The Strip along University Blvd is home to so many classic collegiate icons. From locally made cocktails to some of the best burgers and wings in the South, you’re not going to find anywhere that embodies the spirit of college quite like the Strip does. One of its landmarks comes at the corner of University and Campus Drive, is Buffalo Phil’s. This ivy-covered brick lodge for some of the best wings in the world was founded in 1980. Phillip Weaver came to the University of Alabama with a deli and convenience store on campus but wasn’t satisfied with going to class and overseeing his business. He searched for something different to bring to the table at his future quick service restaurant. Eventually, he found Buffalo wings to be severely lacking in the South and decided to concoct his own unique hot sauces for fresh cut chicken wings. It was in 1980 he opened Wings& Things. While traditional southerners weren’t used to actually eating the wings of a chicken, as they saw them as the least desirable part. It was through sampling his delicious product to local businesses and students on campus that Wings & Things quickly became a popular place. The Uniqueness of his wings alongside staples like curly fries and a cornucopia of deliciousness alongside a variety of beers proved to his place on the strip. It was in 1992 that Wings & Things became called Buffalo Phil’s as to offer a trademark for Weaver’s success. Today you’ll find a welcoming college staple that comes offering the “Best Wings in the World.
Top Five Reasons to See The Nutcracker
This holiday season, come to the Bama Theatre to see our community stage the classic ballet of the Nutcracker at 7pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with shows at 10 am Saturday and 2pm Sunday.
- Warm up with some Russian culture
Composed in the late 1890s in Russia, this classic holiday ballet has been celebrated around the world as a treasure since the 1960s. The elaborate storytelling and focus on the wilds of a child’s imagination can be a welcomed break from the continuing colder winds blowing into town.
- A great reason to escape to the Bama
There’s hardly a local landmark with a perfect blend of history and modern style. the grand dame of theater for Tuscaloosa has an atmospheric theater set in a Spanish courtyard with its original twinkling star lights. You can rest either in the main seats or cozy up in the balcony on the second floor, with a treat from the concession bar.
- See our community showcase their talent
While it’s fun to go see some experienced professionals in big cities knock out another in a thousand of performances, there’s nothing that beats the excitement of seeing people you know show off their hidden talents. This production features locally sourced artists with talent to spare.
- Not far from great food
Going to see a show can mean making a night of it with a great dinner, and exploring your own hometown. Being at the Bama means you’re a simple walk away from some of the best one and only eateries in town.
- Break out those formal clothes
While it’s far from required at these shows to be dressed to the nines, there’s something about the magic of ballet in a grand theater that can be so well suited with a step in clothes. Not to mention these colder days mean it’s time to layer up, and with our warm fall, we haven’t had the chance to show off our winter gear.
No matter what your reasons, you’re guaranteed a great night out with some festive ballet, local talent, and culture in the one&only Tuscaloosa. Find out more information here
For locals, a giant neon cactus in our southern college town just makes sense. They belong right up there in Tuscaloosa landmarks with Denny Chimes and the Railroad Bridge. They just make sense. To newcomers, they are one of the first things you ask a local about. Anybody born and raised here will likely have an undying passion for their tacos and sweet tea. While the city has grown its food scene more and more with each passing day, they still have a love for Taco Casa. It’s hard to imagine that there was a time before they sprung up around town. Long before 1974 when the first Taco Casa would open, founder Rod Wilkins was dreaming up of the Tex-Mex after practice under the guidance of Tuscaloosa Icon Coach Bear Bryant. He would go on to head back home, work with his father in construction and marry a Northport girl named Susan Strong.
They would come back to Tuscaloosa in 73 with money they invested from Susan’s grandmother. While Rod would try to get a loan for his Tex-Mex, he officiated high school football games while helping build Susan’s parents home. Once he got the loan from his fellow football official Ed King, he set out to find the perfect spot to build his dream on. On August 20th, 1974 Taco Casa was born. They hit the ground running with their long-continued tradition of serving fresh food made right after the customer ordered. Along with hot fresh food, they served some of the coldest beer in frosted mugs, quickly becoming the landmark restaurant where many locals would try their first taco.
