Experience Tuscaloosa on a Budget

Tuscaloosa has so many restaurants, shops, and outdoor spaces to enjoy, but sometimes it can be difficult to let the good times roll when you’re on a tight budget. Thankfully, there are so many activities around town that are either low-cost or free! With endless restaurant specials and outdoor attractions galore, it’s so easy to experience Tuscaloosa to the fullest without breaking the bank!

FOOD

Baumhower’s: Baumhower’s Victory Grille is a restaurant and sports bar chain founded by former Alabama football player Bob Baumhower. The restaurant offers specials that make it easy to dine out without breaking the bank! Their Halftime special is Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m., with half-priced appetizers and drink specials. Every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. is Girls Night Out, featuring a 2-for-1 menu and discounts on beer and wine. With two locations in Tuscaloosa, stop by this week to enjoy the casual atmosphere and great specials at Baumhower’s!

Catch a Taste: Catch a Taste is a food truck in Tuscaloosa that specializes in wings and hot dogs. Their wings can be made in a variety of flavors, including favorites such as sweet honey barbeque and sweet heat. The truck offers daily specials from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., including deals on Polish dawgs, wraps, and wing combos of many sizes. Catch a Taste stops at a different location every day, so make sure you check the stop schedule on their Facebook page to know where they’re located!

Heat Pizza Bar: Founded in downtown Tuscaloosa in 2015, Heat Pizza Bar offers artisan pizza and salad made from fresh ingredients. The restaurant has different specials every Monday through Thursday, including deals on specialty pizzas and cocktails. Heat Pizza also has Happy Hour drink specials Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m. Check out their website to see the full list of specials, and drop in to try one out!

Ruan Thai: Ruan Thai is Tuscaloosa’s top destination for a variety of Asian dishes, including traditional Thai favorites and sushi rolls. The restaurant offers curry specials every weekday for only $8.95, including dishes such as red curry and khao soi. The full list of specials is available on their website. If you’re in the mood to experience something different, Ruan Thai is a delicious and budget-friendly option!

OUTDOOR

Will May Dog Park: Will May Dog Park is one of the best places in Tuscaloosa to take your furry friend out to play. The park is open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and offers fenced-in areas for small dogs, large dogs, and a training yard. Best of all, it’s free! Enjoy Tuscaloosa’s hot summer days with your dog at Will May Dog Park!

Snow Hinton Park: Snow Hinton Park is one of Tuscaloosa’s most well-known parks. Facilities including lighted athletic fields, grills, and picnic tables are available for the public to use. Snow Hinton Park is easily recognizable because of its giant jungle gym, but there are also smaller play structures available. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy for free at Snow Hinton Park!

Bowers Park: Another free outdoor space that’s chock-full of fun activities is Bowers Park. Amenities such as disc golf, lighted tennis courts, volleyball nets, and a playground make this the perfect place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. There’s even an indoor facility with fitness equipment and a wood floor gym! Stop by Bowers Park today to enjoy everything that this wonderful park has to offer!

SHOP

The Shirt Shop: The Shirt Shop has been a Tuscaloosa classic since 1979. The shop specializes in upper scale men’s, women’s, and youth clothing, including a wide selection of gameday attire. In the men’s department, you can purchase two pairs of AFTCO shorts and get a free hat! While you’re at The Shirt Shop, make sure to inquire about designing your perfect gameday polo. With so much to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something for the whole family!