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.

People come to Tuscaloosa for many reasons. The main reason being that we have a phenomenal football program. But Tuscaloosa is more than just Bryant Denny Stadium and Nick Saban. Tuscaloosa always has events going on so you will never be bored on your visit. But the most important thing about any getaway is the food. Tuscaloosa has many resteraunts that are worth visiting while here. 

Avenue Pub 

If you are looking for a cool place to have a nice sit-down dinner Avenue Pub is the place for you. Located in downtown Tuscaloosa it has a good location close to everything. The restaurant is a relaxed contemporary pub serving brunch and casual American fare, plus cocktails and local beers. The menu is big and has many options so everyone can find something that they like. It has an upbeat and fun atmosphere that your whole family will enjoy. Click here to learn more about Avenue Pub. 

Dotson’s Burger Spot

 

Who doesn’t love a good burger? Dotson’s Burger Spot opened up in August of 2017 so it is still a little new to Tuscaloosa. It is also located in downtown Tuscaloosa. The restaurant is owned and operated by a father and son duo. Who also owns the Southern Ale House in north Tuscaloosa. The menu offers various types of burgers and five hand-crafted milkshakes, which can be served plain or spiked with alcohol. The inside looks like an old school diner with bar stools and booths that will for sure put you in the mood for a cheeseburger. They also offer other options such as turkey burgers and corndogs. They serve chicken as well. Click here to learn more about Dotson’s Burger Shop. 

The Levee Bar and Grill 

The Levee is owned and operated by Gary McGee and Chris Bradshaw and is located on Bridge Avenue near downtown Northport, Alabama. They opened in March of 2015. The restaurant is in a great location overlooking the Black Warrior River. They pride their selves on friendly customer service and delicious, fresh food, including steaks, fresh seafood, chicken, pasta, and sandwiches. So, sit back and enjoy a dinner overlooking the Black Warrior River and enjoy a drink and a nice meal at The Levee. They also offer private dining rooms for big parties. Click here for more information on the Levee Bar and Grill. 

Depalma’s Italian Café 

Depalma’s is set in historic downtown Tuscaloosa and have been serving quality Italian cuisine for more than 20 years. They create fresh dishes daily. They have a great selection of beer and wine. Their menu consists of different pastas, calzones, and pizzas. It is a great family friendly atmosphere that the whole family will enjoy. So make sure you are in the mood for Italian and go enjoy some great food. They are closed on Monday so make sure pop in another day. Click here to visit Depalma’s website. 

Heat Pizza Bar 

If you are in the mood for a pizza Heat is the way to go. Heat has a nightlife atmosphere but is still family friendly. So, sit at a table or have a seat at the bar and enjoy. Heat was founded in 2015 and is located downtown right across from Government Plaza. They serve artisan pizzas and salad made from the freshest ingredients. The inside is cool and modern and has an intimate feeling to it. If you are craving pizza and don’t want to go in and eat, they also offer takeout. They offer fun flavors like chicken bacon ranch and buffalo chicken and of course the traditional cheese and pepperoni. Click here to see Heat’s full menu.  

This Wednesday, June 6^th, is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day- and we couldn’t be more eager to celebrate. There’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer’s afternoon than with a scoop (or two) of ice cream. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in Tuscaloosa for you to spend National Chocolate Ice Cream Day the right way.

 

1. Ingram Farms

Ingram Farms Market and Ice Cream Shop is fresh, local, and the perfect place to grab a sweet treat on a hot summer’s day. Their logo, “serving happiness by the spoonful”, couldn’t be truer. Ingram farms offers over 20 flavors of blue bell ice cream as well as local, seasonal flavors. While you’re there, you can check out the best fresh produce in our area. Pair a scoop of chocolate ice cream with Ingram Farm’s homegrown strawberries to satisfy your sweet tooth.

2. Baked Bear

Baked Bear located in Midtown Village is a newer addition to the Tuscaloosa scene- but well worth the wait. Baked Bear is an ice cream shop known nationwide for its custom-made ice cream sandwiches. Here’s how it works: mix and match cookies, brownies, and donuts for the top and bottom of your sandwich, then pick from more than 13 flavors of ice cream as your filling, add whatever toppings you would like and voila! You have the ultimate ice cream sandwich. Baked Bear’s mission is “To spread joy and create memories, bringing a smile to every customer’s face, one ice cream sandwich at a time.” Check out Baked Bear for yourself and let them make your day a little brighter.

3. Frost Bite

We’ve got great news! The newest ice cream parlor, Frost Bite, will be opening in Tuscaloosa just in time for the hottest months of the year. Frost Bite is a Tuscaloosa locally owned ice cream shop specializing in Roll Ice cream and Nitrogen Ice cream. For all of the chocolate lovers out there, one item on their menu is a chocolate based roll ice cream topped with whipped cream and oreos, all drizzled with hot fudge. Visit their Facebook page today and tell them what mouthwatering options would like to see them feature.

4. Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Although Peterbrooke isn’t solely an ice cream shop, it’s where you can find some of the best chocolate in town. Peterbrooke offers assorted chocolates, specialized treats, dipped popcorn, and a variety of gelato flavors to their customers. Additionally, Peterbrooke hosts summer camps where kids can be professional chocolatiers for a day. Stop in on June 6^th for a scoop of gelato or other treats offered at Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Tuscaloosa.

 

Share your ice cream experiences with us by using @VisitTuscaloosa on Insta and Twitter!

 

Written by Anna McAbee

Cinco de Mayo is upon us yet again! We have complied a list of local establishments where you can celebrate one of the most fun holidays in the U.S. Check out some of these T-town gems to chow down on a variety of tacos, tequila, margaritas, and more!

 

Central Mesa

From the owner of the Avenue Pub comes the newest addition to Tuscaloosa’s Mexican food scene, Central Mesa. Offering everything from classic tacos to Brisket and Grits, all of their dishes are prepared from scratch in house with fresh ingredients. Along with your favorite Mexican food staples, Central Mesa also boasts an extensive tequila selection as well as other liquors for margaritas, mojitos, and more.

 

 

Taco Mama

Located on University Boulevard just before downtown, you’ll find the always popular Taco Mama jam-packed with both locals and college students alike. This Birmingham based chain has expanded to eight different locations throughout Alabama and continues to grow, with a ninth location planned to open in Nashville in 2018. The fast-casual Mexican restaurant features signature tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, and also offers custom à la carte options. The festive atmosphere and fresh, diverse menu make Taco Mama a perfect place to celebrate national taco day.

 

 

 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

The Texas-based Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opened their first Alabama location in the heart of downtown next to Glory Bound last fall. The fast-casual chain was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, and has quickly grown to over 100 restaurants nationwide serving their addicting Baja style tacos that have gained a cult following. Fuzzy’s offers breakfast tacos all day as well as specials that change monthly along with specialty drinks such as their signature Fuzzy Driver.

 

Taco Casa

A true Tuscaloosa icon, Taco Casa’s history in town runs deep. Founded in 1974 by Alabama football alum and Wichita, Kansas native, Rod Wilkin, Taco Casa is where many Tuscaloosa locals tried their first taco, and it was love at first bite. Known for fast, friendly service and hot, delicious food made to order, Taco Casa has earned its spot in Tuscaloosa history. Be sure to stop by this local favorite to celebrate.

When it comes to cuisine, the Southern States are known for many things, but vegetarian food is probably not one of them. The focus in food is surely set on the amazing barbecue, burgers, and chicken – justifiably.  But as living vegetarian becomes more and more popular, it’s worth looking for options around town that accommodate that! Yet there is no dedicated vegetarian restaurant in Tuscaloosa, but there are some pretty amazing dishes in town that are live-saving for all vegetarians and also a delicious culinary experiment for anybody else. Go out and try these five terrific veggie dishes in Tuscaloosa:

Hummus at Glory Bound
Hummus has not only become a trendy dish throughout the last few years, it is also literally the perfect meal for your lunch – healthy, tasty and filling! At the cultish Glory Bound in downtown Tuscaloosa, hummus is one of the flagship dishes and definitely their specialty! The variety is striking: Choose your favorite hummus out of ten variants, for example, chipotle-lime, Mediterranean olive or spinach-pesto! Or take the hummus-trio and get any three tastes of your choice! Every hummus dish is served with unlimited delicious warm pita bread. The portions look overwhelming, but you won’t have a choice but eat it all in the end – it is simply too good.

Pasta at DePalma’s
Although their pizza and antipasti are pretty amazing as well, the most striking dishes at Tuscaloosa’s favorite Italian restaurant is their pasta! Many of them are also delicious vegetarian options! Dedicated meat free is, for example, the portabello mushroom ravioli, Mediterranean penne with olives, spinach angel hair, their very own DePalma’s pasta with artichoke hearts and much more! All these are so delicious, you don’t even realize or think about missing meat in them. One of the best parts is also the fresh garlic bread that comes with the pasta. So, drive downtown and spend an amazing and not-so-obviously-vegetarian dinner at DePalma’s!

Panini at Sweet Home Food Bar
The one and only Sweet Home Food Bar is always a good choice, no matter if you want to grab lunch, dinner or a leisure brunch on Sundays. You can also find a meatless dish at any time of the day there, but our focus lies on a dish that can be found in their afternoon menu: The Vegetable Panini. These Italian-inspired grilled sandwiches can’t be found at any corner – they should be, though! Sweet Home has a wonderful vegetarian Panini that is made with eggplant, roasted peppers, plenty of cheese and a balsamic dressing. One more delicious dish not only for full-time vegetarians. Be adventurous and try veggie!