After incredibly dedicating himself to his work, he was advised by his former high school coach to franchise Taco Casa. By 1977 Taco Casa expanded across the river to Northport. College students and locals alike would grow to love Taco Casa to the point they expanded into markets like Mobile, Birmingham, and even into auburn. On that tragic day of April 27th, 2011 a Taco Casa along 15th street was struck by the devastating tornado. The Restaurant would be one of the first businesses to come back stronger than before and be a beacon of hope for the city’s revival. To this day Taco Casa is still a family operated business with a dedication to our great city. They continue to serve freshly made Tex-Mex and some of the sweetest sweet tea in the state. It is loved and cherished as a local legend that continues to bring people together under the biggest cactus in town
Indigenous people once ruled the area around Tuscaloosa, and further south along the Black Warrior River is the ancient ruins of a once great native city. The actual name of the locale is lost, but what archeologists have found it was once one of the largest cities in North America. Dated to around 1000 AD to 1450 Ad, the Mississippian culture occupied the site and on it, they built grand mounds inside a plaza.
These mounds were used from as little as civic buildings, burial sites, to grand plots for the elites of the city to cast their homes upon. They towered above the dwellings of the common people, and the elites lived luxuriously above. The city itself rose from a simple port to a cultural and political capital of the native lands. The city would rise to be the second largest mound city, right behind Cahokia in Illinois. Sadly, the grandeur of the impressive city would fall. European settlers would colonize and eventually the site would be found abandoned. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the government took interest in preserving the site thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The ruins became open to the public in 1939 and would change to be called the Moundville Archeological Park by 1991. Today, you drive from Tuscaloosa towards the sleepy community of Moundville and find the park. Once there you’ll find the open field of the former great plaza and the grass-covered mounds still towering above. The University of Alabama currently runs the museum on site and provides a wonderful collection of preserved pieces of the lost culture. You’re welcome to explore and hike around the site, even climb to the top of the tallest remaining mound.
The ruins have a subtle beauty to their simplicity. They look almost alien rising out of the ground above the fields, and yet you can’t help but look in awe. To think of what was once a bustling hub of civilization now quietly resting over the river. Head towards the river bluff for an impressive vantage point overlooking the waters as they flow towards the gulf and back to Tuscaloosa. Try and picture the excitement of all the people of the Native American cultures meeting and trading along the shore. What it must have been to be in the Chicago of mound cities. Take it in, and appreciate how both permanent and fragile our world is. These sites remain to remind us that our worlds can fade out, but there will always be ways to remember them. Go out and explore the ruins, and connect with a world time left behind.
The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band has been thrilling spectators for years! Starting way back in 1912 with just 14 members, it’s incredible to think that they have grown to 400 strong in just a short 104 years! Every time there’s a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, they swarm the field from all four corners of the stadium before helping the crowd erupt in “Yay Alabama” as they march down the field. At halftime, they play everything from jazz to modern pop, and even bust out the dance moves in front of millions of fans each year!
Not only does the Million Dollar Band perform on Tuscaloosa Saturdays, but they often will travel with the football team across the country. Because of this, they have become known as the most televised college band in history! It’s easy to say that Saturdays wouldn’t be the same without the one and only Million Dollar Band. From songs like Basket Case to a rousing rendition Rammer Jammer, they are a #FallLoosa staple that you can expect to see or hear anytime you’re around campus on a game day weekend!
Story time! Did you know that Tuscaloosa was named after a native American chief? Chief Tuskaloosa was a paramount chief of a Mississippian chiefdom in what is now the sweet home Alabama! Tuskaloosa is most well-known for leading the Battle of Mabila at his fortified village against the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto.
Tuskaloosa was known for being a great leader, impressive for his size and nobility, he was nearly 7 feet tall! When Tuskaloosa heard of the approach of De Soto, he went out to meet the Spaniard and invited him to visit his village, Mabila. All along the way, Tuskaloosa pointed out the beauty and riches of his homeland but de Soto is not impressed; he is seeking gold and only that. When de Soto and his army made it to the village, Tuscaloosa’s men ambushed them!
After the battle, with both sides retreating, Tuskaloosa and some of his people left their ravaged village and made their way north to live at the falls near what is now the town of Tuscaloosa. The river known as the Black Warrior River is named to honor Tuskaloosa!
