Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails

If you are looking for a great spot for a date night or just a place to catch a game, head on over to Side by Side Kitchen and ask for Justin.

Justin creates a personal experience for each customer the moment they’re seated in his section. He doesn’t just take your order — he makes you feel like you belong there. Whether you’re enjoying a casual night out, celebrating something special, or hosting a larger gathering, his attention to detail and genuine hospitality truly elevate the experience.

From an intimate date night to a full wedding reception, Side by Side Kitchen can curate a meal fit for any occasion. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and comfortable, the food is thoughtfully prepared, and the service makes you want to come back again and again. If you’re in Tuscaloosa and want great food paired with even better service, this is the place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great restaurant & good food & appetizers

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ask for Justin! He’s amazing. Works the bar, makes a perfect vodka martini and runs the floor! Great place for happy hour and dinner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

For a buffet, the food was quite good. Service was less than desirable. I had to ask for salt and pepper, butter, plates and additional entrees all on separate occasions. Plus, they had the nerve to automatically charge us 15% for a gratuity...at a BUFFET!!!

Love love the burger! Very nice staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An great restaraunt in a great hotel. Was in Tuscaloosa for a business trip and stayed at the accompanying hotel. Great staff and wonderful drinks!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The experience was chaotic from start to finish. The menu is limited, and the food was mediocre. Our group of four families (13 people total) asked to have the check split evenly across four cards — a simple request that turned into a 30-minute ordeal. Initially, three cards were charged the same amount while the fourth was significantly higher. After repeated explanations and corrections, it finally balanced out, but only after a frustrating delay. The manager never once came by to assist, and it was unclear whether our server ever fully understood what we were asking. Overall, very disappointing and poorly managed.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

This place is not what it used to be. It is no longer owned by an inspiring, James Beard award winning chef. Heck, the last 4 years, it's been closed almost as much as it was open. Constant management turn over has pushed any employee who careed, or cleaned, away. Consult their Health Inspection history first, before dining here.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 2

If taking salad to go then the dressing should be one the side !! Left with inedible salad. Steak has lots of fatty bits. Super fast though and hot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Unfortunately this place didn't deliver too well. Very short-handed and the only server was doing her best to wait on all the tables

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

We waited almost an hour for appetizers, our waiter stopped helping us, and the chef ate off my plate before I got the food. On another note not for sure if she was the supervisor but she did everything in her power to fix the entire situation and she was very nice and polite.

01/25/2025: It was my first time there. You have to enter through Embassy Suites hotel. I made a reservation but it wasn't needed, there was only one couple when I arrived. The jazz music was perfect. I was looking for "fine dining," but this wasn't a bad choice. The dining area is large, but the bar seats 10 people at best. There was a bathroom inside the restaurant and it was clean. But the lock on the accessible bathroom needs repair. I had to lean on the door and jiggle the lock to engage it. Maitlon was my server. He was patient and worked with the bartender (a lady) to find a drink I would like. She ended up creating something and it was tasty. Maitlon helped me choose between different menu items. I had the flank steak w/mashed potatoes and asparagus. My steak was medium and tender. Maitlon delivered my meal with a steak knife. Which is rare because most restaurants don't serve your food with a proper steak knife. I had lemon cheesecake with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. There was a solid lemon flavor to the cheesecake. The berry compote had a good texture and was not thin. The whipped cream was fluffy and the pistachios were ground to a good texture. Overall, it was a good experience. The meal was just under $70 for one person. The staff (Maitlon and the bartender) were friendly and patient with all of the guests. One suggestion would be to add a bread basket while you wait for your entree. I'll slip in to try a burger next time.

I love the crew real lively in the restaurant drinks are great I especially love the salmon dish the butternut squash puree is so smooth

The short rib is the best dish I’ve ever had! So fall apart tender, savory, and the sauce on it really makes it pop! The roasted carrots and parsnips that are paired with are my absolute favorite! 😍 Will definitely be back for more! 🥰

I think it might be a self serve bar. We waited while the staff ate at a booth. No one ever came to take our order.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1