Brown Bag

What a great culinary experience! Old fashioned shack of pure Southern goodness. Ribs were fabulous with or without sauce! Beans were good, too. The tea had a good tea taste, not sugar water, but very sweet. The service was just downright friendly! The atmosphere was enhanced by a genuinely happy vibe from customers and staff. Empty when I arrived, full as I left. It is worth the drive if you are anywhere near. Back again...GREAT catfish....you are missing out if you haven't gone. 5* is easy! Make it 6! Update: Add meat loaf to the greatness.

This little gem is one of a kind. It is all family owned & you can tell they care. I come from Birmingham & eat here when I'm in town. The bbq is out of this world. But I would eat there no matter what they served just because they are so compassionate & put all their love into their customers and food. You're instantly family when you walk in & it feels like eating a home cooked southern meal with my Granddaddy. I'll always be back as long as they're in business.

Omg! If you like down-home, comfort food then this is the place. It is an old building that doesn't look like much, but don't let that deter you. The food was amazing, service was so genuinely kind and sweet. One doesn't find genuineness in today's society. Now, if you want super fast service then this isn't the place. The restaurant is family owned and run with good ole hospitality and tasty food. Take your time, have a meal, and chat with friends/family. We were a family of 6 with everyone getting different orders. There wasn't anything that wasn't liked. Yummy!!! Prices are ridiculously inexpensive - truthfully, I don't know how they can afford such low prices. Needless to say, it was an excellent stop and we'll definitely be back.

This place is everything I love about living in Alabama. It reminds me of a Sunday dinner (aka lunch) at my granny’s house when I was a kid. It has no frills, it’s nothing fancy, just a wonderful home cooked meal and friendly service from the sweet family who owns it.

The food was good I do not like how little is the portion of the food for the price I paid for they got too give out a little more than what they gave I felt like a little kid what they gave me

Wow! A hidden gem and family restaurant. Great soul food, great prices and service. Food was hot and fresh. Definitely going to share with others and continue to support.

We walked in and everyone was so friendly and genuine! You can tell the restaurant is its own community full of love. Owned by a family with loyal customers for years. 💖 We got the ribs and catfish and it was phenomenal! Will be coming again!

Today I allowed my son to decide where we were going to eat. And he chose the Brown Bag. Let me tell you, he made the right choice!!!! I ordered the catfish sandwich with a side order of fried green tomatoes. My son ordered chicken and dumplings with a side of macaroni and cheese. This place did not disappoint. Our server Ms. Phyllis was wonderful, kind, and patient. The food was served fresh and it was absolutely delectable. The prices were reasonable. I can't wait to visit again.

From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but this place is a gem. The service is great. Phyllis greeted us with a big smile told us to take a seat while she brought out our tea. The moment I looked at the menu, I knew I was in for something good. I ordered the chicken and dumplings dinner with 2 sides--macaroni and cheese and a salad. I got the salad because balance, but everything else was really good. It's like how my grandma would cook chicken and dumplings. There aren't many family places like this around anymore. On top of that, everything is very reasonably priced. We will be back!

I've lived in Tuscaloosa my whole life and this was my first time trying The Brown Bag- it didn't disappoint! The catfish was perfect! Okra was cooked just right (I like it crispy), the sauce on the ribs was on the sweet side but very very good. The creamed corn was delicious! I would choose The Brown Bag over City Cafe any day!

We moved to Northport about one month ago and finding The Brown Bag has been one of the best parts about it. We have already been twice. It would have been three times but they were closed the week after Independence Day. This is definitely a family-owned operation. Everyone is so nice! They truly make you feel like you walked into someone's home for a meal. In that respect, the food very much tastes like traditional home made soul food. My only caveat is that if you are dining it, DO NOT BE IN A RUSH. The staff is obviously working as hard as they can, but this isn't fast food. But trust me, the food is worth the wait. You can, however, call ahead and order food to-go. The first time we came, I ordered the double cheeseburger and buttermilk pie. The second time, I ordered the baked chicken with greens and mac & cheese. EVERYTHING was delicious. Now that we are in the neighborhood, we will definitely be regulars!

Excellent food and service!. The staff at this restaurant are always super nice and welcoming.

Amazing! Will go back soon. Great food and service from very nice people!!!!!!!!!!

Delicious BBQ, and I'm not a BBQ fan! I like it better than Archibald's! Friendly people; a lot of locals came in, which is a recommendation on its own!

