To ensure the health and safety of residents in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, bars, restaurants, and breweries have stopped serving food or drink on-site for one week, but many are still open for take-out only. With UA closing its doors for the spring semester and canceling May graduation, local businesses need support now more than ever.

The City of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama have worked together to come up with a plan that supports local businesses. We know that some people are not comfortable with leaving their home right now. Here are some ways you can help at varying levels of comfort:

● Purchase gift cards to use when the coronavirus is no longer a concern
● Order take out or delivery through the restaurant or business itself or through a service like Crimson2Go, where you have the option of ‘no contact delivery’
● Write reviews if you’ve had a positive experience
● Share posts on social media
● Shop online if a local business accepts online orders
● If your income hasn’t been affected by the coronavirus consider donating to a
a local business that could need it
● Tip generously
● If you are a business with employees working extended hours, consider bringing in meals from a local restaurant

If there’s one thing we’re certain of in these unprecedented times, it’s that residents of Tuscaloosa come together when faced with hardship. We choose to live here for many reasons both quantifiable and intangible and will always support our community.

Show us how you’re supporting local businesses by tagging #TuscaLocal on social media and visit ​https://tuscaloosachamber.com/support-local/​ for updates and a list of local businesses that could use your help.

This Friday night, Dylan Scott is in town. This nationally known country star will be performing his ‘Causin’ A Scene’ tour at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key Dave’s Crimson Bar is having a paint, sip, repeat night at 6 p.m. Embrace your inner Picasso while enjoying some drinks with friends.

 

Start your Saturday morning off early at 7 a.m., sampling some of Sweet Home Chicago jellies and jam at the Tuscaloosa River Market! Later in the day, you can participate in the Druid City Pride Poker Run starting at 4 p.m. The Poker Run begins at Icon, and then you head out to other checkpoints (The Gray Lady, Tavern 1831, Nocturnal Tavern, and Catch 22) where you will draw a playing card and enjoy some drinks! If you’re 21, head over to the website to register. Later in the evening, the Black Jacket Symphony is presenting Journey’s “Escape.” Enjoy all of the greatest hits at Bama Theatre Galleries at 8 p.m.

 

Sporting Events at The University of Alabama

University of Alabama gymnastics take on Georgia at 7:15 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum. Celebrate senior night and Big Al’s birthday. University of Alabama baseball takes on Lipscomb all weekend at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. University of Alabama women’s soccer team takes on Tennessee at noon.

 

 

	Meal Deals	Drink Deals
Sunday	Complimentary beignets at Waysider. Check out brunch locations here.	$5 margaritas at Central Mesa.
Monday	$5 burgers with a side at World of Beer.	$4 Pitchers of Bud Light, Budweiser, Shock top, Sweetwater 420, and Yuengling at Buffalo Phil’s.
Tuesday	$2 sushi at Chuck’s.	½ price wine glasses and bottles at Chophouse.
Wednesday	½ price wings at Innisfree.	$5 draft beer and wells at River.
Thursday	Buy one get one free boneless Thursdays at Buffalo Wild Wings.	$5 signature cocktails at Heat Pizza.
Friday	$10 Chicken Philly Po’boy at Brick and Spoon.	$2 tallboys at The Filling Station.
Saturday	½ price burgers at Chophouse.	$3 White Claws at Copper Top.

Valentine’s Day

• Jon Langston’s Bird Dog Tour is stopping in Tuscaloosa this weekend! Langston will be performing at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to see this country musician live, you can get tickets here.
• There is a speed dating fundraiser for singles 25 and over at LynCar Events, and Designs starting at 8 p.m. Meet, chat, and find your match on Valentine’s Day. The event includes hors d ‘oeuvres, wine, and desserts. Proceeds raised will fund scholarships for Rolling into Success, Inc.
• The Alabama Gymnastics takes on Arkansas at 5:45 p.m. The theme is 80’s night, so be sure to dress for the occasion. The gymnastics team is also doing a sweatband, fanny pack, and t-shirt giveaway.

Saturday

• The Alabama Men’s Basketball team takes on LSU at Coleman Coliseum at 4 p.m. Cheer on the Crimson Tide as they take on the number two team in the SEC. 
• The Brook and Bluff, Nashville-based band will be performing at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. This band has quickly become recognized for its evocative blend of vocal harmony, soulful air, and groovitational pull. Get your tickets here.
• Monarch Espresso Bar is hosting a coffee tasting lab from 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Taste different kinds of coffee and learn how to identify different flavor notes, so you can know exactly what type of coffee you like. 
• ‘Reach for the Stars’ is happening all day at the Children’s Hands-on Museum. Kids can enjoy planetarium shows, space crafts, and an asteroid launch.
• Mary’s Cakes and Pastries is having a Cookie Throwdown with the theme “Where the Wild Things Are.” The book, “Where the Wild Things Are” will be read at 1:15 p.m., baking and decorating cookies begins at 1:30 p.m., and judging will start at 2:45. There will be winners in various age categories from “5 and under” to “adult.” The first cookie is free to decorate, but if you want more to practice on, they are $1 each. 

