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
Whether you’re looking to get outside for an adventure, for a relaxing time on the water, or you simply want to stay cool amidst the rising Alabama heat index and stifling humidity this summer, Tuscaloosa is home to many large bodies of water. Lake Tuscaloosa is the largest and is often taken advantage of in the summer for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. With newly available watercraft rentals, Lake Tuscaloosa is now more accessible to the public than ever before.
The construction of Lake Tuscaloosa was finished in 1970, the lake built as a reservoir for the rising population of Tuscaloosa. According to the City of Tuscaloosa’s website, the 5,885-acre reservoir holds approximately 40 billion gallons of water and can provide close to 200 million gallons of safely withdrawn water a day. The lake is Tuscaloosa’s primary source of raw water for human consumption.
Home to many residents of the city, Lake Tuscaloosa boasts magnificent houses on large plots of privately owned land. Despite the privacy of much of the land surrounding the lake, the city has several public boat ramps and put-ins, such as Binion Creek Landing Park in Northport and Sharpes Landing, located north of the city. There is also a public boat landing off of New Watermelon Road called Rock Quarry Park Boat Landing. Pontoon boat rentals are available seven days a week at Pier 43 and Captain’s Club, while Captain’s Club also offers rentals for kayaks and paddleboards for visitor fun. Tuscaloosa Paddleboard also offers Paddleboard rentals.
Fishing is allowed on the lake, and although the fish forage is limited, fisherman can catch a variety of bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and more. In addition, Lake Tuscaloosa is visually pleasing, the flat of the water contrast to the jagged cliffs and towering greenery surrounding it.
Take the time this summer to enjoy all the lake has to offer. Make sure to visit the one and only Lake Tuscaloosa.
For more information on the lake’s history, visit the City of Tuscaloosa’s website.
Hidden amidst the countryside of Duncanville, Alabama is what could be called water skier heaven, but what skiing aficionado Lyman Hardy named LymanLand USA when he built the lake more than 20 years ago. The glassy, blue-green dyed water of the nearly half mile long lake hosts a variety of water ski events and tournaments each year. After visiting more than 20 ski lakes across the nation, Hardy determined how he wanted his lake built: eight feet deep, as narrow as a football field, and with small islands on each end to prevent wake water from upsetting skiers when the boat makes its turns. LymanLand draws hundreds of skiers from across the nation to compete against other professional and nationally ranked skiers in the perfectly crafted aquatic arena.
This month, LymanLand will host the American Water Ski Association’s 2016 Southern Regional Championships from Wednesday, July 20 through Sunday, July 24. The event is open to the public, persons and their pets (leashed, of course) allowed. Competing skiers will trick ski, slalom, and perform jumps in hopes of breaking both personal and national records.
LymanLand is located at 15865 Waterski Lane, just off Highway 82, southeast of Tuscaloosa.
For more information about the event, call Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission’s Brandt LaPish at (205) 391-9200 or visit usawaterski.org and download the guide for the 2016 championships.
Written By: Karley Fernandez, TTS PR Intern
Black Warrior SUP Championship on Lake Nicol
Serene waters surround the city of Tuscaloosa and its county. Lake Tuscaloosa is the largest in the county, Lake Lurleen is a man made oasis, and then there is Lake Nicol. This Cliffside lake is more secluded, and off the beaten path than its commercialized neighbor. It’s not overflowing with eco-tourists and families trying to beat the Alabama heat; It’s simply calm waters and picturesque cliffs tucked underneath towering pines. Despite being only a short drive from civilization, natures take over of the lake gives it that secluded, and far off feeling found in the outskirts. The cliffs stand tall over blue waters, with winding trails leading to them. The waters gently wave with the blue skies shining above. Lake Nicol even hosts an island near the southern tip, offering a truly disconnected environment to freely row and paddle about.
The Black Warrior SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Championship will be one of those rare times the lake is given the spotlight. These six to three mile courses starts early in the morning, with three races planned, and a one-mile fun race open to anyone. If you’re worried you’ve missed your chance, you can still register to compete in the races, and take in this hidden gem of waters and cliffs. The guests and traveling athletes will convene over its calm water and collectively find the beauty hidden by this lake. People will gather and watch the paddleboards glide over the lake and absorb the tranquility and uninhibited natural wonder of Lake Nicol as the Champions are crowned. The competition benefits the American Heart Association and certainly helps your own. Getting outside and being active over cool waters will bring a benefit only found in the great outdoors. While Lake Tuscaloosa and Lurleen sit pretty as the top bodies of water in the county, by the time the excitement dies down, and the day starts to close, Lake Nicol will be wearing a new crown in the eyes of the people. If you want to get out, explore the natural beauty in town, and take part in this exciting and fun filled race, you can register through PaddleGuru. The one-mile fun race is $20.00, the 3-mile race is $30.00, and the 6-mile race is $40.00. if you feel The American Heart Association deserves more, you’re welcome to add a donation along with the cost. The Race takes place July 16th at Lake Nicol.
