The Cypress Inn

Tuscaloosa, AL
$8-$20 Entrees

The Cypress Inn, which overlooks the Black Warrior River, is a respectably large fish in the relatively small, yet charming, pond of Tuscaloosa, AL. The view from your table on a clear day may be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your experience at this popular restaurant. The Cypress Inn has beautiful, freshwater aquariums positioned at the entrance. The restaurant is spacious enough to provide private rooms perfect for business lunches.

The Cypress Inn boasts an ample lunch menu of traditional Southern dishes with creative spins, such as locally-grown fried green tomatoes topped with feta and Memphis sauce (which contains pepperoncini, chili sauce, capers, and white pepper). However, the best selections at The Cypress Inn are not Southern at all, such as their grilled salmon salad, which includes mixed field greens, red onions, dried cranberries, pecans, and feta. While I am usually not a fan of sliced strawberries in salads other than fruit salad, I have to admit they added a colorful beauty to the overall presentation. The fish was perfectly cooked: not dry, but not sashimi. The vegetable plate is a healthy option for those wishing for variety, unless you include the cheddar cheese grits (yum).

Entrees are customarily preceded by a basket of scrumptious, miniature muffins. The Cypress Inn's dinner menu specializes in steak and seafood. I recommend the center cut filet of beef tenderloin, which is topped with a rich Cabernet mushroom sauce. It would be a crime to dine at The Cypress Inn and not sample their key lime pie with its provocative, citrus tang.

Service at The Cypress Inn is a bit unpredictable. The wait staff is friendly and provide attentive service. However, when the restaurant is busy, your lunch hour could turn into a lunch hour-and-a-half, so allow extra time for this possibility. The Cypress Inn's dinner entrees are a bit too expensive, but the restaurant's dignified ambience makes up for this. The Cypress Inn's chief advantages include their comfortable atmosphere, lovely view, and creditable reputation as "the place to go."

3.5 Kudzu