Welcome to Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide! If you’re heading to town to catch a game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few stats:
- SEC team: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Coach: Nick Saban
- Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Fun fact: The Tide is the only program to win an SEC title every decade since the conference was formed in 1933.
Where to Stay in Tuscaloosa
Hotel Capstone is located right on campus — does it get any more convenient than that? Image: Hotel Capstone
Hotel Capstone
320 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (800) 477-2262
Hotel Capstone is a popular hotel because of its location right on campus. This property features on-site dining and in-house dry cleaning — two amenities that tend to come in handy when you’re in town for a short weekend, and time is of the essence.
Embassy Suites
2410 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 561-2500
Just two miles from the University of Alabama, Embassy Suites offers free breakfast and breathtaking views of Tuscaloosa. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool.
Hotel Indigo
111 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa AL 35401 • (205) 469-1660
Near campus and on the waterfront, Hotel Indigo also happens to have a great rooftop bar and quality food.
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Where to Eat & Drink in Tuscaloosa
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, here are some of your best bets in town.
Evangeline’s
1653 Mcfarland Boulevard North, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 752-0830
Located across the river, Evangeline’s is your stop for fine dining in Tuscaloosa.
FIVE Bar
2324 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-6089
Offering five dinners, five wines, and five signature cocktails, FIVE Bar is a favorite among locals. Dinner entrées include a cheeseburger, panéed chicken, a fried shrimp platter, bone-in pork chop, and ribeye.
Heat Pizza Bar
2250 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 632-3282
If you’re craving good pizza, Heat Pizza Bar is where you’ll find it. Order to-go and consider bringing it to your tailgate — you’ll be popular.
Hooligans
1351 McFarland Boulevard North East, Ste. 112, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 764-5552
515 15th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-2424
Hooligans is a diner-style restaurant that serves some of the best Mediterranean food in town. They offer lunch, dinner, and all-day breakfast, so you can stop by anytime.
The Waysider
1512 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-8239
Serving up delicious Southern breakfasts since 1951, The Waysider is proof that kind people and good hospitality go just as far as good food. Expect a wait — but know it’ll be worth it.
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Bars in Tuscaloosa
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Stop by any (or all!) of these local hotspots for a libation before or after the big game. Image: Facebook
Buffalo Phil’s
1149 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 758-3318
Buffalo Phil’s is popular among locals and visitors for its wide selection of beers. Plus, this hotspot offers daily drink specials.
Catch 22
2328 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 344-9347
Offering signature cocktails like the Peach Cobbler, Tropical Cosmopolitan, Vera Calore, and more, the libations at Catch 22 are sure to quench your thirst. The local hotspot also offers beer and infused liquor.
Rounders
1215 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-4848
Rounders is home to three (yes, three!) bars. Most popular is its rooftop area, as it offers live music and aerial views of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Houndstooth
1300 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 752-8444
Named “Alabama’s Favorite College Bar,” The Houndstooth offers darts, pool tables, and an outdoor patio. If you’re in town during the week, be sure to stop by during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Where to Tailgate in Tuscaloosa
UA’s tailgating is fairly restricted, but here are some tips:
- In non-reserved areas, it’s free to tailgate on campus at The Quad. Do note that no parking is allowed, so you need to drop your gear off beforehand.
- To reserve space or purchase a tailgate package, visit gamedaydoneright.com.
SB TIPS:
- While you can bring your own food to grill, you also can buy food on campus. The Quad has three restaurants: Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ, Full Moon BBQ, and Local Roots.
- Galletes and Innisfree are good options if you’re looking to continue your fun after the game.
- Take a stroll down the River Walk path if you want some exercise or just to enjoy the city.
- Tuscaloosa is great for shopping. Here are some of favorites: Dukes, Part Two, Effie’s, and Mobley & Sons (Men’s).
Roll Tide!
FULL SEC GUIDE HOME PAGE: click here.
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