Definitely one of our favorite go tos in Tuscaloosa. Lots of locals come here. Not a wait for us. But game days could be difficult. We love the staff the home cooked meals. And the Alabama decorations #ROLLTIDE read more

Waysider Restaurant - First time with Zayn! - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

We went for breakfast and wanted to remember all our good times here. The breakfast was cooked to perfection and just soo good. JJ was our server and he took very good care of us & kept coffee tipped off. We of course loved all the AL memorabilia and sat across from Coach Bryant's table w/hat. read more

Waysider Restaurant - Scrambled eggs, grits, bacon , one hotcake w/fresh strawberry on top and homemade biscuits and coffee. - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

This was a bucket list place for YEARS for me, sadly a bit heart breaking in my first and only experience. I can see glimmers of its charm....and how it could be seen as quaint at some point, matching the various articles about it on the walls, all the things that had this on my list so long. This place is run down. Walking up from the back parking lot, the roof looks like it is about to fall in. It is a tiny house made into a restaurant (a long time ago) that has very little room for eating space - unbelievably small - with tables and seating so tight, you are eating right on top of the table next to you, with little room for the wait staff to even squeeze in to wait on you. Watched a grown man have to get a lady eating her meal at another table, to get up so that he could get to his seat, where his knees were then practically pushing into her seat. The bathrooms are worse than most gas stations, old, rusty parts, barely working plumbing, with broken & rotted wood doors, and there are tables right to the door of the bathrooms which is extremely unfortunate and uncomfortable for certain diners, whom when people trying to get to the bathroom, have to practically crawl over. Followed by a drop step, noted on the door, that a patron sitting against also warned about. There is even a table against the pay area where you have to lean around someone trying to eat. Seems they should go ahead and sacrifice a few tables as it isn't functional, cute, or enjoyable. One highlight - For an Alabama Football fan, this is quite the shrine (It IS in Tuscaloosa after all)! Almost every inch of the walls are covered with Daniel Moore prints of iconic football moments and other football memorabilia. The staff is the down-home friendly you expect, and the service was attentive. However, the food took WAY too long for what it is. Almost an hour for 2 orders of eggs with bacon/sausage breakfast once ordered. Thankfully our server kept our drinks filled. The food tasted fresh and quality, but was just slapped on a plate & was not much food at all. Though it looked sloppy on the plate (not served in a bowl or cup?!), the cheese grits were some of the best I've ever had. The biscuits were also supposed to be the star here. Southern Drop biscuits! We were given them hot, but they were extremely tiny and came out after we had eaten, and can't say they were the best ever, but not terrible. It looked like we should have received biscuits with both of our meals, but just got the one small order, barely the equivalent of 2 drop, though "cut" like 4, with one biscuit the size of a quarter. read more

Waysider Restaurant - Two Eggs With Meat: Scrambled with Bacon & Cheese grits (this is how it was served, prior to eating) - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Best biscuits in the world. Prepare for a wait or get there early. Ambiance is grandma's house if she's a huge Alabama fan. I could just eat the biscuits, but I'm a bacon and eggs guy. When I was in college, there weren't many choices for breakfast. That's not the reason this place is so popular though. It's because it's the best around. City Cafe is also great if it's a weekday. read more

Waysider Restaurant - The Bear's Table - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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An Alabama institution! You'll be overwhelmed by the history on the walls and the fresh sweet tea. Breakfast is basic and won't break the bank - eggs, pancakes, meats, grits and biscuits. You'll feel right at home!! read more

This is certainly an Alabama football themed restaurant. Finding the parking lot for a newbie wasn't a tad difficult. You need to park in the back. Service was ok. The women were very nice and friendly. We both ordered breakfast. Food was ok. Disappointing that there are no pics of any other sport. No baseball, gymnastics, etc. read more

Waysider Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

All the food was priced à la carte, i had a simple sausage and cheese mushroom omelette, i believe they deep fried the sausage and mushrooms. Something was off. The parking was to be expected. Seating was tight but expected. Food needed serious help. I ordered a very simple meal but you would think it was the toshmahall. $19.00. Menu is horrendous at best. Gritts are a forced item. Then say hash browns are an up charge but at fill price. Price wasnt an issue if food quality was there . I wont be taking my clients there after my experience. Service was fine by the way. Its still a old school Tuscaloosa experience. Maybe the iwner will listen and bring the best possible food and put some specials together so the locals may can afford it. Good luck read more

Waysider Restaurant - Concern - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The homemade biscuits are to die for. The staff genuinely cares about taking care of their guests. The walls are covered with almost every Daniel Moore print you could imagine. If you haven't been there before or if you haven't been there lately, it is time to enjoy some breakfast at the Historic Waysider Restaurant. read more

Honestly super disappointed. Asked for my eggs over easy and they were quite literally the opposite. Sausage gravy sucked. The vibe is cool and vintage but would not go again. I know it's a classic but I'll never go again. read more

Small and sort of cramped but worth the trip. Breakfast always good. Love the pancakes.

