Tuscaloosa Alabama is home to the University of Alabama, and the two really can’t be separated. This was actually a work trip, and I think all of us have some ideas how Alabama is, and I can say this trip showed that not all of these are accurate. The city has its southern charm and amazing food, but it’s also open minded and genuinely friendly.
Alabama campus is spectacular with lots of space and unique architecture. I was told it’s state law that new buildings conform to architectural code.
While there’s certainly plenty of traditional southern cuisine, the college town is quite diverse with various types of food. It’s also home to an excellent mircrobrewery scene, with some trendy and not so trendy college dive bars. Some of the places I’d recommend trying include…
- Urban Bar and Kitchen – Smothered chicken shown on the right. Traditional comfort food, and very reasonable prices.
- Heat Pizza Bar – Good pizza and also a great happy hour
- Black Warrior Brewing Company – Great beers and a great vibe. Outdoor seating, and events such as bar trivia
- The Houndstooth – Iconic University of Alabama Bar with cheap drinks and a mixed college and alumni crowd. Bar food too.
It also features a nice nature trail (left) and vibrant night live near University of Alabama (right). It’s big city items such as museums and such are very limited, but there’s definitely plenty to do for a few nights if you want to visit somewhere a bit smaller. Public transportation is very limited, so plan on walking, Uber, or renting a car.