All Weekend

• The University of Alabama Theatre and Dance presents Mr. Universe this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Bales Theatre. This play allows the audience to ask the difficult questions about truth and lies, perspective and perception, and the character’s mysterious motivations. This play takes place in New Orleans with a drag queen and a bloody stranger after a wild night.
• The play, Inherit the Wind, is happening Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Theatre Tuscaloosa. This play I based on the events of the Scopes Monkey Trials, Inherit the Wind pits two lawyers against one another as the state prosecutes a teacher for discussing the theory of evolution in the classroom.
• Urine Town is performing at ACT studio theatre this Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. This play demonstrates what it could be like in 20 years when there is a water shortage. Find out if people follow the laws or revolt against them.

At Home

Get artsy at home

• Get a little creative and have a craft night for you and your significant other. Pick up some canvases and acrylic paint and put your skills to the test, whether you are drawing each other or a landscape. If you want to try something a little bit more daring check out these websites for more ideas.
  • Wine cork succulent magnetsPinecone frame
  • Homemade key chains
  • Mason jar lights

Spa night at home

– Treat each other to some face masks and massages. Customize your spa night to meet yours and your partner’s needs. If you need face masks, oils for massages, or supplies for pedicures, you can pick up your supplies at Target or Sally Beauty.

Bake-off

– Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose your favorite sweets and get competitive in the kitchen. See who makes the better cake, cookies, pies, or bread. Or showcase your decorating skills with dipped strawberries, pretzels, or peanuts.

Stargaze

– Grab a bottle of wine, a blanket, and find somewhere quiet to check out the stars. Clear skies are in the forecast for Friday night, so this could be a great opportunity.

Nerf-Gun war

– All is fair in love and nerf war. Grab some nerf guns and plenty of darts for a fun-filled competitive night.

Board games and puzzle Night

– Round up all of your favorite childhood board games for a game night.

Drink Tasting at Home

– Cravings is the place to pick up some beer, wine or sodas and then do a homemade tasting at home.

Out on the Town

Pottery Night

– Check out All Fired Up. You can reserve your spot ahead of time for $14 a couple for an hour and a half. Paint some pottery together or something for each other.

Waffle House

– Waffle House is dimming the lights on Valentine’s Day. This is the only night Waffle House accepts reservations.

Buy outfits at the thrift store for each other

– Put the responsibility in your partner and let them pick the direction your outfit is going in. See which side of the spectrum your significant other gets your outfit, whether it be cute or crazy.

Lake Laureen

– Pack up a picnic and head to Lake Laureen for a picnic. Don’t forget your cutlery and drinks!

Opening day baseball

– The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team’s opening night is this Friday at Watch the Tide take on Northeastern at 3 p.m.

Roller skate

– Skate your way through valentine’s day at Super Skate. Open from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Monster Hunting

– Wander around Tuscaloosa for the monsters. These monsters were designed by elementary students and created by artists around town. Check out the website.

Brick and Spoon

Swing by for some southern food with an upscale feel, yet still casual. Brick and Spoon also allows you to customize Bloody Mary’s with their unique mix, to have the bartender fix it just the way you like. Brunch is served every day from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Some of the special items on the menu are the breakfast tacos and the stuffed French toast.

Sweet Home Food Bar

New York flare meets Tuscaloosa at Sweet Home Food Bar. On Saturday’s they open at

8 a.m. and on Sundays at 10 a.m. Check out the breakfast nachos or try out the pancake of the day. For cocktails, they offer mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and sangrias. Be sure to get there before they close at 3 p.m.

Another Broken Egg

Open every day from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Another Broken Egg offers sweet, savory, and sensible breakfast options, as well as a gluten-free menu. They offer signature cocktails like a peach bellini or a brunch old fashioned. You can also get a mimosa, with over six different flavors to mix in.

Avenue Pub

Brunch is from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Sunday’s there is live music from noon until 4 p.m. Avenue Pub puts a southern twist on their breakfast options, like their chicken biscuit and gravy. Avenue Pub balances the possibilities of breakfast choices and lunch choices to suit your taste.

