

Tuscaloosa County residents and visitors enjoy an abundance of fresh items from our gardens, catfish ponds, neighboring chicken farms and Gulf Coast waters, less than a day’s drive away. Our local farmers markets boom during the growing seasons.
Our restaurant scene is varied—One can find a quick burger, dine fancifully along the Black Warrior River or in the downtown areas, with lots of character and flavor. Residents and visitors will tell you that some of the best barbeque they’ve ever eaten was served to them here. From formal dining rooms to sports pubs to down-home cooking, dining in Tuscaloosa County is a great experience.
Angelene’s Restaurant and Grill is located South of town and serves up Southern meat and three veggie plates. Menu changes daily. 6000 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, 205.722.0801.
B.G.’s Restaurant, in McFarland Mall, serves up Greek specialties, mostly great gyros. 900 Skyland Blvd E, 205.759.2238.
Capture Studio Cafe has gourmet paninis and wraps and a unique, artistic atmosphere in downtown Tuscaloosa. Prices are very reasonable and the staff is great. 2217 University Blvd, 866.413.0756, www.capturestudiocafe.com.
Chuck’s Fish House, in downtown Tuscaloosa, offers fresh fish dishes from the nearby Gulf Coast as well as a popular sushi bar. It’s fairly new and a real “hot spot” in town. 508 Greensboro Avenue, 205.248.9370.
Cypress Inn offers beautiful riverfront views combined with traditional Southern entrees, desserts, breads, dressings and sauces, all prepared by the Cypress Inn Chef and culinary staff. It’s a long-time favorite in Tuscaloosa. Beloved dishes are Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken (with white barbeque sauce). 501 Rice Mine Road, North, 205.345.6963. www.cypressinnrestaurant.com.
DePalma’s Italian Café serves authentic pasta, pizza and homemade Italian cuisine in a downtown Tuscaloosa building constructed in 1871. Great atmosphere for a date or a meal out with friends. 2300 University Boulevard, 205.759.1879.
Dreamland is eminently known for barbeque ribs. The original location opened in 1958 and is located just south of Tuscaloosa in an area known as Jerusalem Heights. It isn’t fancy, but the ribs are the main attraction anyway. In addition to the legendary ribs and sauce, the menu at the Northport location also includes items such as pork sandwiches, barbeque chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, and banana pudding. 5535 15th Avenue, East in Tuscaloosa and 101 Bridge Avenue in Northport, 205.758.8135 (Tuscaloosa) and 205.343.6677 (Northport). www.dreamlandbbq.com.
Epiphany Café cuisine features artisan ingredients and elements of Southern fare as well as touches of Asian, Italian, French, and New American. There’s a large, food-friendly wine list since the owner also has a wine shop nearby, Carpe Vino. Both businesses are located in downtown Tuscaloosa. 519 Greensboro Avenue, 205.344.5583. www.epiphanyfinedining.com.
Evangeline’s offers an elegant fine dining experience featuring specialties fresh from the Gulf Coast, weekly specials and seasonal preparations. The staff provides exceptional service for intimate dinners, social events and corporate parties. A lively bar attracts a Happy Hour crowd. 1653 Mcfarland Boulevard, North in the Galleria of Tuscaloosa, 205.752.0830. www.evangelinesrestaurant.com.
FIG stands for Food is Good. This is certainly true of this casual gourmet food establishment known for its take-home casseroles and peanut butter cake. It offers fresh food with flair. A good lunch spot for a nice sandwich or daily special. 1351 McFarland Blvd North East, Suite 112, 205.345.8888.
Ken’s Downtown Pizza and Grill is located in popular Temerson Square, in downtown Tuscaloosa. Ken’s serves build-your-own and specialty pizzas, plus wings and sandwiches. The Jalepeno Poppers and Philly Cheese Steak Wrap are favorites. 2312 4th Street, 205.366.0999.
Mary’s Cakes and Pastries offers unique wedding and celebration cakes as well as a myriad of artisan baked goods, made fresh in historic downtown Northport. Mary’s also features fabulous daily lunch specials. 412-B 22nd Ave., 205.345.8610. www.maryscakesandpastries.com.
Milagros offers menu items with a southwestern undertone and creative nightly specials. The food is fresh with a unique presentation. During the winter months they fire up a sculptural fireplace in the middle of the dining area, which makes for a great atmosphere. 4851 Rice Mine Road Suite 460 in Tuscaloosa, 205.248.8776. www.milagrosgrill.com.
Miss Melissa’s Cafe in Moundville, south of town, serves Regional Southern cuisine. Opened originally in 1927, Miss Melissa’s continues to serve generations of diners. It has gone through an exciting renewal lately with Chef Neil Ravenna taking over the helm, adding gourmet items to the menu while keeping some familiar ones. He’s dedicated to keeping the farm close to the fork and utilizes as many ingredients as possible from local or regional growers and suppliers. Also, diners are allowed to bring their own wine. 384 Market Street, Moundville, 205.371.9045.
Mugshots Grill & Bar does gourmet burgers and has many kinds of brew on tap to complement them. Some say it’s “all about the bun” (a sourdough toasted one). We say the portions are big enough to share. 511 Greensboro Avenue, 205.391.0572. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com.
Pottery Grill has served great barbeque for more than a decade. Menu includes pork, ribs, sausage, burgers and more. Many call for take-out and use their catering service. 13751 Highway 11 N, Cottondale, 205.554.1815.
Rama Jama’s is the closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium and filled with Alabama sports items; classic diner food is cooked to order here and it’s open late. 1000 Bryant Drive, 205.750.0901.
Steamers is a fun family seafood restaurant situated on the riverfront in Northport, offering a great view and a small sandy area to entertain the kids. An extensive menu lists items fresh from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. #1 Bridge Avenue, 205.247.7772. www.steamersnorthport.com.
Taco Casa has been an area favorite since 1974. Seven area locations, all with drive-thrus, serve up quality Mexican-style food in a very casual atmosphere. Generations of Tuscaloosans enjoy this familiar staple on a very regular basis. www.tacocasa.net.
Wilhagan’s Sports Grille, in downtown Tuscaloosa, has more than a dozen pool tables as well as big screen TVs, a good selection of draft beer and tasty sandwiches. Serves late. 2209 4th St. Downtown 205.366.0913.