The University of Alabama is well-known for its party scene and thriving Greek life, and as such, has a strong infrastructure for college students to get food after a night out. Some of these late-night eats are staples across the country and also for the locals here in Tuscaloosa. Here are the top five drunk Eats for college students in T-Town.
Number 5: Waffle House
Waffle House is nationally renowned as the ideal drunk food location, especially in college towns. However, it barely secures a spot in the top five in this competitive market. Despite being open 24/7 and offering cheap, greasy and good food, it falls behind every other late-night food on this list. The line to get into Waffle House is a brutal wait, particularly on a weekend after a night of drinking. Quite simply, there aren’t enough tables at Waffle House to accommodate the demand of college students desperately needing food after a night at the bars. Beyond seating and wait times, Waffle House is also more expensive than the other options on this list, despite their cheap pricing. Nevertheless, their large portions and much-needed greasy food have them ranked as number five on this list.
Number 4: Cookout
Another college town staple, Cookout, is a perfect spot for college students to get late-night food. Cookout stays open until 3:30 a.m., which is perfect given that bars in Tuscaloosa close at 2 a.m. It offers cheap food that hits the spot, featuring a wide variety of options including burgers, hotdogs, quesadillas, chicken nuggets, milkshakes and more. It’s quite easy to order enough food to satisfy your hunger and stay under $10. However, Cookout falls in the rankings due to its distance from downtown and The Strip. Located all the way on 15th St., driving is the only way to reach Cookout from the bars. After hours of drinking at the bar, this is a challenge that is simply not possible (or advisable) for college students. Unless students live near Cookout, are willing to pay for an Uber or have a designated driver, Cookout is unfortunately not an option. Despite their superior food quality and pricing, the fact that every other location on this list is within walking distance from the bars means Cookout doesn’t have what it takes to be in the Top 3.
Number 3: Quick Grill
The first local entry on this list is a freshman-year staple for students as they stumble out of Rounders on the daunting walk back to the dorms. As the name suggests, Quick Grill is fast to get drunk kids the food they need. Centrally located on The Strip, Quick Grill serves hotdogs, hamburgers and their specialty, messy fries, for a price less than a double at every bar students come out of. The customer service is unrivaled by any other late-night joint on this list, with the staff knowing their regulars’ orders and letting students use the bathroom in the back or throw up in the bushes behind. Unfortunately, trying Quick Grill sober has forced us to lower their ranking, but their notoriety on campus and history of fueling freshman year has earned them the well-deserved third spot on this list.
Number 2: Taco Bell
Taco Bell is another national staple for drunk college students searching for quantity over quality. The first time every Bama student ventures to the Taco Bell on The Strip, it tastes like a life-saving delight crafted with love by their staff. Similar to Quick Grill, Taco Bell’s employees will get to know you well if you frequent their establishment past midnight, and they will make sure to take care of you beyond your food order. Their self-service ordering screens streamline the process of getting copious amounts of food fast and easy, hitting the mark every time. While offering cheap food, a convenient location and exceptional customer service, these attributes aren’t enough to earn them the top spot, but they certainly earn their well-deserved second-place ranking.
Number 1: The Standard
Dave Portnoy, the founder and owner of Barstool Sports, ranked The Standard a 7.3 in his famous one-bite challenge, and he did that sober. After a night of partying, their huge slices (large enough to satisfy Big Al himself) taste like a perfect 10. They also offer a backroom with a bar that allows customers to get one last drink while enjoying their food. The Standard’s pizza speaks for itself, but it’s not just the food quality that earns the number one spot on this list. Situated on The Strip, nestled between Rounders and Twelve25, The Standard is right in the midst of all drunk shenanigans and nightlife in Tuscaloosa. One thing they offer here, that no other place has, is that they accept dining dollars. Dining dollars are offered to full-time undergraduate students at the University of Alabama, where the money can be used at participating restaurants. The peace of mind that comes when using this prepaid monopoly money is reason enough to claim the number one spot. Furthermore, they prove their worth with their speed, price, location and food quality.
Honorable mention
While all of these options are excellent choices, it would be wrong to not include a local favorite. Hoppers Corner Bar is a hometown bar on The Strip that doesn’t often draw a mainstream crowd, but it unquestionably deserves a spot on your list when you’re seeking a late-night snack. Even though their food menu remains a bit of a well-kept secret, once you try their loaded cheesy bacon tots, you’ll find yourself returning time and again. Their kitchen is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly.