FIVE

Brunch is 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. FIVE offers a Bloody Mary bar, so you can customize and create your drink exactly the way you like. FIVE also doubles as a coffee shop on Saturday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Start your meal off with some beignets or avocado toast and then take a pick from one of their five amazing entrees.

301Bistro

Brunch begins at 11 on Saturday and Sunday. 301 offers a varying menu, with staples like their breakfast casserole and chicken waffles. Sunday is jazz brunch featuring the voodoo saints, a local jazz band, with a New Orleans sound. Specialty craft cocktails like the tipsy tea or a gypsy rose lee are just a few of the craft cocktails at 301.

World of Beer

From donut bites to avocado toast, you can munch on any kind of breakfast classics, but if someone in the group isn’t up for brunch, they also serve lunch during this time. World of Beer also presents a signature twist on a mimosa by offering a beermosa, a white wheat beer with orange juice. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m.

River

Brunch starts at 10 a.m. and goes to 1:30 p.m. River offers some unique and delicious options like their prosciutto and egg flatbread or their fried oyster benedict.  If you are looking for something a little bit lighter, River also offers house-made granola with fresh fruit.

Side by side

Brunch is served Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Side by Side features a 20-foot Bloody Mary Bar, so you can only imagine all of the possibilities of your Bloody Mary. Check out the menu featuring southern favorites.

Chophouse

Sunday brunch starts at 10 a.m. with menu items like crab cakes and veggie burritos. Be sure to try out the milk punch or a French 75 along with other brunch classics like a Bloody Mary or mimosa when cocktail service starts at noon.

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

First Friday is here! Downtown Tuscaloosa’s Art Walk is a night full of art, music, and more. This is a great opportunity to check out all of the galleries and shows Tuscaloosa has to offer. All of the galleries are within walking distance of each other, so it is a great experience for a local night out.

Start your morning off by taking your kids to the Children’s Hands-On Museum for ‘Be My Valentine’ starting at 9 a.m. Here kids will explore Valentine’s Day through science, technology, engineering, art and math projects, and challenges. The kids can also get a head start on creating their Valentine’s Day cards!

The Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cookoff is happening this weekend at Bryant Conference Center at 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Take part in sampling over 30 chili recipes and cast your vote for your favorite, to help determine a winner. This event also features live entertainment, children’s activities and free ice-cream, chili dogs, and cheese biscuits. This event costs $10 for adults, and children under 6 are free. Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa will donate all funds to several projects, including Youth Development, the Exchange Club’s work in child abuse prevention, and community service.

If you want to kick start your Valentine’s Day, World Market has a ‘Sweets & Treats’ event from noon until 5 p.m. This free event allows you to sample chocolates, berries, candies, and bubblies. Plus, World Market is sharing a unique dessert recipe that everyone will love. Pick out your favorites and be all set for Valentine’s with your significant other or Galentine’s with your friends.

Elevation of Art is going to be at the third annual Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival. Embrace the diverse cultural heritage of Tuscaloosa through art exhibitions at this free event. This festival will take place at the McDonald Hughes Center from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The ninth Annual Interactive Family Night at the museum will be at the Natural History Museum in Smith and Lloyd Hall on the University’s campus. Family Night is free from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Don’t miss out on interactive activities as well as door prizes and free food.

If you are looking for live music, cap your Saturday night off at Druid City Brewing.  ‘When Particles Collide’ will be performing starting at 8 p.m. ‘When Particles Collide’ is a must-see band starring a jazz drummer and choral vocalist that tour all over the U.S. and Canada.

Don’t forget the Farmers Market at Tuscaloosa River Market takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon all year!

Be sure to tag us in your social media posts using #weekendsinttown.

Do you ever get hungry late at night and feel too tired to cook? Here are a few spots around Tuscaloosa that can satisfy your late-night craving.

1. Whataburger is open 24 hours. You can get a burger or chicken sandwich whenever you desire. They also serve their breakfast menu from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. every day. Also featured on their menu are classic milkshakes and malts if you’re looking for something sweet. You can truly get it all, at any hour.

2. If you’re looking for some Mexican food, look no further than Moe’s. Open until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. Get yourself a burrito or a bowl made exactly how you want. If you’re looking for a lighter snack you can also order some chips with queso or guacamole.

3. The ever-faithful Waffle House offers southern staples 24/7. From hash browns to patty melts, you can get your filling any way you like. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, every day! Whether it is after a night game or a long day of work, check out your local Waffle House.

4. Little Italy is open until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday through Saturday. If you’re looking for a slice of pizza, a calzone, or maybe some pasta, Little Italy is a great place to satisfy your Italian cravings. It is located right across from the strip in University Town Center. It is just a short walk from the bars or a quick drive from the library.

