Best food in town! My friend took me here and our waitress was the sweetest person in the world! Their food is so cheap considering the quality taste. Their food is hands down the best in Tuscaloosa! I am not even exaggerating when I say that I wanted to cry because of how delicious it is! Tip those people well, because nowadays quality food, quality service, and a quality place is hard to find! And this place has it all! read more

It's been a staple ever since I went to school here. I think it's rated high for its longevity and cultural status. Fried comfort food is what you are getting. I don't find it better than any other diner of the type. Not bad but not life changing. The staff is super friendly which is always a plus, but it seemed like they made up our order as we went along. I got three vegetables and they couldn't even get that right. The menu changes based on the day of the week so keep that in mind. If you get something you like on Monday you might not be able to get it on Thursday read more

This place is a local institution. You just go or you just can't claim to have been to Tuscaloosa / Northport. It's not fancy in the least. It's a quintessential southern meat and three. Expect a line out the door (and don't you dare think of cutting the line) but it moves quickly. The food comes out within 3 minutes of ordering. You can get a great meal with a drink for about 8 bucks! read more

one of my favorite meat n three restaurants. service was amazing and fast (we sat down around 10:30 and by the time we left there was more of a lunch crowd). food was amazing and portions were generous. corn bread and biscuits were great! can't wait to come back. read more

City Cafe - Fried Catfish Fingers, Hamburger Steak W/ Onions & Gravy. fried okra, coleslaw, mac n cheese, creamed corn, mashed potatoes and gravy. - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

Honestly, the only reason this place got a two is because their sweet tea is soooo good. But every thing else was piss-poor. The chicken tenders tasted like the frozen pack that you buy in a low end grocery store. The mac and cheese tasted like the Stouffer's brand that you bake but instead they microwave it. And the worst of all....the instant mashed potatoes. Like seriously? And we're just going to pretend the cornbread was half way decent. This place was absolutely gross and will NEVER be back. read more

City Cafe might be the most overrated restaurant south of the Mason-Dixon. How has this place stayed in business this long? Fried chicken: dry. Mac and cheese: repulsive. Service: sub par. Ranch: tasted like Windex. If you want to neglect your body, go to City Cafe. Hospital food read more

City Cafe has the greatest gimmick in town: opening at 4 am. This place has awesome breakfast food that you can get so early in the morning. I love it to death, have had so many great memories here. read more

Southern home cooking for the win!! Don't let the long line scare you the wait is never bad at all and it is well worth it. The greens and okra are some of the best I have ever had. Go try but be ready to leave needing a nap! read more

My wife and I just moved to Northport, AL. City Cafe was our third meal out in new our new stomping grounds. When went for lunch. Simple down home cooking. I had the turkey pot roast. My wife had the fried catfish. We shared the peach cobbler. Everything was excellent and the bill was only $13 and some change. The service was also very good. We will be back!!!! read more

Love City Cafe! Great food and excellent service! Usually crowded but well worth the wait. Call in your order and they will have it waiting for you when you arrive! read more

3.25 stars. Although I certainly understand and appreciate the low prices and the good service offered by City Cafe, I wouldn't necessarily start providing it with false accolades concerning their food quality. You go to City Cafe for one reason - cheap food. There's a reason we called it "Shitty Cafe" (which, in fairness, is patently unfair... the food here isn't bad, but it's not great either). If you do find yourself in Tuscaloosa's most famous suburb, it is quite possible you will at some point find yourself here. If that is indeed the case, come prepared. By that, I mean the portions are large. Try and get a large sampling of the different Southern food offered here. This isn't hard because as I mentioned previously, the prices are dirt cheap. In my day, you could get a meat and three sides for like $5. Inflation has probably pushed that up to like $7. In other words, you should be able to afford this even on a college budget. As mentioned in other reviews, look out for the fried green tomatoes. Those things are damn good. They aren't going to remind you of the beauties they serve over at Cobb Lane in Birmingham, AL, but they are certainly tasty fried treats that you should experience if you're down here. The version at City Cafe is a bit heavy on the cornmeal and the tomatoes themselves are a bit smaller than I would like, but hey, they are dirt cheap and delicious. Beggars can't be choosers indeed. If you live in Tuscaloosa and you haven't been here, I don't believe you. You must not have a pulse. For individuals who are visiting or driving through the Tuscaloosa region, this is a good place for a quick cheap lunch. read more

City Cafe is a tradition in downtown Northport. Nothing has changed here since I was a kid, and I sure hope it never does. I usually come for the great traditional breakfast, and the best BLT in town. They have Tomato Gravy on Fridays. When possible, I come for the lunch. They have a very large selection of good 'ol southern cooking, served by the hardest working waitresses in town. The only negative is that at lunch ,it gets really crowded, so come early if you can. read more

