The Alcove is one of our best bets when we hit Tuscaloosa for a game. A massive selection of beers, a great chill atmosphere and a mature but rowdy crowd make it worth the stop. Pros: The beer list is stellar featuring plenty of local, regional and popular craft brews. I'm told their bourbon selections were equally good and fairly priced. Prices are acceptable. It's not divey, but it's a bar in a college town. Still, it's chill enough to keep TVs pumping in additional SEC action without being overpowered with loud shitty music. Excellent live music on occasion. The outdoor setup is great. Cons: I wish they had food, but it's not a huge deal. Service can be a little odd in that everyone is so friendly, bartenders don't move super fast. The bathrooms are small and awkwardly placed. Conclusion: It's always on our list for a visit. Great beer and cocktail lounge and very ideal in the fall to sit outside. We can and do come back. read more

Alcove - Lounges Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Great beer list. Friendly locals. Nice quiet ambience. Very chill compared to most of Tuscaloosa.

There's no food - so don't arrive expecting to eat and drink. That is the only drawback. The actual bar experience is a welcomed relief from the college kids - just very chill and laid back. The bartenders are super attentive and the drink variety is exceptional. One half is a quiet restaurant type area and the other half has pinball and video games. I tell anyone coming to town who wants a break from students but a chill place to drink that this is the spot. read more

This is my absolute favorite bar in Tuscaloosa. Hands down! Such a chill atmosphere, personable bartenders, excellent beer selection. One place that I'll always come back to! read more

The bartenders can be rude, snarky and stuck up if you do not fit their vibe. I have witnessed some sever bias.

The Alcove is definitely one of my top three favorite bars in Tuscaloosa. Despite being in a college town, this is definitely not your average college bar. The Alcove is tucked away in downtown Tuscaloosa (look for the Christmas lights outside). The interior consists of three separate rooms, all of which are very dim and cozy. The walls are lined with old framed images and maps. As another reviewer said, it's a very casual, yet classy place. They have a great outdoor covered patio, which is more in line with the tiki bar vibe. It's absolutely fantastic on a warm summer evening. Now for the important part...the drinks! In my opinion, they have the best craft beer selection in Tuscaloosa and the staff is very knowledgeable about all of them. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of sours, porters, and everything in between, you'll have plenty to choose from here. If beer isn't your thing, they have a wonderful cocktail menu. Keep in mind that they use very high-quality liquors in their drinks (I think their well vodka is Tito's and well whiskey is Jack Daniels) and the prices definitely reflect that. Again, this is a bar that's refreshingly different compared most of the others bars in Tuscaloosa...it's definitely worth a visit. read more

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Great atmosphere. Really good drinks. We sat outside & it was lovely. Good service as well.

Alcove is five stars in my book because a five to me means that if I was under house arrest and could only pick one lounge I could go to for the duration of my sentence, this would be the one place in Tuscaloosa I would dedicate the judge's orders to. Alcove consists of 3 separate rooms, or rather 3 separate modes, in how you want to unwind your evening in this lounge. One room has live jazz music that you can enjoy. If it's too loud, you can socialize by sitting in the center room where the bar is located. Everyone seated at the bar is incredible nice, is open to having a conversation with you, and a friend of the bars' owners brought pork chops for everyone to have. They were good. In the adjacent room, you there are booths for you to have a more private gathering or conversation. This lounge has it all. If you want to change up the scene, just walk to the next room. This lounge feels naturally classy despite the rugged furniture. It must be the people who are very welcoming and looking for a conversation, or it must be that it doesn't try too hard, and they're looking for a nice calm, evening like you are as well. read more

Alcove - Someone brought pork chops! - Lounges Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Finally a great Non-Smoking bar in Tuscaloosa! This place has style and serves some of the best mixed drinks I have ever had in Tuscaloosa! Has a back patio, with mushroom heater in Winter, and a nice front Patio. It is one of my favorites now! read more

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By far best cigar lounge in T-City! Clean, great atmosphere. Not a men's club like some places around here. More than enough TVs and a great full bar. Could work on prices to lower them a little bit but over all great job. Keep it up! read more

Please dear god don't let the hair-swoop too-short-shorts fratboys and sorority-sanctioned nike tempo UA cookie cutter UA girls *ever* find out about or start frequenting this bar. This is one of the very very few bars downtown here where you can avoid that crowd (so far). Plus it's lovely-- rustic, relaxed, just a little too crowded sometimes. BUT they just recently expanded, which is a very smart choice. The bartenders are always excellent and friendly. I'm a drinker, but I've often ordered club sodas there (b/c I'm pregnant and/or the DD). The bartenders are always cool with that and good about refills, so we make sure to tip them well. I believe you can tell a lot about a bar by how they treat non-alcohol orders. Jazz nights are great if you know it's jazz night and you go then on purpose to hear music. If you don't realize it's jazz night, and plan on catching up with some friends, you won't be able to hear them and will be frustrated, unless you can find a seat outside. I think jazz nights are Tuesdays. read more

