Battle of the Bars to determine the best cocktail in Tuscaloosa

Six bars are going head-to-head Tuesday night in a competition to find out who mixes the best drink in Tuscaloosa, with bragging rights and two tickets to the Druid City Music Festival on the line.

The Cocktail Throwdown will kick off at Central Mesa on Greensboro Avenue at 5 o'clock Tuesday evening and feature drinks from 1831, Alcove International Tavern, Green Bar, the Lookout Rooftop Bar, Roxy’s Lounge and Gnemi's Top Shelf Tavern. Central Mesa will also be serving one of their signature drinks, but is not participating in the contest.

Craig Williams, the owner and operator of Central Mesa and the Avenue Pub, said a $10 entry fee will buy a taste of all seven cocktails and a vote on who made the best one.

The competition is one of many events tied to Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports' second annual "Date Week," where restaurants and stores all over the Druid City offer deals and discounts targeted at the area's lovebirds. This event will be limited to 40 attendees, so show up early to secure a spot for you and your date.

"We have some talented neighbors in the cocktail industry," Central Mesa's owner Craig Williams said Monday. "We're excited to see what everyone brings to the table!"

Check back later this week to find out who won.