5 Best Restaurants In Tuscaloosa

I have spent the past 5 years of my life living in Tuscaloosa. I started out as a freshman at The University of Alabama. Naturally, during my freshman year I mostly ate at the dining halls and any other places that offered a cheap meal. However, after working internships and saving some money I finally had enough to actually go out and experience the amazing food options that Tuscaloosa has to offer. 

Half Shell Oyster House

One of the hands down best places that I have ever been is the Half Shell Oyster House right in downtown Tuscaloosa. They have an expansive menu and great drink options as well. I came here for the first time with some friends and have since made it a regular option for my girlfriend and I to come on date nights.

• What is the best Oyster dish at Half Shell Oyster House?

I never thought of myself as an oyster guy, but after trying their sampler platter I was able to figure out what I loved. My favorite option by far are their Charbroiled Oysters.   

• What is the best main course at Half Shell Oyster House?

My favorite dish is the Almond Encrusted Chicken. It was recommended to me by a friend and I absolutely loved it. The sauce is amazing and you will love every bite. Additionally, the Shrimp Orleans and Royal Redfish are amazing options as well. 

Thai Basil

Thai Basil is where I first fell in love with Thai cuisine. This was back when I wasn't super adventurous and had a limited dishes that I liked. I tried the Thai Penang Curry and it has been my favorite dish to make at home ever since. I became a regular at Thai Basil and loved it. They offer sushi as well as many other dishes. Also being located right on the strip is perfect if you want to go out and enjoy the social scene after dinner. 

Chucks Fish

Chucks Fish is one of the fancier restaurants and that is food good reason. The quality of food here is absolutely amazing. I recommend Chucks Fish for those special occasions with friends and family. The first time I went to Chucks Fish I was invited to dinner with a friend and their family. I'm so glad that I went along because my mind was blown. The wide range of options and the amazing quality are well worth the higher price tag. 

Central Mesa

Another gem of Tuscaloosa is Central Mesa. Coming from Texas, I was on the hunt for my favorite high quality Mexican restaurant in Tuscaloosa. Central Mesa was exactly what I was looking for. My girlfriend and I came here together once she recommended it. Central Mesa has an amazing atmosphere as well as amazing options on the menu. By far my favorite is the chorizo rice bowl. It comes with so much food and some tortillas to make your own tacos out of it. Additionally, they offer great margaritas at a great price. However, as a college student I'd gotten used to the cheap pitchers of margaritas at the cheaper restaurants, so just be aware you won't be getting a pitcher or large margarita here. Also conveniently located near downtown, a short walk from a lot of the bars and hot spots. 

Archibald's & Woodrow's BBQ

Last on my list is Archibald's. Coming from Texas I'm also a huge fan of BBQ and I needed to find the restaurant that could give me my BBQ fix. Tuscaloosa and Alabama are also famous for their own style of BBQ different from what you see in Texas or Tennessee.

Archibald's was the perfect fit for me. It has been a Tuscaloosa establishment since 1962 and will continue to stand the test of time with their amazing BBQ. They specialize in ribs and I don't think there are any better in all of Tuscaloosa. The meat falls off the bone and is perfectly seasoned. I can't recommend it more to anyone visiting Tuscaloosa.

I hope this list is helpful for everyone looking for some amazing food in Tuscaloosa. I believe that the past 5 years have really allowed me to find the perfect spots for every occasion and for every type of cuisine.