or sodium intake. My go-to meal is the Greek Chicken Pita with a side of fresh fruit. It really captures the Mediterranean taste, but at the same time it’s nothing too exotic. Not very familiar with Mediterranean food? Don’t worry, Zoë’s has a Mediterranean food pyramid available so you can be sure you are consuming the recommended amounts of food to maintain a healthy balance. 

 

Tropical Smoothie Café is a personal favorite of mine. It’s filling and refreshing so it’s a perfect choice when you’re looking for that pre/post workout meal. You can find it in Midtown Village, so if you get hungry while you’re shopping you can always stop by for one of their signature smoothies or maybe even a flatbread, wrap, or sandwich if you’ve really worked up an appetite. For those of you enjoy foods with a little kick behind it, my personal favorite is the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wrap. I also order a Kiwi Quencher for a nice balance of sweet and spicy. If you’re struggling to decide what to order, don’t panic, they have a detailed nutrition guide at your service to help you decide what food is best for you. Their motto is “eat better, feel better” so it pretty much speaks for itself.

 

 

Juice Bar is the definition of nutritious. Just stop by Legacy Park and see for yourself. I’m always up for a good smoothie so as soon as I found out about this place I couldn’t wait to try it. The first time I went I had no idea what to order because most of the ingredients were things I would never imagine you would put in a smoothie. However, don’t be alarmed, the workers are very helpful and they will make sure you get exactly what you came for. A worker introduced me to the Coco Banana Smoothie with added blueberries and I haven’t been able to order anything else ever since (this one is for all you peanut-butter lovers out there). Juice Bar uses 100% whole fruits and vegetables and also strives to purchase directly from local farms whenever possible. It’s very evident that they go the extra mile to provide their customers with the freshest and most nutritious foods, so stop by and give it a try.

Fill up on the Crawfish-Craze

Dining Out

There’s one sensation that grips Tuscaloosa every spring: Crawfish.  Many other colleges and universities pride themselves on their Spring ‘darties’, but these little creatures seem to make Tuscaloosa darties stand out above the rest.

But if you want to spend your Saturday at somewhere other than the fraternities on campus, crawfish can be hard to come by.  One Saturday, my friends and I were driving around when we discovered a hidden gem of Northport: Cajun Craze Crawfish.

Cajun Craze is tucked into a little strip center off McFarland Boulevard in Northport.  The restaurant lacks decorations and other amenities that restaurants use to build their atmosphere, but this lack of décor seems to enhance the authenticity of the restaurant.  The space is filled with tables, chairs, a checkout counter, and a kitchen in the back; that’s it. No framed pictures, no tablecloths or menus, just a sign on the wall with a list of prices and a roll of paper towels and spices on every table.

Cajun Craze sells crawfish by the pound; you can either take them home and boil them yourself, or they can boil the crawfish for you.  My friends and I started off with a pound of crawfish.  Being from New York, Florida, Ohio and Indiana, we all were novices to crawfish this year.  The staff was incredibly kind and helpful, and they could definitely sense that we were new to the crawfish fad of the south, so the worker at the cash register demonstrated how to eat different parts of the crawfish. This information was incredibly valuable, and I began eating the tail with much more confidence since I now had tips from a local crawfish expert.

The crawfish was brought out in the same skillet they were cooked in.  The same staff member who taught us how to peel and eat the crawfish told us that they were freshly caught from the river just hours before.  We all tentatively took a crawfish and began peeling.

As soon as the meat plopped on my tongue I could taste the freshness.  The spices added a kick to the meat, but it wasn’t a kick that made it too hot to handle, the kick just made you want even more.  We ended up ordering another pound because they were so good, and soon our bellies were full, our fingers were covered with spices, and the table was covered with bright red shells.

Overall, Cajun Craze is an establishment solely dedicated to serving fresh crawfish.  If they run out of crawfish before the end of the day, you simply have to wait until the next day when they catch more.  There isn’t any fuss within the store; their sole purpose is to provide this southern delicacy to their customers, and they’ll serve it with a smile on their faces.  It’s truly a gem of the south; it’s simple, it’s authentic, and it’s exceptionally delicious.