We visited the Brown Bag after being curious about it for quite some time. We had a lovely lunch there! You can smell the delicious smoke from outside the restaurant. It'll stick with you, too, after you leave. :) Walking in, the seating/ordering was a bit confusing. We stood around for 2-3 minutes wondering if we should order at the counter before being told we could sit anywhere we liked. The menus were brought to us shortly afterward. I think this place is mostly attended by regulars, so it's not surprising that the folks there would assume we knew what to do. My boyfriend and I had chicken and dumplings, lima beans, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, fried catfish, and fried okra, with sweet tea to drink. It sounds like a ton of food, but the portions and prices were reasonable. The lima beans were the bigger, mushier, brown kind, not the tender greener beans that I prefer, but these still had a nice meaty, oniony flavor. The macaroni and cheese was baked, I think; it had a bit of a crust to it, which I liked a lot. The sweet tea was diabetes-inducing, so I naturally loved it. Cornbread was savory but not too sandy or crumbly. The chicken and dumplings was just a little too mushy, but the flavors were very solid. The fried okra, though, was some of the best I've ever had. Fresh, crispy, and light (as fried food goes!). Catfish was also delicious -- even I liked it, and I usually won't touch fish! One of the highlights of our visit was the service. There was one particular man with a heavy beard who had one of the most genuine, kind smiles. He was absolutely lovely and it was a pleasure to get to speak with someone so friendly and positive. Check this place out when you're itching for a drive on a sunny day.

Great owners and staff!!..The food is great I recommend the fish being that's the only thing I always get my wife has had the bbq she loves it also the Mac n cheese is bomb..The dining area is very home welcoming like grandma house I highly recommend also the prices are fair check them out!!

This place lives up to the five star rating. Catfish, meatloaf, creamed corn, fried green tomatoes, field peas, cabbage, yams, and greens were all terrific. Everything was brightly seasoned and tasted made to order. Don't miss the crunchy, peppery fried green tomatoes. Warm buttermilk pie was a perfect finish. Phyllis came out from the kitchen to chat and see if we enjoyed everything. This restaurant makes you a guest in the kitchen of a local family. It's very special. We felt cared for. The only more ordinary dishes were the bland chicken and dumplings and the lemon pie (I prefer a more curdlike filling; this is more of a whipped, chiffon filling). But believe me, we ate those up -- they were just three-star moments in a five-star meal.

Love the Brown Bag ! Cory's spare ribs are better than any of the more well known Tuscaloosa ribs. Phyllis and Mrs. Mary stir up some great mac and cheese, turnip greens, fried okra, chicken and dumplins...terrific out-of-the-way meat and three place. Great food and really nice people.

We sought out the Brown Bag on a recent trip to Alabama and were not disappointed. Between us we had the fried green tomatoes (Excellent!), cornbread (delicious), catfish sandwich (mouth-watering), buttermilk and key lime pies (heavenly). Our host was Jabaris and he exemplifies Southern hospitality. Don't let the outside fool you; The Brown Bag is a gem!

Some thing that was said to me when I walked in the door I did not appreciate it so I decided not to go back there. That's not the way you talk to your customers.

Great food. Catfish best in city. Country Friendly service. Great prices. Little put of way.

Great Food Great People you will be satisfied with the choices they have I definitely recommend you try them

The best restaurants are sometimes the most out of the way. You won't accidentally run across this place, but finding it is worth it. I went in for lunch in the middle of the week. I asked what they were known for, and he said the ribs and fried catfish. I got the catfish platter. Starting with the sides. The fried green tomatoes were sliced thin and fried to perfection. Also, the tomatoes had a tartness but were just right. The mac and cheese came out piping hot and was excellent. The fried catfish was great too. Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The portions are generous, and I considered it a good deal for the price. I'll be back and will make sure to bring the family next time.

Great spot in the middle of nowhere. We use it for takeout. The ribs have an interesting mustardy type bbq sauce. The fried catfish is also very good. All of the sides we have tried were what you would expect, didn't particularly care fir their fries green tomatoes (but that could have been bc you weren't eating them right there). Until COVID is over, maybe getting it to go and eating it in the car way to go?

Great experience! The food was really good and the owners (the Browns) were exceptional! Cannot say enough kind words about the or the food! So if you like home cooking...don't miss this treat. I wanted to order so much more to try. We had catfish, turnip greens, pinto beans, creamed corn, purple hull peas etc. so much more on the menu. This place is often the beaten path, but worth it!

Hidden gem in Northport! The lady was so sweet!! The food was amazing and probably some of the best pork I've ever had in Tuscaloosa/Northport!

I went with a group of friend and we tried everything on the menu! The food was delicious! The desserts were simply sublime! Thank you for such a great lunch!

The veggie plate was absolutely delicious. This place is a little hole in the wall but definitely worth the drive. Collards: 10 out of 10! Reminds me of my grandmother's.

Wow. The food was amazing. I had the fish plate with cheese slaw and collard greens. I usually order collards when at restaurants that serve them and they were the best collards I've eaten so far in Tuscaloosa county. My friend got the ribs and they were very good as well! Sweet tea taste just like at grandmas house. 10/10 would recommend! Hidden jewel in Northport!