Founded in Tuscaloosa, and expanding beyond our city limits, its not hard to see why. Shark’s fried chicken, ranging from tenders to liver and gizzards, you’re bound to have some of the best fried chicken in town. Accompanying the chicken, the sides share the same range of usual suspects to oysters and hush puppies thanks to their seafood faire. They are spreading their fried love in Birmingham, and soon beyond that.
A collegiate classic, this staple of the university atmosphere in town is the proud home of some of the best wings of West Alabama. Served under memorabilia and any sauce you choose, their chicken is hard to beat. No wing could be complete without proper sides, and Buffalo Phil’s certainly delivers. From curly fries to beer battered onion rings, you’re bound to find good company for these iconic wings
Five Bar is known for its simplicity in a decadent environment. This mantra finds its way into their Sunday brunch special of fried chicken and waffles. The crispy, fall off the bone chicken meets the sweet and ample waffle with its golden syrup in a union so pure and star crossed its clear why it’s a favorite. The savory chicken skin with its crispy breading could be a meal all on its own. Bold and well seasoned, it’s the perfect yin to the yang of the sweet and heavenly waffles.
This small industrial style space packs a big game when it comes to our food scene and it’s easy to see why. Their brunch special of fried chicken over oven fresh biscuits, or chicken bites battered in Black Warrior Brewing Company’s Brown Ale proves The Avenue Pub knows southern food. The chicken bites make a great introduction to the explosive flavor found in the pub, with the fried chicken and biscuits being at a level that could pose questioning of your love for your Grandmother’s kitchen.
Rama Jama’s
Every college town has that place that everyone has to eat before they graduate. Luckily for the University of Alabama, that list is nearly never ending with all of the incredible local restaurants surrounding Tuscaloosa. Even with so many options, there’s always been one that stands above the rest and it sits in the shadow of Bryant Denny Stadium. I’ve heard numerous different suggestions on what to try, including their “National Champ Burger” which boasts 16oz of bacon, one ounce for each Alabama Football national title! Regardless, it’s national hot dog month and I’m on a mission. Before you even walk in you can tell the place is special. This is no cookie cutter, brick and mortar restaurant. The white brick building is designed like no other location in town and you would be hard pressed to find similar architecture within 500 miles!
Stepping into Rama Jama’s is like stepping into a museum that just happens to serve incredible food. There is so much Alabama memorabilia packed into the diner, the owner has had to start hanging it from the ceiling! During my 30 minutes there I saw no less than 7 people taking pictures of the awesome things they found on the walls that reminded them of a piece of Alabama history!
I walked up to the counter to read the menu, which is written on three large chalk boards hung from the ceiling behind the register. I knew what I came for, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask the lady, “What are you famous for?” Without skipping a beat, I got back an excited, “What AREN’T we famous for?!” before she dove into her spiel about the National Champ Burger, their milkshakes, and of course their memorabilia! What really caught my attention was the fact that they’ve printed the names of famous visitors to the diner on the table right where they sat!
The place was pretty busy, but I took my order ticket and went to find a table. I wanted a table with a name of one of their famous patrons printed on it; I found just that with the table that Paul Finebaum had his name on! Within minutes my two hotdogs and a fry was sitting in front of me. A man who looked eerily similar to Nick Saban himself brought it out, but I’m not sure if that was real, or just the magic surrounding the café. My food was absolutely incredible and the experience was exactly how I anticipated as I daydreamed leading up to my pilgrimage! As National Hotdog Month rolls on, I highly recommend you put this place on your list! If dogs aren’t your thing, they serve their full menu all day so there’s something for everybody! Now that I’ve experienced Rama Jama’s I understand why it’s part of the Tuscaloosa bucket list and they definitely haven’t seen the last of me.