City Cafe - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

A really unassuming restaurant that is usually clamoring with people looking to eat good on the cheap, and gruffly sweetheart, bustling, possibly beehived, waitresses who call you sugah and hon while sliding loaded plates of food in front of you that might make your doctor cringe - before she asks for a bite herself. City Cafe might be one of the best and most representative restaurants in the country for truly American cuisine. Fried catfish - excellent. Fried green tomatoes - oh yes, some of the best eva. Any kind of bean or pea - get that too. My personal favorite, the scalloped potatoes? You just shut up! There are not words to adequately describe. Most anything that is a vegetable gets loving treatment. Rolls are fantastic and their sweet tea addicted me to the medium. Get it all in the same meal? Alas, only in my dreams - they have a daily schedule of when they offer certain items - fried green tomatoes are just on Tuesdays and Thursdays I believe. In fact I probably could remember too much of the actual schedule if I tried. You would have to try really, really hard to spend $10 here all by yourself - oh, but you would certainly enjoy that, too. The portions are large, the prices are cheap and the service is decent. I wish they delivered. To other states. read more

Great simple, home cooked Southern food. Entrees change daily. Tuesday is my wife's favorite because they have chicken and dumplings that she claims are "the best ever." I can always find something delicious. I've been eating here since 2004 when I was an undergrad at UA and it hasn't changed a bit. Lines start about 1130 or so usually but tend to move quickly as most things are prepared ahead if time. They also do a lot of to go orders. Their sweet tea is incredible and has an addictive quality to it. I always get one to go when paying at the cashier. Great place. read more

City Cafe - Menu as of September 2013. - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

I'll be the first to say that the reason this place gets five stars in my book is not because the food is the absolute best Southern cuisine (because really, you can't get that from a restaurant... it has to be from Grandma's house), but because of the experience, the service, and the decently good food. This is a hole in the wall, which is where all the best food is found, in my opinion. It has probably not been updated in 40 years, and that is part of the charm. There is nearly always a line, but don't let that deter you. I have gone in with 30+ people waiting in front of me and still only waited 15-20 minutes. And it's worth it. The waitresses are really the best part. We went in multiple times a week when I was in school, and most of them knew our names. They are truly sweet Southern ladies, and will ask you, "Whatchu gon' be sippin' on, baby?", which is translated as, "What would you like to drink?" The sweet tea is incredible, and likely to put you into a coma. So if you are not a true Southerner, you may want to cut it to half sweet, half unsweet, or you may not even make it through your lunch. As someone else has said, while the food is really good, it is not fabulous. However, it is as good as mass-produced mashed potatoes and mac and cheese can be. My go-to favorite plate is the fried chicken breast filet, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and candied yams. With biscuits and Golden Eagle. And sweet tea. For $6. Yes, I made sure to go after all my classes were over, because with that carbo-loading you can't accomplish anything but a nap for the rest of the day. Bottom line: GO HERE. Immediately. It is a wonderful experience and certainly a right of passage for those in school at UA or anyone who comes for football games. If you are a vegetarian, no worries--they have the option to get a veggie plate also. Happy dining! read more

This joint is a Tuscaloosa must. Wether you're going in with all the locals at 4am for an early morning breakfast or headed there for lunch with friends, it's a great place to grab a bite. The food is what I would call good old fashioned southern cooking! Each day is different, so you may want to check the menu and choose a certain day if you're an overly picky eater. But there is so much offered you're bound to find something to try! read more

City Cafe - Gotta love that southern cooking! Beef tips, cream corn, corn bread, black eyed peas, etc! - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

The best southern food place in Tuscaloosa. If you're in T-town, don't miss this place. Its cheap and good food, food that you can eat as much as you want and yet feel no guilt. The price is easy on your pocket and good for your body. The menu changes everyday (few items change actually) and they have great tasting veg and meat option. You can fill your stomach for under $5! They serve food with rolls and fresh made corn bread, ask your server for more if you like and they will serve you. The best corn bread can I vouch. Down side is, they are open only on weekday and from early morning till 3 pm and they don't accept cards for below $5. They are so crowded during lunch, sometime you may have to wait to get a seat. But the wait is worth it at the end. read more

This is a hole-in-the-wall, basic Meat and three - and I love it! The food is yummy, country comfort food, the waitresses are frazzled yet friendly southerners, and everything about it screams home. I particularly love the horribly unhealthy, fat-laden veggies - green beans, fried okra, field peas. Even Mac & Cheese counts as a veggie there. It's cheap, too. But there is always a line, so go early! read more

