The best restaurants in Tuscaloosa

45 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 45 places · showing the latest additions first

When pizza night demands something serious, Antioch Pizza Shop brings stuffed pies, the famous Double Decker, crispy wings, Vienna Beef…

409 23rd Ave

When pizza night demands something serious, Antioch Pizza Shop brings stuffed pies, the famous Double Decker, crispy wings, Vienna Beef hotdogs, and hand-dipped shakes to keep everyone happy.

From the Tuscaloosa newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Craving a little spice while your partner just wants sushi? Thai Basil & Sushi II pulls off both, with fresh ingredients, a lively…

1402 University Blvd

Craving a little spice while your partner just wants sushi? Thai Basil & Sushi II pulls off both, with fresh ingredients, a lively exhibition kitchen, and fast friendly vibes. Order ahead online if you’re racing between errands, then enjoy a weeknight win that tastes like a cheat day.

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Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

1650 Jack Warner Pkwy Ste 1004

Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

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Informal Japanese eatery serving sushi & maki rolls, plus kitchen dishes such as tempura & teriyaki.

2128 University Blvd

Informal Japanese eatery serving sushi & maki rolls, plus kitchen dishes such as tempura & teriyaki.

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Southern cuisine & many craft beers in an airy, contemporary space with a patio.

1530 McFarland N Blvd

Southern cuisine & many craft beers in an airy, contemporary space with a patio.

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Blaze Pizza

Restaurants

Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.

1800 McFarland Blvd E Suite 600

Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.

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Evangeline's

Restaurants

New American cuisine & wines are artfully presented in a romantic, upscale dining room.

1653 McFarland N Blvd

New American cuisine & wines are artfully presented in a romantic, upscale dining room.

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Heat Pizza Bar

Restaurants

Unassuming pizza specialist featuring a happy hour, a patio & a long bar with TVs.

2250 6th St

Unassuming pizza specialist featuring a happy hour, a patio & a long bar with TVs.

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D.P. Dough

Restaurants

Local chain open late for calzones with diverse fillings, including chili dog & cheesecake versions.

1403 University Blvd Unit 1

Local chain open late for calzones with diverse fillings, including chili dog & cheesecake versions.

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Thomas Rib Shack

Restaurants

Casual, down-home BBQ restaurant serving ribs and other Southern dishes.

2931 15th St

Casual, down-home BBQ restaurant serving ribs and other Southern dishes.

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Breakfast and lunch spot with burgers on campus that also hosts a salad bar, plus friendly servers.

320 Paul W Bryant Dr

Breakfast and lunch spot with burgers on campus that also hosts a salad bar, plus friendly servers.

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Casual, warm-toned eatery doling out Japanese fare including ramen, curry dishes and noodle soups, along with Thai-style rice dishes and…

1800 McFarland Blvd E #420

Casual, warm-toned eatery doling out Japanese fare including ramen, curry dishes and noodle soups, along with Thai-style rice dishes and boba tea.

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Easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.

2101 University Blvd

Easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.

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Papa Johns Pizza

Restaurants

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

1330 Hackberry Ln

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

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Local chain known for ribs, chicken & BBQ sandwiches, plus sweets such as cakes & cookies.

1434 McFarland Blvd E

Local chain known for ribs, chicken & BBQ sandwiches, plus sweets such as cakes & cookies.

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River

Restaurants

Riverside bistro serving Souther plates & local beer in stylish, rustic surrounds with patio seats.

1650 Jack Warner Pkwy

Riverside bistro serving Souther plates & local beer in stylish, rustic surrounds with patio seats.

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Casual, comfy pizzeria also offering sandwiches and calzones, plus beer.

5400 McFarland Blvd E

Casual, comfy pizzeria also offering sandwiches and calzones, plus beer.

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Enduring sports-themed chain with a menu of pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees, plus TVs.

4251 Courtney Dr

Enduring sports-themed chain with a menu of pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees, plus TVs.

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Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

1200 Hackberry Ln

Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

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Mr. G's

Restaurants

This homey eatery offers Italian comfort fare, a kids' menu & daily specials in a simple setting.

908 McFarland Blvd (Northport)

This homey eatery offers Italian comfort fare, a kids' menu & daily specials in a simple setting.

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Down-to-earth chain offering American standards like burgers & ribs, plus signature cocktails.

1511 Skyland E Blvd

Down-to-earth chain offering American standards like burgers & ribs, plus signature cocktails.

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Advertising signs decorate this lively Italian venue known for its white-chocolate bread pudding.

