Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Alabama
  4. Tuscaloosa
  5. Tuscaloosa

Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails

4.2
4.2
635 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
We offer Southern comfort food with an enhanced flair. Relaxed, elegant dining room with a large wrap around bar. We have outdoor seating with two patios available. We also offer private dining venues for groups of up to 50 people.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (205) 561-5500

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Catering

    Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails is available for private parties of all sizes. Our team is dedicated to offering you an intimate dining or event experience within a larger setting. We do require a food and beverage minimum and typically require limited menus for any groups over 20; however, we are happy to work with you and your event team to execute a phenomenal experience. We have four spaces available for private dining and events including our Small Private Dining Room with Privacy Wall (capacity: 12), Small Private Dining Room + Semi-Private Lounge (capacity: 20), Large Private Dining Room (seated capacity: 55; cocktail (standing only): 65), and the Side by Side Outdoor Terrace (capacity: 25). Our restaurant has several areas than can accommodate smaller groups who wish to sit together in the same area. However, no tables can be moved. ​To reserve private dining or events, please contact us at 205-561-5097.

  • Private party facilities

    Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails is available for private parties of all sizes. Our team is dedicated to offering you an intimate dining or event experience within a larger setting. We do require a food and beverage minimum and typically require limited menus for any groups over 20; however, we are happy to work with you and your event team to execute a phenomenal experience. We have four spaces available for private dining and events including our Small Private Dining Room with Privacy Wall (capacity: 12), Small Private Dining Room + Semi-Private Lounge (capacity: 20), Large Private Dining Room (seated capacity: 55; cocktail (standing only): 65), and the Side by Side Outdoor Terrace (capacity: 25). ​To reserve private dining or events, please contact us at 205-561-5097.

  • Private party contact

    Alyssa Freeman: (205) 561-5098

  • Neighborhood

    Tuscaloosa

  • Cross street

    Greensboro Ave.

  • Parking details

    Parking for the restaurant can be accessed in the lot behind the Embassy Suites hotel on Greensboro Avenue.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 635 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on all time ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service from Jeremy. Friendly management. Excellent food! We will be back for our next date night! 😊

    Side by Side Kitchen & CocktailsResponded on May 21, 2023Thank you so much for visiting us this past Friday night. Very happy you enjoyed your experience with us. I will definitely share your kind words with Jeremy! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

    1 person found this helpful

  2. TanyaP

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    EXCELLENT SERVICE! Our server (and the Restaurant Manager) were top notch. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town.

    Is this helpful?

  3. TuskDiner

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    They were out of the beer that was chosen and the bottle wine that was ordered. And, while the entreƩs were prepared hot, the sides were cold......egg noodles, fingerling potatoes. The asparagus soup was delish.

    Is this helpful?

  4. NicoleA

    Indiana

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Overpriced, average food. I was not impressed with this meal for a special occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    Service very weak. Not enough waiters despite a large No of tables not open. Waiter missed our appetizer. Kitchen was ā€œyellingā€ at their coworkers because food was not getting to the customers on time…last two times service just lacked.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience4
    My wife walked in with our newborn in his car seat and the woman at the door had terrible customer service. She wanted to sit my wife along with our new born and myself at a 2 person small table in a walk way. When my wife asked for another table she said they didn’t have any and gave an attitude. There were other tables that just needed to be cleaned off and we would have gladly waited. She eventually sat us pretty much in the corner of the restaurant towards the back. I wanted to see if this was because we were black or just no where else to sit. So I watched as another group walked in that were caucasian and she got a table cleaned and sat them. Then another group of black women walked in and immediately brought them over to where we were sitting. I believe this to be unfair treatment we will not be coming back. Our server on the other hand was great and sweet.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a Thanksgiving buffet. First time every eating out on Thanksgiving. Excellent dinner!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Excellent service from Jeremy. Excellent food. A great Thanksgiving dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. AJason

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. The bartender was helpful. The waiter was responsive and had a good sense of humor. The food was delicious and decorative. The bathroom was clean and functional. The chips that come with the artichoke dip were unique and tasted good all by themselves. We look forward to returning soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We reserved seating to celebrate my birthday. The salmon was absolutely delicious but the 3-4 tiny potatoes were not considered value in my opinion. They were definitely not a side but more like a garnish. Then the green pea purĆ©e was a total waste of a a side if that’s what it was. This could have been paired with garlic mashed potatoes or asparagus. Especially for the price. Overall the service was great. Laurel was an excellent server!! The atmosphere was nice. Everyone around us joined in in singing happy birthday to me. The free dessert was delicious. I chose the upside down apply tart! I would come again but choose a different entree.

    Is this helpful?

  11. MishaC

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere. Friendly staff. Totally recommend

    Is this helpful?