CLASSIC old-time diner. This place is a classic icon in the Tuscaloosa area. It's located in Northport, just across the Black Warrior River, from Tuscaloosa. If you walk in, and there's a ton of people standing around, don't worry, the tables turn pretty fast. You may have to hover a bit, but you'll be seating pretty quickly. The place is bigger than it appears, as they've added a couple more dining rooms to the left, when you walk in, over the years. Originally, the place was just the front room, with the classic diner counter and a few booths. But over the years, they've added more space, and more tables. They have the classic 3 meats and a veggie, and very sweet tea (southern style). I usually get loads of macaroni and cheese... yea, I know, it's probably made in a vat or from a can, but don't tell me that, as I love it. The service is classic, as the ladies rush around taking care of multiple tables, delivering sweet tea by the pitcher. Classic place, that everyone must try out, and then go again, and again. read more

This place has some of the best country grub I've tasted. Love it. There's so many side dishes, wont even try to remember all of them. I do remember this place having ridiculously low prices. Meat + 4 side dishes and a drink it was something like $6 OR $7. I went around lunch time on a Monday, the place was packed like a canned ham. There wasnt a table available once we got there, but within 5 min we were seated. The turn around is FAST. There's so much food on a plate, that I felt like Mr. Fatty at a 4-H potluck dinner. I belive I had the Country Fried Steak with deep fried oakra, mac & cheese, collard greens and corn bread. Oh so good. This place has a fantastic feel of an old hotel restaraunt. Grub it up Mr. Fatty! Check this place out. read more

City Cafe - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

The food is not great, it's pretty bland. People line up to wait for a seat so it doesn't have the benefit of a quick wait time either. The service is horrendous and if you don't know the rules you get attitude up the wazoo. For example there is no time limit marked for breakfast, we were there at 10:15, waited and finally got a place at 10:30 didn't get our order asked about until 11:00 and which point I asked if they had Biscuits and Gravy and was told "No. Anyway breakfast ended at 10:30, haven't you been here before?" so first off a southern place doesn't have...biscuits and gravy and then I get a snotty attitude for not knowing when they cut off breakfast. So I got the shrimp basket. It sucked. Ate two shrimp and a few cold fries. The only thing that gets a 2 star from me is that my boyfriends chicken and dumplings were pretty good and the other time we went when I got a really awful pancake my boyfriends omelet was good. Maybe if you just order certain things it's good but I won't waste my time digging through the garbage to find the gold. Additionally both servers we got were awful, one was hearing impaired so she just yelled at us a bunch. Won't be going back. read more

this place is amazing good ole southern eating i love it

I must first say that I agree with both the five star reviews and the two and three star reviews. City Cafe is a GREAT place to go and eat for less than $6. You will be full, satisfied, and ready for a nap. The food is pretty good, as well. Now, with that said, I don't think the food is fantastic. The mashed potatoes seem like instant and I'm sure there are several other items that are the same way. But, it's much more than adequate for the price and you won't feel as if you ate a "bad" meal. I disagree, though, with a couple things I read on here in other reviews. First of all, the wait is not usually long at all regardless of how long the line is. Secondly, I have never waited more than 5 minutes for my food. The goal of City Cafe is to turn over as many customers as possible in a short period of time (although that does not, by any means, mean the serivce is poor or unfriendly). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this restaurant if not for the food, then maybe just the atmosphere and thrill of the "lunch crowd". If you are a first time visitor, watch the locals and learn how the seating line works. You'll understand when you get there! read more

A must do when in the area The home cooking is awesome. Love the hamburger steak / turkey dressing/ chicken fried steak read more

I've been going to eat at City Cafe since being a student at UA in the early 80s. The breakfast is what we go fo now days--they have delicious 'cat head' biscuits. The lunch is mainly what I went for as a student because they have a huge 'meat and 3' selections of home cooked foods--and homemade desserts! Plan ahead, they are open during the week, not on the weekends. read more

The first visit here was in 2012 when the Aggies visited the Tide. Six of us discovered this gem for lunch, and were amazed at the prices as well as quality of food. To top it off, this gentleman picked up our tab as he smiled and hollered "Roll Tide." Of course, after Manziel's Aggies upset the Tide, we don't expect such a warm welcome again. Here we are in 2016 for our third visit, and "sur nuff", we will be coming here again. Gig 'Em! read more

We go here 1 to 2 times a week for breakfast. Absolutely love there food!! 2 eggs/bacon hashbrowns and biscuits and coffee $8 read more

At first I was skeptical about eating here because I'm very picky & particular about what I eat, but I caved in because I was starting to feel whelmed by the usual food options in Tuscaloosa. Located in Northport, next to a few small shoppes, we were able to find a nice parking spot so that's a plus. We seated ourselves and was immediately greeted by our waitress, she took no time in bringing our drinks and being patient while we ordered our food. I got a sweet tea, and it was probably the best sweet tea I've had here in Tuscaloosa, and plus every time my drink got close to empty she was diligent in giving me a refill. I ordered the beef stew with a side of rice & gravy and it didn't take long for it to come out. I mixed the stew, and rice together and it was so delicious. It reminded me of the rice & beef stew my mother used to make for me growing up. I wasn't that big of a fan of the corn bread and rolls that they brought out but I didn't in particular mind because of how good my meal was. Overall, highly recommended if you want some old fashioned cooking. read more

