You don't go to The Waysider for a "culinary concept." You go because you want a biscuit that feels like a hug from a grandmother who doesn't believe in calories.
Located in a small, unassuming red house on Greensboro Avenue, this place is the heartbeat of Tuscaloosa breakfast culture. It’s been around since 1906. Think about that. This building has seen world wars, the rise of the Crimson Tide, and more hungover college students than any library in the SEC.
Honestly, the Waysider Restaurant Tuscaloosa AL menu isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a short, confident list of Southern staples that haven't changed much since Bear Bryant was sitting in the corner with a newspaper and a cup of black coffee. If you're looking for avocado toast or a deconstructed latte, keep driving. But if you want red-eye gravy that actually tastes like coffee and salt? You're home.
The Breakfast Legends: Biscuits and Big Al
The breakfast menu is where the magic happens. They open the doors at 5:30 AM most days, and yeah, there are people waiting.
The biscuits are the undeniable stars. They aren't those massive, "cathead" biscuits you see at trendy brunch spots. They are small, dainty, and dangerously fluffy. They’re served with local honey or butter, but most people just use them as a vessel for the country ham and red-eye gravy.
✨ Don't miss: Ariana Grande Blue Cloud Perfume: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Big Al Pancake: If you bring a kid (or just look like an Alabama fan), they might serve your pancakes in the shape of Big Al, the elephant mascot. It's a kitschy tradition that somehow makes the syrup taste better.
- The Country Ham: This isn't your grocery store deli ham. It’s salty. It’s tough. It’s exactly what country ham is supposed to be.
- Red-Eye Gravy: For the uninitiated, this is a thin sauce made from ham drippings and black coffee. It’s an acquired taste, but at the Waysider, it’s a rite of passage.
You've also got your standard scrambled eggs, hash browns (get the large portion, trust me), and Zeigler bacon. Everything is served on mismatched plates in a room where every square inch of wall is covered in Alabama football memorabilia.
The Weekday Lunch: Meat and Three Tradition
If you miss the breakfast rush, Tuesday through Friday offers a classic "meat and three" lunch. The menu rotates daily, but the vibe remains "Sunday dinner at the farmhouse."
Basically, you pick a protein and three sides. The sides are often grown on a farm owned by the proprietor’s son. We’re talking real mashed potatoes, field peas, turnip greens, and fried okra.
Mainstay Meats Often Include:
🔗 Read more: Apartment Decorations for Men: Why Your Place Still Looks Like a Dorm
- Hamburger Steak: Smothered in onions and gravy. It’s heavy, delicious, and will require a nap immediately afterward.
- Chicken Pot Pie: House-made and usually gone by 12:30 PM.
- Fried Catfish: Crispy, cornmeal-battered, and served piping hot.
- Pot Roast: Tender enough to eat with a spoon.
Don't skip the peach cobbler or the house-made pies if they have them. The sugar-cured ham also makes a lunch appearance sometimes in biscuit form, which is a great "on-the-go" option if the tiny dining room (it only seats about 50 people) is packed to the gills.
Eating with "The Bear"
You can't talk about the menu without mentioning the table. In the front corner, there’s a two-seater table that remains a shrine to Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.
There’s a bronze bust of him wearing his signature houndstooth hat. He used to sit there every morning. People still request that table specifically, though it’s more of a museum piece these days.
The atmosphere is loud. It’s crowded. The waitresses are moving at a hundred miles an hour and might call you "honey" or "sugar" while sliding a plate of grits onto your table. It’s not "fast food," but it’s efficient Southern hospitality.
💡 You might also like: AP Royal Oak White: Why This Often Overlooked Dial Is Actually The Smart Play
Tips for Your Visit
Prices are surprisingly reasonable for 2026. You can still get a hearty breakfast for under $15, which is a rarity in a college town.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. There’s a tiny lot in the back and some street parking. Just be prepared to walk a block.
- Timing: Saturday mornings before a home game? Forget it unless you’re there at dawn. Tuesdays are usually your best bet for a quiet meal.
- Payment: They take cards, but cash is always appreciated in a place this old-school.
- The "Secret" Grits: Grits come automatically with most breakfast orders. Don't ask for a substitution unless you want a confused look from the kitchen.
The Waysider isn't a "hidden gem" anymore—everyone knows about it. But it remains authentic because it refuses to grow. It stays in that little red house, serving those same tiny biscuits, making sure Tuscaloosa still tastes like home.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the current daily specials by calling (205) 345-8239 before you head over, as the vegetable lineup for the meat-and-three lunch changes every single morning based on what's fresh from the farm. If you're planning a weekend trip, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before you actually want to eat to account for the porch wait.