Business
2020
Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Christmas Day
Ajian Sushi Closed Closed Closed
Another Broken Egg Closed Open Closed
Archibald & Woodrow’s Closed Closed Closed
Avenue Pub Closed Closed Closed
Babe’s Doughnut Check back later Check back later Check back later
Baumhowers Restaurant Closed 11 – 4 Closed
Blaze Pizza Closed Open??? Closed
Brick & Spoon Check back later Check back later Check back later
Broadway Pizzeria Check back later Check back later Check back later
Buffalo Phil’s Wings Closed TBA TBA
Catfish Heaven Closed Closed Closed
Central Mesa Closed Closed Closed
Chuck’s Fish Carry Out Only Closed Closed
Cravings Closed Closed Closed
Depalma’s Italian Cafe Closed Closed Closed
Don Tono’s Closed Closed Closed
Dreamland BBQ – Northport Closed Closed Closed
Dreamland BBQ – Tuscaloosa Closed til 3 pm Closed
Druid City Social Closed Closed Closed
Evangeline’s Check back later Check back later Check back later
Five Java Closed Closed Closed
Flavaz Seafood & Soulfood Closed Closes at 5 pm Closed
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Closed Close at 4 pm Closed
Frutta Bowls Closed Closed Closed
Full Moon BBQ Closed 10 – 3 Closed
Glory Bound Closed Closed Closed
Gourmade Kitchen Closed Closed Closed
Half Shell Oyster House Closed 11 – 8 Closed
Heat Pizza Bar Closed Closed Closed
Heritage House Closed Check Social Media Closed
Hokkaido Check back later Check back later Check back later
Hoo’s Q and Brew Closed Check Social Media Closed
Hoo’s Q Closed Check Social Media Closed
Hooligans Closed Closed Closed
Innisfree Open Closed Closed
Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill Closed Open Lunch Closed
Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ Closed till 3 pm Closed
Juice Bar Closed Closed Closed
Just Love Coffee Closed Shortened Hours Closed
Kobe Closed Open Closed
Legends Bistro Open Check back later Check back later
Local Roots Closed Closed Closed
Lookout Rooftop Bar Check back later Check back later Check back later
Los Tarascos Closed Closed Closed
Mellow Mushroom Closed Closed Closed
Metro Diner 9 – 2 9 – 2 Closed
Moe’s Original BBQ Closed Closed Closed
Monarch Espresso Check back later Check back later Check back later
Mr. Chen’s Closed Open Open
Mugshots Grill and Bar Closed Closed Closed
Peach Pit Bar & Grill Closed Check Social Media Closed
Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza Closed til 2 pm Closed
R Davidson Chophouse 11 – 8 Closed Closed
Raised on Country Closed til 4 pm Closed
Rama Jama’s Check back later Check back later Check back later
Reggae Flava Closed Closed Closed
River Closed Closed Closed
Rock N Roll Sushi Check Website Check Website Check Website
Ruan Thai Exotic Thai Cuisine Rest. Check back later Check back later Check back later
Sage Juice Bar Closed Open Closed
Sharks Fish and Chicken Check back later Check back later Check back later
Shoals Bar and Kitchen Check back later Check back later Check back later
Side-by-Side Check Website Check Website Check Website
Southern Ale House Check back later Check back later Check back later
Surin of Thailand Closed Check back later Closed
Sweet Home Food Bar Closed Check back later Check back later
Swen Chinese Restaurant Closed Closed Closed
Taco Casa Open Open Closed
Taco Mama Closed til 4 pm Closed
Taziki’s Cafe Closed Open Closed
The Juicy Crab 11 am – 4 pm Open 11 am – 4 pm
The Waysider Check back later Check back later Check back later
Turbo Coffee Check back later Check back later Check back later
Twelve25 Check back later Check back later Check back later
UPerk Closed Closed Closed
Urban Cookhouse Closed Check back later Closed
Veracruz Mexican Grill Closed Check back later Closed
VooDoo Wing Company Closed Closed Closed
Wilhagan’s Closed Closed Closed
Wing Stop 5 pm – 12 am Closed Closed
World Of Beer Closed Check back later Check back later
Zoe’s Kitchen (all locations) Check Website Check Website Check Website

Summer is winding down and so are the temperatures, which means the outdoors are calling our names! Getting outdoors is important as we navigate our increasingly-virtual lifestyles thanks to COVID-19, so we figured we would compile a list of outdoor adventures for you to discover around Tuscaloosa. This city is a beautiful landscape that only gets better as Autumn starts to sweep across the country, elevating already beautiful outdoor destinations into breathtaking views! Whether you are looking to wind down with an outdoor picnic or take an adventure hiking through the fall foliage, check out this list of outdoor adventures around Tuscaloosa!

