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    City Cafe

    4.3 (177 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Southern
    Closed 4:00 am - 3:30 pm

    City Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    CITY CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - City Cafe

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    Hamburger Steak W/ Onions & Gravy, fried green tomatoes, field peas, fried okra, and cornbread
    Jason E.

    Food was amazing as always. Called in an order. It was ready fast, fresh and hot. Service is always top notch.

    Lorri L.

    This is a city staple. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Go early or order takeout. You won't be disappointed.

    Fried Chicken Liver
    Belle R.

    Any time we are in the Tuscaloosa area, City Cafe is a must. With good homestyle cooking and incredibly reasonable prices, you'll leave feeling full and your wallet won't be hurting. This trip we arrived an hour before closing and I think that hurt our overall service experience. It took a bit to be seated, which was to be expected. Seating is first come first serve and you stand in line and wait for a table to open up. Once seated, our server took our order and we pretty much did not see her again. Another server took care of drink refills while another actually brought our food. The food itself was good and I have no complaints, I just would not order the mac and cheese again. Our toddler was a big fan of the cornbread! Overall, we had a good experience and I'm sure we'll be back the next time we come to town.

    For anyone visiting from out of state, like I did coming from Chicago, City Cafe is a perfect taste of Alabama's comfort food. The prices are more than reasonable, especially given the portion sizes with all the staples of classic, homestyle cooking. Its a nostalgic, no frills experience that feels "stuck in time" in the best way possible.

    Fried Chicken
    Lenny D.

    As classic as in gets. Came to town for a football game and came here and it did not disappoint. Basic menu but everything was great. The fried chicken was amazing. I tried my buddies catfish and it was really good too. Very friendly staff who explained all the food options. The ambiance is an old southern cafe

    Lydia O.

    We decided to stop here for a quick lunch. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. It was a bit of a wait for a table but it wasn't too bad, and ended up being worth it. Great portions sizes and prices.

    Caramel cake

    All you fans visiting Tuscaloosa from the North. Don't stop here. They will call you "sweetie", "honey", "baby". This establishment has some good southern food that is priced right. A classic meat and three. Take your choice of seating and your waitress will quickly take your order and the food will arrive very quickly. I recommend the hamburger steak. Cornbread is a must here so make sure you ask. It had been 30 years since my last visit and I will ensure this is a stop when I am in Tuscaloosa.

    Sausage & Egg sandwich

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    4 months ago

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    20 days ago

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    3 months ago

    County cooking, meat and three, great price! Breakfast and lunch only Downtown Northport, Alabama

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    Staff is exceptionally nice. Food is good and reasonable. Nice quaint friendly atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

    phenomenal old spot, classic olde southern cooking; amazingly tasty food; wonderful people

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This is best place for vegetables and hot lunch in Tuscaloosa and Northport highly recommend

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    I love this place! Crowded, rustic, delicious food. What else is there? Like the sign says, "it ain't food if it ain't fried!"

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    2 years ago

    Great food at a reasonable price. They always have that down home friendly service that welcomes you.

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    2 years ago

    You want good southern grandma cooking ? Go here for breakfast or lunch. They aren't open for supper or weekends!

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    3 years ago

    Best fried chicken I have ever eaten! Sometimes the line is long, but it is always worth it! The chicken and dumplings is also amazing!

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    7 years ago

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    Page 1 of 5

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    The Brown Bag Restaurant - Catfish, fried okra, corn

    The Brown Bag Restaurant

    4.7(63 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $

    Amazing Service, Quality Food, Great Prices! I love their food and it's a real staple in Northport!…read moreIf you're from the area and haven't tried it what are you waiting on!