2300 University Blvd

Advertising signs decorate this lively Italian venue known for its white-chocolate bread pudding.

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Chain for breakfast staples such as custom-created meats, biscuits, waffles and local coffee served in a casual environment.

520 19th Ave

Chain for breakfast staples such as custom-created meats, biscuits, waffles and local coffee served in a casual environment.

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Upscale-casual Southern seafood restaurant/bar serving oysters & po' boys, plus steak & cocktails.

2325 University Blvd

Upscale-casual Southern seafood restaurant/bar serving oysters & po' boys, plus steak & cocktails.

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Steak, sushi, and hibachi dishes are served at this Japanese eatery.

1800 McFarland Blvd E

Steak, sushi, and hibachi dishes are served at this Japanese eatery.

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Cozy eatery with a Mediterranean bent serving up traditional Italian fare plus wine and cocktails.

2218 University Blvd Unit A

Cozy eatery with a Mediterranean bent serving up traditional Italian fare plus wine and cocktails.

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Ajian Sushi

Restaurants

Customers choose their own ingredients for sushi rolls at this fast-food-style restaurant.

1914 University Blvd

Customers choose their own ingredients for sushi rolls at this fast-food-style restaurant.

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This game-day bar serves burgers & fried fare, plus local beers & party platters for big groups.

675 Skyland E Blvd

This game-day bar serves burgers & fried fare, plus local beers & party platters for big groups.

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Japanese restaurant offering a wide range of dishes, from sushi and bento boxes to steaks, in an easygoing setting.

1205 Lake Dr SE Ste 111 (Bessemer)

Japanese restaurant offering a wide range of dishes, from sushi and bento boxes to steaks, in an easygoing setting.

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Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

5001 Oscar Baxter Dr

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

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Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

557 20th Ave

Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

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European eatery emphasizing seasonal fare, along with craft cocktails and a wine list.

2321 6th St

European eatery emphasizing seasonal fare, along with craft cocktails and a wine list.

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Relaxed, contemporary pub serving brunch & casual American fare, plus cocktails & local beers.

2230 University Blvd

Relaxed, contemporary pub serving brunch & casual American fare, plus cocktails & local beers.

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Casual eatery with a lawn and stage offering small plates (including tacos), plus beer, wine and cocktails.

1710 25th Ave

Casual eatery with a lawn and stage offering small plates (including tacos), plus beer, wine and cocktails.

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Enduring sports-themed chain with a menu of pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees, plus TVs.

500 Harper Lee Dr

Enduring sports-themed chain with a menu of pub grub, steaks, seafood & other entrees, plus TVs.

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FIVE Tuscaloosa

Restaurants

Southern pub fare & cocktails offered in a vintage, industrial-chic tavern with sidewalk seating.

2324 6th St

Southern pub fare & cocktails offered in a vintage, industrial-chic tavern with sidewalk seating.

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Sushi and hibachi food are served at this casual eatery and takeaway spot, which also specializes in Thai dishes.

4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #420

Sushi and hibachi food are served at this casual eatery and takeaway spot, which also specializes in Thai dishes.

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Dreamland BBQ

Restaurants

Local BBQ chain serving hickory-fired ribs, plates & sandwiches, plus wings & comfort sides.

5535 15th Ave E

Local BBQ chain serving hickory-fired ribs, plates & sandwiches, plus wings & comfort sides.

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Pizza, salad and quesadilla joint with a mugshot wall for photos, plus burgers and beer.

2314 4th St

Pizza, salad and quesadilla joint with a mugshot wall for photos, plus burgers and beer.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

5000 Oscar Baxter Dr

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Laid-back chain known for slow-cooked BBQ & cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads & classic sides.

305 21st Ave

Laid-back chain known for slow-cooked BBQ & cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads & classic sides.

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Central Mesa

Restaurants

Creative Mexican dishes with a global twist & cocktails in a funky space with brick archways.

519 Greensboro Ave

Creative Mexican dishes with a global twist & cocktails in a funky space with brick archways.

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Slim Chickens

Restaurants

Counter-serve chain specializing in chicken dishes, plus Southern sides & desserts served in jars.

2520 McFarland Blvd E

Counter-serve chain specializing in chicken dishes, plus Southern sides & desserts served in jars.

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Time-tested BBQ joint serving up an array of ribs, hot wings & country-style dinners.

4215 Greensboro Ave

Time-tested BBQ joint serving up an array of ribs, hot wings & country-style dinners.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

1363 McFarland Blvd E

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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