Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week, presented by Visit Tuscaloosa and UA Online, is set to tantalize taste buds from June 23 to June 29. This eagerly anticipated event promises a week-long celebration of culinary excellence, featuring exclusive menu items and special discounts at participating locations throughout the Tuscaloosa area.

Building on last year’s success, Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week is poised to showcase the vibrant gastronomic landscape of the Druid City. From beloved local favorites to innovative culinary creations, diners can expect an unforgettable culinary journey filled with delectable delights.

Josh Rivers, Director of Community Partnerships and Group Tour Experiences at Visit Tuscaloosa, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week is a testament to the diverse and thriving culinary scene in our city. Participating restaurants will offer a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us in savoring the unique offerings of our local dining establishments.”

As hospitality takes center stage in the experience economy, Kelsey Rush, President and CEO at Visit Tuscaloosa, emphasized the importance of highlighting the city’s dining options.

“Hospitality is at the heart of what makes Tuscaloosa special,” said Rush. “We are privileged to showcase the talents of our chefs and the warmth of our hospitality during Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week. This event not only celebrates our culinary diversity but also underscores the integral role that hospitality plays in our community.”

The individual talents that elevate Tuscaloosa’s food scene also will receive extra attention during Restaurant Week as media partner Townsquare Media will share their unique stories across radio and web platforms.

For more information, including special offers and participating restaurants, please visit TuscaloosaRestaurantWeek.com. Restaurants interested in participating are encouraged to contact Josh Rivers at 205-391-9200.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the flavors of Tuscaloosa during Restaurant Week 2024. Follow Visit Tuscaloosa on social media for the latest updates and announcements.

Special thanks to Visit Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week, UA Online, for making this content possible.

Take a timeout from your Tuscaloosa sports adventures and grab some grub at one of Tuscaloosa’s finest sports-centric eateries!

The Historic WaysiderBest known as the place where legendary coach Bear Bryant ate breakfast (his favorite was country ham), The Waysider serves up southern meals in a historic red house near downtown Tuscaloosa. Visiting from the rival team? You can expect your pancakes to be served in the shape of an elephant.

The Historic Waysider - Tuscaloosa's best sports-centric eateries

Nick’s in the Sticks: No, not that Nick … Nick’s in the Sticks is an iconic Tuscaloosa landmark known for delicious steaks, massive onion rings and its signature drink, The Nicodemus. Leave your mark on Tuscaloosa by adding a signed dollar bill to the ceiling.

Baumhower’s Victory Grille: Owned by former Alabama star Bob Baumhower, this sports bar is home to “Hey Coach!”, a live radio show broadcast from the restaurant, which allows you to get up-close with ‘Bama’s coaches.

Baumhower's Victory Grill - Tuscaloosa's best sports-centric eateries

Ajian: Looking for fast-casual sushi? Try Ajian, owned by former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCaron, who led ‘Bama to back-to-back national titles in 2011-12.

Rama Jama’s: Located in the shadow of Bryant Denny Stadium, Rama Jama’s is the place to go for fabulous food. Breakfast served all day, a wide variety of sandwiches, and the best sweet tea and milkshakes this side of heaven. Fan of a BLT? Kick off game day with a National Champion BLT – currently, that’s 18 strips of bacon.

Dreamland Bar-B-Que: It all started with a dream when God visited John “Big Daddy” Bishop and told him to open a restaurant. The original Dreamland, built by the hands of Big Daddy and located in Tuscaloosa, opened in 1958. Since then, this BBQ joint has been nationally recognized for their hickory-fired ribs, white bread, and BBQ sauce. Today, the ribs are still prepared using the same technique Mr. Bishop used more than six decades ago. PS – Their banana pudding is pretty legendary, too.

Dreamland BBQ - Tuscaloosa's best sports-centric eateries

Gallettes: It wouldn’t be gameday without indulging in a famous Yellow Hammer from Gallettes! This potent tailgate cocktail is served in iconic yellow plastic tumblers. While the recipe is a secret, some guess it’s a mix of vodka, rum, amaretto, orange and pineapple juices.

Northport Spotlight – Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill: With one location in Birmingham and their second location in Historic Downtown Northport, Billy’s was designed to be comfortable. It’s local’s favorite spot for good food, live music, great drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere to catch your beloved sports teams on TV. During football season, Billy’s offers a free shuttle to and from campus.

Billy's Sports Bar & Grill - Tuscaloosa's best sports-centric eateries

The Tuscaloosa and Northport communities are filled with incredible eateries and this is just a few of the many sports-related restaurants we have to offer! Check out our Eat page to find even more.

For Sharon Thomas Ransom, barbecue is in her bones. She began learning the craft at age five, when her parents opened a barbecue restaurant in the back of their house. Today – five decades later – she owns and operates Thomas Rib Shack in the community she loves. Thomas Rib Shack is just one of many local restaurants in Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Ransom is as fixed in the community as her barbecue. A natural conversationalist, she entertains her customers and employees all day at the restaurant, and she enjoys being with people. “I love my community,” she said. “We’re resilient. We bounce back.”

About five minutes from downtown, you’ll find Thomas Rib Shack, a meat-and-three restaurant that’s never really advertised, but has thrived for 50+ years. 

The food speaks for itself.