Wrriten By: Barrett Elder, TTS Public Relations Intern
Voted one of the best college bars in America by Men’s Health, This brick beauty serves as cozy relief from the noise and constant party found on the Strip. It’s a warm and welcoming place where people can break away from over the top bars and enjoy a nice brew under fine artwork and away from clouds of smoke. The owner made strides in declaring the pub smoke free in an effort to give guests a space where they can breathe easy. Guests can come and enjoy the clean air, and cold drinks inside or out on the patio. The charm and comfort of this downtown bar is a welcomed change of pace. Instead of a thousand big screens and music turned up to 11, it’s the perfect spot for friends to enjoy good conversation without leaving deafened by billboards top 10.
You wont be lost in this quaint bar, its just the right size to feel welcomed without being crowded when more than three walk in. sit inside under the exposed break, or out facing the street you’ll bask in the good music, and warmth that can only be found here along 22nd. People who come here always have something wonderful to say about its ambience. that its not too stuffy or divey, that its like a friends living room with an incredible bar. From Students to professionals in town, hardly anyone can leave without enjoying something found in this secluded spot. Its not just Tuscaloosa who enjoy the break away Alcove provides, Garden and Gun declared it one of the best “watering holes” in the secret south. Tuscaloosa Magazine deemed it the best bar for adults, and best beer selection. Its hard not to see why the world has fallen for this cozy tavern, as people are falling in love with it under their sword crossed crest.
Written by: Deven Wilson, TTS Public Relations Intern
If you know of Tuscaloosa, you know someone whose got a story or two that took place in this one & only Locale. You can drive around the strip looking for a big flashy neon sign saying “ Gallette’s” you’ll be hard pressed to find it. This hole in the wall is hidden to outsiders inside the Campus Party Store building. You’d never guess such an innocent yellow brick building could hold so much fun. Once inside, you find yourself surrounded with all the makings of a iconic dive bar, without hipster touches of an intended atmosphere. No, this place is only organic in that its history and mixology have born a Drink so infamous, our you can find replicas throughout town. The Yellowhammer. You wont find them served in repurposed mason jars, you’ll find them in their bold yellow plastic cups will a hearty Roll Tide written across. These fruity drinks have a mild flavor, but pack a strong punch, one fitting the legends of the stadium that stands in the background of Gallette’s.
After a couple of Yellowhammers, or anything the bar tosses up, you’ll be bouncing along to the music that’s never too quiet. More than likely you will be taken by surprise when the song sung in that classic dive bar unison isn’t a Journey song, or even Sweet Home Alabama, but “ Dixieland Delight”. Gallette’s patrons will serenade you, not only with every single lyric known by heart, but their own additional ones that shows how deep local pride runs. It’ll seem like magic how each person of every creed comes together in this bar to boast and belt their Alabama pride with perfect tempo. You’ll soon find your self swept in a tide of pride, and a community you’ll grow all the more fond of. Whether you find your way to Gallette’s during its peak season of Fall, or in the Spring when practically half of the entire gulf is brought to their patio for Crawfish Boils; you can bet you’ll leave with more than a few tails and cocktails to rave about to anyone who mentions this one and only city.
Written by: Deven Wilson, TTS Public Relations Intern
Best places to Take Dad on Father’s Day
Grill Master Dad
Every Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, your father is smoking, grilling, and mastering the BBQ Pit while everyone else waits patiently for his works of well seasoned art. He works hard to provide everyone with a savory, well smoked treat in the summer, so why not give him one in return. You may not be as good as he is on the grill, so trust the expert instead. Treat your father to the one and only Dreamland BBQ. Its trusted recipe for ribs, smoked meat, and banana pudding are a great way to treat the master. It may not be as great as his, but he knows he’s hard to beat. Dreamland is a close second to Dad.
Lumberjack Dad
Your dad is never home, because he’s out somewhere in the woods. Your dad made your bed frame, wardrobe, and first house. Your dads honeymoon idea was home depot. Your dad is short with words, and big on hugs. Your burly father doesn’t like frills and neither does the one and only Buffalo Phil’s. Located on the Strip, inside is a classic college burger bar. It doesn’t serve you small tapas underneath visit France posters. Its just good ole American food served under Alabama posters. Its no ritz, but your dad will like it that way.
Professor Dad
Your dad is the smartest guy you know. He tries to get you to use educational apps, build your stock portfolio, and learn mandarin. He gave you summer reading, well before school did. Most dads boast about their garage, your dad is more than proud of his library. His career is like chandlers, you don’t know what its called for the life of you, but you know its not for the weak minded. Your dad knows everything there is about the world, so why not bring some of it to him. Treat your father to something beyond the southern palate by taking him to the one and only Ruan Thai. Impress him by pre searching the correct pronunciation of their wonderful Eastern dishes, and the exotic flavors to be found in this little house on a hill. Your dad will love the break from burgers and BBQ and be delighted to see his child try something off the beaten path.