I would strongly recommend swinging by Cajun Craze if you’re out running errands, or if you want a batch of fresh crawfish at a party or get together.  When I return home this summer, I know I’ll be missing the crawfish that Tuscaloosa has to offer, so Cajun Craze will be one of my first stops when I get back.  If you know of any other local gems in T-Town, please comment below!!

My Favorites Around T-Town

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Favorites Around Tuscaloosa

One of the main things that attracted me to college in the South was the food—in particular Bar-B-Que and comfort food. I wanted to try (and still do try) anything and everything that is not found anywhere but here in the South. For example, an authentic, slow cooked, juicy, tangy Bar-B-Que meal or hearty plate of gooey mac n cheese. I am from Pittsburgh, so our idea of a bar-b-que is grilling hamburgers and hot-dogs on our back porch with all of the neighborhood kids and sadly most of the time mac and cheese is from the box. I was really excited to spend some of my hard-earned money from the community pool on the various joints Tuscaloosa has to offer.

Southern Cooking

The first place I tried was Blue Plate Diner during my initial campus visit. After a long day of walking around campus for the first time, my dad and I decided we needed to have some “southern cooking.” We asked our tour guide, Tucker, where the best place around was to get a feel of the south. He recommended Blue Plate, where the food is “authentic, fast, and friendly to a college students budget.” His recommendation was on point because it has become one of my go-to restaurants. It is located on McFarland Blvd in Northport so if you are willing to make the ten-minute drive away from campus it will not disappoint. I recommend the chicken and dumplings, they have yet to let me down and are on special most days.

Bar-B-Que

Another one of my favorites is Jim ‘N Nicks. I found this gem when I was cramming everything I needed to know about microeconomics into my brain. Deciding to take a study break, I ordered take out from the well know BBQ joint and I was pleasantly surprised with their wide variety of selections. I opted for the Carolina style pulled pork with extra BBQ sauce– traditional style, adding on sides of mac n cheese and corn bread. The BBQ I consumed from this restaurant was my first time I was properly introduced to BBQ (I think) and I cannot wait to make my way around to all of the other places Tuscaloosa has to offer over my four years here.

Wild Card

The surprise for me in the area was the great Italian restaurant, DePalma’s, located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. When I think of the South, Italian doesn’t come to mind very often. The dishes they serve are traditional with a spin, and I when I go there to eat I feel like I am back up North. You really can’t go wrong with any of the dishes they have to offer and the environment is very welcoming inside. They don’t take reservations so if you are looking to go there on a Friday or Saturday (or really any day of the week), you may be waiting for a little while.

There are hundreds of amazing restaurants in our quaint college town, so if you have one that you feel should be recognized please leave your suggestion below!

 

 

Best Tuscaloosa Restaurants

Dining Out

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

 

Breakfast Gems

Breakfast Gems

From pancakes to sausage, breakfast has so many different options. Whether you want sweet or savory, breakfast has an option for you. This versatility is why breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Since breakfast is so important to me, I have spent a lot of time trying to find the best breakfast restaurants in Tuscaloosa. Luckily I have been able to find tons of places that seem to share my same love for breakfast. If you want to fill your stomach without having to eat more dining hall food, Tuscaloosa has plenty of tasty options to fulfill your breakfast cravings.

One of the most well known breakfast stops in T-Town is Rama Jama’s. Conveniently located right next to Bryant Denny Stadium, Rama Jama’s is a classic sports diner. The second you walk in the door you are greeted with wall-to-wall decorations that would impress even the biggest Alabama football fan. In addition to the atmosphere, this little restaurant is cranking out hearty breakfast

food all  day long. From eggs and bacon to pancakes, Rama Jama’s offers all the breakfast foods you could want. My personal favorite item off the menu is one of their delectable biscuits. Starting with a perfect, fluffy biscuit and adding your choice of meats such as chicken or sausage, it’s hard not to enjoy this basic breakfast treat. But if you are looking for a more quick and convenient breakfast, there are plenty of options.