I went here for lunch the other day. It's way off the beaten path and wouldn't have known about this place if I hadn't found it on Yelp. The fried catfish was really amazing and tasty. It was cooked very well with it being crunchy and not soggy. Very glad I found this place and will return again!

This "off the beaten path" restaurant is worth the trip. Like being in your mama's kitchen. Food was hot, tasty and delicious! Service is superb! Phyllis, Mama & Corey will take good care of you. The fried green tomatoes are not on the picture because I ate them too fast. The fried okra is off the chain! Everything is good! It's not hard to find. Put it in your GPS and thank me later ! Also very clean !!

Looking for a good hole in the wall restaurant? I am an electrician doing service work all over Tuscaloosa and working in northport , needed somewhere quick to eat. I found it. Very friendly greeting upon entry by a family put together staff. I like to see people take pride in their businesses. This family does. I will be back to try those fried green tomatoes! Pulled pork was excellent!

They say the best restaurants are the hole in the wall places in the middle of no where. If that's what you're looking for then Brown Bag is the place for you! They have really good fried fish and meat loaf. I would have never know about this place if I hadn't found it on Yelp. You have to be on the lookout for it when going there or you will miss it. All of the staff was nice and friendly. It's no where convenient but worth the drive and try this place. I can't wait to go back!

After a disappointing night eating at Taco Casa, We came here for lunch and wasn't disappointed at all!! I had the 2 meats 2 sides which my choices were pulled pork and meatloaf wit side creamy corn n mac n cheese! Dont forget to ask for dessert!!!

Don't miss this off the beaten path gem. Nothing but fresh ingredients here. The quarter chicken arrived cooked to perfection. The veggie plate hit home with collard greens, green beans, field peas and cabbage. Nothing was greasy. Cornbread rounded it all off. Fried okra is worth the calories. Tea is on-point, southern deliciousness. Chocolate cake should not be missed. We'll be back!

We came from California and found this place on yelp after the Bama game, a hole in the wall but I've found thOse are the best. Anyways we were craving some real southern soul food and my god did we find it. The collard greens were perfection. The smoked ribs omg I basically ate the bone, and the Mac n cheese was to die for. We ordered butter pie and DROOL! So bomb. Their hospitality was my favorite part. They talked to us about our travels and their family and wished us safe travels back. All of them. So kind. You'd be missing out if you passed this up.

We just had a slab of ribs, baked beans and Cole slaw. I called it in, and it was ready to go when I got there. The ribs were great !, and the slaw was very good also, but it was the baked beans that made me want to log into Yelp and give them their props. We're going to be having the Brown Bag more often !

This place SHMACKS. No question about it. Great prices for even better food. My boy and I have been touring Tuscaloosa area looking for delicious cheap eats, and this is one of the best yet. If you like soul food, catfish, and a dope little lowkey spot to dine, this is your place. Home made southern cooking at its finest, you can tell this stuff is made with love. Go to this place and eat right now.

Absolutely go out of your way to eat here. This is my definition of delicious southern BBQ the way it 'should' be. We had a more-than-kind mother/son duo greet us with smiles the moment we walked in. Get the collards, I dare you to find better. The flavor of the pulled pork matched the deliciousness of Smokey smells wafting about the premise. Top notch

Awesome! I have lived in Tuscaloosa a long time and just now found this place. Will be back many more times.

We only found this place because of yelp and we're sure glad we made the short trip out there! Some of the best ribs I've had in Alabama, not to mention the catfish was PERFECT. We loved the sides, except the creamed corn, which wasn't as flavorful as we'd love and the texture was weird. But the cornbread, mac and cheese, and turnip greens were really good. We had the buttermilk pie last to round off a superb meal! Also, they have the absolute sweetest and friendliest staff!! We'll definitely be returning.

Just simply OMG. Had the ribs, catfish, fried tomatoes, greens, Mac n cheese, a small ramekin of cole slaw, sweet tea, and chocolate cake, mostly because I wanted to miss out on nothing. Positives: 1) Amazing friendly and welcoming staff 2) Greens were wildly flavorful 3) Sauce on the ribs was a great accompaniment to a tasty rib 4) GET the Cole slaw 5) Cake was just a great dessert Negatives: Still looking for one.... Simply put, a must visit for anyone that truly loves well-prepared food. Kudos to the Brown Bag!

Hidden Treasure in Northport... Looking for something different??? Most people don't even know it exist... Just off Charlie Shirley Road closer to the US 43 side...

