21 Best Southern Restaurants in Tuscaloosa

“Was working in Tuscaloosa and a restaurant with a two hour wait recommended the River. We had the steak filet and the seared tuna. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. The service was outstanding and the whole experience was just classy and comfortable. Brussel sprouts were on special for an appetizer, they were the best we’ve ever had. I highly recommend this restaurant.“

“I love having Dockside open up Hwy 43 to give us another option for dinner close to home! If you haven’t tried the fried shrimp or the catfish, you’re definitely missing out! There’s just something extra about the breading that had me eating ALL my shrimp and not sharing with my husband! 🤣 Highly recommend checking it out!“

“I got the mango monsoon smoothie which has mangoes, pineapple, papaya, guava, passionfruit, and coconut and then My Mother got the tropical dragon passion smoothie it’s got dragon, fruit, passionfruit, pineapple, and lime. Just know this place is so cool and nice and the people staff is so friendly.“

“Ate there on 1/12/25 for breakfast and it was delicious. Waitress was great, could tell she really cared and liked her job. My breakfast was perfect, but my wives French toast was amazing and came out looking like a presentation on a high end cooking show.“

“I would give it 10 stars if I could! Great homemade country cooking line grandma’s cooking! Don’t let the outside size fool you this place has GREAT food!“

“very good and good value for money“

“We didn’t eat in tonight, but we placed our order online and when my daughter arrived to pick it up, it was ready and waiting. Family meal nights are so important to me now that I have adult children, and Urban Cookhouse is always a great choice. A family favorite!

We live about 20 minutes away, and the food always tastes wonderful — the broccoli salad is the best! This is one place that’s absolutely worth the drive to grab dinner and head back home. When we do eat in, we consistently receive the best service and enjoy such a great atmosphere.“

“Can't say enough about this place. There was a wait to get in on an early Sunday morning, but I was alone, so sat right down. The service was as expected, kind and courteous. The food was as good as home cooking. Ambiance is all Alabama.
Roll Tide.“

“Thank y’all for making a birthday a little more special today !!🩷🩷“

“The Sunday I visited the restaurant was clean and all the food was terrific! Wait staff was courteous and helpful!“

“Literally the best Chargrilled Oysters ever! Consistently flavorful and delicious!“

“Great experience. The food and service was amazing“

“We visit at least once or twice a month usually on a Wednesday the food and drinks are always delicious 😋 And never had a problem with the service and we’ve been visiting since they were on the corner downtown, but this past Wednesday November 18, 2020 our server was horrible she had the nastiest attitude and demeanor. First thought was because we African American but we soon realized that wasn’t it she treated two other tables with the same curtness and attitude. Hopefully next visit will be better“

“First time dining at Thomas Rib Shack today. We were headed back to MS from South Carolina and was looking for some soul food. We were definitely not disappointed. The food was delicious and the staff and other customers were friendly. We will definitely be checking them out again.“

“I love coming to this restaurant when I'm in the Tuscaloosa area“

“Best staff in Alabama today! The young man who was cashier opening this shift is an absolutely exceptional person and employee! He deserves all good things!!!“

“Just go check it out you will ❤️ it“

“love the food, the service and the atmosphere it was awesome!“

“I stopped by on Monday March 16th, 2026 at 1pm. I don't know who made the fresh biscuits, but they should be entered into the Jacks biscuits Hall of Fame!! It was the best biscuit I've had at a Jacks. Reminded me of my mom's biscuits.“

“Torrance provided friendly service.“