Since this is my last semester on campus at The University of Alabama, I figured it was time for me to share my favorite places to eat in Tuscaloosa. Narrowing it down to 10 was very hard for me, because I definitely consider myself a big foodie! You have to check these places out regardless of whether you are coming to Title Town for gameday, date night, or just a simple dinner. I promise these 10 restaurants won't disappoint! (These are in no particular order.)
1. Rama Jama's
Rama Jama's is a must when you are in Tuscaloosa, especially if your a Bama Fan. Rama Jama's is located right beside Bryant Denny Stadium, you can't miss it. The restaurant is full of Crimson Tide memorabilia, as you can imagine that's a lot. Now you must experience both breakfast and lunch, because it is like no other. When you go for breakfast, I recommend getting the SEC Champ Breakfast (pictured above); this includes 3 Eggs, Smoked Center Cut Ham, Grits, Hashbrowns, and 2 Biscuits for just $8.69. When you head over for lunch, grab a National Champ Burger (pictured above); this includes a 16 oz. Double Meat, Cheese, Bacon, Onion Rings, and a Pickle Spear for just $9.99. Another one of my favorites is the "Ain't Nothin But a Winner" Polish Dog; this includes Polish Sausage, Pepper & Onions, 2 Strips of Bacon, Ground Beef w/ BBQ Sauce, and Onion Rings for just $8.99. If you're planning on going to eat here on Gameday, get prepared to wait in line! It's worth the wait for sure!
2. City Cafe
If you are looking for a good ole' meat and vegetables plate; head on over to City Cafe, but only Monday-Friday from 4am - 3:30pm. The breakfast is killer too, and anything you get is going to be good. When you head in for lunch, you'll see that the menu options change every day. Don't worry though, I promise that every option is really tasty! You can bet that before you get your lunch, you'll have some cornbread and biscuits to nibble on. This is the perfect place to make you feel at home and full at the same time. If you are planning on coming here for lunch, make sure you come a little early because the tables are first come first serve and the line is out the door.
3. Chuck's Fish
I can't even tell you guys how much I love Chuck's, it is just so extremely good! I just wish they would open for lunch but, Chuck's doesn't open until 5pm. When you order your appetizer, make sure you get their Famous Uptown Shrimp as well as The Fried Green Tomatoes. As for Sushi, you can't go wrong with any roll. Every time I dine at Chuck's I always try a new roll, so far The TNT Roll is my favorite. When you get to dinner, if they have Crab Cakes on the menu that day.... you must get them!!! The Stuffed Shrimp is one of my favorite things to get as well. I'll be honest, I am always too full by the time dessert comes around. But, I have heard the bread pudding is to die for! Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on this menu, this is probably the best seafood you will get in Tuscaloosa. P.S. Ladies, make sure you go on Tuesday Night's, because it's Ladies Night and 50% off all Sushi Rolls. You're Welcome.
4. The Original Dreamland BBQ
A Southern Alabama Classic, "Ain't Nothin' like 'em nowhere". This is THE ORIGINAL Dreamland, and they like to keep it simple here. They only offer Ribs, Sausage, Sauce, White Bread, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, and The Famous Banana Pudding. I mean you might as well just get everything on the menu, because they are all must haves. The ribs just fall of the bone and are so good that you'll have sauce all over you by the time you finish. And who would have thought that dipping a piece of white bread in some BBQ Sauce would taste as good as it does? The sides are all killer, you can't go wrong with any of them. As for dessert, you better not leave there without Banana Pudding. It taste like it came straight out of your grandma's kitchen and will take you back to your roots. If you have never ate here, you're probably not from Alabama.
5. DePalma's Italian Cafe
If you are looking for real italian food, this is the only place in Tuscaloosa that you will find it. There is always a wait, because everyone in Tuscaloosa loves the food. This isn't your local Olive Garden, that's for sure. For an appetizer make sure you get the savory stuffed mushrooms, they are to die for. I really enjoy the salads here, because they are very fresh and all of their dressings are homemade. The pasta is freshly made as well as the hand tossed pizzas, both very delicious. Don't forget to save room for dessert because The White Chocolate Bread Pudding is divine. Enjoy a cappuccino or expresso, while your having dessert. You won't be disappointed with this establishment!
