What to do between Birmingham & Tuscaloosa

A continued review from “A Journey In Tuscaloosa”…

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated due to closures and new openings (May 2025).

So Alabama has sort of become my second home since last year….I know, of all the states in the U.S., ya girl ended up in Alabama, not LA, not the CHI, not MIA, not NYC, but Sweet Home ALABAMA! — I guess I should count my blessings though because I’m still not too far away from my family.

Let me start by saying, “Forget all the stereotypes you may have heard growing up and don’t think that 1 person represents all people.” — There may be parts of Alabama that is still very….ummmm….Confederate and Country, but other parts of it are a little more open. (And I hate to say this, but there is still the mindset that “women should not be working in business with men” and at times I’ve faced scrutiny over it. Although, this can happen anywhere, not just Alabama….Can’t I be a woman and not be harassed by “professional” men I work with?!)

Anyway, let me not bore you with business talk, let’s discuss all the things you can do and see between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. — Yes, there are more cities in Alabama, but I’ve only explored the two, bare with me folks.

TUSCALOOSA - Tuscaloosa is what I like to consider a secluded city. Everything you need is there, but you’ve got to look for it or know people who know how to find it. Nonetheless, here’s what you can do besides watch the games.

For the Foodies - I’m getting impressed with what I’m finding here and there and all of you should know by now….I’m a pretty good eater.

• Burgers:

  • Avenue Pub - When I first arrived, this was the place all the locals told me to go to for great burgers.

  • Jack Browns - They are open late, so after all those cocktails, stop here for some good guilty burgers.

• Pizza:

  • Mello Mushroom

  • Heat Pizza

  • Depalma’s (brick oven)

  • Chuck’s (brick oven, also a great spot for sushi and seafood)

• Italian

  • Depalma’s

  • Sugo

  • Milano’s

• Mexican:

  • Jelapeno’s Downtown (they also have a tequila bar)

  • Antojito’s

  • Central Mesa

  • SoCal Cantina

• Breakfast/Brunch

  • Brick & Spoon

  • Big Bad Breakfast

  • Five (also has a great dinner menu)

  • Cravings

  • Babe’s Donuts

  • Just Love Cafe

  • Metro Diner

• Other Favs

  • Urban Bar & Kitchen

  • Sitar (Indian)

  • Ameer’s (Mediterranean)

  • Half Shells (Seafood)

  • Ichiban (Japanese)

  • Thai Basil (Thai)

  • Alabama Peanut Co.

Giphy

For the Relaxers

• There’s no longer a place for Hookah, but if you enjoy cigars, here’s 3 spots to consider

  • Vitola

  • R&R

  • Cutters

• There’s also a few “toned down” bars where you can enjoy a classic cocktail

  • Session is a personal favorite, I suggest the “Tea Time” or the “Capri”

  • If you are the wine and cheese type, a brand new hot spot called The Wine Market is perfect to relax and enjoy some reds.

  • Brown's Corner has come back to play and is located upstairs of Half Shells restaurant.

  • The Cocktail Collection. The cool element about this place is the door into the bar is a retro soda vending machine that requires a code.

For the Party-Goers - There are PLENTY of bars around town to keep you entertained. I mean this IS a college town. Just go on Google and search “Bars near me” and I guarantee at least 10 will pull up. Choose whichever one is more your speed. Lounges and clubs are around, again, pick your preferred scene.

Shopping - Ummmm…go to Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM - Here’s little history, had certain forefathers decided differently about what to do with Birmingham, it would have been like Atlanta today. But, don’t dismiss what this city offers, the culinary scene is much to be discussed as with the nightlife.

For the Foodies - I’m still exploring the food scene in Birmingham, there is more than I expected in this city. You’ve got your full service restaurants, your coffee houses, pick up and go places, and many patio dining options.

• A few places I recommend are: Essential, The Yard, OvenBird, SAW’s Soul Kitchen, Automatic Seafood, Jinsei, Black Market Bar and Grill, Jim n Nick’s BBQ, Chez Fonfon, The Wine Loft, and Golden Age Wine.

For the Relaxers - Pick your poison. You can stop in at a lounge, bar, or restaurant early before it starts to get busy and just wind down with your thoughts.

For the Party-Goers - The hot spots are a little spread out, but not too far out. There are little groups of places that are within walking distance of each other depending on what side of town you’re in.

• Personal Fav: Hemings is an upscale bar/lounge. They mainly cater to a professional crowd, but welcome all patrons. It’s a very relaxed vibe with a rotation of different DJs. The owners also have a hookah vendor and allow cigars outside.