Cozy little spot with traditional breakfasts. It's snug and there's not a ton of seating, but they somehow get you seated quickly even if there's a line. Food was what we expected. read more

Visiting from Georgia and the Waysider was highly recommended by the locals. It's located in an old house that has been converted into a very popular eatery. It's busy on weekends and the dining room seating is crowded to the point of being challenging to walk between the tables. Lots of University of Alabama pictures decorate the walls. The wait staff are charming and helpful. The menu has typical southern comfort breakfast food offerings. The food is freshly prepared, served hot and tastes good. read more

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Small historic hole in the wall was AMAZING. Hidden gem. Everything was perfect, delicious and homemade and the service was delightful, I believe she was the owner. Was surprised at the budget friendly total was with twice as much. I am so glad everyone else was too busy otherwise we would have never tried it. read more

I haven't been here in years and it's always nice to see when a place hasn't changed. This is a walk in and seat yourself restaurant and I was glad to see an open table upon entering. The service is prompt and the lunch menu changes daily hence the handwritten menu on a note card that gets passed between table. They always include sweet tea or coffee in the cost of your meal which is, what I assume, a go to for people at a meat and three. Our food came out quick, accurate, and hot which is always a plus for me. You never feel rushed here and any Alabama football fan will enjoy all of the memorabilia on the walls. read more

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Always enjoy eating at the waysider. Breakfast or lunch. Not always the fastest, but the food is always hot and cooked to perfection. read more

Historical Tuscaloosa, Alabama landmark. Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant has breakfast there everyday. True Bama fans know this place. And good breakfast too. read more

Great atmosphere, great food and great service. We would definitely go back again. Even saw where a legendary coach sat

long wait, bland food, weird biscuits, really nice waiter. i did think the place was about to cave in.

2022 May visited. Forgot have to come in the back to park. Great tomato gravy! Old Fashion breakfast. They are a little short staffed still but it's all about the experience. Come with an open mind and empty belly. read more

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Nicest people... live their biscuits and country ham. On game weekend expect to come early or wait... but it's worth it

Pleasantly surprised!! I love good home cooking and that's exactly what this is! They made us Texas Agggies right at home in their Alabama town. They were super nice! Biscuits were just as I would make at home!! Btw, try the sugar-cured ham. That was AMAZING!! read more

Came here for breakfast the other day and was slightly disappointed. Many people raved about this place, so I was excited to give it a try. I ordered the eggs with brown gravy, which comes with grits and biscuits. I'm not a fan of grits so when I ask if I could trade them for potatoes, after which the waitress just wrote down no grits and charged me for the extra potatoes. Had I known that I couldn't swap them, I wouldn't have ordered them. The eggs in my meal were very good, as were the potatoes, but I was not a fan of the gravy. It was not overly thick and very peppery (which could be their standard but not something I care for). The biscuits were also on the small side, meaning only two left me with more to desire. All in all, the meal had good components but was expensive for the food we got and we left still hungry. read more

I came here unintentionally looking for a good breakfast place on an early Sunday morning. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived! The staff were all very nice and the food was great as a casual southern breakfast. Service was very quick and I appreciated how on top of things my waitress was when I needed refills of coffee and water. The place was fairly clean although seating was limited and a bit tight. I think this just adds to the charm of the restaurant and the small-town feel that it gave off. I especially loved the homemade biscuits! I would definitely come back. read more

Breakfast food is old country style. The building is old and showing its age. Parking is mostly in the back. The carpet has an old musky smell. It needs replacing! Has old bama photos. read more

We love coming here when ever we are in T Town. The staff and the food is amazing. The biscuits and grits are the best. Today I ordered sugar ham for the first time and it was on point. Perfectly seasoned and great texture. Of course I had to order sausage gravy too. Everything is always delicious. I enjoy all the Alabama photos and specially the statue of Coach Bryant. It's super cool to know he ate there very often. A Big Roll Tide to the entire Staff! read more

Waysider Restaurant - Sugar ham, grits, eggs, biscuits n gravy - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Traditional breakfast place, good food, and lots of nostalgia--a shrine to Alabama Crimson Tide football.

First time to Waysider in quite a while. Great spot for breakfast/brunch. They do serve regular lunch everyday, but I always go with breakfast when I'm there. I got the pancakes with bacon. The pancakes are really fluffy and had a great flavor. The bacon was nice and crispy as well. They did tell me that they would be back with another pancake when they brought my food out and it came out pretty quickly. I never got offered a refill, but there was a pretty steady crowd and only one person working in the sitting area. read more

Waysider Restaurant - Pancakes with bacon - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The food, the facility and the service ... all meh?! The prices were reasonable but gotta ask myself why pay for a mediocre meal in a cramped room. Just an overall underwhelming experience for such a long standing Tuscaloosa establishment! The server was ver friendly, but seemed to be just going through the motions. A name and rep will only carry you so far. At some point the food and service have to be excellent to receive an excellent Please put some polish on the food and service, and maybe take a table or two out of the place. Quality is always more valuable than quantity. read more