I spent four wonderful undergraduate years in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Other than a few outliers (Catch 22 comes to mind) the city is a quintessential SEC College town that houses many copycat bars (Gallettes, Beartrap, etc.). Alcove is something different. My senior year I lived on 21st Avenue - and this bar sprang up 2 blocks away right on my walk to the downtown bar area. When I would step into Alcove - it was like stepping out of Tuscaloosa and into somewhere not in the middle of West Alabama. The place has beers not carried around town (college kids love cheap beer) and you get to drink them out of a masonjar - a big plus for me. The place is just hip. Jazz nights, sitting on the back veranda with the Christmas-like multicolored lights - - these things make me happy and Alcove never ceased to deliver the goods. Kudos to you Alcove. read more

Wow... what a relief to have such a great place in Tuscaloosa. In addition to being non-smoking and away from the students, it's also generally pet friendly, and has the best craft/import beer selection in town. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable as well. Can't be beat in Tuscaloosa. read more

The Alcove is by far my favorite bar in Tuscaloosa. Unlike the strip, it's a great place to come, relax, and just chill while enjoying a good drink and conversation with friends. The beer selection is excellent and the mixed drinks are well made. If you're not sure about a beer that's on tap, ask for a sample. And if you still aren't sure, ask for a bartender's opinion. This is defiantly a beer drinker's bar and they are bound to have something that you will enjoy! Although they've recently expanded, the Alcove is still small so expect it to be crowded. Smoking is not allowed indoors, but you can enjoy a smoke in both the front and back outside patios. read more

Tuscaloosa is a fantastic town, a quintessential college town...with that, it brings the typical bar along with it. That's not the Alcove. The first night I was there, a jazz quartet is holding the mood and the spirits of the place, and it was magic. One look at the list of beer, and I was hooked. Finding a bar in Tuscaloosa that has the gestalt of a small village bar is hard to do...the Alcove has pulled this off with as much class as it can muster... I'll be seen there regularly, come by and share a brew and indulge in the sounds of jazz... read more

Fibe stars because the beer is very good. Indoor and outdoor seating. Also the only bar left in town that is not a redneck bar. Only bar in tuscaloosa where people smoke outdoors like civilized humans. read more

I can not say enough about the Alcove International Tavern. Everyone on staff there has great knowledge of beers and wine and are very helpful to make recommendations from asking about the ones you enjoy. The taps are always changing, so I always enjoy having new beers, and fresh ones at that, from around the south. The international selection is fascinating! Want to try a Scottish beer that was fermented in the cask of 40 year old Scotch barrels? - OK! The atmosphere is perfect for friends and good conversation, great music that is never too loud and smoke free. Tuesday jazz nights are very enjoyable with a great group of musicians that are incredibly talented. By this review, you can tell I am there at least once a week. Thank you everyone at the Alcove! read more

This hole in the wall might not look like much, but it's charming and cozy and has a fantastic beer selection. It is probably one of Tuscaloosa's best kept secrets. A little off the beaten path, there is plenty of room there to spread out, and it is also dog friendly. Occasionally, there is live music as well. I always like to bring friends here when they come to town, because it's a great place for conversation. Usually the clientele here is older than the typical college crowd, which helps make the atmosphere much more "chill" than other places in town. read more

Alcove - the front door of a restaurant - Lounges Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I've been in T-town for a few years now so I feel comfortable saying that besides a polite nod to Egans (a personal fave but incredibly smoky and that doesn't always bother me but when my eyes start watering into my beer...), Catch 22 and maybe Downtown Pub this is the BEST bar in town. Not much in the way of music or entertainment (except for Jazz Tuesdays and random bands packed into the small back patio sporadically---BTW, one night this 3 piece band was packed into a tiny space to the left of the back patio and they played I Want You (She's So Heavy) by the Beatles OMG no one ever places that song b/c its Freebird long but they DID and I was in HEAVEN)----but they make up for the lack of music with kick ass beers and knowledgable barkeeps. Some of my favs: La Fin du Monde (Unibroue), Buried Hatchet Stout by Souther Star (Texas), Brother Thelonious by NorthCoast Brewing Co (yummy belgian style abbey ale that supports young jazz musicians!), Yeti, Delerium Tremens, Cherry Wheat they had on tap that was soooo good not by Sam Adams but someone else good. They sell some cool Alcove t-shirts and smokes (mostly Camel) and as other reviews mentioned there is no smoking inside but there is a front and back patio for the smokers/outdoor enjoyers. TVs inside usually with sports on. Perfect for an after work/school/lazy day drink, drink with friends, first date drink, take your parents to a nice bar in Tuscaloosa drink, etc. FYI do not come here with people you don't actually like/want to talk to because this is a bring your own entertainment type bar for the most part. And I love it. Also it is a little pricey but if you want good beer there is no better option (sorry Willhagens). Also I noticed they charge a CC fee but this may be just if the tab is under $10 or $20 not sure. read more

