Whether you're a new arrival and have a little time to roam around after fixing up that home you acquired from Tuscaloosa homes for sale, or you've been here a while and love exploring, you're probably aware that there are plenty of venues for savoring local flavors. Sure, Alabama is justly proud of its legendary barbecue, but there's much more than that. It just so happens our real estate agents are happy to point you in the right direction.

1. Side by Side Kitchen and Cocktails. 2410 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa
   The unusual name of Side by Side Kitchen recalls the fabled shotgun used in duck hunting. As it happened, one of the developers of the Embassy Suites a few years ago was duck hunting in a blind and at the same time, trying to think of a name for the new restaurant that was to be opened in the hotel. The name of his trusty shotgun came to mind, and there you have it. The restaurant is notable for some unusual dishes, such as fried Broccoli Sprouts as an appetizer; but if you'd like something meatier, there's the Sausage Board. Other top choices: Winter Salad with roasted beets; King Salmon, and Herbed Airline Chicken Breast.
   
   
2. Sweet Home Food Bar. 2218 University Blvd. Suite A, Tuscaloosa
   Sweet Home Food Bar, located in, downtown Tuscaloosa, has a developing menu and atmosphere, with lots of foreign-inspired dishes, like for brunch, Clucken Russian, a fried chicken cutlet with Russian dressing;  Kitchen Sink, with lots of meat and vegetables, topped with cheddar cheese on white or multigrain toast; Fried Green Tomatoes; and Breakfast Tacos. For dinner, start with Arancini, fried Italian rice balls with pork and cheese and marinara sauce, or Truffle Parmesan Chips; followed by the entree: Thai Steak Noodle Salad, Tuscan Chicken or Sage Butternut Squash Ravioli.
   
   
3. Hooligans. 515 15th St., Tuscaloosa
   Hooligans has been a Tuscaloosa favorite since 1998. Enjoy lunch, dinner, dessert, or "all-day breakfast." At Hooligans you can find hearty American fare, but with a Mediterranean twist. For instance, you can get your favorite sides, such as Fries, Onion Rings, and Cheese Fries, but be sure to also try Hummus, Tabouli, Baba Ghanouj, and Tzatziki Dip. A real treat: the specialty spuds, such as the Gyro Potato. Be sure to try one of the many kinds of wraps, including Kafta Kabab, Gyro, or Falafel; and for entrees, any of several Kabob and Falafel plates.
   
   
4. Flavas Seafood and Soulfood Restaurant. 1701 McFarland Blvd. E #182, Tuscaloosa
   Flavas Seafood and Soulfood Restaurant is just what the name implies. Love seafood and soul food? This is the place to be. People drive in from miles around to savor the flavor of Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Okra, Fried Chicken Wings and Catfish, Smothered Pork Chops, Collard Greens, Field Peas, Cajun Eggs and/or Potatoes, Party Wings, Shrimp Boil, and more.
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5. King's Kitchen. 501 Hargrove E. Road, Tuscaloosa
   Described as a celebration of Southern Culture, King's Kitchen is redolent of the tradition of Southern-style, home-cooked food made from scratch. Located 2 miles from the University of Alabama, King's Kitchen offers scrumptious daily specials such as Chicken and Dumplings or Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping, Baked Pork Chops, Beef Tips and Rice, Meat Loaf, Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole, and Southern Fried Catfish Filet Plate.

As you can see by this brief rundown on five of our best restaurants, there's plenty to savor when you get out on the town in Tuscaloosa, and start sampling our local flavors.

Questions on where else to go, or about listing your home, or buying a home? Contact us today.