The Best Restaurants near Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama

The Sanctuary on 25th is a welcome new addition to the Tuscaloosa scene. The restaurant comes from local entrepreneurs Nikki and Matt Ray, who opened the Sanctuary in an old church building from the 1920’s that they lovingly transformed into one of the go-to places in the Druid City. Now the Sanctuary is a tapas restaurant with an extensive bar, live music, a large outside area with lawn games and a huge TV for sports — altogether, the Sanctuary is like nothing else in Tuscaloosa.

The Brussels sprouts with bacon, apples, and cider vinegar are very popular, as are bacon-wrapped dates, pork belly tacos, street corn, and flatbreads. The bar is an event in itself, with seven signature drinks named for the seven deadly sins. Other specials include Garden Of Eden, made with cucumber-infused tequila, and Southern Heat, with rum, coconut cream, hot honey, and lime. The wine selection is extensive, and there are dozens of beers on tap, including some from local Tuscaloosa breweries.