My wife and I came from out of state, and have always heard about the family atmosphere here. That could not be more true. We came here on a Saturday night, and expected it to be busy, especially since it was St Patrick's Day. It was indeed busy, but we were made to feel like we were the only people in the room. I loved the ambiance. Alcove is divided into three rooms. You enter into the center room, which is where the bar is. To the left is more of the party room, with live music. To the right is more like a restaurant, with booths where you can easily have a drink with friends, and talk without having to feel crowded. Both moods meet in the middle, to share the common love of alcohol. No matter your mood, or your reason for being there, you come together over a drink. This is the kind of place where movements are born. The drinks were strong and good too. I wish places like this existed in every town in America. We'd all be better for it If I find myself down here again, I will definitely come in here again. read more

Bars are supposed to aid in escapism, right? If that's the case, you can do no better in Tuscaloosa than the Alcove. Inside the doors, it's a vibe like no other in town. It's a pricey spot, but your pours are 2 oz instead of the standard and there are many times that I'll pay the extra cash to not smell like an ashtray for the next couple of days. If I'm not mistaken, it may be the only bar in town that doesn't allow smoking inside. Unbeatable. If you have to scratch that itch, there's a porch on the front and back-- complete with heaters and the same music you hear inside. Jazz on Tuesday nights is a treat, and the crowd is way ahead of your standard Tuscaloosa dunce. Real small, so if you want a booth/table-- get there early. $2 PBR tallboys are great for the poor folk like me. read more

Best beer selection I found during my visit to Tuscaloosa. Easily hangs with other microbrew-centric bars in larger cities. Respectable prices and friendly bartenders. Tuesday night live jazz was a nice compliment to beautiful weather on the patio while enjoying a cigar and a great Belgium Quad. read more

This is the best local bar in town! Bar staff is amazing! Great indoor and outdoor seating. They also support local musicians buy providing live music multiple nights a week! Tends to have a more mature crowd! Best Tide tea and vodka with something fruity drinks! I am not a beer drinker but they seem to have a wide variety of beers!!! I love this place and it's people!!! They are also pet friendly!!! My pups love to go visit!!! read more

WOW, what a cool bar! when we arrived the front patio had several patrons comfortably seated enjoying a ward late summer evening. Inside, the room was buzzing with conversation and accented with the great jazz piano player. The decor is comfortable, chic and interaction. An outstanding selection of beverages makes this such a special place. I did not have time to check out the back yard area, but do plan to enjoy a nice cigar in that area soon! read more

Honestly one of the greatest kept secrets off the strip. Johnathan (guy with the handlebar mustache) is a fantastic bartender hey always knows what I want! read more

I guess that this place has been around for a year or two but we don't go to visit my in-laws very often ;) and we always whine about the fact that no one drinks good beer there, finally there is a bar with some good selection! I will say it's disappointing that they don't have more on tap and most are bottled beers though, but either way, at least there is more to choose from now besides bud or coors! Cool ambiance too! read more

Favorite bar in Tuscaloosa! It's been a great bar every time I've ever been. Great service, good drinks. Bartenders are good to you. Door guy is a little weird, but that adds to genuine spirit of the establishment. They have great Long Island iced teas. Some nights they have live folk music(banjos, acoustics, fiddle, mandolins). Glad to have been able to experience this place. If you want a college bar this place is not that. However, if you want to go to a bar that is attentive and makes quality drinks you need to check them out! read more

When I came home during Christmas this was one of the first bars I hit. In my opinion, it was about time someone opened a place like this in Tuscaloosa. Finally, a place to get some tasty craft beer and good cocktails. I came with a group the night before Christmas Eve so I was expecting it to be dead, wrong! The place was packed with youngins' who, I'm assuming, stayed on campus for break or were home to visit. I was the DD for the evening, so I only had one beer but it was quite strong and yummy. I can't remember the name but it was a smooth porter that had a strong coffee flavor. The interior is very classy. It certainly wasn't a night to be outside, but there were front and back patios that looked cool. I had a great time hanging out here with friends and will definitely hit it up next time I'm in town. I'd recommend the Alcove if you're looking for a mellow night on the town or a good date spot. read more

Great Place with Awesome beer selection. This place has a really nice vib. Try the local beer by Druid City Brewery. read more

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Are you tired of the Strip? Are you tired of drunk undergrads and the awful smell of cigarette permeating the bar and your clothes for days? Do you have a taste for beer that doesn't go by the name of Natty Light, Keystone or such? Do you want to have a conversation over a good beer instead of having a contest with other bar goers over who is more fratty? Then Alcove is for you! Nestled a few blocks from Downtown, Alcove is a departure from the debauchery of a bar scene of the Strip and different from anything you would find downtown as well. It is a cozy, intimate, bar that offers both PBR for you hipster and hipster wannabes, as well as a great selection of good beers on tap. The last time I was there I had Snake Bite which was excellent. I also really enjoyed Wells Banana Bread Beer on tap. Alcove is not a huge place but the service is good, the bartenders are accessible and prompt. Prices are higher but you get what you pay for. If you are looking for $4 pitchers of Miller Lite, then Alcove is not the place. But if you are looking for a place to go have a few drinks with someone or a whole group, then Alcove is a great place to go. I've been here with one friend and I've been here with a group of 20 plus celebrating a colleagues passing of his PhD exams. There are two rooms in Alcove, the bar, and another room with intimate tables. There is no wannabe Miami DJ blasting out music and no sorority girls and frat guys grinding on each other. It is a very diverse crowd. You've got young grad students and young professionals juxtaposed at the bar with teachers, hipsters, professionals, it really is an eclectic crowd. No pretentiousness here. Also, it is the only bar I've found in Ttown that is smoke free!!! wohooo if only the rest of Tuscaloosa could come into the 21st century. It's great going home not smelling like an ashtray. But overall, Alcove is a great little niche in Tuscaloosa that offers great beer selection, intimate and unpretentious atmosphere only 1 mile from the strip but a world away in terms of not being a greek, frat, undergrad hangout. Yay for Alcove, Tuscaloosa needs some more places like this/ read more

I was an out of towner looking for a place to go out with a friend. This place apparently such a secret that even the cab driver couldn't find it. We liked this place so much that we left to go checkout some other bars and came back the same night. I recommend! read more

Drinks are quality but service is not. Bartender's are snarky, condescending, and occasionally just outright rude. The pretentiousness of this place is palpable. If you go, don't sit at the bar especially on a slower night. I have my conversations listened in on, with the bartenders making snooty commentary under their breath. Also, don't try to talk to them about your drink unless you're a "cocktail expert", they will condescend to you straight to your face. read more

Yes this is a great place to go, no frat boys or sorority girls (bummer), but the people who are here seem to be very nice, knowledgeable and authentic. From Beatniks, professors, artists and locals and creative types hang out here. Even a few cops...The beer is really good and the bartenders friendly and knowledgeable about the beer they serve. No food on the menu, but during Alabama games there is a bar side appetizer area. Outside seating for all you smokers..T.V's everywhere. read more

Excellent pub feel. No smoking which is really nice. Friendly bartender. We just popped in for one drink and to check the place out. Didn't have much time. You should note that there is no food or munchies available. We will most certainly be back. read more

Love it great variety of brews, lots of quality stuff! Open a heck of a lot later than loosa. Staff is always great!

This is one of the only bars in town that feels like it is designed for a grown-up, not a college kid. Great selection of beers, liquors, and willing to make any mixed drinks you can think of. read more

The Alcove is great! Definitely a step up from the usual bar scene in Tuscaloosa. You get served in mason jars and other cool glasses, and the decor is classy and tavern-like. Non-smoking inside, which is great. Their mixed drinks are good, and they have a great selection of beers. read more

This is the best bars in Tuscaloosa. They always have a fabulous beer selection, great cocktails, but above all, the service is top notch.

Can't beat this selection in Tuscaloosa. They do a great job of rotating new beers. Tons of local stuff. Nice ambiance, great outdoor seating, non-smoking indoors. Cons: - a bit pricey, some of the beers are almost certainly overpriced (even when compared to cities like Austin, NYC, SF, etc) - closed on sundays. wtf, some of us like drinking 7 days a week. read more

If you're looking for a place to avoid the fratdaddies, this is it! For the first time in Tuscaloosa, I found myself in a place that had mostly grad students and young professionals, diversity, no indoor smoking, and non-greeks. When you're in grad school or older, it can be so much more pleasurable to go out somewhere and not run into all the 19 year olds. They have great drink selections for good prices. There's not too much seating, because it is a smaller place, but it's by far my favorite in town. I just wish I found it before my last week here :( read more