From new Bama fans to curious freshmen, its hard to see why lighting up a celebratory cigar happens every time Alabama wins against Tennessee. The problem of success is you gain a lot of rivals along the way, and aside from that cow college to the east, Tennessee is a classic rival for Alabama, going as far back as over 100 years. The tradition of the celebratory cigar dates back 60 years, and while its rumored to have been started by the legendary Bear Bryant, it was Jim Goostree. Goostree was the head trainer, and after an overdue victory passed around cigars to the Alabama team. Since then, both teams have celebrated their wins with cigars, and the fans have actively joined in. While it’s a violation of NCAA rules, both teams will self-report the violation as a smaller tradition since 2005.
For this season, the Tide rolls into Knoxville, and for fans who either can’t make the trip or understandably prefer to be in Tuscaloosa, look no further than the one and only R&R Cigar house.
R&R Cigar operates in a classic Greek-revival home west of Lurleen, along 6th with an amazing front porch gracing the front façade. Inside is a cigar paradise with an overwhelming selection of fine tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages for purchase. Inside the rooms are fitted with comfy leather seating and big screens to catch every college game being broadcasted. Carry on the Alabama tradition, pick up a fine stogy ready to light after Bama brings home another W.
Life in Tuscaloosa comes with so many choices. From where you want to live, down to which road isn’t under construction, we face so many choices. When it comes to choosing where to go out, your options are overwhelming. Your friends may need to squeeze their pennies, while you want to impress your date. Some of you want to explore new tastes, while others can’t be separated from their pizza. It can be tough to decide where to go as college students in town, but we’ve narrowed it down to help guide those who want to explore beyond the dining hall.
It is so hard to go wrong with Moe’s. From the friendly attitude of the workers to the fiendishly delicious sides, you’ll want to keep going back just to try every temptation on their menu. Their BBQ stands out as the main attraction, but their great patio seating, live music, make it a perfect starting point for a great night out on the town.
One of the newest on the Tuscaloosa scene, Heat is spicing up the way we think of pizza. Parking, while a constant struggle for most places, is hardly an issue if you’re going to Heat. It’s located right under the free to park parking garage at Government Plaza. Once inside, the super modern bar greets you as you prepare for some of the best thin crust pizza. Even if you don’t think you want to enjoy Heat for dinner, they stay open as late as the strip with a 2am closing time. Giving you plenty of time to crave their artisan styles and enjoy some late night pizza. They also make the perfect spot enjoy any of the live events happening in the plaza since their outdoor seating directly faces our communal lawn downtown.
Nothing is more collegiate than a good Irish bar and Innisfree wears its shamrock with a fiery honor. Known for its messy chips, over the top fries, wings, burgers and decadently fried food, Innisfree will satisfy. This is where you can go to unwind, relax and enjoy great food with great friends. There’s never a dull moment at Innisfree, from Saturdays in the fall, to any day in the spring they have music, games, and sports ready to keep you entertained
Who doesn’t love an ice-cold mug? When has queso/guac and chips been a bad idea? Taco Mama’s delivers when it comes to Tex-Mex in T-Town. They have every south of the border flavor you desire. Tacos, to burritos with quesadillas in between, they deliver that Mexican taste you’re always ready to delight in.
Five Bar
If you want to grow your likes on Instagrams, go to Five. Easily one of the most photogenic places to eat in town, their ceiling full of eccentric chandeliers, dim lighting, and foodie style menu are a great choice to treat yo self. Their mantra of only offering five choices helps narrow it down for anyone who has to deal with someone who “ is fine with anything”. The limited choices will surprise you in how packed with flavor they can be, and come out looking so photo ready.
One and Only: Alabama Veterans Reunion is coming up on August 26-28! We are thrilled to host Alabama’s finest in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! We are incredibly honored to be hosting the Alabama Veterans Reunion for the 3rd year here in Tuscaloosa. We are humbled to have so many of Alabama’s brave men and women who have served and continue to serve this great country come and unite in our city. This celebration weekend starts August 26th through to Sunday, August 28th. We welcome our featured speaker Major General Janet Cobb at our Veterans Appreciation Dinner on Saturday. Maj. Gen. Cobb is decorated for her service in the United States, overseas, and is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Alabama ROTC.
