It is International Coffee Day and there is only one way to celebrate. Treat yourself to the must-needed companion, Coffee, as the work and school year are in full swing. With the temperature slowly dropping like an autumn leaf, what better time than now to discover a new coffee shop where you can enjoy specially-curated coffee brews and specialty coffee drinks? The City of Tuscaloosa is home to a variety of eclectic local cafes and shops to satisfy your coffee, so you’re in luck! Below is a list of locations around town where you can discover your new favorite cup of joe and celebrate International Coffee Day accordingly!
Coffee with Breakfast
You simply cannot go wrong with a hot (or iced) cup of coffee paired with a tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. What are you waiting for? Start your week off with a little pick-me-up! On the corner of Greensboro and University Blvd sits Babe’s Donuts, this local favorite has earned quite a reputation around town with exceptional service and plenty of delicious treats to choose from. Their donuts can be topped with anything from fruity pebbles to Reese’s and Heath Bars, so be sure to scope out the many options before choosing wisely. Start your week off with this little pick-me-up! They are only open for take-out, so finding a good view of Downtown T-town to enjoy your killer combo is a must.
Breakfast with Coffee
If you are looking for a spot to grab a bigger meal and still celebrate today’s holiday, check out Another Broken Egg or Five Bar! Both of these restaurants offer a delicious variety for breakfast, brunch, and lunch (as well as dinner for Five). There is indoor seating available for those that want to get out of the house, but don’t forget to bring your mask! Five Bar also has a dedicated coffee shop that is open every day from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm! Visit either of these T-Town stops to pair an incredible meal with a delightful cup of joe.
On-the-Go
Traveling all around the city of Tuscaloosa is the Joyful Java food truck! This one-of-a-kind coffee stop is considered a must-try by hundreds of UA students. Each cup is filled with a full-bodied flavor, from beans that are daily roasted and brewed fresh. If that isn’t quite your style, no problem! Joyful Java has a nice variety to choose from, including nitro brew, Greek frappe, espresso, and even caramel apple cider. There are no wrong choices here. Find Joyful Java in Tuscaloosa, or have ’em out to cater to your next event!
Uniquely Local
Tuscaloosa is home to several unique coffee houses that all bring something special and different to this town’s cafe scene. Turbo Coffee, for example, offers cold-pressed juices, açai bowls, and superfood smoothies in addition to their coffee selection. If you are looking for to-go options, Monarch Espresso Bar currently offers wonderful window service and outdoor seating so visitors can continue to visit the shop and socialize safely while enjoying a cup of coffee!
Coming Soon
A classy coffee cafe, Just Love Coffee, is joining Tuscaloosa in a few weeks and we can hardly wait. Run by a mission to spread joy and kindness communities, this new local shop is sure to bring something unique to T-Town. Former alumni of The University of Alabama and two brothers are more than determined to spread the mission of Just Love Coffee to the Tuscaloosa area. In addition to the specially-curated coffee, Just Love also offers a menu of delectable goodies ranging from chicken and waffles to salads! Be sure to join us in giving this local business a warm welcome when they open!
We’re approaching summertime in Tuscaloosa which means things are heating up and the idea of staying indoors becomes less appealing with each passing day. To help you out we’ve created a list of some of our favorite restaurants in town that offer superb outdoor seating areas so you can enjoy the summer heat and thrilling atmospheres all day long.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat brunch while enjoying the nice breeze of an Alabama morning, Another Broken Egg is a great option! Located on the River Walk, Another Broken Egg offers a beautiful river view from its terrace. Scrumptious menu items such as omelets, waffles, sandwiches and black bean benedict are sure to send your taste buds into a craze.
2. Local Roots
Local Roots offers customers the full outdoor eating experience. The traveling food truck takes pride in serving southern food made from local ingredients. The food truck travels all over Tuscaloosa serving some of the most delicious burgers and tacos this city has to offer. You can find its weekly schedules online to find out where it will be located each day. Its most frequent location is in downtown Tuscaloosa and features picnic tables for assembling. This is the perfect way to enjoy delectable food and the beautiful scenery that is downtown Tuscaloosa.
This one of a kind pizza place is a local favorite. Located on the first floor of the downtown parking garage, it has a distinctive outdoor seating area facing the communal lawn at the downtown plaza! The modern vibe and exclusive pizzas have proven to be a huge hit in Tuscaloosa. Heat provides a menu that features exclusive items such as the Thai Chicken and Reuben pizzas and a large list of specialty cocktails. This is the perfect place to enjoy a spontaneous lunch or casual dinner with a view and a cocktail!
4. River
Surrounded by the exquisite views of the Black Warrior River is Tuscaloosa’s newest trending restaurant, River! River offers a picturesque outdoor experience. It has areas for both lounging and eating on its outdoor terrace and features canopies and fire pits to enhance the already remarkable atmosphere. With chefs that cook up some of the best oysters, steaks, and flatbreads in town, River is the perfect place to enjoy all the perks that come with dining outdoors this season!
5. Taco Mama
If you have a job that requires you to sit inside on all of these beautiful Alabama summer days, Taco Mama is your perfect lunchtime escape! With one of the most popular patios in Tuscaloosa, Taco Mama is home to specialty tacos, burritos and quesadillas. If you’re feeling lively enough, you can even order one of Taco Mama’s specialty margaritas to accentuate your meal before returning to the office. As the experts at this taco bar say, “stay hungry and be thirsty!”