Tuscaloosa is known for the University of Alabama and Crimson Tide football, but the growing city — over 100,000 residents and 43,000 students each fall — also has  a growing art scene, music and festivals, and excellent restaurants. Of course many of the best places to eat are built around the football season, but there’s plenty to love in Tuscaloosa year-round. This is by no means a complete list, but it will give you a good sample of the highlights of the dining scene in Tuscaloosa near the University of Alabama. No matter if you’re rolling with the Tide or just passing through, Tuscaloosa has an award-winning dining experience, a family-owned generational favorite, or a trendy hangout worth checking out.