The commemorative weekend will consist of a MyVA community public forum and reception at the Rivermarket on the 26th. The Veterans Festival at the VA Medical Center Campus with live music, a car show, and more! After the festival the formal dinner at the Northriver Yacht Club on the 27th, this is the only ticketed event at $35 a person & $60 for a couple. The 28th we will have the Veterans tour, a self-guided tour of the military and war history in Tuscaloosa. All events aside from the Formal Dinner are free to attend, and we look forward to seeing everyone here to celebrate this heroic men and women! REGISTER TODAY! at www.alabamaveteransreunion.com
Director of Outreach for Disability Benefits Help Deanna Power kindly wrote a post explaining Veteran’s benefits! Be sure to share it out.
How Someone Could Receive SSDI and VA Disability Benefits at the Same Time
As a disabled worker and a disabled veteran of the U.S. armed forces, you may be entitled to disability benefits from both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Veteran’s Administration (VA). In fact, you can receive monthly compensation from both government entities at the same time and without your benefits through either program being reduced due to monies you receive from the other.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI benefits are available to qualified disabled individuals who worked and paid Social Security taxes to accumulate the work credits necessary to be covered by this “insurance” program. Taxes you pay accumulate as work credits, and work credits are usually earned at the rate of four per year. This means most workers of sufficient age and with a recent work history are eligible for SSDI, provided they also have a qualifying medical condition.
The amount of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI varies on how old you are when you become disabled. A recently enlisted solider wounded in combat will not have been expected to work as much as a 60-year-old applicant.
Veteran’s Administration Disability Benefits
Disability benefits through the VA are available to veterans that have a qualifying disability. This disability may be either an illness or an injury. It can also be something that occurred or developed during military service, or that was exacerbated by or worsened as a result of active military service. In other words, whether your disability was caused by or worsened because of military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits.
Medical Eligibility and Qualification Processes
While the VA and SSDI are both disability programs, there are some major differences between their respective medical qualification processes. The VA has a less stringent definition of disability and has a sliding scale for disability as well. Veterans can be anywhere from 10% to 100% disabled and receive VA disability.
SSDI disability standards are stricter and require your disability has or is expected to last at least 12 months or that you have a terminal condition. A qualifying disability must also prevent you from “substantial gainful activity,” which essentially means gainful employment. In 2016, “gainful employment” Because of these differences in eligibility requirements, some veterans may qualify for VA benefits but not for disability under the Social Security Act.
Expedited SSDI Reviews for Veterans
Veterans that are deemed 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled (100% P&T) by the VA are entitled to special service from the SSA. If you inform the SSA of your 100% P&T status, your SSDI application will be expedited. For expedited service however, you must also provide the SSA copies of your VA disability rating documents along with your application for Social Security Disability.
Applying for SSDI
You can apply online, via the SSA’s website for SSDI benefits, or you can visit the local field office to complete your application. Phone application interviews are sometimes done as well and can be arranged by calling 1-800-772-1213. Just keep in mind that this is the SSA’s main phone line and you may therefore be on hold for some time before speaking with an SSA representative.
No matter how you go about applying for SSDI, you’ll want to review information about the process prior to starting your application. The Adult Disability Starter Kit is a good place to begin your review. You may also wish to consult some of the SSA’s veteran-specific online resources, including the informational pages for Wounded Warriors and Veterans with 100% P&T Ratings.
This article was contributed by Disability Benefits Help. If you need any assistance with your claim, feel free to contact our staff at help@disability-benefits-help.org
If you haven’t heard of the latest real life gaming experience, you might still be locked in a room and need to solve that puzzle. Breakout games take role-playing to a new level by putting you inside the action instead of sitting back to watch. They present you with a puzzle to solve, a key to find, clues to follow, and all kinds of twists with the pressure to break out in time. Breakout Tuscaloosa features several different themed rooms each with their own unique mystery, theme, and skill level needed to break out. Each room is locked; the clocks are set to 60 minutes, and its up to you to work together to find your escape. Not everyone makes it out or succeeds so be ready to put your intelligence to the test to prove you really can make it out in time.