Located on the strip, Holler & Dash is one of the most accessible and tastiest restaurants in town. Specializing in loaded up biscuits, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious, southern-inspired breakfast. Having grown up in Mississippi, I can say that I am not only a lover of biscuits and gravy, but also a harsh critic. However, their signature “Andouille Hustle” never fails to delight my tastebuds. Served open-faced, this dish is a buttery biscuit smothered in peppered gravy and topped with cheddar cheese and juicy andouille sausage. Holler & Dash is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy a quick and easy breakfast. However, if you are looking for a more upscale dining experience to satisfy your appetite, T-Town still has you covered.

Since it’s my favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa, I look for any opportunity to go to Southern Ale House. Although it is a little pricey for a college student, it is more than worth spending a few extra dollars. With the warm, rustic feel of brick walls and light  fixtures made out of mason jars, this restaurant is a southern hipster’s dream. In addition, the Sunday brunch is the perfect way to start a lazy day with some greasy food. My go to item is the Southern Breakfast Plate. This dish is the ideal hearty breakfast and includes bacon, sausage, hash browns, eggs, grits, and a biscuit. With enough food to fill one of Coach Saban’s linemen, I can guarantee this meal will be more than enough to appease any hankering.

With all of these flavorful spots and many more, Tuscaloosa offers a tasty dining experience for anyone. For all the breakfast lovers out there, feel free to leave your suggestions for where to go next!

Counting Calories Across Campus

Dining Out, Staying Healthy

As a college freshman, I’m constantly thinking about how much I miss home, or more specifically, my favorite meals from home. If you have a mom who’s an awesome cook, maybe you miss the smell of your kitchen every night. But if you had a hectic schedule and a mom who has callings other than cooking, maybe you miss your favorite restaurant meals just like I do.

Eating out is definitely more common for a lot of students in college.  I can only visit the dining hall so many times throughout the week, and for those of us in the Greek community, sometimes during lunch or dinner hours the house seems impossibly far away.  And as much as I would love to cook for myself more, I either have trouble motivating, or I don’t have the right ingredients to make anything decent (although if anyone knows a good meal to make out of barbeque Popchips and Tyson chicken nuggets, feel free to share).  So, a lot of the time I’ll turn to eating at the various restaurants across town.

Dining out frequently can have its risks.  Many people are worried about the high calorie entrees or the large portion sizes.  But in my experience, most restaurants have a variety of healthy options, so you have control over how healthy, or unhealthy, you want your order to be. And more and more restaurants are either providing nutrition menus at the counter, or they already list the calorie amount on the menu. For example, McAlister’s Deli serves satisfying meal portions, but they also have a nutrition menu readily available at the checkout counter.  While this isn’t the case for all restaurants, you can typically tell which establishments are healthier than others based on their name and menu.  Or at least, that’s the impression I was under.

One of my favorite restaurants in Tuscaloosa is Tropical Smoothie Café in Midtown Village. For those who have never been, as soon as you walk through the doors you notice the modern feel of the restaurant.  The white, wood paneled walls and fresh smell convince you that the food you’re about to order is not only healthy, but will also help energize your day.   I always order their Peanut Butter Cup smoothie, and because I’ve convinced myself that it’s a healthy restaurant, I assumed everything on their menu was healthy.

I bragged about this discovery to my friends, and eventually brought them along with me.  When we all sat down and ordered our food, my friend Maddie brought up the nutrition menu online.  She browsed for the Peanut Butter Cup smoothie, and her draw dropped.  I refused to hear the calorie count until I finished indulging on my favorite smoothie for possibly the last time.  After I finished, Maddie broke the news to me that my beloved “healthy” smoothie was, *drumroll*, 693 calories. My heart was broken.  How could a restaurant that seemed so healthy serve something that was so high in calorie content?

If anyone else loves Tropical Smoothie Café, don’t worry, my smoothie is one of the few that is that high in calories.  Actually, most smoothies have half that count. And they conveniently separate the smoothies into categories such as “Superfood Smoothies” and “Indulgent” (guess which one mine falls under), so the nutrition value truly depends on what you order.  After I experienced this shock, I decided to look more into the calorie count and nutrition value of my favorite meals across Tuscaloosa.  Although most restaurant menus will have generally similar items, there are always at least a few healthy options available.