“If you have good food, the people will come, ” says Sharon Thomas. Born-and-raised in Tuscaloosa, she’s got a lot of friends, because every person that walks through the door is an old or new one, starting at 10 am and not lightening up ‘til they sell out. 

Local restaurant in Tuscaloosa and Northport - Thomas Rib Shack - Sharon Thomas, Owner
Sharon Thomas, owner of Thomas Rib Shack

The Southern dishes are down-home, authentic, and consistent, served up in a family-first atmosphere (yep, her kids work there too). Classic fried chicken, fall-off-the-bone ribs, mac-and-cheese, cornbread, and even pig’s feet and chitlins.

Sharon remembers her parents perfecting their famous BBQ sauce in the kitchen when she was just 11 years old, and it’s been the same ever since. That’s what keeps people coming back for more.

What you can expect: “Nothing fancy. Just us.” And that’s more than enough. 

A positive outlook: Recently interviewed on her experience during COVID-19, Sharon shared that the most important lesson she learned was to stay focused, stay faithful, and stay committed, she said. “No matter how bad things look, don’t give up. The darkest hours are just before the dawn.”

For a true taste of the south, try Thomas Rib Shack!

Evangeline’s hit the local restaurant scene by storm, and for good reason! The restaurant is considered to be one of the city’s premier fine dining establishments. Best of all, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports is giving a $50 Evangeline’s gift card to one lucky winner next week on Instagram or Facebook! Join us as we show you everything that Evangeline’s has to offer.

Evangeline’s has a wide selection of dinner options that are sure to satisfy any visitor. The restaurant offers one of the best filet mignons in Tuscaloosa. Served with a garlic-infused potato puree, sautéed broccolini, and jumbo lump crab mornay sauce, the dish is both sophisticated and delicious. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, try the summer peach salad. A bed of romaine and organic mixed greens is topped with peaches, strawberries, blueberries, candied pecans, goat cheese, and a house-made peach and poppy seed dressing to create this delightful and summery salad. Craving seafood? Evangeline’s has that too! Their phenomenal crab cakes are a must, so much so that al.com included them in 100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die. If you’re looking for a nice dinner in Tuscaloosa, Evangeline’s is one of the perfect places in town!

Evangeline’s also serves dessert to ensure that you finish your meal on a sweet note. There are a few classic options on the menu, including chocolate cake and peanut butter pie, but Evangeline’s offers so much more than classic treats! Lemon sorbet is the perfect option for those looking for something to complement the Tuscaloosa summer heat. There are even a couple of cheesecake options! Try blueberry cheesecake to get that summer feeling that accompanies fresh berries, or choose the praline pecan cheesecake for an irresistibly sweet crunch. No matter what you choose, rest easy knowing that each option is fresh and delicious.

There’s a lot that goes into making Evangeline’s the pinnacle of high class, including its atmosphere and high-quality ingredients. White tablecloths paired with a black ceiling emanate big-city sophistication, while the shot glass votives that sit on each table bring back the warmth that’s expected in southern towns like Tuscaloosa. Make sure you dress up to match that comfortable classiness, whether that means your Sunday best or your finest eveningwear. Keeping with the high-quality vibe, Evangeline’s also uses local produce in all of their dishes. Their fresh fruits and veggies are sourced from Katie Farms in Coker, Alabama. The atmosphere and high-quality dishes at Evangeline’s combine to make something totally unique, making the restaurant a must-visit!

 

Business Christmas Eve Christmas Day
301 Bistro, Bar & Beer Garden 11am-3pm closed
Another Broken Egg 7am-2pm closed
Avenue Pub closed closed
Baumhowers Restaurant 11am-4pm closed
Broadway Pizzeria 11am-7pm closed
Buffalo Phil’s Wings closed closed
Central Mesa closed closed
Chuck’s Fish closed closed
Chuy’s Tex-Mex 11am-3pm closed
City Cafe closed closed
Cravings closed closed
Cypress Inn closed closed
Depalma’s Italian Cafe closed closed
Dreamland BBQ – Tuscaloosa til 3pm closed
Dreamland BBQ – Northport til 3pm closed
Edelweiss 8am-12pm closed
Evangeline’s closed closed
Five 10am-3 pm closed
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 10:30am-4pm closed
Full Moon BBQ til 3pm closed
Glory Bound closed closed
Heat Pizza Bar closed closed
Hoo’s Q closed closed
Iguana Grill regular hours closed
Innisfree closed closed
Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 11am-3pm closed
Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ 10:30-3pm closed
La Hacienda El Mexicana closed closed
Levee Bar & Grill closed closed
Miss Dots Tuscaloosa closed closed
Moe’s Original BBQ closed closed
Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes unknown closed
Mr. Chen’s regular hours closed
Mugshots Grill and Bar closed closed
Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza 10:30-2pm closed
Rama Jama’s unknown closed
River closed closed
Ruan Thai Exotic Thai Cuisine Rest. closed closed
O’Henrys Coffee 7am-5pm closed
Side-by-Side 11am-9pm 11am-11pm
Southern Ale House closed closed
Subs-N-You closed closed
Surin of Thailand regular hours closed
Sweet Home Food Bar closed closed
Swen Chinese Restaurant closed closed
Taco Mama til 4 closed
Taziki’s Cafe 11am-3pm closed
The Front Porch closed closed
Wilhagan’s closed closed
Zoe’s Kitchen (all locations) closed closed