DOWNTOWN
The area of Downtown Tuscaloosa has progressively become more focused on business and social interests. There has been a recent increase in restaurants and shopping. In addition, there’s been an increased focus on encouraging nighttime entertainment, all within proximity to the beautiful backdrop of the Black Warrior riverfront. Downtown Tuscaloosa refers to the area roughly enclosed by Queen City Avenue on the east side, 15th Street on the south side, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the west side, and the Black Warrior River on the north side.
Attractions:
There are several historic buildings and attractions located in downtown Tuscaloosa. The Bama Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in Tuscaloosa, which previously served as the community’s grand movie house. It is now used for local art performances and displays, among many other things. The Battle Friedman house, a large two-story brick house that once occupied the entire block of what was then Tuscaloosa’s main residential street, is now maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and is showcased for their events. The grounds of Capitol Park were once the site of the Alabama State Capitol from 1826 to 1846. The Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion is an 1862 antebellum mansion that is one of the finest remaining examples of Italianate architecture in the South. The Murphy African-American Museum, built by Tuscaloosa’s first African American mortician in the early 1920’s, now operates as a museum focusing on the lifestyle of affluent African Americans during the early 1900’s. The Old Tavern, which provides visitors a rare glimpse of early Tuscaloosa commercial architecture, remains one of the few 19th century inns in the state. Other historic buildings located in the area include the First African Baptist Church, Greenwood Cemetary, the Searcy House and the McGuire-Strickland House among several others.
Other attractions located in downtown Tuscaloosa include the Children’s Hands On Museum (CHOM) with 17 hands-on exhibits for children to learn while having fun, the 3-4 mile Riverwalk, a walking/biking trail with parks and the Bama Belle boat launch along Tuscaloosa’s Black Warrior River, and the brand new Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre, a 7,470 seat facility that hosts numerous concerts throughout the year. Also, the recently developed Tuscaloosa Business District surrounding Tuscaloosa City Hall and Tuscaloosa City Municipal Court includes a variety of independent retailers along with numerous restaurants and nightclubs.
Shopping:
Shopping is also available in downtown Tuscaloosa! The Downtown Plaza is located directly on University Boulevard and includes shops such as The Perfect Touch and Effies, the go-to boutique to find the perfect dress for Greek social parties. There are also several shops located throughout the Tuscaloosa Downtown Business District including The Shirt Shop, Harrison Galleries, Sips and Strokes (where you can enjoy wine while painting) and many more.
Dining:
Downtown Tuscaloosa also has a wide variety of restaurants. The majority of the restaurants and bars in this area of Tuscaloosa are located throughout the downtown business district. Student favorites include Innisfree Irish Pub, Moe’s Original BBQ (with the best bushwhacker’s in town), Chuck’s Fish (features a Thursday night Lady’s Night), the lively Five Restaurant, the brand new restaurant Local Catch, Epiphany Café (for a farm-to-table fine-dining experience) and everyone’s favorite, DePalma’s (affordable and delicious Italian). Other popular choices include Mellow Mushroom, Mugshots Grill & Bar, Brown’s Corner, The Brick House, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Hooligan’s. Temerson Square features several bars, sports grills and restaurants such as Rhythm & Brews, Copper Top, Roly Poly Sandwiches, Momma Goldberg’s Deli, Wilhagan’s and many more. The Alcove International Tavern is also a popular bar in the area if you are in the mood for an eclectic experience paired with excellent drinks, and The Booth is another popular bar for students. The Waysider, hidden right off of Greensboro Avenue, is also a treat for delicious Sunday breakfast and brunch.
Apartments in Area:
Stu to 3 BDRM
apartment in
Tuscaloosa,
AL
from
$600 to $1000
Stu BDRM
apartment in
Tuscaloosa,
AL
from
$600
1 to 3 BDRM
apartment in
Tuscaloosa,
AL
from
$875 to $1950
Stu to 2 BDRM
apartment in
TUSCALOOSA,
AL
from
$1095 to $1865