So don’t worry about eating out from time to time, or even daily if that’s your thing. Plenty of restaurants across Tuscaloosa are dedicated to feeding you only the best, and nutritional info is almost always available at your fingertips.  Below I’ve included a list of healthy restaurants I’ve discovered. Take a look at the nutrition menu by clicking on the restaurant title.

Pita Pit:

This restaurant is located on the strip and has a wide variety of pocket pitas to satisfy your healthy cravings.  Whether you want a veggie pita or you’re hungry for a Chicken Crave, these pitas average around 400 calories.  As an extra cool feature, if you visit their website you can build your own Pita and it’ll count the calories for you! Definitely check this place out if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to a massive burrito.

Juice Bar:

Although I’ve never personally been here, my friends are slightly obsessed.  They serve smoothies, juices, and various sandwiches and bowls, and a majority of the items on the menu are under 500 calories! This is definitely on my list of places to visit, and you can find it near Krispy Kreme on McFarland Boulevard.

Panera Bread:

Ever heard the phrase, “everything is good in moderation”? I think this may be the case with Panera Bread.  Although they have launched a marketing campaign advertising their fresh and real ingredients, the calories still seem to add up with some of their menu items.  The half portions seem to have reasonable calorie counts, but the average full portion or “you pick two” combo will end up being 700 calories.  But, let’s be honest, the mac and cheese is definitely worth it.

Chicken Salad Chick:

Chicken Salad Chick is an extremely underrated gem of the south.  Guys: I’m going to be honest, it’s super girly, but it’s so worth it.  You can have your choice of multiple scoops of different types of chicken salad, or you can order a sandwich with a side of fruit.  My personal favorite is the Sassy Scotty, although there are several incredible flavors to try, most around 400 calories per scoop.  There are also healthy salads available! 

Taco Mama:

Although Taco Mama does not have a nutritional menu available online, they do promise to serve their guests the freshest ingredients.  I recommend Taco Mama because you can choose every ingredient that goes into your Mexican creation.  Check out their menu for all your options!

If you have any more suggestions, please feel free to comment below!

 

Best of Tuscaloosa

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Living in Tuscaloosa as college students, we often overlook the plethora of tasty restaurants we have around us. While it always seems easiest to just head back to your usual fast food place, T-town is home to much more than just Chick-Fil-A and Buffalo Phil’s.  From Mexican to Mediterranean, Tuscaloosa has a little something to offer for everyone, no matter what your taste.

Coming to Alabama, one food I highly expected to indulge my taste buds in was barbecue. The south is known for its meaty ribs, slow-cooked pulled pork, and smoked beef brisket all smothered in decadent barbecue sauce. Although Tuscaloosa definitely has its fair share of top-of-the-line barbecue spots, Archibald’s BBQ would have to take the cake. From the outside, Archibald’s looks like nothing special, but once you start to devour their baked beans and baby back ribs, you know this place can’t be matched. Their barbecue sauce is a homemade blend of spicy and sweet flavors that put your barbecue experience over the top.

Although I love me some great ribs, my personal favorite is Mexican food. A great place to satisfy your taco cravings is none other than Taco Mama. Similar to Chipotle, you get to pick a dish, a meat, and an overwhelming amount of toppings. My personal favorite is Jorge’s nachos. The nachos are a bed of tortilla chips, smothered in queso then topped with your choice of chicken, beef, pork or fish and any/all of their seemingly infinite toppings list: rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, pico, sour cream, grilled onions…. the list goes on and on. According to some of my friends, the best part for them is that the guac is not, and will never be, extra.

If you’re looking for something a little different, maybe Mediterranean food is the way to go. Glory Bound Gyro Co. offers a vast menu that is sure to expand your horizons. Their falafel plate seems to be a crowd favorite with its unique flavor wrapped up in warm pita bread. The meat is marinated in blend of spices that allows the beef to burst with greek flavors. As a person who is always pretty skeptical about trying new things, I can confidently say that taking a risk on Glory Bound is not something you’ll regret.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for some amazing American cuisine, look no further than FIVE. As the name insinuates, this trendy restaurant only offers five main dishes including hand-battered fried shrimp and perfectly cooked rib-eyes; although a petite list, all of these dishes are worth raving about. FIVE offers both a brunch menu as well as a dinner menu. If you get the chance, I would highly suggest trying both their brunch and dinner before your time as a student is over. Off their selective menu I would have to say their cheeseburger is the best. Definitely my favorite burger in Tuscaloosa, this seared beef patty is topped generously with bacon relish and melted cheddar cheese with the option of a fried egg on top (always something I splurge for). As an honorable mention in this category, Mugshots Grill and Bar is a great place to grab a burger as well as a side of their fried pickles. Many rave about their peanut butter burger, a dish that seems intimidating and strange but definitely worth a try.

