For those Rebel fans making the trip to Bama this weekend who aren’t familiar with Tuscaloosa, here’s a quick guide to the hot spots for food and nightlife.
Bars:
1. Innisfree Irish Pub – 1925 University Blvd. Regarded by Alabama students as the best bar in town, Innisfree Irish Pub is sure to be the happening spot all weekend. Located in between the Strip and downtown Tuscaloosa, Innisfree opened in 1997 and has been a Tuscaloosa favorite ever since. “It has the best beer on taps with a great gameday environment and it’s always packed,” said Alabama senior operations management major Jimmy Carroll.
2. Houndstooth – 700 15th St. The highly renowned Houndstooth Sports Bar has entertained students as well as fans for more than 25 years. Located only two blocks from Bryant-Denny Stadium on the Strip, the Houndstooth got its name from the pattern on the famed hat worn by legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant during his tenure at Alabama. It was named #1 Sports Bar in America by Sports Illustrated On Campus in 2005 and has been recognized several times by other notable magazines. If you’re not going into the game, you can watch it on their 36 high-definition TV’s.
3.Gallette’s – 1021 University Blvd. If you’re a fan of The Library, odds are you’ll enjoy its long-lost brother, Gallettes, on the Strip in Tuscaloosa. The bar is known to draw in large crowds every night, and even bigger on game days. Gallettes is very popular among those involved in the Alabama Greek System and features its most popular drink the Yellowhammer, which comes with a signature yellow cup.
4.Rounders – 1215 University Blvd. If you’re looking for a place that has it all, then Rounders on the Strip is the place to be. Established in 2009, Rounders features what they call a “three-in-one” venue. This includes a patio on top, dance floor, and an open area for a live band. The closest bar to Bryant-Denny Stadium, you are sure to pass Rounders on the way to and from the stadium.
5.Moe’s – 2101 University Blvd. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat while watching the game, Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que should be your spot. Three friends who attended the University of Alabama together opened Moe’s in 2010. According to their website moesoriginalbbq.com, the boys “…had a mutual interest in all things Southern: BBQ, blues, college football, and whisky.” The bar has recently been expanded with a new patio and has become a popular nightlife spot since its opening.
Restaurants:
1. Rama Jama’s – 1000 Paul W. Bryant Dr. To get the true Alabama game day experience, a meal at the famed Rama Jama’s is a must. Located next to Bryant-Denny Stadium, it’s a perfect place to catch a meal before the game. Rama Jama’s serves breakfast all day and features tasty hamburgers as well. “The chef there has been cooking for years and they have some of the best burgers in town,” said Alabama senior business major Patrick Sherer. “You get to see the history of Alabama football while eating in the shadow of Bryant Denny Stadium.”
2. Dreamland Bar-B-Que – 5535 15th Ave. E. Dreamland Bar-B-Que has been a Tuscaloosa tradition since 1958 when John “Big Daddy” Bishop opened his first Dreamland Café. Just across the Black Warrior River, Dreamland is the ultimate Alabama Bar-B-Que experience. The restaurant is mainly known for its ribs, but pulled pork sandwiches are also a popular choice. Dreamland is a close second and could be easily be claimed as the top restaurant along with Rama Jama’s.
3. Five Bar – 2324 6th St. Those looking to get a simple meal should check out Five Bar, a unique interpretation on a restaurant. The restaurant likes to keep things easy, offering only five entrees, five white wines and five red wines. Five Bar looks to keep everything local, only buying their ingredients from local producers. According to Five Bar, “There are many complications in life. Dining out shouldn’t be one of them”.
4. Chuck’s Fish – 508 Greensboro Ave. For the classier meal out on the town, Chuck’s Fish is the spot in Tuscaloosa to dine. A little classier than Five, Chuck’s is located downtown across from Mugshots and might appeal to an older crowd looking for a quality dinner. Chuck’s features the freshest seafood in Tuscaloosa, along with chef’s featured items and pizzas.
5. Mugshots – 511 Greensboro Ave. One of the classic burger joints in Tuscaloosa is Mugshots. Located downtown, Mugshots has been a Deep South favorite since the original opening in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The McDonald Burger named after one of the two owners is often regarded as the restaurants best burger, with strips of hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, creamy ranch, smoky BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Mugshots is a great place to find a cheap, easy meal.
–Pete Porter is a print journalism major from Charleston, South Carolina.
—Jordan Driggers is a print journalism major from San Antonio, Texas.
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