FIVE Tuscaloosa

Phenomenal cuisine, ambiance and service by a young Alabama Junior named "Paterno", that took care of us superbly to include the entire staff.

I’m a tourist. I came to America for 3 months to travel and see America first hand. I been here for 2 months already and never had a problem getting drinks with my passport. It shows I’m 24 years of age and it’s valid but this location refused to serve me alcohol. Would never go there again. Would give them zero stars if I could.

So, first off, the restaurant itself is very cool--the chandeliers are gorgeous, and the ambience is trendy/casual. And our server was very nice and attentive. The food, though, was less impressive. We had a vegan job candidate and chose FIVE because they featured vegetarian and vegan options, per their menu and website--all one needed to do, it said, was ask your server. We asked, and the server was baffled, responding, "No, we don't have anything like that." We ultimately learned that they did, in fact, have a portobello burger, which three of us ordered after the ordeal to learn that it existed. It was...okay. It was kinda greasy, kinda bland, and too big/rubbery. In short, it was prepared by someone with limited knowledge of how to make a vegetable the entree. The thing was, though, no one at the table was particularly amazed by their food, even though the other items were presumably in the restaurant's wheelhouse. Let me be clear--it wasn't *bad*; it wasn't *good*; it was *okay.* It's a fun locale, so if the point is to socialize and enjoy the atmosphere, eat elsewhere, and then come to FIVE for drinks or something.

Very different salad... absolutely loved it! In fact five of us all ordered something different and we all lived it. Atmosphere very cool. Like all brick interiors though it was extremely loud.

We had four fried items in total and none of them were crispy. Our fish entree was very small for the price compared to chicken that was twice as big for half as much. We also could barely hear our server, while the restaurant wasn't even loud.

Here are Paneed Chicken and Baked Avocado. They were super delicious.

I ordered the Gulf Coast Platter served at market price ($32). The menu states "Grilled Catch - Fried Shrimp and Oysters - French Fries - Cole Slaw." The plate had 3 fried shrimp, 3 fried oysters, and a <1 oz piece of fish (not kidding). Most of plate was french fries and cole slaw. It was almost offensive how little food they give you for that kind of price. I am giving two stars (rather than 1) for the ambiance, and also because the burgers that others in my group were good and much more reasonable portions for the $14. Also, we have been here before and weren't impressed with the food previously either.

Great location. Food was ok not the best as far as flavor. Kind of bland for my taste. Neat decor inside with a pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff. I'm 43 years old with white in my beard and got carded. I'm sure because it's a college town. Whatever made me feel a bit young again. Place over all not bad but could be better.

Interesting place with lots to look at. Comfortable and warm even though you can tell they are trying to be more upscale than they or the clientele want to be. Really appreciate their late night full menu. While the menu might be seen by some as limited, it covers all the basics and our food was well prepared and plated.

A great multi-faceted experience! With a the daytime Java Bar and night time restaurant/bar hybrid, 5 really offers everything you could ask for in one place. This place is constantly evolving as well, so learning with them as a customer is a wonderful experience.