Absolutely amazing! The best biscuits, bacon and gravy you will ever eat! And the service was just as amazing as the food! We cannot wait to go back! read more

After coming a second time I think this deserves an extra star, the service is remarkable and they even made me a Big Al pancake which is cool enough in itself. Also they constantly come fill up your coffee. Come enjoy the diner atmosphere that has lots of Alabama memorabilia! read more

Waysider Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

While in Tuscaloosa, one must spot to have breakfast here, the homemade biscuits are that good! And the cured ham with eggs were as equally spectacular. Cute little spot, with a lot of charm, especially if you are a roll tide fan, or a fan of college football. Good prices, wonderful service, small menu, its basically a no frill good place to each the kind of breakfast your momma would make for ya. Sweet home Alabama indeed! read more

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Not much to look at inside or out. Packed right on top of each other trying to eat in less than sanitary conditions. Literally was there almost an hour and a half (attention from waitress was all but not existent). Some of the food was ok but other parts weren't worth eating. All and all not a worth while stop unless you have all day and low standards. read more

This small cozy establishment is a Tuscaloosa tradition full of pictures depicting Bama's rich football history. The day I went there was not a wait and although we had plenty of parking to choose from I could see how it can get tight in game days. The staff was so pleasant and we actually got served quickly. The biscuits were good but not great and the coffee was okay, a little lite for my taste. Breakfast itself was average nothing that would really make me come back. Had to at least visit this historic Bama establishment especially since Bear Bryant use to frequent it but once is enough for me. read more

This place has been around since I was in school here and it hasn't changed a bit. Still a long wait for a table but always worth it. Biscuits are fantastic! Must try if you're in Tuscaloosa! read more

Waysider Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

There was a sign on the door stating "the fine government" is imposing mask rules. Inside, a packed small dining area with hardly space to walk between the tables. Perhaps there is a market for people who don't wish to take the pandemic seriously, but we do, and we couldn't walk out quickly enough. read more

The Waysider is a Tuscaloosa institution, a classic, and a gem for real southern breakfast. On a recent visit (I'm a Texan), I wandered in for breakfast. My mission: to have some great food and find out if the Waysider deserved its listing in Esquire magazine's Top 50 breakfast list. The service was cheerful and quick during an offpeak Friday. Everything was just like it should be. The eggs, bacon, and coffee were all done just right. It was the Southern staples that blew me away. I'm not a huge grits guy, but these grits were fantastic, buttery, and perfect. The biscuits were small but potent: crisp outside with a moist, flakey, piping hot interior. Don't even get me started on the sausage gravy. This was the gravy of the gods, I tell you. Sitting here 500 miles away from the Waysider, I nearly weep when I think of that gravy. The setting is cool, too. It's a little house with a small dining room and well-worn wooden seating. The walls are covered in Alabama football art and memorabilia, including a ton of those ubiquitous Daniel Moore prints. Is there a city ordinance that any Tuscaloosa restaurant must have at least one of these prints displayed? I loved every bit of my pilgrimage to the Waysider Restaurant, and I look forward to my next visit when I'm in Tuscaloosa. read more

In a word: disappointing. We were told rave reviews of this place and were very excited to visit it. I have a soft spot for breakfast cafes, so I was particularly excited. Well...not much was good about this one. Atmosphere: Meh. Some may find it homey. The outdoors was cute, historic looking, and there was a friendly cat that greeted us. The inside was very grandmother's house looking in terms of wood paneling and carpet, but covered wall to wall in Alabama memorabilia, and not in the especially charming way. Service: we were actually seated within the 20 minute wait time we were told, so that was nice. Our waitress was pleasant and somewhat attentive. However, our food took forever to come out--so long that the table seated not three minutes ahead of us received their food, ate it, paid, and left before ours even arrived. The food: what should be the best part, but was sadly the worst. The eggs were utterly average. My pancakes weren't bad, but I elected to add pecans and chocolate chips (to the tune of almost 3 more dollars--the place is very overpriced), so that likely improved them. What was really disappointing were the "hash browns" and biscuits. Their hash browns were not hash browns in the real sense, nothing like the kind you would get at another establishment. They were like roasted potatoes, cut in cubes and cooked. They had very little seasoning and were tasteless and undercooked. Ketchup was necessary to make them edible. The biscuits, which so many raved about, were anemic. Very small and on the mushy side. They were neither flaky nor pillowy. They were the same consistency throughout, and also rather cold. So disappointing. Sorry, Tuscaloosa, but you let me down on this one. read more

such good food, great service, and a very homey feel, 5 stars overalk, would give 6 if possible

Maybe we just hit a very bad day. Service was off, food was off, biscuits were awful and they are supposed to be known for their biscuits. Cool atmosphere though and nice people. Very authentic vibe. read more

Waysider Restaurant - Seating area - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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My son's new favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa! We all loved it. The biscuits were phenomenal! We Also had pancakes, bacon, grits and eggs- oh, and hash browns. Sooo good that it was hard to say what was best. Such a cute place, too, with super friendly service. We'll definitely be back!! read more

Waysider Restaurant - So much charm! - Southern Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama