Some restaurants become local favorites for a few years. Others become part of a community's history.
Oasis Bar & Grill in Cottondale, Alabama, has been serving classic American comfort food since 1951, earning a reputation for hearty burgers, crispy fries, and a relaxed hometown atmosphere.
Located just outside Tuscaloosa, this longtime neighborhood gathering place is the kind of restaurant where the food takes center stage and the atmosphere feels refreshingly old-fashioned.
Whether you're craving a juicy cheeseburger, looking for a casual place to eat near Tuscaloosa, or searching for unique restaurants to add to your Alabama bucket list, Oasis Bar & Grill is worth knowing about.
A Cottondale Tradition Since 1951
For more than seven decades, Oasis Bar & Grill has been part of the Cottondale dining scene.
The restaurant has built its reputation around straightforward American comfort food, generous portions, and a casual atmosphere where locals gather for meals and conversation.
Unlike trendy restaurants with elaborate decorations and constantly changing concepts, Oasis embraces the feel of a traditional neighborhood bar and grill.
It's a place where you can settle in for a burger, catch up with friends, and experience a longtime local favorite.
The restaurant has also endured difficult chapters, including the loss of former owner Jr. Hall in 2022. Following a temporary closure, Oasis reopened and continued serving its community.
Today, it remains a recognizable part of the Tuscaloosa-area restaurant scene.
Famous Burgers That Keep Customers Coming Back
If there's one thing Oasis Bar & Grill is especially known for, it's the burgers.
These aren't fancy gourmet creations. They're hearty, made-to-order burgers featuring classic toppings and familiar flavors.
Some of the restaurant's notable menu selections include:
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Cheeseburger: A traditional beef burger topped with melted cheese and classic condiments
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Double Cheeseburger: Two beef patties for anyone craving a bigger meal
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Bear Burger Combo: A double cheeseburger served with fries and a drink
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Patty Melt: A beef patty on Texas toast with cheese, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and brown gravy
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Club Sandwich: A classic sandwich featuring ham, turkey, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise
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Chicken Club: Grilled or fried chicken with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on Texas toast
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Hamburger Steak: A comforting dinner option with onions, mushrooms, and homemade brown gravy
The cheeseburgers and homemade-style fries are particularly popular among customers.
If you enjoy discovering old-fashioned burger joints rather than chain restaurants, Oasis offers that classic local dining experience.
Are You Brave Enough to Try the Bear Challenge?
One of the most unusual attractions at Oasis Bar & Grill isn't a decoration or a piece of memorabilia.
It's a massive burger challenge!
Known as the Bear Challenge, this oversized meal has featured a quadruple cheeseburger piled high with toppings, including bacon, a fried egg, and an onion ring.
But that's only part of the challenge.
Participants must also finish an order of loaded fries and a nonalcoholic drink.
The challenge has traditionally included a 30-minute time limit, with successful participants receiving their meal free and earning an Oasis T-shirt.
The challenge has been advertised at $49.99, although prices and participation rules may change.
It's certainly not an ordinary lunch!
Anyone interested in attempting the Bear Challenge should contact the restaurant beforehand to confirm that it's still being offered and ask about the current rules.
Don't Forget the Loaded Fries and Appetizers
Although burgers are the main attraction, Oasis also offers plenty of other comfort food favorites.
The restaurant's menu includes several appetizers and sides that are perfect for sharing.
Popular options include:
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Loaded Fries: French fries topped with chicken, chili, bacon, cheese, barbecue sauce, and jalapeños
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Fried Pickles: Crispy battered pickles served as a savory appetizer
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Fried Mushrooms: Beer-battered mushrooms with a crispy coating
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Onion Rings: A classic side that pairs perfectly with a cheeseburger
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Cheese Sticks: Fried mozzarella-style cheese served with dipping sauce
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Chicken Wings: A popular choice for a casual meal or appetizer
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Jalapeño Poppers: A flavorful option for anyone who enjoys a little heat
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Sampler Platter: A combination of appetizers for guests who want to try several favorites
If you're visiting with friends, sharing an appetizer before your meal is a great way to experience more of the menu.
Menu selections, preparations, and prices may change.
More Than Just Burgers
While Oasis has earned much of its reputation from its burgers, the menu offers additional options for visitors who want something different.
The restaurant serves classic dinner plates such as chicken fingers, wings, and hamburger steak.
Salad selections have included a Chef Salad and Chicken Finger Salad.
There are also simpler options for younger diners, including chicken fingers with fries and grilled cheese.
With sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and hearty dinner plates available, Oasis offers more variety than its burger-focused reputation might suggest.
Experience an Old-Fashioned Alabama Bar & Grill
Part of the appeal of Oasis is its atmosphere.
This isn't a polished, upscale restaurant with elaborate decorations and formal dining.
Instead, visitors can expect a casual neighborhood bar setting with a longtime local following.
The restaurant offers alcoholic beverages along with its food menu, making it a gathering place for people looking to enjoy a meal or spend time with friends.
One important thing to know before visiting is that customers have reported indoor cigarette smoking. Anyone sensitive to smoke should call ahead to ask about current smoking policies or consider ordering takeout.
For visitors who appreciate traditional hometown restaurants with plenty of local character, Oasis offers an experience that's increasingly difficult to find.
Plan Your Visit to Oasis Bar & Grill
Address: 6720 University Boulevard East, Cottondale, AL 35453
Phone: 205-553-9965
Reported Restaurant Hours:
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Tuesday–Wednesday: 10:30 AM–10:00 PM
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Thursday–Saturday: 10:30 AM–12:00 AM
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Sunday–Monday: Closed
Important Hours Note: Online listings differ on closing times, and the restaurant's online ordering system stops accepting orders earlier than the reported dining-room closing hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours and kitchen availability.
Dining Options: Dine-in and takeout, with online ordering and delivery availability varying by service.
Cuisine: American comfort food, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and classic bar-and-grill favorites.
Atmosphere: Casual, traditional neighborhood bar and grill.
What to Try: Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Patty Melt, Loaded Fries, Fried Pickles, and Onion Rings.
Specialty Challenge: Ask about the Bear Challenge if you're interested in attempting the restaurant's oversized burger meal.
Visitor Tip: If you prefer a quieter dining experience, consider visiting outside typical lunch and dinner rush periods.
You can browse the restaurant's current offerings and place an order through its online ordering page.
Why Oasis Bar & Grill Belongs on Your Alabama Bucket List
Alabama is filled with memorable restaurants, from historic diners and roadside barbecue joints to family-owned cafés and neighborhood burger spots.
Oasis Bar & Grill represents another side of the state's food culture: the longtime local gathering places that have served generations of customers.
Its burgers, comforting sides, casual atmosphere, and famous Bear Challenge make it an interesting stop for anyone exploring the Tuscaloosa area.
Whether you're ordering a classic cheeseburger, sharing loaded fries with friends, or simply discovering a restaurant that's been around since 1951, Oasis offers a taste of Cottondale's hometown character.
Discover More Amazing Places in Alabama!
Love finding legendary burger joints, hometown restaurants, hidden gems, charming small towns, and unique places to explore? "The Ultimate Alabama Bucket List" is your guide to discovering memorable destinations throughout the state, helping you find exciting new places for your next day trip or weekend getaway.
Planning more adventures with your family? "The Ultimate Alabama Bucket List: Kids' Edition" features family-friendly attractions and fun destinations that make exploring Alabama together even more memorable.