5. Philly Boyz is open until midnight on Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Swing by for a Philly cheesesteak or some pizza fries. They also serve several flavors of frozen wine, making this a great place to cap your night off.

6. A classic here in Tuscaloosa, Quick Grill, is open from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday and open until midnight on Sunday. You can order their legendary messy fries or classic burgers. However, they also serve amazing veggie burgers as a vegan option.

7. Cookout is another late-night spot open until 3:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced but if you’re looking for a good deal, get their cookout tray; served with 1 entrée, 2 sides, and a drink.

8. If you’re looking for a midnight sushi deal, Surin of Thailand offers great deals Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant reopens at 11 p.m. and you can order sushi, crab rangoon, or some teriyaki chicken with rice all for a great price.

9. For a healthier alternative, Pita Pit on the strip is a viable option. With a wide range of choices, you are guaranteed to find what you are craving on the menu. Open until 2 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

10. If you don’t feel like going out to get anything both Domino’s and Papa John’s deliver late! If you’re a student at The University of Alabama, you’re in luck, both places accept dining dollars as a form of payment. Domino’s is open until 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on the weekends. Papa Johns is open until 1 a.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekends.

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

Finding a good coffee shop is not always easy. Everyone likes a different vibe and menu, but Tuscaloosa has it all. From cozy to modern you will find the space where you fit in most to sit down and have a nice cup of joe.

1. Heritage House Coffee & Tea

Heritage House opened in Tuscaloosa in June 1994 and was our towns first coffee shop ever. If you are looking for a cozy coffee shop, this is your place. Heritage House is a great spot to grab a coffee on the go, breakfast, or even lunch. Their menu has a little bit of everything from gourmet drinks to pastries and sandwiches. One of the many menu items they are known for is their baked oatmeal, you can even buy the mix yourself to bake at home! The baked oatmeal is a great, warm start to anyone’s day. My personal favorite thing to get at Heritage House is a vanilla latte with peppermint and an orange roll. The atmosphere in the shop is laid back and welcoming. You can even go to a wall filled with coffee cups and pick one out that you want your drink to be served in. So, if you are looking for a cozy coffee shop to grab a cup of joe and a pastry to have a chat with a friend look no further than Heritage House Coffee & Tea.

 

2. O’Henry’s Coffee

O’Henry’s Coffee is a great place to meet with friends. Whether you are catching up with old friends or meeting new ones it is a great environment to talk and have fun while enjoying fantastic drinks. The atmosphere at O’Henry’s is all about community and gathering, they make the atmosphere comfortable to have a conversation without feeling like you have to whisper. Regarding coffee, they serve lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Plus a few of their specialty drinks include their O’Frappes which can be made with flavors like caramel, mocha chip, and turtle. O’Henry’s also serves food such as wraps, salads, and pastries made daily. So, grab some friends and head to O’Henry’s for some coffee and conversation.

 

3. Monarch Espresso Bar

Monarch is definitely the place to go to just sit and recharge. The atmosphere is very chill and quiet and very zen. They have a great menu with a lot of variety. Of course, they have the basics such as espresso, lattes, iced coffee, cold brew, and a variety of different pour-overs. Out of their many specialty drinks on the menu, my personal favorite is the parker, which is a salted caramel latte, but if you are into cold brew you need to get the vanilla sweet cream cold brew! If you want to grab a bite to eat they offer things such as avocado toast, granola with yogurt, and a selection of different bagels. Grab a book and have some “me” time at Monarch Espresso Bar!

 

4. Turbo Coffee

Turbo Coffee has a very modern and hipster type vibe to it. Casual and hard-core coffee drinkers alike should definitely check this place out. Turbo does so much more than coffee as well. Their specialties are health foods such as acai bowls, made in house cold-pressed juices, and superfood smoothies. They also make delicious pastries daily. This is a great place to go chill with friends and family and catch up with one another.

The final home football game is upon us!. This weekend #5 Alabama takes on the WCU Catamounts in what will be a warm-up game for the Iron Bowl next week. Surrounding the matchup are some fun events taking place around town. A bicentennial book signing, live music, volleyball, and a day of fun at the Children’s Hands-On Museum will be happening all over Tuscaloosa!

