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Business
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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 |
Great Grub
1. If savory Lamb Chops topped with Blackberry Reduction and a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes and sautéed Kale sounds like your dream dinner, then you should definitely include Evangeline’s in your T-Town itinerary. As one of the area’s premier restaurants, this divine treasure provides exceptional service for private intimate dinners, social events, and corporate parties. From a small rehearsal dinner to a lavish party for friends and family, Evangeline’s has the atmosphere to create the ideal experience.
2. Do you consider seafood, steak, & sushi three of your main food groups? If so, then Chuck’s is most definitely calling you. Offering a diverse menu in trendy surrounds with a loft & full bar, this local favorite has a well-earned reputation as a T-Town staple. It is also perfect for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Crowd favorites include the crab cakes, sushi, scallops, and pizza. With attentive service and an unforgettable dining experience, you’ll always leave this happy and stuffed – and ready to come back again.
3. It would be a disservice to Tuscaloosa cuisine to discuss our incredible local dining without including Central Mesa. Established in 2017 by owner Craig Williams, this local treasure offers a Southern twist on traditional Latin-American dishes. The story of the restaurant is built upon a passion for providing fresh, great-tasting food and cocktails. Every dish is prepared in-house from scratch to ensure quality taste. The heart of the restaurant beats to provide a relaxed atmosphere and sense of community, where people can come and enjoy exceptional food and drink.
Awesome Arts
4. Ignite the creative in you and experience the Dinah Cultural Arts Center’s current exhibit, Stephanie Kirkland: “Windswept: Abstract Landscapes”. This moving collection of acrylic paintings was inspired during a road trip out West, which included hiking through Glacier, Zion, and Grand Canyon national parks. This week’s gallery hours of 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m. offers the last chance to witness this captivating creation firsthand. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
5. Kentuck Art Center offers a unique view into the minds of the endlessly talented local artists all around Tuscaloosa. From handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry to kitchen pitchers, this gold mine is ideal for a one-stop-shop for holiday gifts. The Kentuck Gallery Shop offers an incredible shopping experience either online or in-person!
Scenic Views
6. Fall foliage peak is on the horizon and one of the best places to take in the changing season is the Riverwalk. This first-rate paved trail sits along the southern bank of the Black Warrior River near downtown Tuscaloosa and is suited for both walkers and bikers. Along the 4.5-mile trail, there are a variety of (dog-friendly) park areas, benches, gazebos, and trees for hammocks and picnics. The pathway also provides a playground near the Public Library and a splash pad at the Bama Bell dock for the kids. For nighttime walkers, it is well-lit with street lamps along the way.
7. Get a taste of the (tamer) Tide. Take in the jaw-dropping beauty of UA’s campus in its most unique form: somewhat still and tranquil. Casually absorb the captivating architecture and elaborate landscaping that is so easy to take for granted during the football fan frenzy that accompanies one of the greatest dynasties in college football history. It offers another great place to enjoy the fall colors while viewing landmarks such as the President’s Mansion, Denny Chimes, Bryant-Denny Stadium, and historic Foster Auditorium – where Malone-Hood Plaza and the Autherine Lucy Clock Tower celebrate the spot where the University of Alabama was first integrated.
Ahhhhh, October! The time for pumpkin-spiced lattes, hammocking, and celebrating the spooky season. But don’t stop there. Now is also the prime time to immerse yourself in different cultures to recognize their significant influence in our local community. With Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, steadily approaching, we wanted to highlight the Hispanic heritage that makes Tuscaloosa such an eclectic and unique town. This beautiful culture contributes significantly to various aspects of our lives, whether it be the music we listen to, the food we eat, or the art we cherish. Here in the City of Tuscaloosa, we want to honor and showcase the incredible Hispanic businesses and the overall importance of Hispanic culture to our community and its people.
Food:
Many are familiar with Hispanic food options and may regularly visit them from time to time, but how authentic is the experience? Explore Hispanic heritage with your tastebuds by visiting the incredible Hispanic-owned restaurants all around T-Town! We have pooled together a list of Hispanic restaurants for patrons to enjoy delicious, authentic dishes around the clock, including Antojitos Izcalli, La Bomba, and Tienda La Michoacana. These restaurants feature a diverse offering of homemade Hispanic and Mexican dishes along with plenty more for you to discover and enjoy!
La Bamba, located on McFarland Boulevard, is a classic Mexican restaurant in town that features Hispanic dishes, a fantastic selection of margarita flavors, and family packs that make last-minute meals a breeze. Another local favorite is Antijitos Izcalli on the corner of McFarland Boulevard and Hargrove Road. This Hispanic-owned restaurant is guaranteed to blow your mind with exquisite and mouth-watering homemade dishes. Looking for a quick stop for some authentic Hispanic food? Carniceria Y Tienda La Mexican is the Mexican restaurant for you, featuring its own roaming food truck! This restaurant/food truck offers a menu of homemade Mexican dishes, from classic dishes like quesadillas and nachos to more adventurous tastes like authentic Mexican tamales.
