With a hint of Fall in the air recently, my mind has been wandering back to
my college days at the University of Alabama in the early 2000’s. Particularly I was remembering our favorite dining and drinking spots. Some still exist while others have sadly gone away. So, here’s my top 5 list of favorite spots while at UA. The order is not significant, just what I can remember.

Nick’s in the Sticks– This establishment is still open but now has a sign. I think part of the appeal back in the day was that there was no sign. You had to remember where it was. Remember, this was a time when Facebook was in its infancy and most people didn’t have GPS systems in their cars (although
they did exist). The drink of choice here was a Nicodemus. I’m not sure all the ingredients but I know it had Rum, 151 and tasted like an adult Hawaiian Punch. The filets were some of the best in town and on a college budget, you could get a filet, salad, and baked potato for $8. There was always a line so we would order our Nicodemus’s and hang in the area in front of the restaurant (it’s small and has very limited seating). The hostess outside greeted you with a puff of her cigarette as she sat on an old wooden stool and barked at us if we went beyond the fenced in area. Inside, there were Christmas lights and Alabama memorabilia from past championships and tributes to Bear Bryant. Remember, this was the Shula era, there were no championships to be won. Going to Nick’s could ease the blow of Brodie Croyle being sacked 6 times by Auburn at home because Nick’s reminded you that championships could be won or maybe it was the Nicodemus that helped ease the pain.

The Waysider– This restaurant is one of my favorite breakfast spots in town. A small, red wooden house on Greensboro Ave is unassuming. The Waysider is where I learned to love grits. Yes, I grew up in the South but never took the time to try grits until a dear friend and pledge sister encouraged me to try them. I was hooked but the biscuits are my favorite there. Like Nick’s, prints adorn the walls of past Alabama victories. Daniel Moore prints are hung in every available wall space. Parking is limited and is around back.

El Rincon– Our go to Mexican restaurant located on University Boulevard is now longer open. I believe 95% of the college population went to El Rincon for their toxic margaritas. I’m not really sure how much tequila were in these drinks but usually you could be one and done if you started your night here.
Mexican food has always been a comfort food for me too. Chips, salsa, queso and margaritas-what more could you ask for?

Paty’s 24 Hour Diner located at the dormitory Paty Hall is no longer in existence but after a night out, it was the go-to for late night breakfast. College kids now have a Waffle House on the strip, but I’d take the 24 Hour Diner over Waffle House any day. Additionally, they took Bama Cash and Dining Dollars as payment so why go anywhere else after too many El Rincon margaritas and Nicodemus’s.

Harry’s Bar– Who doesn’t love a hole in the wall bar? Urban Legend says that the former owner Harry used to play basketball at UA when he is in college. What I knew of old man Harry is that he would bring out tequila shots for the girls. This place had nostalgia written all over it. Alabama county signs were the art of choice for this establishment. I remember being disappointed that there were no Marengo County signs. The drink of choice here was a Crazy Bucket. With a group of friends, you could all pitch in $5 and receive a plastic bucket with cups containing an unknown concoction. I tried to watch the bartender make a crazy bucket one night but loss track. It was everything liquor, beer, and the kitchen sink.

I love thinking about friends and times at the University of Alabama. I’m thankful for the memories. My head hurts thinking about those drinks now and as adult in a time at college where there were no Ubers, I’m thankful for our safety. Although a lot has changed since I first stepped on campus, it was always be one of my favorite times of my life and I will forever say “Roll Tide!”