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Alcove
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Alcove
Review Highlights
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"Tuesday jazz nights are very enjoyable with a great group..." In 8 reviews -
"Best beer selection I found during my visit to Tuscaloosa." In 3 reviews -
"...is a fantastic town, a quintessential college town." In 3 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Pam T.
Northport, AL
4/6/2012
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. -
Review from Alicia E.
Tuscaloosa, AL
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Ian Michael R.
Atlanta, GA
1/29/2012 10 Check-ins Here
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/ -
Review from Jennifer W.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
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! -
Review from Nicholas A.
West Fargo, ND
11/13/2011
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. -
Review from Russ S.
Tuscaloosa, AL
4/14/2012
Exactly what they claim to be. That is rare.
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Review from Justin B.
Tuscaloosa, AL
1/16/2012
Always has been and still remains my favorite bar in town. The beer selection is always fantastic, and they employ a staff that actual knows the business. If you ask, they will recommend a drink based on your tastes. Also, a great place to avoid the typical college crowd.
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Review from Cole O.
2/15/2011
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. -
Review from Matthew C.
Tuscaloosa, AL
10/12/2010
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... -
Review from Russ M.
9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Natilee M.
Montgomery, AL
8/26/2010
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. -
Review from John P.
Tuscaloosa, AL
7/22/2010 29 Check-ins Here
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! -
Review from Megan O.
1/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
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. -
Review from Reed W.
Florence, AL
2/20/2010
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. -
Review from Scott E.
Tuscaloosa, AL
7/10/2011
Alcove has good beer, friendly bartenders, a comfortable environment, and no smoking or douchebags. Perhaps the perfect bar.
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Review from Heather M.
Lewisburg, PA
3/2/2010
This is probably one of the top 5 bars I've ever been to, and we are so lucky to have it in Tuscaloosa. The beer selection is top-notch, the atmosphere is perfect, and the service is great. I usually go in for jazz on Tuesdays or for a post-work beer on Fridays, and I always come out of there glad that I paid them a visit. Their prices are definitely fair, and the fact that they are (currently) the only smoke-free bar in Tuscaloosa makes me want to patronize them as much as I possibly can.
There's just something about enjoying a good glass of scotch here that makes me never want to leave. Do yourself a favor and visit the Alcove right now! -
Review from Kerri B.
Tuscaloosa, AL
7/27/2011
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 :(
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Review from Tim N.
Cambridge, MA
1/16/2010 4 photos
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! -
Review from Elliott R.
Tuscaloosa, AL
6/1/2010
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. -
Review from Taylor N.
Tuscaloosa, AL
5/27/2010
Great bar, great atmosphere. Highly recommended.
A word to out-of-towners, though: Don't go here expecting the crazy college town nightlife. This place is very chill, fairly quiet, and not an easy walk to other bars. If that's what you're looking for, this is where you want to go. If you want the crazy college bar instead, head downtown or to the Strip. -
Review from Aimee A.
Stamford, CT
9/11/2010
On our roadtrip from Connecticut to Baton Rouge we stopped overnight in Tuscaloosa. My boyfriend immediately went to work Yelping places for us to eat and drink and came across the great reviews of Alcove. All I had to hear was "great international beer selection" and I was on-board. It took us a little while to find as it's kind of hidden, but we were happy we didn't give up! Alcove would be a hit in Brooklyn, NY and I'm sure it's an absolute gem in Tuscaloosa. I can't imagine there are that many places like this in Alabama. It's got a totally laid back, moody, adult, cozy, friendly neighborhood feel to it. The beer selection is not to be missed! They had at least 8 beers on draft, many local and all microbrews. Then if you're in the mood for something totally different, they have a fridge full of bottles of beer, most international - at least 90 different ones I think they said! I was extremely impressed with the selection. I haven't seen some of them in the US before. I wish I was in Tuscaloosa right now so I could go there... It truly is an awesome place and I can't wait to go back.