Ice Cream:
Summer may be over, but there is never a wrong time to treat yourself to a frozen sweet! The two following locations are just a few of the many wonderful local Hispanic-owned businesses that offer a unique fusion of bold Hispanic tastes and classic ice cream flavors. Discover your new favorite treats to satisfy that sweet tooth at La Real Michoacana and Las Piñas! These ice cream shops are incredible places to experience authentic Hispanic frozen treats and to support Hispanic businesses in and around the one and only Tuscaloosa.
La Real Michoacana is an inventive ice cream and sweet treat stop that loves to explore and experiment with new flavors daily. They are even open to requests for new flavors they do not have on hand! Visit their Facebook page for more information about the delicious offerings and decadent new flavors featured at La Real Michoacana. Las Piñas is a family-owned business located near Bowlero that combines Mexican and American flavors into their 100% homemade frozen treats. With the incredible addition of Mexican flavors and spices, you can discover a new flavor profile that will blow you away!
Grocery Store/Multipurpose:
In addition to treats and sweets, be sure to stop by these local stops to pick up Hispanic foods and flavors to add the perfect touch to your home-cooked meals! These are stores that offer specially-collected Hispanic foods, spices, and seasonings to add that indescribable Hispanic flair to everyday dishes or new recipes you’d like to try out! Before heading to these stores, be sure to plan ahead and read up on what foods you would like to whip up. Don’t forget to bring along a mask to wear while you shop!
There are several stores in the Tuscaloosa area that offer Hispanic-oriented foods and groceries, including: la Tienda Latina El Puerto, la Esperanza Tienda y Panaderia, and la Tienda Sabor Latino. These stores offer a wide variety of cooking ingredients and also freshly-made desserts for the instant gratification we all need every now and then! Each of these stores is Hispanic-owned by Tuscaloosa residents, so they are the one-stop shops to learn more about Hispanic culture and support the local community!
When visiting these restaurants, shops, and stores, it is important to call ahead to verify hours and up-to-date COVID-19 protocols. Additionally, although masks are not needed while seated and eating, don’t forget to bring it along for walking through the restaurants and shops! While you’re supporting Hispanic Heritage within our local community, feel free to tag @visittuscaloosa to any photos or posts about your experience! We can’t wait to see all of your adventures exploring this culture while showing your support for the Tuscaloosa community.
Written By:
Will Baggett & Jamie Hoven
Summer is in full swing and the city of Tuscaloosa has plenty of opportunities waiting for you to enjoy this weekend! Can’t decide what to do? Don’t worry, we’ve already made the search simple for you with exciting options listed below.
The River Market
The Tuscaloosa River Market is back open on Saturdays from 7 AM-12 PM! Visit the open-air market on Jack Warner Parkway to choose from a selection of vendors with farm-fresh produce, dairy products, and so much more. Enjoy a cup of coffee, sample life-changing lotions, and check out the handmade jewelry! Curbside service is also still available during this time, and orders can be placed online.
Dining Out
We are so excited to share that multiple local restaurants have reopened their doors to the public with dine-in options! Central Mesa, DePalma’s, Rama Jama’s, and Evangeline’s are now open for both dine-in and takeout. Whether it’s with a Depalma’s Deluxe Pizza or Evangeline’s Shrimp and Grits, you deserve to treat yourself with a phenomenal meal to end the work week!
Enjoy Live Music
Rhythm and Brews is now open with live performances weekly! The Brick and Hubba Show will be performing on Friday, and Jason Miller takes the stage Saturday night. Visit the Rhythm and Brews Instagram page for more information and updates posted daily.
Relax and Pamper Yourself
The perfect way to ease tension and loosen up this weekend is to attend one of Tuscaloosa’s fantastic spas to let go of this week’s stresses. Shine Facial Bar is offering your first facial free, along with many discounted membership options. Another option, located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, is Chancee’s spa. They offer 10% discounts to all students and teachers with proof of an ID. If you want a hands-free option, Chancee’s has you covered with aqua massages, infrared saunas, and solar therapies!
Try Something Brand New
Founded in 2017 as a food truck, Reggae Flava LLC has taken the Tuscaloosa food scene by storm with its unique flavor, delicious gourmet Jamaican cuisine, and variety of Caribbean dishes. Reggae Flava is now a Veteran-owned and family-owned restaurant located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The menu has a variety of options from curry chicken and brown stew pork to oxtail and curry shrimp. Vegetarian or Vegan? No problem! There are options available for you as well.
Staying in? Support the Bama Theatre from your living room couch!
If the restaurants, spas, and bars don’t appeal to you quite yet, we’ve got the perfect entertainment for you! The Bama Theatre is teaming up with Magnolia Pictures and the Arts Council to offer streaming opportunities from the comfort of your own home. When purchasing any of the streaming options on their webpage, 50% of the proceeds will go directly to the theatre and you will have a new movie ready to watch at your fingertips.