Breakout Tuscaloosa isn’t limited to just mystery rooms, you can take part in the scavenger hunt games of Breakout Expedition. Taking the game outside, you will use your list of clues to run around town to gather as many items as you need to gain the highest points and win. If you’re looking to prove you really could have survived all those thriller movies, or just want to show off your Sherlock skills, Breakout Tuscaloosa is willing to put them to the test. Breakout Tuscaloosa is open to anyone 12 years old, as long as an adult accompanies anyone under 14. It’s the perfect chance to bond with friends, coworkers, or just get out of the clique dinner and movie night. Breakout Tuscaloosa can be found at 2310 14th Street, adjacent to the Jemison Mansion, open Thursday through Sunday. For more information check out their website at breakouttuscaloosa.com
*Photo credit breakouttuscaloosa.com
One and Only: The Tuscaloosa Public Library
The Tuscaloosa Library has always been dedicated to serving its city in their collective pursuit of knowledge and culture. The library had a soft-spoken start. Founded as a refuge for people to gather under the passion of reading, the first public library was born out of citizens donating from their collections. It wasn’t until the 20s did the city actively try to form a Library system. It grew from a small office in the basement of City Hall to a system serving West Alabama. Most remember the days when the Library was anchored inside the Jemison Mansion. The grand dame of antebellum mansions in Tuscaloosa, served as a cultural hub for the city, with shelves stocked with books, and rotating exhibits on the arts. The needs of the growing city soon demanded more room, and the response came out in the current main branch being built in the 70s along the Black Warrior. Today several renovations have kept the original philosophy of the library alive in a digital age. Currently, it offers eBooks, eMagazines, DVDS, music, and several modern services along with the classic selections of books.
The library openly welcomes children with its wide array of services and events. Legoland is open to all ages to come create and build with Legos at the library every Thursday. They offer online digital pop-up books, and creative writing classes to get teens interested in expressing themselves through poetry on Wednesday. For those who part with their books, tucked away on the side is the Friends of the Library Bookstore. They started as a garage sale and evolved into a used bookstore for the people. Most are sold simply for $1-3 and are open to donations. It’s the perfect spot for someone who wants a book with some extra love in between the pages. The Tuscaloosa Library offers everything for people who enjoy stories. The Tuscaloosa Library has something for everyone– movies, magazines, digital libraries, and even a classic book with faded pages. The library is still a cultural hub of activity for the Druid City.
Delicious and fun, brunch brings us together like no other meal. Its’s one of the few occasions that alcoholic beverages for breakfast aren’t just acceptable but encouraged. Mimosa, anyone? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places in the #OneandOnly Tuscaloosa to enjoy those laziest of weekend meals, when breakfast and lunch blur into one indulgent feast.
1. 301 Bistro, Bar, and Beer Garden:
Located at 301 Greensboro Ave in the charming, historic L&N Train Station (circa 1912), 301 Bistro provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy brunch on a Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday, 301 Bistro offers a New Orleans Jazz Brunch from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Their beer garden is also dog-friendly, so bring your fury friend and enjoy 301 Bistro’s great brunch menu.
Start your day off overlooking the beautiful Black Warrior River while enjoying delicious handmade biscuit beignets, gourmet omelettes, and six selections of eggs benedict. Located at 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, Another Broken Egg serves breakfast and brunch options daily from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
A relaxed, contemporary pub located at 405 23rd Ave in downtown Tuscaloosa, serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. They also host “Live Music Sundays” from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Some of their brunch options include: Chicken Biscuits & Gravy, Huevos Rancheros, $5 Double Mimosas, and $7 Thick & Spicy House Made Bloody Mary’s.
Featuring live jazz music, a Bloody Mary bar, and $3 mimosas; it doesn’t get any better at FIVE Bar. Located in downtown Tuscaloosa at 2324 6th Street in an industrial-chic tavern, FIVE offers brunch on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Jazz Brunch menu includes chicken and waffles, a breakfast cheeseburger (complete with a fried egg), crab cake benedict, shrimp ‘n’ grits, and the FIVE burrito.
Located at 2410 University Blvd, The Side by Side Restaurant is a contemporary style restaurant that takes a modern approach to blending Southern, French, and California-styles of cooking, set against the backdrop of downtown Tuscaloosa. Serving Sunday brunch from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Side by Side offers live jazz music and a create your own Bloody Mary & mimosa bar.
Written by: Adrian Gee, TTS Public Relations Intern