This week, we visited Coastal Cowgirl Café, a new spot in Tuscaloosa! Originally known as ‘Veaganish,’ Coastal Cowgirl now offers an expanded, health-focused menu while keeping some fan-favorite plant-based items, like their famous crafted smoothies. Over the past few months, the café transformed from Veaganish into Coastal Cowgirl, introducing new offerings such as customizable “Beach Bowls,” a salmon burger, and more!
The café exudes a light and airy vibe, blending beachy and rustic aesthetics. With cozy indoor seating and umbrella-shaded outdoor tables, it’s a welcoming spot year-round.
Coastal Cowgirl Café has quickly gained popularity in the community, thanks to its engaging TikTok and Instagram posts showcasing the smoothie-making process and unique flavors. Some visitors have even made the trip from Birmingham just to check it out! We stopped by to try the viral smoothies that have been making waves across Alabama—and they were absolutely worth it.
Much of the excitement around the smoothies comes from their resemblance to the famous blends at Erewhon, a high-end West Coast grocery store. Erewhon’s smoothies have gained attention for their collaborations with celebrities like Hailey Bieber and food influencers such as Nara Smith. TikTok users have raved about these aesthetically pleasing, flavorful drinks, despite their sky-high prices—some costing up to $25 with premium add-ins.
For Tuscaloosa locals, finding fresh and healthy food options can be a challenge. Coastal Cowgirl meets that need while offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The café sits just a pleasant 20-minute walk from campus, making it a convenient stop on a beautiful day. Although it had only recently opened, customers flowed in and out nonstop! After a few minutes debating which smoothie to try, we couldn’t help but admire the fresh ingredients and artistic presentation. Beyond just fruits, these smoothies are clearly made with love!
Sophie chose the Tropical Paradise Smoothie, a tropical blend of mango, pineapple, and banana with hints of agave and coconut “mylk,” topped with coconut cream swirls. I opted for the Melon Mist Mocktail, a refreshing mix of watermelon juice, strawberries, and cane sugar.
Each sip was perfectly refreshing and satisfying! These smoothies make an excellent morning treat to grab on the way to work or class. Be sure to pair one with a pastry or dessert, or stop by for brunch or lunch. For anyone on a wellness kick in Tuscaloosa, Coastal Cowgirl Café is definitely a must-visit!
