16 Best Southern Restaurants in Tuscaloosa

“Southern Ale House serves up delicious dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Try their linguini with spicy marinara shrimp and andouli sausage, Dixie fries, or the pickle burger, featuring a 1/2 pound Angus burger with bacon and slap your mama sauce. Sides like mashed potatoes, fried okra, and steamed broccoli are also popular. With fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, and a family-like vibe, this spot is a local favorite.“

“River is a highly recommended restaurant that consistently serves wonderful meals. The chef and staff are creative and attentive to detail, ensuring a great dining experience. The restaurant is accommodating of dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options, and the friendly staff is happy to help with menu choices. The atmosphere is perfect for a date night, with low lighting, nice background music, and well-spaced tables. The menu features dishes like salmon, filet mignon, ribeye, and seasonal fish, as well as a delicious creme brulee dessert. While some guests may find the menu options limited, the restaurant's attention to detail and commitment to quality make it a great choice for a special occasion or romantic evening out.“

“Chicken Salad Chick offers a variety of delicious chicken salads, including the popular Olivia Old South chicken salad. Customers praise the quick service and friendly staff, despite some mentioning occasional attitude issues. The jalapeño with cranberries is highly recommended, with one customer buying both versions after being convinced by the persuasive checkout person. The bright and cheery atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.“

“King's Kitchen offers a superb dining experience with top-notch service and delicious food. The atmosphere is lovely, and the caramel cake is a must-try. The menu features tasty options like the pork chop dinner with mashed potatoes, Lima beans, and cornbread, as well as peach cobbler for dessert. Online ordering and pickup are convenient, and the generous portions are well-seasoned and tender. This hidden gem is a must-visit for excellent meat 'n threes.“

“Urban Cookhouse serves delicious food that satisfies diverse tastes. The restaurant is clean, and the service is excellent. Orders are taken quickly at the counter, and food arrives in about 10 minutes. Popular dishes include the Cowboy sandwich, El Cubanano sandwich, Local Mix salad, Quesadilla, and Pimiento BLT. Prices are around $15 per person. While the steak plate portion is small, the food is tender and flavorful.“

“Wright's Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its freshly cooked, delicious breakfast and a menu that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. The staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of visiting a grandparent's home. The reasonably priced menu features classic Southern dishes, including okra, pinto beans, and fried bologna, all served with exceptional service. Whether you're in the Tuscaloosa area or passing through, Wright's Restaurant is a must-try destination that will make you feel right at home.“

“Waysider is a restaurant in Tuscaloosa known for its breakfast offerings. The country ham, red eye gravy, scrambled eggs, and homemade biscuits are particularly praised. The biscuits are described as "elite" and "the biscuit that your grandmother intended for you to have at every breakfast." The pancakes and sausage also receive positive mentions. The restaurant has a great college diner atmosphere, and the service is friendly and attentive. The price is described as reasonable for the quality of the food. The restaurant is also highlighted as a traditional meeting place for a group of older gentlemen each year.“

“Half Shell Oyster House is a favorite spot for many, with delicious dishes like the Seafood Stuffed Portobellos and Crab and Shrimp Dip drawing customers from far distances. The restaurant in Tuscaloosa offers a great dining experience, with highlights like the Fried Crab Claws and Oyster Rockefeller impressing guests. The Oysters on the Half Shell are a must-try, with a surprise of a huge oyster on the plate. The Jalapeno Hushpuppies and Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms are also popular choices. The friendly and efficient waitstaff ensure a pleasant visit, while the reasonable prices make it a fantastic option for a meal out.“

“Slim Chickens is a fast-food restaurant serving finger-licking good food. The fried mushrooms and pickles are particularly popular. While some customers have reported occasional rudeness from staff and cleanliness issues, the friendly service and good food make it one of the best fast-food options. The Alabama game-day crowd raves about the food and staff, making it a great spot to stop by again.“

“Glory Bound Gyro Co. offers a diverse menu, including a popular surf and turf gyro combo and a well-received breakfast pizza. While the restaurant can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the uneven floor and tight spaces, the food is described as delicious, with standout items like the shrimp chalupa-style gyro and the tasty Pepper Jack gyro.“

“Jim 'N Nick's is a barbecue restaurant that offers consistent and good food and service. The atmosphere is generic, but the staff is extremely nice and understanding, making it a great spot for diners with pets. The brisket sandwich is a highlight, and the muffins are exceptional. While some dishes may have issues, such as the banana pudding, the overall experience is positive. With plenty of parking, including disabled parking, Jim 'N Nick's is a great option for those seeking a reliable meal.“

“Slim Chickens offers a variety of dishes, including fried chicken and chicken and waffles. The restaurant serves juicy fried chicken strips with crispy, light breading and fresh Texas toast. While prices may be a bit steep, such as the $13 charge for four waffles with only half an ounce of syrup, the quality of the food makes it a worthwhile experience. The friendly and efficient staff, like Destiny, provide excellent service, making Slim Chickens a pleasant dining destination.“

“Thomas Rib Shack offers delightful barbecue dishes, including pork chops, oxtail, and a slab of ribs, all at reasonable prices. The food is consistently fresh and satisfying, providing a "home-cooked meal" experience. However, the customer service has been inconsistent, ranging from "awful" to "amazing." Overall, it is a popular choice for those seeking authentic and flavorful barbecue in the area.“

“Full Moon Bar-B-Que offers a range of delectable barbecue dishes. The pulled pork has a smoky flavor, and when topped with the sweet and vinegary barbecue sauce and spicy chow chow, it becomes a mouthwatering delight. The fried okra is crispy and delicious, while the smoked buffalo wings, though pricey, are tender and flavorful. The sweet vinegar slaw, with its onions and red peppers, is a standout. The ribs are consistently high-quality, and the atmosphere and service are welcoming. While the prices may be a bit steep, the quality of the food makes it a worthwhile occasional treat.“