• Other places I’ve enjoyed: Denim, 3000, Hush Lounge, Safe Room (name changed), The Vault, Urban Smoke, Collins Bar, Queenspark (no longer operating), Plum, Dirty Ashes — I am a firm believer of FUN is what you make of it, so I always enjoy my time out no matter where it is.

Shopping - You’ve got Shops at Grand River (Leeds Outlets), The Summit and Riverchase Galleria.

Between the two cities, it’s about a 50 minute drive depending on where you are going, so what you may not be able to find in one, you can find in the other. I think my next choice will be somewhere in the middle of the two areas to cut down on the trip to and from.

For more detailed reviews of where I’ve been, check out my GOOGLE pages.

A Journey in Tuscaloosa

Best known for their Champion Football Team, Tuscaloosa, AL. is more than just great college of athletes and a renowned head coach. It's home to many locals and implants who decided not to leave. With major corporations like auto and coal mining plants to keep jobs afloat, I see much business growth here. In fact, Tuscaloosa was ranked in the November 2009 issue of Fortune Small Business as one of the "50 Best Places to Launch a Small Business". It’s also a good region for medical professionals, maybe I should nudge some of doctor friends to open their practices out here. I already noticed some areas where gentrification has begun, but you can still purchase a 3br ranch home for around 150k, there may be some renovations needed, but trust me, the contractors here won't break the budget.

Middletown, DE

Tuscaloosa reminds me of my own childhood town that was set away from larger cities and was basically it's own community. As a kid, I remember telling myself I was not going to be stuck in a townie mindset becoming a hostess at a pizzeria or a sales girl at the local retailer and living out my life comfortable staying in my tiny zone. No, I had bigger aspirations. Although, now my little home town where I'd used to walk to the corner store after middle school has exploded in population and added several major restaurants, stores, small businesses, and schools — So it's not as mundane as I remember it. Tuscaloosa is on the same track with an estimated 2019 population of 101,129, with high-rises being built and innovators wanting to bring more vivacious elements to the city, but the area is still great for those looking to groove into the simple life. There’s already a Home Depot and a Target so the basic necessities are available. The closest Whole Foods is about a hour away, BUT each Saturday the Tuscaloosa River Market hosts local vendors and their fresh produce — a personal favorite.

You may be wondering how I ended up out here. Well to put it simply, there was a need for me and I came and while here I began to do some research. What? You think I was going to sit here dwindling my thumbs waiting for entertainment to stroll my way? — Plus, there is a bit of a bargaining tool on the table for me to look into a program at the University…It also doesn’t hurt that their famed mascot is a sister representation of the National Animal of Thailand. The Elephant in my culture is celebrated for its incredible strength, durability, longevity, and symbolizes good fortune.

Bryant-Denny Stadium

It's interesting and exciting to calculate the potential here. I was poked fun of when I wanted to see a movie at the local cinema and I was disappointed that you’re unable to pre-select the seats nor do the seats recline…yeah, talk about being pretentious. Diversity is dependent upon what area of town you're in and let's not forget, this is still Alabama, the mecca of the Civil Rights Movement, but Tuscaloosa has proven to be more open minded than other southern cities. Unfortunately, I still stick out like an outsider, but everyone I’ve met has been very sweet and welcoming. The closest major city is Birmingham (also where the closest airport is) with several suburban out-skirting cities so residents aren't closed off, they have options if they choose to take the ride. — Being in a car for up to a hour is a breeze for me and a great opportunity for day trips.

The nightlife in Tuscaloosa is one to be discussed. The downtown area is where much of the activities are outside of UA campus parameters — Unless you like being around college aged people, there is a lively strip of watering holes closer to the campus. There's a slew of bars and small eateries to delight in downtown, but I shall warn you, not all restaurants are open throughout the day. Many of them are only open for lunch and dinner rushes. You still have your usual franchises like Chick-a-Fila and Chipotle, but for more spots unique to Tuscaloosa, you'll have to wait until the golden hours start. Roxy’s lounge has been a spot I find myself at on many nights, mainly to support a friend, but also to enjoy my evening after a long day. I see the town changing and growing in years to come as the population grows and businesses have more motive to keep longer hours. Although, to my understanding, football season is when the town makes most of its profits.

With the wake of COVID-19 I saw a few places suffer and sadly some won't recover. Yet, the Phoenix raises from its ashes correct? One of my favorite bars called, Sessions, was still fairly new, only opening in late 2019 and I believe they are managing well. I've not been by there to chat up with the owner to see how business is — I'm hopeful. (I actually have not been out and about the town lately, because everything is so close quarters with students moving in and out from all over the place, I’m a little nervous to interact with people here.) A noodle place I liked called, Pho Town, ended up closing it’s doors well before the pandemic, I think it had much to do with not enough marketing and again, the lack of diversity in some areas. Maybe I'll open up a little bistro or social lounge of my own here, something to ponder on, but no hasty decisions during this time, I've still got seeds to plant elsewhere. 