  12. GKDS

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall1food1service4ambience3
    Made a reservation weeks in advance to treat our son and his roommates to a good meal. When we arrived for a 1:30 pm reservation we were told the only thing they had had a buffet closing at 2 pm. Why take reservations if you are closing at that time? It didn’t matter. 4 hungry young adults and over a mile walk to get there, we decided to stay. $35 per person buffet. You think you could find something to eat? Food was congealed. As in congealed roast beef that had been sitting so long that the fat layer in the juice had already hardened. Waffles that were harder than hockey pucks…. Everything was cold. We pointed out to a man who seem to be in charge. He did nothing. We told him again. Said he would tell the chef to reheat. Enough said. Avoid brunch here. It was a GROSS experience. The lady who was serving us was lovely, trying hard to save the day. But wait. There is more. I came to find out at the end of the day, that the restaurant emailed a cancellation 17 mins before we were due for our reservation, despite our confirmations. If you are in Tuscaloosa for any special occasion, don’t rely on this place.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience1
    We were seated in an area off of the main dining room. The room looked like a church dining hall. No ambiance whatsoever. As we were getting seating a table of friends of ours were leaving. They told us the food was awful. I was hoping they were exaggerating but unfortunately they were not. Waitress was very sweet and nice

    Is this helpful?

  14. WilliamA

    Tallahassee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Eeewwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeereeeererrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

    Is this helpful?

  15. CC89

    Dallas

    26 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    This is our 4th or 5th time Dining at the restaurant, but likely our last. Understaffed, out of this entree or out of another. The new menu description of the meals does not accurately portray the final result. Staff is very friendly , but 2 servers and a single bar tender make for a longer than needed dining experience. All in all it was very adequate.

    Is this helpful?

  16. CarrieP

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    The spinach and artichoke dip was good. But the rest of the meal was not good. The chicken schnitzel was awful. The service was good though

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    We ordered hamburgers and fries. My burger was burned on one side and fries were undercooked.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Toxaway1001

    London

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    The bartender was overwhelmed by the amount of people dining. We were very late getting our cocktails and wine. The menu was very limited as well.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Leo121212

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Terrible. Waiter rude and never checked on us or offered us more water and restaurant empty. Salmon was raw and brought out one meal 15 minutes after other 7 were served. No apologies. Bad attitudes from manager as well. No wonder restaurant empty.

    Is this helpful?

  20. MikeM

    Dallas

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience2
    Food was OK but nothing special. Service was very good and attentive. A little pricey. It needs to decide if it is fine dining or a hotel restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  21. jenniferl

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Waited an hour food after waiting 15 minutes to flag down a server. Food was cold. Medium rare hamburger was well done. Overll just bad

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Baton Rouge

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Dishes were all just ok. Could have gotten same quality for much less at any chain restaurant. Our reservation was at 5:45 and we were maybe the second dinner patrons. They sat us at the very first table through the door and when I asked to change they said they couldn’t, so we sat there and ate for an hour staring at mostly empty tables which was annoying. I’d eat there again if I had no other options.

    Is this helpful?

  23. MaydaM

    Alabama

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice place to dine! Will be coming here more often when we are in town!

    Is this helpful?

  24. KarenM

    Tallahassee

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    My husband’s and my meals were ok. My salmon was delicious but only came with 3 half fingerling potatoes. My husbands burger had way too much jam and the cheese was not melted. Our friend’s pasta was cold and not eaten. The service was terrible. We were rushed because our waiter was serving a big party!

    Is this helpful?

  25. AlabamaSunshine

    Alabama

    39 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience1
    I was excited to dine here after reading a recent article about the new chef who came from the White House. Some lady friends and I were talking about it and one of them warned me not to go, saying it was awful. I like forming my own opinions so I met a friend there for dinner. The front of the house staff was truly by far the worst service I’ve ever experienced. Ever one of them was either rude or negligent. From the older gentleman who was the Host, our server, the Manager on duty and the bar tender (who was bragging about quitting there that week to go to work at a new nearby hotel), we were both blown away by the lack of professionalism and attention. It is obvious the staff does not want to be there. There is a negative vibe. The back of the house is doing their job well. Dishes, flatware, glasses were all clean, and the food was very good. I hope someone who can make changes reads this and make some necessary and immediate changes. In the meantime, I will not return nor recommend this to anyone.

    Is this helpful?

  26. TomM

    San Antonio

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The menu was limited because it was a college football game weekend. What we had was good, just the full menu had some choices we usually enjoy.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Karl

    Nashville

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Disappointing! We have been going to Side by Side for many years during football season and have always been very pleased with the food selection, quality, and service. They now have a VERY limited menu for football game weekends, (supposedly) because they are so busy. The menu is very limited with only three entrees and the food quality was just ok. We were there Friday night for opening weekend and the restaurant was almost empty which is probably because of the menu. We will miss dining at Side by Side, but we won't be back unless the menu changes.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Whitney

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing time. The ambiance was perfect for a night out. The food was amazing, and the service was impeccable.

