Welcome to Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide! If you’re heading to town to catch a game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC team: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Coach: Nick Saban
- Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Fun fact: The Tide is the only program to win an SEC title every decade since the conference was formed in 1933.
Where to Stay in Tuscaloosa
Hotel Capstone is located right on campus — does it get any more convenient than that? Image: Hotel Capstone
Hotel Capstone
320 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (800) 477-2262
Hotel Capstone is a popular hotel because of its location right on campus. This property features on-site dining and in-house dry cleaning — two amenities that tend to come in handy when you’re in town for a short weekend, and time is of the essence. SB Tip: Book your stay here as early as possible! Snagging a room gets quite hard throughout the season.
Embassy Suites
2410 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 561-2500
Just two miles from the University of Alabama, Embassy Suites offers free breakfast and breathtaking views of Tuscaloosa. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool.
Hotel Indigo
111 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa AL 35401 • (205) 469-1660
Near campus and on the waterfront, Hotel Indigo also happens to have a great rooftop bar and quality food.
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Where to Eat & Drink in Tuscaloosa
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, here are some of your best bets in town.
Evangeline’s
1653 Mcfarland Boulevard North, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 752-0830
Located across the river, Evangeline’s is your stop for fine dining in Tuscaloosa. According to their website, they are no longer accepting any reservations for Fridays before game days. If a game begins after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the restaurant is closed that evening.
Avenue Pub
2230 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-4900
Located a short drive from campus, Avenue Pub serves up delicious elevated bar food and craft cocktails. SB Tip: Order the Thai Nachos!
Sweet Home Food Bar
2218 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 764-9346
Sweet Home Food Bar‘s food is rivaled only by it’s charming atmosphere. This popular spot offers tasty American and Italian options.
DePalma’s Italian Cafe
2300 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-1879
DePalma’s is a Tuscaloosa favorite for good reason. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Guests enjoy some of the best pasta dishes in the city.
Dreamland BBQ
1515 15th Avenue E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 • (205) 758-8135
If you’re looking to experience authentic Alabama BBQ, Dreamland is your spot. Their limited menu features the best of the best. Don’t leave without ordering the banana pudding!
Side By Side
2410 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 561-5500
Located inside Embassy Suites, Side By Side works with local farms to serve fresh, seasonal Southern fare with a creole twist.
River
1650 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 632-3801
River is situated on the beautiful Black Warrior River and is the ideal dining option for experiencing Tuscaloosa (slightly) off campus. We suggest taking a walk along the Riverwalk while you’re there!
Rama Jama’s
1000 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 737-7524
You can’t leave Tuscaloosa without enjoying Rama Jama’s biscuits and gravy. Known around town as Nick Saban’s favorite breakfast spot, Rama Jama’s is a true Tuscaloosa staple.
FIVE Bar
2324 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-6089
Offering five dinners, five wines, and five signature cocktails, FIVE Bar is a favorite among locals. Dinner entrées include a cheeseburger, panéed chicken, a fried shrimp platter, bone-in pork chop, and ribeye.
Heat Pizza Bar
2250 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 632-3282
If you’re craving good pizza, Heat Pizza Bar is where you’ll find it. Order to-go and consider bringing it to your tailgate — you’ll be popular.
Hooligans
1351 McFarland Boulevard North East, Ste. 112, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 764-5552
515 15th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-2424
Hooligans is a diner-style restaurant that serves some of the best Mediterranean food in town. They offer lunch, dinner, and all-day breakfast, so you can stop by anytime.
The Waysider
1512 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-8239
Serving up delicious Southern breakfasts since 1951, The Waysider is proof that kind people and good hospitality go just as far as good food. Expect a wait — but know it’ll be worth it.
And don’t miss out on other Southern chains including Half Shell Oyster House, Chuck’s Fish, Mugshots Bar & Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Jim N Nick’s, Moe’s BBQ, Taco Mama and more.
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Bars in Tuscaloosa
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Stop by any (or all!) of these local hotspots for a libation before or after the big game. Image: Facebook
Buffalo Phil’s
1149 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 758-3318
Buffalo Phil’s is popular among locals and visitors for its wide selection of beers. Plus, this hotspot offers daily drink specials.
Gallette’s
1021 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Gallette’s is Tuscaloosa’s most popular game day bar due to its close proximity to the stadium and iconic Yellow Hammer cocktails. SB Tip: Reach out to Gallette’s ahead of game day and purchase a premade batch of yellow hammers for your tailgate party.
Innisfree Pub
1925 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-1199
Innisfree is sure to be packed on any game day (or really any weekend) in Tuscaloosa. Locals love the Messy Chips to eat and the classic Bushwacker frozen cocktail.
Loosa Brews
412 2oth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 737-7440
If you’re looking for a more laidback vibe, venture to Loosa Brews to enjoy a vast on tap menu and tons of craft beer to purchase and take home.
Alcove
730 22nd Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 469-9110
Although quite popular, Alcove has the feeling of a neighborhood hidden gem. They offer an extensive beer list and tropical-inspired cocktails.
The Bear Trap
1137 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
The best place to hang at The Bear Trap is on their roof. You’ll have views of all of University Boulevard and easy walkability to the stadium.
Session Cocktails
2221 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 201-0348
If you’re looking to enjoy a swanky cocktail slightly outside of the campus’ rowdy atmosphere, Session Cocktails is the place. Guests will enjoy modern classic cocktails in an upscale environment.
Catch 22
2328 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 344-9347
Offering signature cocktails like the Peach Cobbler, Tropical Cosmopolitan, Vera Calore, and more, the libations at Catch 22 are sure to quench your thirst. The local hotspot also offers beer and infused liquor.
Rounders
1215 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-4848
Rounders is home to three (yes, three!) bars. Most popular is its rooftop area, as it offers live music and aerial views of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Houndstooth
1300 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 752-8444
Named “Alabama’s Favorite College Bar,” The Houndstooth offers darts, pool tables, and an outdoor patio. If you’re in town during the week, be sure to stop by during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Where to Tailgate in Tuscaloosa
UA’s tailgating is fairly restricted, but here are some tips:
- In non-reserved areas, it’s free to tailgate on campus at The Quad. Do note that no parking is allowed, so you need to drop your gear off beforehand.
- To reserve space or purchase a tailgate package, visit gamedaydoneright.com.
SB TIPS:
- While you can bring your own food to grill for tailgating, you also can buy food on campus. Stop by the patio of The Houndstooth (right next to The Quad) and grab nachos from Big Bad Wolves.
- Take a stroll down the River Walk path if you want some exercise or just to enjoy the city.
- Arrive to campus early for game days to find parking on side streets within walking distance of the stadium.
- If you visit campus on homecoming weekend (October 22, 2022) be sure to walk sorority row and view the pomps (large decorative displays made entirely from tiny balled-up pieces of paper) each house creates in the months leading up to the game.
- If you’re attending the Alabama vs. Tennessee game, be sure to bring a cigar with you as it’s tradition to light a cigar in the stadium at the game’s end if Alabama wins.
- Tuscaloosa is great for shopping. Here are some of favorites: Dukes, Part Two, Effie’s, and Mobley & Sons (Men’s).
Roll Tide!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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