I have seen many restaurants over the years claim that they had the best [insert food item here] in town. A lot of times, this claim goes unfounded. The Oasis over in Cottondale is no exception stating right in their menus that they have the best cheeseburger in Tuscaloosa. But guess what, they’re right. It’s the best in town, and that’s no mirage.
I’ve heard for years that The Oasis cheesburgers are great. But to look at the little green building from the road and the flashing sign advertising biker night can be a little intimidating. Don’t get me wrong. I’ll practically eat anywhere. But for some reason, I always pictured a butt whipping awaiting me inside. So I just never made it in there. That is, until last Tuesday when I went there for lunch with my coworker, Claire. We stood inside the door for a second to take in the sights of the inside. It is definitely bigger than I had pictured. I found it to be a clean establishment with bar and table seating with a flashy jukebox in the corner and a pool table in the back room. The server/bartender was courteous and told us we could sit anywhere we liked. Although she gave us menus, we already knew what we wanted. Their cheesburger. I got one with lettuce, fries and a side salad so I could sample their ranch dressing.
The burger was a handmade patty that was cooked to perfection on a properly toasted bun. The patty was thick and large, but uniform throughout. The lettuce was a leafy-green piece of iceberg that was crispy. And to put it simply, it was the best burger I’ve ever had in Tuscaloosa. I might even go as far as saying in the state. The fries were crinkle cut and hot and went well with some of the best ranch dressing in the area. In fact, I crowned it king of all ranch dressings just edging out my usual favorite from Bob Baumhauer’s. I think the atmosphere of the Oasis pushes it over the top.
Without a doubt I was most impressed by the Oasis’ food and service. Like Nick’s in the Sticks, it’s another diamond in the rough. It is definitely going on my list to take out of towners when they come to visit. Since I went there in the daytime, the only thing now is to sample a bit of the Oasis nightlife. I bet one of their burgers with a beer with the local crowd as a backdrop would be tantalizing. Anyone want to go? email me at ericstc (at) gmail [dot] com and come along for the visit. And while I’m on that subject, feel free to tag along with me when I go eat at a place to review. If you like eating at odd places and like new things, send me an email and come on!
Intangibles:
- Go ahead and sit down at a table if you are eating in.
- Pay up at the counter when you’re done
- They have a jukebox
- They’re closed on Mondays