As you can see, Tuscaloosa has a little bit of everything. From a great place to take your friends on game day to a cute spot you can grab a bite at on a random Tuesday night, T-town has it all.  Of course we all have our own individual favorite spots so let me know what tasty places I’ll have to try next in the comments below!

Best BBQ in T-Town

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My top priority when I arrived on the University of Alabama campus was finding out where the best restaurants in Tuscaloosa were­­–specifically the best barbecue.  I know as freshmen we are supposed to eat in the campus dining halls where our parents spend hard earned money, but let’s be honest – everyone needs a break sometime.  I am from the North where chain restaurants call themselves “barbecue joints” but fall seriously short.  I knew that once I arrived in Alabama, experiencing the famous cuisine that is synonymous with the South was a must.  Slow cooked tender ribs falling off the bone smothered in tangy, smoky robust sauce preoccupied my mind.  I started on my mission, to see if Southern barbecue was in fact legendary, or if it was all hype.

Hoo’s Q

Hoo’s Q is right across the street from Cook-Out. It is a “no gimmick, bare tin and wood walls” restaurant.  You order at the counter, the food is brought out in five minutes or less, and it is easy on a college student’s budget.

I ordered a pulled pork sandwich and a side of fries. The pork was very tender and had a nice smoky flavor.  Their special barbecue sauce had mild heat and enhanced the flavor of the meat. The fries were superb because of the special seasoning. They were extremely salty but the fries were an excellent complement to the sandwich.

 

Full Moon BBQ

The second restaurant was Full Moon BBQ, which is right off McFarland Boulevard. Full Moon calls itself the “Best Little Pork House in Alabama.” The restaurant’s decor is very inviting with paintings, pictures, and UA sports memorabilia from years past plastering the walls.

Full Moon specializes in trays, which include a main dish and two sides. I ordered a half rack of ribs with a side of mac and cheese and steak fries.  The ribs were excellent with the scrumptious meat practically falling off the bone. The mac and cheese was a perfect ratio of creamy cheddar sauce and al dente noodles. I enjoyed the crispy, steak fries with the soft insides. As an added surprise they give you a free cornbread muffin that was absolutely delicious with its mouthwatering flavor and moist, warm inside.

Dreamland Bar-B-Que

Dreamland Bar-B-Que prides themselves on “treating you like kin” and is located just over the bridge heading towards Northport. The amazing aroma of the open pit barbecue hits you as you step in the door. They cook all of their meats in wood ovens that you can see while you dine in the restaurant.

Before you order, you are served a plate of white bread with their famous barbecue sauce. A note of caution:  their sauce has a kick to it, so make sure you have a glass of water by your side before you dunk the whole piece of bread!  For my meal, I ordered a half rack of baby back ribs. The ribs at this restaurant are a tad tougher than Full Moon, but the overall size of the ribs are much larger. The seasoning on the ribs was flavorful and paired nicely with the sauce.

Tuscaloosa is a treasure trove of Southern barbecue restaurants.  I only sampled a small number of them, but I am thankful I have 3 more years to continue my research!  In an attempt to help other students, I have ranked the three places by the characteristics I feel are most important to college students.  It isn’t just hype….Southern barbecue is truly legendary and bucket list worthy.

Best Overall Place 

  1. Full Moon BBQ
  2. Hoos Q
  3. Dreamland BBQ 

Best Food for Price

  1. Hoos Q
  2. Full Moon BBQ
  3. Dreamland BBQ 

Best BBQ Sauce

  1. Hoos Q
  2. Dreamland BBQ
  3. Full Moon BBQ

If you would like to tell me about one of your favorite barbecue restaurants in town, I would love to hear about them! Please place your suggestions in the comments section.