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Comfort Food: Mangos and Thai chili sauce dip 🌶

Chili Sauce Ingredients:
6-8 chopped Thai peppers
Hot chili oil
Grounded dried chilies
Crushed garlic
Sugar
Lemon juice
Fish/Oyster sauce
Cilantro (optional)

**Taper measurements to your liking**

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY #BAMA

Sometimes, you meet people who imprint on your life and begin to find connections with entities that connect with them.  All imprints are a lesson and some imprints continue to add impressions onto your timeline.

My life in Texas has really opened my world to this unusual thing called, "Southern Hospitality".  Houston itself is a melting pot of people from all over the US and the world yet, what's interesting is when I meet true southern people.

I do not know much about Alabama other than driving through Mobile one time and getting stuck in f**king traffic for 5, 6 hours! WTF!

But, I have made some friends from Alabama who've imprinted upon my life.

I made my first unexpected friend from Alabama almost 2 years ago.  It was a gentleman whom did not allow me to simply disregard him.  I was my usual self, blunt and abrasive but, my Northern persona didn't offend his Southern Hospitality. 

Initially I thought, What's wrong with this dude? He must like being abused.  Realistically, it is more so, What's wrong with me and why am I so guarded and quick to automatically deflect people? 

Somehow, this Alabama man and I created a unique friendship at which most people wouldn't understand it...but what is for me to understand, isn't for you to understand.

I can identify that I am a little different from others in the sense I do not see relationships, infatuation, or even love the same way as mainstream society depicts it.  I see what makes most sense to me.

I think of my own friends, all from different backgrounds, experiences, neighborhoods, and countries.  We have collectively made a connection with one another because of small similarities that caught our interest but, bigger differences that keep us in each others' lives. 

Our friends are the family that we get to choose.  I inadvertently made so many varying arrays of friendships that my circle is as diverse as my persona.  I love it.

The Stranger: A Gentleman's Style

My coyness towards his warm embrace gave him a glimpse of my cautious heart. His indiscreet glances at me without saying a word kept me curious about his quiet thoughts. His debonair affections kept me in awe each second in his presence. His connection to my spirit kept me lifted.

I do not really know this man and we could possibly never meet again but, he has shown me how much I can really enjoy being in the company of a true gentleman who is attentive to my comfort and security. Although, in my true self, I did not make it easy for him at first to be next to me, calling him "decent" and being a bit nonchalant towards him; that faded.

“Sometimes, just sometimes, you ignite with someone's smile and for a mere moment, time freezes and there are no worries with the world. You just breathe in their delightfulness, exchanging energies all the while saving that feeling in the depths of your soul.“

Every moment in life we have choices and our actions follow.... I walked up to to the bar to order my drink, not really paying attention to his being. I could feel him looking but, I did not want to turn my head and have a socially awkward glance — I am still a bit shy in these types of occurrences. I stayed mute because, "Sweetheart, when you dance with me, YOU sir, must take the lead." He did.

If he never said a word to me as I waited for my order, he would have watched me walk away and the two of us could have missed a necessary beat in life.

I also had the pleasure of meeting his friends whom were just as pleasant to be acquainted with. I cannot appreciate him and his colleagues enough for being Lords of Chivalry. Any woman would be blessed to have one of these dashing gentleman standing at the end of the aisle waiting for her.

It might have been divine intervention that I met this man and his associates. As if God wanted me to see a different light that only He can guide me to; keeping me mindful that I am worth every bit of attention that is drawn to my growth and efforts in being a good, classy woman. And not being seen as some pretty girl who has been tainted by life's lessons and needs the attention to feed her insecurities. No darling, I evolved away from that.

I have yet to learn the purpose of this man in my life, because everything happens for a reason, no matter how minuscule one may think the reason is; there is purpose to everything. He may be just an instrument to the construct of what I need embedded within my thoughts about being open to someone's spirit without being reluctant or presumptuous with the idea not needing love. Or he could become a life long voice in connection to my continuous growth in this world. Whatever purpose he holds, I accept it.

Some critics may say that I am romanticizing the whole experience because I do not truly know this man in his everyday environment, and that I am being naive to a temporary notion that may be just a fantasy. Well, my response to that is "I. DON'T. CARE." Even if this is all a figment of my imagination, I still want to forever save this memory and refer back to it anytime I feel that Man has lost all senses in the proper treatment towards a Lady. So all you critics can see yourself off MY stage and exit left please, thank you.

....and to think, I was just going to stay in on Saturday.