Tuscaloosa 200 Community Book Experience

Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun and education featuring the author of “Tuscaloosa – 200 Years in the Making,” Guy Ward Hubbs. The program will feature a lively interview with Don Noble and Dr. Guy Hubbs, author of the first-ever history of our city. Guy Hubbs will be signing books after the program as you enjoy light refreshments. This will take place at the Tuscaloosa Federal Building and the United States Courthouse on November 21st from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Mama Dixie & the Prize Inside

Every game day weekend, Hotel Indigo entertains guests and locals alike from 3 – 5 PM in the Shoals Bar and Kitchen. You can grab yourself a beverage and relax with your friends to the smooth, sultry torch jazz sounds of Mama Dixie. Born out of the challenges of providing live music for burlesque performances, Mama Dixie & the Prize Inside knows how to bring jazz to your door! Whether you’re looking for traditional standards or modern jazz, Mama Dixie & the Prize Inside can provide!

Alabama Football vs Western Carolina University

This game comes at a great time for the Crimson Tide. It will be great to get Mac Jones and probably Taulia Tagovailoa some much-needed experience leading into the Iron Bowl. There is no denying that the offense will not be the same without Tua Tagovailoa. He is a generational player and a huge loss for the Alabama offense. With that being said, Alabama is still a high-powered offense and Mac Jones will be able to get the ball into the playmaking receivers’ hands. Najee Harris and Brian Robinson have been seeing more carries these last couple of weeks and will continue to do so. The offense will put up pretty good numbers against Western Carolina and the backups will do the same. This game will never be close and will hopefully get Mac Jones and others some much-needed confidence. As long as there aren’t any more injuries, this game will do its job of getting some much-needed experience to the young guys and some much-needed rest to the starters.

Autumn Cornucopia at CHOM!

The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa creates an environment where children can explore, design, and discover every time they visit. When you hear “hands-on,” they really mean it! This Saturday, CHOM is hosting activities like cotton ball painting, turner baster relay race, and a mini scarecrow decorating! Learning through play is what the exhibits are all about, and kids are encouraged to touch, feel, and play in the displays. Three floors of fun wait for families and offer newborns through 13 years old’s a space perfect for them.

Alabama Volleyball vs LSU

Cheer on the Tide as they take on their rival LSU. This Sunday at 1 pm will be their “Bacon. Set. Spike!” match and Big Al’s Kids Club Day! Admission is free to fans with a ticket from the WCU football game and bacon will be free to fans! The team is 12-13 overall and 4-10 through conference play.

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming fall months and are excited to share more. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!

Another great weekend is right around the corner! Start your weekend off with the Manhattan Short Film Festival. On Friday you can cruise down the river on the Bama Belle for their Low Country Boil. Alabama football is home again this week with a matchup against Ole Miss! Just two visits to Bryant Denny Stadium ago, the Black Bears shocked the world by defeating the #2 ranked Crimson Tide. The Children’s Hands-On Museum is the perfect place to take your child over the weekend. This Saturday is the Nickelodeon “Worldwide Day of Play.”

In continuation of the Bama Art House Film Series, the Bama Theatre will play host to the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Film lovers worldwide unite to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world. This takes place in over 400 cities worldwide and Tuscaloosa will be a part of it this weekend! This is the only film festival of its kind. The Final Ten selections screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period. Manhattan Short attendees vote for Best Film and Best Actor awards at each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by Manhattan Short, each short film is automatically Oscar-qualified. The Final Ten finalists hail from seven countries with films from France, Iran, Canada, Finland, and Germany alongside two films from the USA and a record three from the United Kingdom.

Your Friday night couldn’t start any better than heading down the black warrior on Tuscaloosa’s own Bama Belle. The Low Country Boil will have all the fixin’s and there will be plenty to go around. Alive Bargeron & Joe Terry will be playing music and providing the perfect backdrop for this relaxing evening! The trip should take about two hours and starts at 7 pm. You can find out their address and buy tickets on their website – bamabelle.org.

Alabama is back for the second week in a row in Bryant-Denny as they get ready to face the Ole Miss Black Bears. It’s not all that long ago that Ole Miss pushed Alabama as far as anyone has in the Nick Saban era. While it seems like an entirely different time, the Rebels beat the Tide in 2014, 2015 and came close in 2016. The Rebels then went on to lose the last two seasons by a combined score of 128-10. With Tua Tagovailoa hitting 78% of his throws with 17 touchdowns and no picks this year, it will take something very special for Ole Miss to repeat their 2015 shocker.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum is participating in Nickelodeon’s “World Wide Day of Play” and will be open from 9 am – 4:30 pm to celebrate. The day of play is an event designed to encourage children and parents to turn off their television and play together, especially outdoors. The event kicked off in 2004 and has been a huge hit every year since. Turn off the TV, get to CHOM, and enjoy a day of fun with your children!

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming fall months and are excited to share more. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!