So, you're in the mood for a little meat-and-three? Tucked in the back of Northport, there's a solace - The Brown Bag. True Southern food and fabulous Southern hospitality abound here.....once you find it! :) It's a little tricky to get to, but once you're here, order some really tasty goodness. While everything I've had has been excellent - nicely cooked with just the right amount of flavor/fat, I still dream about their fried green tomatoes. They're the thin, crispy kind that come in orders of three with a meal and are just stellar. So, turn on the Garmin or Google Maps or whathaveyou, and turn into the gravel parking lot of The Brown Bag. You'll be pleasantly surprised.....and full!

Definition of hole in the wall restaurant. We have eaten lunch here several times and enjoyed everything we've tried. Great chicken and dumplings, pork bbq, bbq chicken and ribs. All of the sides I've had have been delicious as well. The only downside is that everything is served on/ in styrofoam, making the environmentalist in me cry a little. But I think that everyone should try this small, family run restaurant and support a local business over a corporate chain.

The Brown Bag is the best eating an they make you feel so welcome . Best Fried mators around anywhere ! Thanks y'all.

I think it is a great place for lunch. Warm welcome each time you visit. Always good food. Worth the search to find them.

I must say the lemonade was the bomb!! The fried green tomatoes were good and meatloaf was good. However, the bathroom is outside.. Yes out the building and around the back of the building. Let's just say it reminds me of the movie Get Out!!

This is a well kept secret, at least from me it was. I went at lunch and the staff/owners were so friendly. I had grilled BBQ chicken, fried corn and green beans and it was heavenly. Oh and the cornbread....divine. This some southern home soul cooking you don't want to miss. They served a thin slice of tomato and onion with the green beans to make it even better. I didn't have room for dessert but I can only imagine it would be just as amazing.

Really really, no really, this place is extremely tasty. Love the warm home cooking with southern soul food and great sides.

This place has the most delicious soul food, that's served fresh and hot to order!!! Great experience! Will definitely be back!

The Brown Bag is one of my absolute favorite places to eat. It is family owned, affordable, and probably the best food in town.

Fantastic place! Catfish & ribs were great, fried green tomatoes too (if a tad salty). Mostly for lunch, though you can have early dinner -- it closes at 5 or 6 PM. The only downside, from the point of view of the urban liberal yuppies who populate Yelp [:)] is that environmentally, the place is a train wreck -- plastic cutlery and Styrofoam plates, not to mention plastic straws. If you go, suggest that they stop at an estate sale or restaurant-closing sale and pick up some cheap stainless cutlery and plates (even better if they don't match).

Phyllis and family are genuine people with tip top southern hospitality. Local establishment that I will continue to support. They have catered two events for our tailgates and the food has been amazing!!! My family lives in Northport and eats here regularly. Great home cooking! Thank you Brown Bag for serving our community!!!!

LOVE this place!! Can't find better people or food anywhere! The chicken and dumplings with a side of fried okra was delicious today.

This place is truly a hole-in-the-wall and it's clearly off-the-beaten-path, but the food is good. The fried catfish was cooked just right. Best I've had in months. For my sides, I had okra and green beans and both were tasty. This place may be short on atmosphere, but the food will keep me coming back.

I just do not know how Brown Bag has been operating "under the radar" of so many folks. I ate lunch here today based on the recommendations of 2 friends, and WOW, am I glad that they gave me the heads-up! First thing to know is that Brown Bag is off the beaten path. You honestly have to be going here to get here, but GPS and Bing directions led me straight to the door. A parking lot filled with pick-up trucks at noon is generally a sign of good things to come. Brown Bag is a small non-descript block building unceremoniously placed at an odd angle on a lot that appears to be either somebody's front yard or somebody else's back yard. The parking lot is in disrepair, big pot holes (more like Moon Craters) make certain that drivers manuver slowly and carefully. The inside of the restaurant is every bit as non-descript as the exterior. Black and white checkerboard floor sets off the mostly plain walls. There are 4 or 5 booths and 3 or 4 tables, so not much room. But, I can't remember when I have gotten a more heartfelt greeting that I received from my server Phyliss Brown, one of the owners. She was moving purposely around the dining room and back and forth from the kitchen making sure that everyone was happy and well served. The only thing better than great service is great food, and Brown Bag served up some GREAT food! I had the bbq rib plate with steamed squash & butter beans for sides, my plate also came with a square of cornbread. The veggies were both good, seasoned with a bit of sugar giving a hint of sweetness, the corn bread was home made and had a delicious rustic look and feel to it. Then, the ribs were unbelievable. So tender, So tasty, So yummy. Their home made BBQ sauce (made by the "senior" Mrs. Brown) is truly special, a kind of peppery taste that set off the ribs perfectly. The bill for my lunch: Ribs (2) 2 sides & iced tea was a whopping $7.74 If I had a half star to give I'd go 4.5 On my next trip I am planning to eat catfish, I just might up this to 5 afterwards. Do yourself a favor and find your way up Hwy 43 N, look carefully for the sign to turn to Brown Bag Restaurant.