Tuscaloosa’s Newest Restaurants & Bars to Try in 2023
Tuscaloosa continues to become a dynamic place to visit with the addition of many new and wonderful restaurants and bars that opened in 2022. As you prepare your 2023 travel plans and add Tuscaloosa to the bucket list, be sure to consider one of our newest places to eat and drink in Tuscaloosa while you’re in town!
New places to eat and drink in Tuscaloosa
BISTRO 17
If you’re looking for a spot with a fabulous Gluten free menu, Bistro-17 has you covered. The team at Bistro 17 has curated a menu that offers healthy American comfort food, with many of those Gluten free. The restaurant is conveniently located close to City Hall on University Blvd. in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Website: https://bistroseventeen.com
Address: 2217 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
DOMO
Located along the banks of the Black Warrior River, Domo serves as a takeaway market offering meat, cheese, seafood, and wine. Their Sandwich menu, Charcuterie Board, and Boxes make for a great picnic along the Riverwalk or at one of Tuscaloosa’s many parks.
Website: https://domodomodomo.com
Address: 1650 Jack Warner Parkway Suite 1008 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
FORTE CUTS & COCKTAILS
One of Tuscaloosa’s newest dining destinations, this modern brasserie serves French-inspired staples and classic cuts on a Brasserie meets Steakhouse inspired menu. Chef Jacob Stull offers elevated classics that are paired alongside a thoughtful wine list and an excellent bar program. Located in The Alamite, this Downtown Tuscaloosa spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and reservations can be made.
Website: https://www.fortetcl.com
Address: 2321 6th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
HOMEWOOD BAGEL CO.
Handcrafted, boiled, and baked fresh daily. A staple in Homewood, Alabama, this spot is now open daily for breakfast and lunch in Tuscaloosa, with bagels and cream cheese, bagel sandwiches and wraps, other baked goods and gourmet coffee. Located on 15th street in the former Hoo’s Q restaurant, this family-owned bagel shop was a great addition to the Tuscaloosa community this year.
Website: https://www.homewoodbagelco.com
Address: 101 15th St. East Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
JALAPEÑOS DOWNTOWN COCINA & TEQUILA BAR
If you’re looking for Alabama’s largest Tequila selection, the new Jalapeños Downtown location is where you need to be. Jalapeños has been a longtime favorite in Tuscaloosa and Northport for years and when the opportunity presented itself to return to their very original location they couldn’t pass it up. This Downtown location in Temerson Square features some of Jalapeños favorite Mexican dishes with unique additions, margaritas, Spanish wines, signature cocktails and … Tequila!
Website: https://iris-badger-f482.squarespace.com
Address: 405 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
ROLL CALL
If you’re seeking an elevated rooftop experience with views of Downtown Tuscaloosa and Bryant Denny Stadium, Roll Call is your new spot! Located above The Alamite, the team serves creative cocktails, local and craft beers, artisanal wines, small plates menu led by Executive Chef Jacob Stull, and good spirits. We’ll meet you at the top!
Website: https://www.rollcalltcl.com
Address: 2321 6th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
SOCAL CANTINA
If you’re looking for a Cali-Mex restaurant, then SoCal Cantina is the spot for you. The best of Miami has brought its award-winning margaritas and tacos to Tuscaloosa. With two bars, a wide selection of Southern California style bites and specialty margaritas made with only the freshest ingredients, it’s certainly a one-of-a-kind vibe! Born as a pop-up in the heart of Miami, SoCal Cantina was built with one main goal – to be a place where good vibes, mixed with outstanding food and drinks could hang out in harmony.
Website: https://www.socal-taco.com/location/socal-cantina-tuscaloosa/
Address: 2308 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
THE VEGANISH MARKET
Owned by a Tuscaloosa local and female entrepreneur, Yazmyn Rozier, the Veganish Market offers many gluten free, dairy free, and plant based items. On the menu you can find anything from plant-based ice cream to small plates and bowls, smoothies, and mock tails. The idea behind Veganish was to not only create a menu that caters to the vegan community but also the vegetarians, pescatarians, flexitarians, and those transitioning into a plant-based lifestyle.
Website: https://www.theveganishmarket.com
Address: 2128 University Blvd. Suite B. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
DESSERT
MO’BAY BEIGNET COMPANY
Based out of Mobile, Alabama, Mo’Bay Beignet Co.’s original hot and fresh beignets, signature syrups and freshly brewed coffees is something you just don’t want to miss out on! Located in Temerson Square, Mo’Bay’s hours allow for guests to enjoy their treats for breakfast or for a must-have late night snack.
Website: https://mobaybeignetco.com
Address: 401 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
DRINKS
ATOMIC COCKTAIL BAR
Another new spot opened in Temerson Square is Atomic Cocktail Bar. As a lively cocktail bar, they are proud to serve high-end cocktails, beer, and wine. You’ll find Atomic located directly below Dillard’s Chophouse. You’ll find the entrance on the side of the building located on Greensboro Avenue.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/atomic_cocktailbar_tuscaloosa/
Address: 2330 4th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
BOBAMANIA MIDTOWN VILLAGE
Locally owned in Tuscaloosa, BobaMania has become quite the popular treat in and around Tuscaloosa! Now with their second location in Midtown Village, the Bubble Tea House’s most popular drink is the Brown Sugar Boba Tea and the most popular topping is the Strawberry popping boba. They’re open seven days a week making it easy to give it a try anytime!
Website: https://bobamania.com
Address (Downtown): 1914 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Address (Midtown Village): 1800 McFarland Blvd. E, Suite 434, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
COMING SOON!
STRANGE BREW COFFEEHOUSE
What started out as a place for college students quickly became a place for the whole community in Starkville, Mississippi. Coming soon to The Strip in Tuscaloosa, this coffee spot focuses on customer service and makes sure the Strange Brew experience is the best. All of their coffees are roasted in small batches with care and are delicious. In addition to coffee, they enjoy coming up with fun baked goodies that will change seasonally. This new location will be located next to the iconic Gallettes bar.
Website: https://strangebrewcoffeehouse.myshopify.com
WE DAT’S CHICKEN & SHRIMP
We love when Alabama’s sports legends invest back in the Tuscaloosa community! JaMychal Green, an Alabama native and a star for the Crimson Tide’s Basketball team from 2008 until 2012, will be at the helm of this new restaurant opening on The Strip. Guests will find We Dat’s in the former home of Little Italy, which was a staple on The Strip for years. Already doing business with multiple locations around New Orleans, We Dat’s will specialize in Cajun-style chicken, shrimp and catfish with loaded sides to match. Take-home spice mixes and sauces will also be available for sale.
Website: https://wedatschickenandshrimp.com
This is just a quick glimpse into some of the many new places eat and drink in Tuscaloosa that opened during 2022. Ready to plan your visit? Request a visitor’s guide today, or explore some of our upcoming community events.
Roll Tide!