Are you looking for the best place to get a sweet treat near your UA apartment? You won't have to look far because Tuscaloosa is filled with different dessert shops for students at all hours of the day. Students' days can be extremely hectic, so it's only natural that they'd want to reward themselves with something sweet. Whether you need a mid-day pick-me-up or a late-night snack, there will always be an option close to your apartment.
The Baked Bear is a homemade ice cream shop located in Midtown Village. Students not only love their ice cream but also their homemade cookies and brownies. At Baked Bear, you can create your own ice cream sandwich by first picking a type of cookie or brownie, and yes you can mix and match, then choosing your ice cream and toppings and even having the option to warm your sandwich up, which is definitely a must! The Baked Bear has a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options, so everyone is able to enjoy their delicious desserts.
Insomnia Cookies is a student favorite as it is located directly on the Strip and open until 3 AM on weekends and 1 AM on weekdays. It's not a surprise that Insomnia Cookies was created after college friends were up late in a dorm craving something sweet. With their large selection of warm cookies, students love to stop by at any time of the day. Students especially love that Insomnia Cookies accepts Bama Cash as a form of payment, making it even more tempting to visit the cookie shop frequently.
Mo' Bay Beignet Co. opened up in Tuscaloosa a little less than a year ago and students can't get enough of them. They're made from scratch beignets with signature syrups having people constantly flowing in and out of the door. Close to UA off-campus housingin Downtown Tuscaloosa, Mo' Bay Beignet is a popular stop for dessert after a dinner out. People relax inside while eating their beignets since the powdered sugar can definitely be messy to travel with. If you can't make it to the Mo' Bay Beignet store, make sure to check out their online shop, where you can order beignet mix and different flavors of their famous syrups.
Edgar's is a well-known bakery in Tuscaloosa that sells cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and a variety of other pastries. After beginning as a small local shop in 1998, Edgar's has become a staple bakery in Alabama. Edgar's has grown to ten different locations, all of which are packed with customers. Edgar's also serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, making it a popular stop at any time of day. If you are looking for upscale and gourmet desserts, Edgar's Bakery is the place to go.
Located on the Strip, Rita's is the best treat on a hot day whether you choose to get their famous Italian ice or are in the mood for frozen custard. Student loves Rita's for its large menu and ability to get free samples to decide what flavor you would like. Rita's also accepts Bama Cash as payment, which students should definitely take advantage of. My personal favorite thing to order is cotton candy Italian ice topped off with vanilla custard!