- Ruan Thai
1407 University Blvd
Tuscaloosa, AL
(205) 391-9973
Ruan Thai is often mistaken for a house, but since everything that comes out of their kitchen is homemade, being mistaken for a home isn’t such a stretch. Ruan Thai’s owner has created something that is nearly impossible to find in Tuscaloosa: a restaurant with authentic Asian cuisine. The owner is originally from Bangkok, and the dishes she serves are the ones her mother and grandmother made in Thailand. The food here is not only delicious, it is also entirely handmade, right down to the dipping sauces and ice creams. Entrees are around $10 and are even cheaper during happy hour everyday from 5 to 7 p.m. With cozy indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio, Ruan Thai’s food and atmosphere is a welcome retreat from the chicken wings and raucous crowds found on the rest of The Strip.
2. Nick’s in the Sticks
4018 Culver Rd
Tuscaloosa, AL
(205) 758-9316
Nick’s Original Filet House may be its official name, but ‘round here everyone just calls it Nick’s in the Sticks. And it certainly is in “the sticks.” A straight shot down 15th Street, Nick’s is a tiny brick building surrounded by pasture about 10 minutes outside of town. With killer $10 filets and an even deadlier house drink (The Nicodemus), Nick’s is a winning combination. Come early, because this tiny dive fills up fast. They only have about 15 tables in the entire place. And if you’re hoping to find low-cal, low-carb options, just keep on driving, because, as my waitress said, “Honey, if you come here for something healthy, you come to the wrong place.” A tradition in and of itself, Nick’s remains one of Tuscaloosa’s most endearing restaurants.
3. Los Tarascos
1759 Skyland Blvd E
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
205-553-8896
You can’t judge a book by its cover. Remember to tell yourself this when walking up to the entrance of Los Tarascos. Nestled between Grand Buffet City and Me Le Nails, Los Tarascos is probably not the Mexican restaurant most of your classmates frequent. While the location may err on the side of sketchy, the food is anything but. The tamales, chimichangas, guacamole and tacos are all excellent, and word on the street is their margaritas are the best in town. The portions are large, and you could easily walk out spending less than $10, tax and tip included. So if you’re tired of El Rincon’s lines and Pepitos’ prices, check out Los Tarascos.