6. FIVE Bar
Tuscaloosians love 5, they go here for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks. I really enjoy the brunch, especially The Chicken 'n' Waffles. The Chicken 'n' Waffles actually have walnuts on top with whipped butter and pure maple syrup, sweet and savory. At lunch, I usually just go for the cheeseburger and fries. This is not your average cheeseburger though, this cheeseburger has a special relish on it you can add a fried egg if you would like. Now at dinner time, make sure for an appetizer you try The Fried Green Tomatoes and Uptown Chicken. I can't even explain the flavors of The Uptown Chicken, this dish is just plain good. I like to go on Wednesday's, so I am able to get The Fried Gulf Shrimp. It is a super simple dish, and comes with fries and tartar sauce. As for dessert, they only have one option, which is The White Chocolate Bread Pudding. I will say, you will probably be to full to order dessert.
7. Innisfree Irish Pub
The "famous" Innisfree is known for their "Over the Top" Pub Fries, which are waffle fries with melted cheddar, bacon bits, and chives. Dip them in ranch and you have the perfect meal. If you love chicken tenders, make sure you order those too. You can have the chicken tenders tossed in any of the wing sauces, I recommend the buffalo sauce with ranch. If you are coming here for a classic irish dish, you can get The Shepherd's Pie. I have never The Shepherd's Pie, because I am too obsessed with Cheese Fries and Buffalo Chicken Fingers. Check it out on gameday, they have so many other great options on the menu. This is definitely a campus favorite!
8. Buffalo Phil's
If you are headed over to try Buffalo Phil's; make sure you go about two weeks into the semester, because the students have used all of their dining dollars and it won't be as crowded. If you would like, you can even bring your dog and sit at the outside patio. The staff will even bring your pup some water to slurp on while you eat. The Buffalo Chicken Dip is a hit with anyone I take here, it comes with melted cheese on top and chips on the side. My favorite entree is The "Fingers on Fire", this is chicken fingers covered in B. Phil's buffalo sauce that tastes like no other. Fingers on Fire also comes with curly fries and a side of ranch. This is a must to be able to take in the full experience of The University of Alabama Campus.
9. Cyprus Inn
This is a similar restaurant to Chuck's, except with an amazing view of The Warrior River. I guarantee you that your food with always be great every time you dine here. They first bring you rolls and muffins with cinnamon butter, but don't fill up on these because you have to eat every course they offer. For an appetizer I recommend just getting The Sampler Platter, because then you can get a taste of everything. The Appetizer Sampler Plater comes with catfish, smoked chicken, fried green tomatoes, buffalo shrimp (my favorite), and dill pickle stackers (my second favorite). They offer a soup or salad with your entree for an additional cost, I usually go with a salad because I love homemade 1000 Island. But, my dad always gets the gumbo and he thinks it's delicious. For my entree I always end up getting The Jumbo Fried Gulf Shrimp, and it is always very tasty. This entree is served with hushpuppies and a 2 sides of choice, I always get a baked potato and side salad. Everyone in Tuscaloosa loves to go here, it is a classic Tuscaloosa Restaurant.
10. Taco Casa
Taco Bell, Who? If you are driving anywhere in Tuscaloosa, you are going to see a big cactus. Make sure you stop when you see one, because this is the best drive-thru Mexican food you will ever eat. This has been locally owned since 1974, and it really is good quality food. I recommend a #5, it has a Sancho, Enchilada, Frijoles, Rice, Chips, and shredded cheese all over it. You are able to choose from chicken or beef, mild, hot, or extra hot sauce. They also have a Chimaliupa, which is just a taco salad and it is very good. The shell of the Chimaliupa is freshly made, so it warm and it just melts in your mouth. They are also famous for their Tacoburger, and it is exactly what it sounds like. Don't forget to get a sweet tea, because they have the "good" ice.
Thanks for reading!
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