Let's be honest, Tuscaloosa is pretty bad at keeping restaurants open. It's a tough crowd to please, but there are some new spots in town that we seriously can't ever live without. If you haven't tried these places, add them to your bucket list. Just trust me.

Dotson's

If you haven’t tried Dotson’s Burger Spot in downtown Tuscaloosa yet you have to go right now. Seriously. I waited until just recently to eat there because I was craving a good burger, and wow, I am in love. I am not kidding when I say the tater tots will change your life. They have several unique and delicious craft burgers, including vegetarian options, as well as the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever had.

Oh, and the best part about this joint? Spiked Milkshakes. That’s right, Bushwackers from Moe's BBQ aren’t the only good dessert cocktail anymore! Spiked shake flavors include Reese’s, Salted Caramel, and if you want to be really festive, there is a rainbow shake called The Unicorn with whipped vodka, strawberry sauce, Blue Curaçao, strawberry ice cream, topped with whipped cream and crushed Jolly Rancher Candy. You can’t pass up a place like this.

River

Overlooking the Black Warrior River, this appropriately named restaurant is one to put on your must-visit list. River’s menu consists of a delicious mix of southern and seafood using local ingredients. I recommend the fried oysters as an appetizer. I didn’t like oysters until I tried them here. Did I mention the view? This is one of the only places where you’ll be begging to sit outside on their patio complete with two fire pits. However, you’re still in luck if you sit inside because of the enormous glass walls overlooking the river.

Central Mesa

Central Mesa is HIGHLY deserving of their 4.5/5 star rating on Yelp. Honestly, I would give them all five. I tried this place for brunch after a retail associate at the Shirt Shop recommended it over the ridiculous wait at Five Bar. Best advice I’ve ever gotten. Where else can you get a plate with Hot Chicken and Churros?

The Lookout

The Lookout is a rooftop bar nestled on top of Hotel Indigo downtown. The view of the Black Warrior River at golden hour is enough to pay it a visit, but you can also enjoy a wide selection of Tuscaloosa craft beer as well as grab a bite to eat.

Hokkaido

This place is so much more than your everyday hibachi restaurant. You can choose to either sit at a group hibachi table or a traditional dinner setting. Even if you don’t feel like going out and eating, they have the fastest takeout in Tuscaloosa. I am serious, you can place an order on the phone and you will be told to be there in 10 minutes for pick up.

I have no idea how their chef manages to perfectly cook a plate of fried rice, teriyaki chicken, vegetables, with a side of yum yum sauce, and a WHOLE dragon roll in ten minutes, but I won’t ask. Fair warning, after eating here you will be disappointed with every other Japanese restaurant.

Levee Bar and Grill

Hop over the downtown bridge to Northport and you’ll arrive at Levee Bar and Grill. The river view from their outdoor area is nothing less than Instagram worthy. Also, their menu has options for even the pickiest of eaters to be raving about their meal.