    The Brown Bag Restaurant in Northport has been a staple for good eats for as long as I can…read moreremember. I can't tell you how many times people have recommended it for lunch, yet I never managed to stop in and experience it for myself until today. My work schedule and the Bag's hours always seemed to clash, and since it's a bit off the beaten path, it stayed in the "out of sight, out of mind" category. Now, as I'm approaching full retirement, I finally had the time to swing by and see what all the fuss was about. Upon arrival, the first sign you're in the right place is the parking lot. It's packed, about like a blue tick on a hound dog. Stepping inside, don't expect anything fancy. The interior is old school with faded paint and a no frills setup. Your food is served in Styrofoam containers with plastic utensils. But that's part of the charm. Who needs fine china when you're filling your gizzard with good soul food? The place was full and I managed to grab one of the last open tables under the roof. I then waited for the waitress who was running laps across the dining area, taking orders, refilling drinks, checking out customers, and handling everything in between. If you come anywhere near lunch hour, don't expect Jimmy John's Freaky Fast service. You're here to slow down and enjoy the experience. When I ordered, I went with a catfish fillet, turnip greens, field peas, fried green tomatoes, a side of cornbread, and tartar sauce for the fish. The fried green tomatoes did not make it out with the order, but the waitress was very apologetic and adjusted my bill to a meat and two instead of a meat and three, which I appreciated. Now to the important part, the food. The catfish was hot, crispy, and perfectly cooked, not greasy at all, just honest, well done Southern cooking. The turnip greens and field peas were flavorful and comforting, exactly what you hope for in a place like this. The tartar sauce had a slightly sweet twist that I was not expecting, different from the traditional version, but surprisingly excellent. I will need a few more visits before I can fully put that into words, but it worked. Overall, now I understand the buzz. The Brown Bag delivers exactly what it promises, simple, hearty, well prepared soul food served without pretense. I will definitely be back, and now that retirement is on the horizon, I have got all the time in the world to wait on a good meal, unlike you working folks still rushing through lunch.

    Photos
    The Brown Bag Restaurant - Menu as of 9/27/2022

    Menu as of 9/27/2022

    The Brown Bag Restaurant - Outside near the Bag

    Outside near the Bag

    The Brown Bag Restaurant - Catfish Filet, Turnip Greens and Field Peas

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    Catfish Filet, Turnip Greens and Field Peas

    The Blue Plate - Northport

    The Blue Plate - Northport

    4.0(111 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    Stopped there with a friend for lunch on a recent trip to Gordo…read more First time for him, I've enjoyed the place several times. My friend and I both got the Country Fried Steak with the white gravy. Large serving, not over cooked the way a lot of places prepare it. Beef was tender with a light breading, making every bite a perfect combination of meat and breading. All side each of us had were favorable. I think the creamed corn will be one of my new "Go To" at Blue Plate. My friend order an appetizer of onion rings. They were definitely not from Sysco, they were very crisp with the perfect amount of breading. My only issue at Blue Plate is they only serve corn bread, and I'm not a big fan of corn bread, but this time I tasted theirs, and it was like potato chips, I keep going back for more. It was buttery and soft with the perfect amount of crust. My friend wanted to know when we're going back to Gordo. Said he could eat here every day.

    After church today, we decided to hit up The Blue Plate--a good ol' Northport meat-and-three…read moreclassic. Apparently, half the town had the same idea because the parking lot looked like a Bama tailgate minus the tents and the yelling. We walked in and found ourselves about twenty deep in line--but hey, that's how you know it's good. Thankfully, since it was just the two of us, we scored a table in about ten minutes. Others... well, they might still be waiting as I write this. It's been a while since our last visit, and I noticed the menu's slimmed down a bit--but honestly, the food's leveled up. I went with the blackened catfish, turnip greens, and creamed corn, and let me tell you, that creamed corn was off the chain. Hot, buttery, and so good it could make you forget your own name. Everything came out fresh, seasoned just right, and hit the spot like a dart in a bullseye. Now, let's talk about that complimentary cornbread. Fluffy, golden, and just sweet enough--it's the kind of side that could run for mayor and win. I'm proud of myself for showing a little restraint today and not asking for seconds. (Believe me, it took Olympic-level willpower.) Our waitress was hustling like a Bama walk-on trying to earn a scholarship--fast, friendly, and somehow always smiling. Service: A+. Prices? A little higher than I remember, but that seems to be the new normal for a meat-and-three these days. Only downside--we got seated right by the door. Every time it opened, we got a blast of fresh air and a few curious stares. Folks walking in got a front-row seat to us eating like it was the "Welcome to Blue Plate" exhibit. But when you roll in at peak hour, you take what you can get. All in all, great food, friendly folks, and a true taste of Northport hospitality--just next time, I might wear sunglasses so I don't feel like part of the lunchtime attraction.

    Photos
    The Blue Plate - Northport - Diner

    Diner

    The Blue Plate - Northport - Fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes w/ gravy

    Fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes w/ gravy

    The Blue Plate - Northport - Didn't like the texture of the chicken

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    Didn't like the texture of the chicken

    Southern Ale House - Biscuit Burger

    Southern Ale House

    4.2(187 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    This was a home run from start to finish. Though it was a bit of a hike from South Tuscaloosa, it…read morewas absolutely worth the drive. The wait for our party of 5 wasn't too long and we were seated in a big booth near the bar. Very nice decor, classy but comfortable. All of the servers and staff were super friendly and offered a nice selection of local brews and tasty margaritas. Several of us had the redfish special which was just outstanding! All in all, and outstanding experience. Definitely a repeater for us when next we're in town.

    Well after seeing reviews me and wife decided on this for lunch…read more I'll say all the staff were great. Very friendly. But the food?????? Wife wanted a salad and potato skins so went with the wedge which came chopped so more of a chopped salad than a wedge and it was fine. Nothing spectacular. Who potato skins were reminiscent of some frozen ones you heat in the oven. Didn't seem fresh at all. The bacon wasn't that great really and the cheeses was cheese. All in all edible but not enjoyable. I went with the bacon wrapped meatloaf with mashed potatoes with gravy and a side of Mac and cheese. I'll start with the Mac. It was horrible. Sorry don't mean to be a downer but wasn't good at all. The mashed and gravy a big nope. The potatoes weren't all that good. It was like eating a plat of spackle. And the gravy was horrendous. Made bad potato's worse. The meatloaf was ok. Kind of like cafeteria meatloaf. I did eat it but wasn't thrilled. Again not a fan of that bacon so ditched that after one bite. Personally I would not go back and wife agreed. Maybe we got the wrong items but nothing was good.

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    Southern Ale House
    Southern Ale House - Chicken Tenders

    Chicken Tenders

    Southern Ale House - Queen Bee is delicious

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    Queen Bee is delicious

    Southern Ale House - Biscuit burger and hashbrown casserole

    Southern Ale House

    4.5(13 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    Have heard mixed reviews about Dock Side. Been a couple of times and never had an issue but then…read moreagain nothing stood out as being outstanding... until tonight, 3 days after Mother's Day. My wife brought home a bread pudding and we are just now digging into it 3 days later. Not sure which one they served up that day but it is fabulous. Plz let me know which Bread Pudding you served on Mother's Day 2026. I will be there. Giving this review on a to-go desert.

    We've been coming to Southern Ale House Dockside since they opened and have enjoyed many great…read moredinners here over the years. Tonight was no exception. The crowd was lighter than usual, but the food was still top-notch. I went with the Buffalo Bird, and my wife ordered The Corbell--both with fries. I couldn't resist trying their special side tonight, the Oakra (yes, that's how they spell it!), and it was worth the laugh and the bite. Service can run a little slow at times, and tonight was one of those nights, but once the food hits the table, it's hot, fresh, and flavorful--hard to complain about that. The restaurant is always clean, spacious, and inviting. The patio was full this evening, so we grabbed a table inside, but we still enjoyed the great atmosphere. We love the live music on Thursday nights that carries through the weekend--it adds to the whole lakeside vibe. And speaking of the lake, the view of the water, boats, and docks makes for some prime people-watching (especially the rich folk pulling up in style). It's especially nice not having to fight the crowds in town--especially during a Bama home game! Overall, Southern Ale House Dockside continues to be one of our favorite local spots for good food, good music, and good times.

    Photos
    Southern Ale House
    Southern Ale House - Fried chicken biscuit and mac and cheese

    Fried chicken biscuit and mac and cheese

    Southern Ale House

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    Urban Cookhouse - El Cubano Sandwich with broccoli salad

    Urban Cookhouse

    4.5(136 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    Went here for lunch while passing through town. The restaurant is clean, the staff is friendly and…read morethe space had an inviting atmosphere. The food was very fresh and delicious. My husband and I each got the Pick Two with sandwiches and soup and salad. Everything was delicious. Portion sizes were perfect for lunch. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable with a dairy allergy. I would definitely eat here again.

    First time at this spot, and my initial impression was positive. I would say, I love, love, love…read morethat they use Big Green Egg's inside the restaurant on the line. If you've never had meat (or VEGGIES!) cooked on a BGE, it will change your life. This fact alone will bring me back to try other things. Before I get into the meal, my only real complaint was that they only had a soda machine and tea. I had brought my mother along, and she already had lunch and wanted just to sit and chat. As it was a very cold day she was gonna order a coffee and they don't offer anything hot! It's definitely an opportunity to expand here even if it was just so simple as putting a Keurig machine in the back. I had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. It is served with grilled chicken in a grilled wrap and cheddar cheese. If there was a buffalo sauce, I didn't taste any. I was a little disappointed in the wrap. The flavor didn't really stand out as being cooked on the Big Green Egg. The cheese wasn't really melted, which can be a common problem with shredded cheddar cheese, but it also didn't really have the buffalo flavor that I was looking for in a buffalo chicken wrap (maybe it was a Toledo Ohio wrap I don't know just not spicy. ) It served with a side of ranch which I juiced up with some Cholula and that helped. I i'm not knocking the quality of the food because it was good. It just didn't live up to the expectations I had in my head based on the menu description. It also came with a side, which I chose the broccoli salad. This was nicely done with bacon, I believe some quinoa and the broccoli was chopped up nicely so you didn't have huge chunks. Also, it wasn't overly sauced so that would make it runny. Overall I give the property four out five stars. Also, the flavor of the whole meal was fine. Good size portion and good value for your money.

    Photos
    Urban Cookhouse
    Urban Cookhouse - Wood Fired Shrimp Kabob

    Wood Fired Shrimp Kabob

    Urban Cookhouse - White BBQ Sandwich with broccoli salad

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    White BBQ Sandwich with broccoli salad

    River - Sausage trio (with gator sausage, yum!!)

    River

    4.3(318 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Date night done right! Every dish is packed with flavor, cooked to perfection, and perfect dim and…read moreelegant ambiance. We adore the mussels appetizer and always have fantastic fish dishes every visit. A must-go for date night, a special occasion, or just a reason to dress up!

    Second trip to River Restaurant starts off on a bad note. We arrived at 10:35 a.m. and the inside…read moredining room was only about half full with several empty tables, and the outdoor seating area, which we specifically requested, also had open tables. Still, we were told there would be a 15-20 minute wait. We waited about 35 minutes before seating. Make it make sense. That said, the restaurant sits right along the Black Warrior River, which offers a really pleasant view, especially from the patio. On a cool spring day like today, it's hard to beat outdoor seating here. Tuscaloosa is buzzing with football fans for the annual A-Day spring game, which adds to the energy around town. My better half ordered the shrimp and grits, and I went with the steak fajita bowl, minus the sunny-side-up egg. Even at my age, I can't do the runny yolk situation, I always ask for my eggs over hard. With that change, I'll say the fajita bowl jumped up to one of my top breakfast/brunch go-to dishes in town. Yes, I know it's technically brunch, but it was before 11 a.m., so I'm calling it breakfast. The shrimp and grits were solid, though the tails were still on the shrimp, which meant a bit of extra peeling at the table, my wife wasn't a fan of that part, but she still finished the dish and enjoyed it overall. Only minor gripe on the food side: ice seems to be a rare commodity here, I'd love a few more cubes in the water. But overall, the food was very good, the patio seating is absolutely the way to go, and the river view is fantastic.

    Photos
    River
    River - Mussels

    Mussels

    River - H2O

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    H2O

    City Cafe - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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