    Is this helpful?

  29. steven

    Alabama

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The ambience was good, but it was noisier than what we expected. The hype of the food was better than the food itself.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Harvey

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    This was our first time at Side by Side and, in general, we were very pleased. The food was excellent. Our waiter was very good, but he was slow in serving us (15 minutes to get glasses of wine). He said that he was working four tables of two people each. I know that it must be difficult to staff successfully but this needs improvement.

    Is this helpful?

  31. CMeye

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, warm and inviting. Great service, attentive and timely. Never felt rushed and never felt ignored her The menu had great choices for just about any dietary need or desire Prices were very fair I will be going back

    Is this helpful?

  32. Shawn

    Tallahassee

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We have eaten there many times! Food has been really good… EVERYTIME! We will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. sunshine416

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Took FOREVER to get our food. When it came, husband received one egg instead of the two, the scrambled eggs our friend ordered were ice cold (they did bring some warm ones promptly), and our over easy eggs were overdone.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    What a disaster, never got sat, manager on the floor argue with the chef, while bar going down. No leadership or direction . They placed a chair in front of the door so no one can come in (funny) fire hazard for sure. Went across the street to a seafood place which was great.

    Is this helpful?

  35. RichardS

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience3
    There is an obvious staff shortage which resulted in very slow service. The food quality was good, but it took over an hour for salad to arrive and then another half hour for our meals.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    This was our anniversary and we were served the worst meal ever! The new chef did not cook and was no where to be found until the manager found him.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    Menu is good. Food taste is good. Service is beyond bad. Front of the house is poorly managed. Waiter was awful and kitchen was pitiful. One meal arrived after all other dinners had finished eating with no apology or anything. A take it and be glad you got it approach. We got there at 8:45. Kitchen closed at 10 and when we asked about desert the waiter just said well the kitchen is closed. It wasn’t our fault it took forever to get food and drinks. And he never came and said,ā€hey the kitchen is about to close would you like dessert?ā€ Just a mess of a place to eat. Very loud as well.

    Is this helpful?

  38. DrewEDNP

    New England

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Very adequate, which maybe is not ok for how expensive it was.

    Is this helpful?

  39. TJsweet

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Drinks were well done. Gumbo was very good. Steak and Brussel sprouts were excellent. Russet potatoes were cold, like they were refrigerated and then inadequately microwaved. Service was slow. We were celebrating a birthday, and no candle was given with dessert (even though this was mentioned when we originally ordered). We have had better experiences here in the past, so this seemed a bit unusual. Willing to try again.

    Is this helpful?

  40. AndreasR

    Alabama

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    Unfortunately this visit was one of the worst.. Host had no clue what his job was. Was always avoiding eye contact. Then it took 20 min till the clueless waiter showed up. We ordered the drinks and appetizers. The drinks came 15min later. After another 30 min the appetizer showed up. Btw maybe 6 tables have been occupied with guests. End of the story when we got the main course an our has past. The food was ok. But the service really don’t match with the Embassy Suits Hotel where the restaurant is located.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (205) 561-5500.

Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails is rated 4.2 stars by 635 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today
Google Map for Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails

2410 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-1772

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Greensboro Ave.

  • Neighborhood

    Tuscaloosa

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Parking for the restaurant can be accessed in the lot behind the Embassy Suites hotel on Greensboro Avenue.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (205) 561-5500

  • Catering

    Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails is available for private parties of all sizes. Our team is dedicated to offering you an intimate dining or event experience within a larger setting. We do require a food and beverage minimum and typically require limited menus for any groups over 20; however, we are happy to work with you and your event team to execute a phenomenal experience. We have four spaces available for private dining and events including our Small Private Dining Room with Privacy Wall (capacity: 12), Small Private Dining Room + Semi-Private Lounge (capacity: 20), Large Private Dining Room (seated capacity: 55; cocktail (standing only): 65), and the Side by Side Outdoor Terrace (capacity: 25). Our restaurant has several areas than can accommodate smaller groups who wish to sit together in the same area. However, no tables can be moved. ​To reserve private dining or events, please contact us at 205-561-5097.

  • Private party facilities

    Side by Side Kitchen & Cocktails is available for private parties of all sizes. Our team is dedicated to offering you an intimate dining or event experience within a larger setting. We do require a food and beverage minimum and typically require limited menus for any groups over 20; however, we are happy to work with you and your event team to execute a phenomenal experience. We have four spaces available for private dining and events including our Small Private Dining Room with Privacy Wall (capacity: 12), Small Private Dining Room + Semi-Private Lounge (capacity: 20), Large Private Dining Room (seated capacity: 55; cocktail (standing only): 65), and the Side by Side Outdoor Terrace (capacity: 25). ​To reserve private dining or events, please contact us at 205-561-5097.

  • Private party contact

    Alyssa Freeman: (205) 561-5098

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright Ā© 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo