Tuscaloosa’s Graveyard Bar Isn’t So Scary

Nocturnal Tavern, located at 2209 Fourth St. in Tuscaloosa, has been called a lot of different things. To some, it’s “the vampire bar,” others “the goth bar,” and to one reviewer: “the hipster bar with ambitions of being a goth bar.”

The bar, which was themed after a New Orleans cemetery by late founder Scott Harless, gets its reputation for its moody, dark atmosphere. Its booths are church pews, it has no windows and black and white movies play behind the bar while alternative music filters through the speakers.  

To many, the bar seems like something of a rarity for a town like Tuscaloosa. But to Charlotte Gale, a bartender at Nocturnal Tavern, it’s a perfect fit.

“It’s just very different from the rest of the vibe of Tuscaloosa, I think in a good way, but it’s still Tuscaloosa, it’s still got that spirit to it,” Gale said. “The owner was a really important part of the community, so that's what I think still lingers.”

Despite its somewhat intimidating theme, the staff of Nocturnal Tavern see it as a safe space for patrons from all walks of life. First dates and friend groups, parents visiting their college students and those just looking to relax and listen to music they might not hear anywhere else often fill the establishment.

“We're a service industry bar. So people that get off of work, they'll come here and they enjoy the vibes of like chill music, cool, quirky movies playing in black and white and good cocktails and not have it be too rowdy and stuff,” said Joey Ponce, who works as barback and security at Nocturnal.

Despite its calm, speakeasy-like atmosphere, Nocturnal has hosted a wide range of events that can excite the space. Jazz music performances, burlesque shows, and poetry open-mic nights are a few that have recently brought in a variety of customers.

In addition to its events, Nocturnal has a constantly evolving menu of custom cocktails created and curated by its staff, who use the drinks as a creative outlet.

Though it’s something of a hidden gem, Julianne Losacco, a senior staff member and bartender at Nocturnal, hopes the bar can continue to be a safe space and reach more patrons who are seeking something different in the Tuscaloosa community.

“I'd love to get more people in and kind of have that community for alternative people that think that they can't really go anywhere else,” Losacco said. “I think that this would be a great bar for them to come to.”