Central Mesa

I had a really nice time here. The bartender didn't really say too much but he was super nice. I had a dirty martini and it was perfect. The jalapeño margarita was good too I did enjoy my food but everything seemed to be a little undercooked. I loved the ambiance of the place. Varying relaxing atmosphere. I would definitely return.

Mexican food is my thing and I really like this restaurant. It doesn’t have your average Mexican food items and I think their website describes them best: Creative Mexican dishes with a global twist & cocktails in a funky space with brick archways. In this case, creative means DANG GOOD! The cocktails are just as interesting and I love sitting outside people watching and enjoying the great weather while I hang out with friends. The restaurant is warm, cozy, and a little edgy. Check them out when you’re in Tuscaloosa. I would tag this as one of the 10 median priced restaurants that you need to try while in Tuscaloosa. Be sure to try their street corn appetizer. Sooo good! Let me know what you think!

I thought the food was good. Different than I'm used to. My husband did not like his food, I think he did not like the seasoning.
Abby was very pleasant. Staff was sweet.
Generous with the chips and salsa..
Margheritas were good.
Decent prices. Good music.

My coworkers and I went there on a work trip and every one of us liked what we got. The best part was the three types of salsa we got for happy hour and the drinks. But the food was amazing! Definitely getting the Mahi bowl next time.

A fresh take on Tex-Mex and southwestern cuisine. Central Mesa in the old Epiphany space serves up some delicious food with friendly service. Good drinks and the pork belly and the brisket tacos are definitely a must try. Hip interior decor with a few outdoor tables as well. A great addition to the Tuscaloosa dining scene.

Excellent food, excellent service, and fantastic atmosphere. I had been told good things, but they didn't do the place justice. Had the steak machete and the mix of flavors was exquisite. We will definitely be back

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Tuscaloosa, high quality food and an overall great vibe

2018/1 Update - Well, I'm happy to report Central Mesa has figured it out since I last came here. Their dishes have improved A LOT, service is great and it's overall a wonderful place now. Granted, the place had recently opened the first time I visited, and I wasn't impressed. They've clearly have gone through growing pains and have figured out a nice menu with well cooked options. We had the Reuben sandwich, shrimp pasta and some other beef dish I can't recall, and everything was outstanding, plus competitively priced. After a so-so initial experience on my 1st visit, they definitely redeemed themselves in my second visit. I'll be coming to Central Mesa and bringing people here much more often from now on.

Mid-2017 Original review - We went to this restaurant on their 3rd night, so I'm cutting them some slack. The cheese dip and the guacamole we're excellent, but they need to serve more tortilla chips with them. The burger I had was extremely tasty, though I'd serve it with fries instead of chips. Beer and cocktail selection was good, though we ordered in advance because they took very long to get them to us (though they did tell us about it in advance). Oh, and please add the beer type to your beer list - reading the name doesn't tell the customer anything about what it is they're ordering.

While a bit slow, it was only their 3rd day, and it was quite smooth overall. Great job in general, tasty food - but I'd strongly suggest making portions a bit bigger for what they're charging. Their evolution will make or break this establishment: keep in mind, Epiphany was wonderful but closed due to being overpriced. Don't make the same mistake guys!

What a fantastic place! Great food, simple menu, great atmosphere.
My young child summed up the meal nicely:
"It's a little bit spicy, but it's good!" then she gave the thumbs up 👍😆

A+ rating.

We really had a good time during a shopping trip downtown we visited the Central Mesa where we had drinks and lunch. First time visiting there and had a real nice time. It was a Love day out and we sat out side. Amanda was really nice, she waited on us. We had the Salsa & Chips and the Red & White Sangrias to drink. We will be back.

My review is for the bar only. Emily was just the best. I ordered a classic Margarita and it was just fantastic.

The best Mexican quesadillas and salsa I’ve EVER had! My friend with me was impressed with his burrito. Best Mexican restaurant in T-town!! If you’re a foodie like me you’ll love this place!

I've only been to Central Mesa twice while in Tuscaloosa and each time I sat at the bar and ordered the hot chicken tacos. I loved the flavorful kick of the chicken topped with pickles and coleslaw. The portions were perfect. I added some hot sauce to get some more spice.

Really interesting and chill environment, and the food is great! I love the Tinga Chimichanga.

LOCAL GEM! The food, service and decor were all amazing! We wanted low carb and so they subbed rice on one of their dishes at our request. It was delicous. My kids had chicken quesadillas and they too were impressed by the quality and freshness of the food. They make their own tortillas and fries FYI. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed!

Took forever to get drinks at the bar, but I think it was just because the bartender was new. The food was awesome and had a spicy kick to it. I got the rice bowl, and the fish filet was cooked perfectly. The salsa was amazing as well. Very hearty. Greats margs too!

We had lunch from here today-The food is Amazing-The cheese dip is the best that I have had in a while.We enjoyed it very much!!!

Tried Central Mesa on a whim. This was a cool restaurant with great service and incredible flavors. We are not in Tuscaloosa often but we will go back here next time we are in town.

The food here is excellent. The drinks were very good too. The street tacos are a must. I would also recommend the trio of dips. I don't know which of the three I liked the best. They were all good. I will be going back here.

Enjoyed fusion Mexican food from the restaurant. I like how the food is not salty by default.