Stay at Home Dad
Your dad doesn’t commute to work, unless you count the walk from the bedroom to the living room. He saves money on gas, by only needing to the leave the house for groceries and supplies. He knows how to rewire the AC, and make enough cookies for Christmas. He can decorate a living room as well as he can grill a steak. Your dad has the role of two parents, but only gets one holiday. Your dad deserves something special he deserves the one and only Five Bar. Your dad will enjoy the fine style of this one and only eatery, and the delicious but short menu. let someone else cook for your dad, and trust it will match his cooking skills.
Bama Theatre
Construction started in 1937, with the Great Depression in full swing, President Roosevelt enacted the Public Works Administration; a government program that worked to increase employment, and benefit the community. Tuscaloosa took funds out of this program to build a theatre, a municipal auditorium and city hall. The complex would end up costing $200,000 (around 3.3 million today). The new complex was the first in town to have true air conditioning. On its opening day April 12th 1938, the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band and Disney characters joined along a grand parade. The First movie screened during the opening gala was Million Dollar Baby starring Katherine Hepburn, and Cary Grant.
The Bama Theatre rose in an era of streamline moderne, and atmosphere. David O. Whildin built the exterior of the municipal building in PWA Moderne. With simple lines, and roman inspired detailing with faux tapestries and a carved eagle over the City Hall entrance. The rounded façade was built with limestone and the panels above the windows are granite. Its Solid construction later let it to be designated a bomb shelter in the rise of the red scare in America. Inside, the theatre is designed on the Atmosphere style. Designed by Whildin to look like a Mediterranean plaza during the renaissance. Every element was designed by the architect, from the faux balconies to the ceiling lined with small flashing lights to look like a night sky. Navino Nataloni, a artist hired through the PWA to paint the murals, and took to create unique scenes as most simply painted local landscapes, while Nataloni painted to match the Mediterranean style instead.
A tidy, tan shop front in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa hosts one of the world’s largest collections of 20th century African-American art. In 2008 the late Paul Jones donated more than 1,700 pieces of his Collection of American Art, valued at nearly $5 million, to the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama and are on rotational display at the downtown gallery throughout the year.
Described as a civil rights activist, Paul Raymond Jones began collecting art in the 1960s when he noticed a shortage of African-American representation in public art exhibits. He collected pieces created in a variety of mediums and from more than 600 artists. Jones wanted his collection used for educational purposes, so his donation to the university has been incorporated to the school’s curricula as a means to promote artistic significance and cultural awareness. Some of the works are on display at galleries on campus and will be made available to other academic institutions and museums throughout the state.
The current gallery exhibit, “In Miniature,” showcases some of the smaller pieces from Jones’ collection and is on display until August 23, 2016.
The gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the first Friday of each month from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Be sure to visit the one and only Paul R. Jones Gallery at 2308 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. For more information, contact gallery Director Karen Kennedy at (205)345-3038 or visit http://paulrjonescollection.as.ua.edu/ for more details.
Written by: Karley Fernandez, TTS Public Relations Intern
Looking for a weekend event that the entire family can enjoy? Live at the Plaza is just that. Due to last year’s tremendous success, the Tuscaloosa City Council approved the second annual Live at the Plaza concert series to be held every Friday night in June and July in the Government Plaza.
This concert series will run from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday night and will feature live music from local bands. The Government Plaza, located downtown behind City Hall, provides the perfect family-friendly atmosphere to the Tuscaloosa community.
If live music alone doesn’t get you excited about this event; did we mention that these weekly concerts are free to the public? Yes, everyone can enjoy great local, live music for free. In addition to that, concert-goers are allowed to bring to alcoholic beverages to the events, but it can only be consumed during the time of the concert.
What makes this event truly unique is that it is really something for all ages to enjoy. Whether you are a kid, college student, middle age or a senior you’ll really enjoy this community-wide event.
The first event of the concert series kicks off this Friday, June 3, and will feature music from the Matt Jones Trio, a folk-rock band.
Furthermore, the June 10 concert will feature Lickety Split, a bluegrass band, and will play host to an open competition from the Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest. More acts are being scheduled and will be announced as they are finalized.
Bring your coolers and lawn chairs and join the #OneandOnly Tuscaloosa each and every Friday this summer at Live at the Plaza for great music and fun!
Written by: Adrian Gee, TTS Public Relations Intern