City Cafe - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

This is a great cheap eat. Simple country cooking with no frills. 3 of us ate for 20 bucks. Vic had beef tips with okra Beverly had hamburger steak with apple cobbler and I had chicken and dumplings with fried green tomatoes. Right in the middle of old Main Street. read more

OMG! This is the best diner/restrauant I've ever eaten in.. The only problem was deciding what to eat. They literally have anything and everything... Plus the desserts are to die for.. if you go to Chattnooga, TN plan on going there to eat at least once. read more

It's so cheap and so good. We usually make the pilgrimage to Cafe at around 4 AM. That's when it's half full with fire fighters and police officers. If you try to go later, prepare for it to be swamped with people with no tables open. It's also a first come, first served, seat yourself kind of ordeal. The price is under 5$ for a meal. The bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit is my favorite. It falls apart in your mouth in delicious greasy (but not too greasy!) softness. I'm also a fan of their mac and cheese. Their hours are very peculiar (like 4 AM to 2 PM), so come in early if you're hungry! read more

City Cafe - Mac and Cheese and pancake breakfast! - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

The food, really good. The service, really good and pretty quick. The price, GREAT!Couldn't give a 5-star review, however, because there were a good bit of flies buzzing our heads and food. "Tower, This is ghost rider requesting a fly-by.. Ghost Rider you are approved." I know it's difficult to control the flies but its not impossible. Roll Tide! Beat EVERYONE! read more

This place is great! Hole in the wall. A guy brought me here on a date and we had fun staying up all night waiting for them to open! I had breakfast and it was yummy! Cant wait to go back. read more

Food taste like it came from a can. I've had much much better. Food was bland with no taste.

City Cafe is diamond in the middle of Northport. You can ALWAYS find a good home cooked meal with great tea.

I kick myself for not having eaten here sooner. This is a meat and three type of place that give a very well representation of how good soul/southern food can be. Arriving at 10:15, the place was packed (brief wait) and allowed us to have either breakfast or lunch and I opted for lunch. I had BBQ pork, fried okra, candied yams, and macaroni & cheese. While none of these are culinary feats per se but each one taste home cooked and reminds me of home which is why this earns 4 stars. The cornbread that was served with the meal was very dry but that can be overlooked as it was dipped in the remains of my lunch plate. I would recommend this to anyone. read more

City Cafe - If this needs describing don't bother coming here - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama

Yep. I will be back! There is nothing like a dive place that opens at 4am. The food is freshly made to order. I work midnight shift so this place is great for breakfast dinner The service is fast the food is very good and the service has always been worth that extra dollar. The best I had so far was the fried bologna egg and cheese with lettuce and tomato... Yummy!!! The bologna slice was huge! I was not impressed with the hash browns though...won't order that again. I definitely suggest trying this place...seems like it's a long time tradition for the community. read more

I've lived in Tuscaloosa my whole life and eaten here a number of times and I'll be the first (apparently) to say that it's all hype. The food here is mediocre at best and doesn't warrant the time it takes to stand in line just to get a seat. And as you'll read in other reviews, it'll take a while. Every day presents different menu items and I've yet to really find any of them appetizing to the point where I make the effort to come back. It's just so...bleh. To be honest, I feel the only reason this place gets the business it does is because students living away from home can't find any other place to get grandma's cooking. That and it's popular with local high schoolers when senior skip day comes around. Well, I'm here to tell you there is a MUCH better alternative right across the bridge at Maggie's Diner. Now City Cafe isn't all bad. If you want a great breakfast for next to nothing at 4am, there is no place better. That is one thing that has yet to disappoint me. However, the fact remains that their lunches leave a lot to be desired and just aren't worth the time it takes to get seated and then wait for your order. City Cafe receives a resounding "Blah" from me. read more

Meat and 3. THE place for country cooking! I used to eat here once a week while I was in college. They have a rotating menu with daily specials. Country fried steak, fried chicken, grilled chicken, Salisbury steak...sides are in the neighborhood of fried okra, green beans, Lima beans, mac & cheese, scalloped potatoes, collard greens, corn, iceberg wedge and on and on! So many permutations and combinations. Oh! and cornbread! If you're really hungry you can order a Meat + 4. Not so hungry, Meat + 2. Vegetarian? Meat + 3 - Meat = Win! Friday = Fried cod fish! Go there! read more

Good ol' Hamburger Steak with mashed tatters and fried okra ... No frills just simple cooking done great read more

City Cafe - good ol' hamburger steak w/ mashed taters and fried okra ... No frills just simple cookin done great - American Near Me - Northport, Alabama