 

  1. Lake Harris

Lake Harris is one of the many nearby lakes that offers an incredible setting for a number of different outdoor activities. There are plenty of picnic areas and a beach, where one might spread out a blanket to enjoy their lunch or simply take in the scene. In addition to these spots, there are a number of trees gathered close by the bank, perfect for setting up a cozy hammock! For those who are looking to stay active, there is a 1.76-mile hike around the lake through the trees. As the weather cools down, this area will become a peaceful gathering place for all who wish to experience some of Tuscaloosa’s many hidden gems. 

 

     2. Bower’s Park

Bower’s Park is a nearby public park that offers quite a few activity opportunities, like a disc golf course or several fields for rent. Not much different from regular golf, disc golf is an active way to stay busy on a delightful weekend outside! Those looking to get into this sport need to be sure and purchase discs ahead of time, however. As far as a field for rent, Bower’s Park has a number of different fields, baseball/softball or multipurpose, that can be rented out for a small gathering of friends to safely play a pickup game of baseball, softball, and more! Before visiting Bower’s Park, be sure to bring along a mask in case of other visitors. 

 

    3. Riverwalk

Offering a serene view of the Black Warrior River, the Riverwalk is also the place to hammock, picnic, or relax! There are numerous picnic tables, benches, and gazebos to provide a comfortable environment, allowing you to get the most out of your experience with the great outdoors of T-Town. Let your mind take a rest from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are looking to work up a sweat and take advantage of the cooler temperatures, there is also a running path along the Riverwalk to enjoy in the morning or throughout the day. In addition to these activities, the Riverwalk is located close to a number of restaurants to enjoy either at the start or at the end of a delightful Autumn day, like Market House Boutique, Another Broken Egg, and River. Be sure to carry a mask with you for safety if you intend to visit any of the restaurants or businesses on the Riverwalk!

 

    4. Civil Rights Trail

As Summer draws to a close and temperatures start to drop, it is prime time to spend the day outside walking around and exploring new places. Among the many adventures that await in Tuscaloosa is the Civil Rights Trail, where anyone has the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history and learn about how the Civil Rights Movement shaped the City of Tuscaloosa. Located primarily in Downtown Tuscaloosa, this trail is perfect for staying active and demonstrates a profound learning opportunity for those who are not aware of the history of Tuscaloosa. Thanks to its proximity to Downtown Tuscaloosa, the Civil Rights Trail is also a good opportunity to discover local dining options, such as Reggae Flava and Brummi’s Yummies. For more T-Town treasures along the trail check out the official guide here.

 

     5. Government Plaza

If you are looking for a versatile area that offers safe ways to enjoy this city then the Government Plaza is the spot for you. Located in the heart of downtown, this 5-acre park makes social distancing a breeze. Enjoy the crisp Autumn air while diving into a good book from Ernest and Hadley, grubbing on delicious Heat pizza, sipping on some Monarch coffee, or maybe even unwinding with your favorite yoga flow. After months on end of being trapped inside now is the time to relax and appreciate nature in all its wonder. If you want your furry friend to tag along, the sidewalks surrounding the park makes for the perfect path for dog-walking. 

 

    6. Lake Tuscaloosa

This local hangout has everything you need for an unforgettable lake day with friends and family. Lake Tuscaloosa has earned its reputation as the perfect fishing spot with bass, sunfish, crappie, and more. If fishing isn’t for you, stand on the shore, hike the lake’s cliffs, take in the captivating views, or dip into the refreshing water! You are bound to have a blast in this comfortable weather. Only a short drive from the city, this lake makes pairing a morning out in nature and Rama Jama’s iconic Southern breakfast unbelievably easy.

 

Written By: Will Baggett

Edited By: Jamie Hoven

Do you feel like mixing it up this weekend? Well, then you’re in luck! Take a journey back in time and discover the City of Tuscaloosa’s critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy the great outdoors and the energetic vibe of Downtown Tuscaloosa while uncovering this city’s diverse history on Tuscaloosa’s Civil Rights Trail!

This trail is a collection of 18 sites scattered throughout Downtown Tuscaloosa, exhibiting key locations where the Civil Rights Movement and pivotal moments in the struggle of Black Americans took place in Tuscaloosa. From historical political sites to memorial sites named for famous Black Americans, the Civil Rights Trail celebrates the heroes of the movement and makes for an incredible outdoor walk through time.

Below, we have put together a rough timeline of a walk along our local Civil Rights Trail, including pro tips along the way. In addition to the trail itself, we have included several nearby Black-owned businesses to visit for decadent meals and delicious treats! Follow along with this brochure guide for more information about each of the incredible stops throughout the journey.

10:00 am

Start your day at Capitol Park (1) amongst the rubble of a building where the Alabama State government met from 1826 to 1846. This building was where many of the slave codes were legislated and enacted to protect and promote white supremacy throughout the State of Alabama. The remains of the old legislative building are a somber reminder of what happened in Tuscaloosa and all that came afterward in the following century during the Civil Rights Movement.

10:30 am

Close by Capitol Park is the second stop on the Civil Rights trail: The Lynching and Old Jail (2) stop. Designated by a historical marker, this old jailhouse building served as the county jail from 1856 to 1890 and held both white and black prisoners. However, through its years of operation, lynchings of Black prisoners occurred – eight of which are chronicled by the historical marker found at this site.

11:00 am

A short walk away is a newly opened food truck-turned-restaurant, Reggae Flava. This fresh addition to Timmerson Square is a popular Black-owned restaurant that serves up delicious Caribbean flavor for all its patrons. Whether you’re craving tender Oxtail or Pineapple BBQ Jerk Salmon, you’ll have no trouble finding your new favorite dish.

12:00 pm

After indulging a hearty meal of Caribbean cuisine, head to the corner of University Boulevard and Lurleen Wallace Boulevard to find the next stop on the Civil Rights Trail: The Druid Theatre and Hollywood (3) stop. The then newly-integrated theatre was the site of two angry white mobs in response to the Civil Rights Act in 1964. These incidents brought Tuscaloosa into the national spotlight, sparking outrage among many.

12:30 pm

Nearby is another stop along the trail: The Mob at the Flagpole (4). This designated meeting location during the Civil Rights movement was the hub for students and local citizens to gather and express their discontent as the status quo was being challenged in the City of Tuscaloosa. Most notably, this flagpole was where a mob met to respond to the integration of the University of Alabama in 1955 when Autherine Lucy was admitted to the college.

Another few stops along the Civil Rights Trail to consider at this point are Woolworth and Sit-Ins, (5) First Black Legislator: Shandy Jones (6), and the Kress Building and Bus Boycott (7).

1:30 pm

The next stop of the Civil Rights Trail is the Paul R. Jones Museum (8), a museum created by a powerful figurehead in the history of Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa. Paul R. Jones was once denied admission to the University of Alabama Law School in 1949 based on his race but then went on to fight for the Civil Rights Movement in the South. The museum is a collection of African-American art pieces donated by Jones to the University of Alabama in 2008 at a value of $5 million. The Paul R. Jones Museum is a beautiful expression of the journey he endured facing racism head-on. This magnificent exhibition of modern African-American art rotates different pieces in and out, with new shows regularly. 

The Alston Building (9) is famous for two things, Governors George and Lurleen Wallace were married here, and Robert K. Shelton ran the United Klans of America from a three-room suite on the fourth floor. 

2:00 pm

At the midpoint of your walk along the Civil Rights Trail, you can stop by Brummies

 Yummies for a quick sweet treat! Brummi’s Yummies is another Black-owned business in town located along the Civil Rights Trail. This delightful bakery has several sweet treats to satisfy your cravings, whether it is Cookie Dough Brownies, Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes, or other unforgettable treats. It is a great place to stop by and take a rest before enjoying the remainder of Tuscaloosa’s Civil Rights Trail.

2:30 pm

The next stop on the trail is the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center (10).

In the Southeast portion of Downtown Tuscaloosa, there are other additional stops to be made along the Civil Rights Trail: The County Courthouse and Marchers (11), Greensboro Avenue Churches (12), Bluefront District (13), Bailey Tabernacle CME Church (14), and Hunter Chapel AME Zion Church (15), the oldest African American church organized in Tuscaloosa. It was also the first church to host Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who spoke here in 1955. 

3:30 pm

First African Baptist Church (16) is one of the last stops along the Civil Rights Trail and is one of the more important ones. First African Baptist Church was the site of “Bloody Tuesday”, which was a violent attack on peaceful protesters by Tuscaloosa Police and white extremists who had been deputized. Built as a haven for Black worshippers upset with the discriminatory practices of the First Baptist Church, this church has stood at the corner of 4th Street and 24th Avenue since 1900 and is an important milestone along the Civil Rights Trail of Tuscaloosa.

Another stop to visit after First African Baptist Church is the Murphy-Collins House (17). Originally the private home of Tuscaloosa’s first black mortician, it is now a museum focusing on the life of African-Americans in the 1900s. Read more about this stop in the brochure guide linked above. 

4:30 pm

The Howard-Linton Barbershop (18) is the final stop and is one of the more unique spots along the trail. The owner of the barbershop, the late Reverend Thomas Linton, was a powerful figure in the fight for Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, this barbershop was the hiding place for Autherine Lucy when she was escaping the mob of white citizens after she attempted to integrate the University of Alabama. Reverend Linton’s shop is filled with mementos and artifacts that showcase the struggle of Black Americans living in Tuscaloosa and the South throughout the Civil Rights Movement. 

5:30 pm

After you have finished your day along the Civil Rights Trail of Tuscaloosa, be sure to head to one of the many Black-owned restaurants in Tuscaloosa to show your support! There are many different restaurants around Tuscaloosa with delicious dinner meal offerings, including Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ, Catfish Heaven, KSV, and King’s Kitchen.

 

Written By: Will Baggett

Edited By: Jamie Hoven