Every generation of University of Alabama students has its favorite hangouts, those iconic places like the Corner Store and Vinyl Solutions that bring back fond memories.
Because Tuscaloosa is a larger city than Auburn or other college towns, it has seen numerous downtown businesses come and go.
While we couldn’t possibly mention them all, we gathered photos to represent seven Tuscaloosa landmarks lost to time. These places are from different eras of the university’s history. If you have photos or information to add, email kkazek@al.com.
Bama-Bino was opened by Fran Viselli, seen in a Birmingham Post-Herald photo, in 1980 on University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, Ala.Birmingham Post-Herald
Bama-Bino Pizza
This popular hangout was opened by Fran Viselli in 1980 on University Boulevard. He went on to open four other locations of the restaurant, which was known for giving out plastic cups with its logo and an elephant mascot. Bama-Bino closed in 1991 after the business was boycotted by UA’s well-known “Machine” when Viselli’s son ran for SGA president in 1988.
READ MORE: Restaurants we miss in Tuscaloosa
The Chukker was opened as a small dive bar and pool hall in 1956. It closed in 2007.Birmingham News File
The Chukker
The Chukker was opened as a small dive bar and pool hall in 1956 by Bill Thompson, aka “Chukker Bill,” according to AL.com’s Ben Flanagan.
The bar, named for a polo term, was located at 2121 Sixth Street. In 1974, it was expanded to include a stage under the ownership of Bob Callahan and Lewis Fitts. It was known for a colorful mural on an interior wall lovingly named the Sistine Chukker.
The Chukker was opened as a small dive bar and pool hall in 1956. It closed in 2007.AL.com File Photo
When Bruce Hopper bought the bar in 1980, he began booking live bands regularly. The bar’s ownership changed hands several more times before it closed in 2002. The bar reopened briefly in 2003. The building was demolished in 2007.
Each year, a Chukker Meetup is held for people who worked or played music at the club, or simply enjoyed spending time there.
The Corner Store on Bryant Drive was demolished in 2013.Birmingham News File
The Corner Store
The Corner Store was a grocery and convenience mart located on Bryant Drive. It opened in 1946 and remained popular because of its location and 24-hours-a-day operation. It was within walking distance of most major dorms and in sight of Bryant-Denny Stadium, making it a frequent game-day stop for visitors. It was demolished in 2013. Read more here.
Vinyl Solution record store was opened in 1980 by George Hadjidakis at 502 13th Avenue in Tuscloosa, Ala.Birmingham News File
Vinyl Solution
This filled-to-the-brim, hole-in-the-wall record store was opened in 1980 by George Hadjidakis at 502 13th Avenue, according to AL.com’s Matt Wake. Hadjidakis used “his personal collection of about 400 records as the store’s first stock,” Wake said. The store was relocated in 1986 to 1207 University Boulevard. It was a popular hangout for music buffs until 2004, when it closed.
The Kwik Snak was a diner-style restaurant located on University Boulevard next to Solomon’s. It closed in the early 1990s.University of Alabama
Kwik Snak
This diner-style restaurant with a counter and tables served sandwiches and soup, according to AL.com’s Ben Flanagan. The popular eatery was located on University Boulevard next to Solomon’s. This go-to spot for students was run by Sam McGee. It closed in the early 1990s.
Tut’s Place, a Tuscaloosa staple since opening in 1985, closed its doors in March 2017. It was located at 1306 University Boulevard.Birmingham News File
Tut’s Place
Tut’s Place, a Tuscaloosa staple since opening in 1985, closed its doors in March 2017. It was located at 1306 University Boulevard, which has seen plenty of redevelopment over the years. “Longtime customers would rave about the calzones, pizzas and sandwiches,” Flanagan wrote. Tut’s was established by Abdul Albaradei. It was later purchased by Matt Tanner, who called it Philly Boyz.
This ashtray and matchbook are keepsakes from Joe Namath’s resturant Bachelor III, which was located in Tuscaloosa in the 1970s. The named was later changed to Joe Namath’s resturant .Chris Jacob
Bachelor’s III/Joe Namath’s Restaurant
Joe Namath, one of the Crimson Tide’s most iconic football players, was also a restaurateur with businesses in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, as well as New York, Massachusetts, Florida and other states.
His Tuscaloosa eatery was initially called Bachelor’s III, after Namath’s New York club. Eventually, the name was changed to Joe Namath’s restaurant. It served dishes such as steak and prime rib and was located at 607 15th Street East.
This 1979 article in The Huntsville Times describes fire damage at Joe Namath’s restaurant in Tuscaloosa.Huntsville Times File
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