Your guide to coffee shops in the Tuscaloosa area

Changes are brewing in the Tuscaloosa coffee shop scene.

In the past few years, coffee shops have proliferated in Tuscaloosa, which not too long ago only had a couple of Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or breakfast restaurants for coffee lovers to choose from.

With the addition of Strange Brew at 101 University Blvd., here’s a look at some of the other coffee shops that have come to the Tuscaloosa area in recent years:

PJ’s Coffee

Former University of Alabama football player Bill Getchell brought PJ’s Coffee to the Strip, 1201 University Blvd., near the UA campus, in 2021. PJ’s offers a variety of hot, iced and frozen coffee beverages, along with organic tea and breakfast pastries, along with New Orleans-style beignets.  PJ’s occupies the former site of Expeditions and also houses Rita’s Ice, which specializes in Italian ice, gelati and custard.

Turbo Coffee

Turbo Coffee, 2010 Eighth St., originated in Florence before owner operator Reese Shirley decided to open a Tuscaloosa location. Turbo features coffee roasted at their Florence location sold alongside snacks and smoothies designed by Shirley’s wife Sarah.

Monarch Espresso Bar

Monarch began with a Kickstarter fundraising effort by two University of Alabama graduates in 2016. Now at 714 22nd Ave., Monarch’s menu offers espresso, cappucino, latte, ice coffee and more. Specialty drinks include a Cuban brew named the Shields, hot chocolate and a vanilla sweet cream cold brew called the Eurthymic.