Inisfree is good, but has advantages and disadvantages.
From the downtown deck headed toward campus, it's the first decent watering hole. Food is OK, not great. Expect deterioration in food quality and service time with the incredible volume of game day. Even with the best staff, game day just puts a nasty load on both the waitstaff and cooks.
It's kind of by itself, with not much immediately nearby.
Here's what I'd suggest:
-- Park at the downtown deck. Head east toward campus.
-- Stop at Innisfree for a beer, then continue on east down University Boulevard.
-- Starting with Egan's and The Houndstooth (across University Blvd from one another), pick the place that strikes your fancy. There are several options within yards of one another.
-- After a couple on The Strip, continue east to the Quad. I promise you've never seen anything like the tents, TVs and grills. If they know you're at your first game all the way from Ireland, you'll want for neither food nor drink nor entertainment.
-- If on the off chance you're hungry and don't have anybody offering you a repast, there are several food and soft drink vendors available nearby.
-- Check on the timing of Walk of Champions...a function of game time. Be on the north side of the stadium about 20 minutes prior.
-- Before or after that as specifics allow, backtrack up The Strip, or go to the Supe Store on The Quad for some Bama swag.
-- Alternatively, go further east to the Bryant Museum. But if you do, plan on at least 1.5 hours between walk time to, the visit itself, and walk time back. Personally, I think the Bryant is overrated. But then I lived most of it live and in person in Tuscaloosa, and therefore am blessed to have a somewhat jaded perspective.
-- Now, go to your seats. If this is your first game, and you've come from Ireland, you have to see the pre-game show on the in-stadium screens. Take my word for it...study up on Bryant's time to fully appreciate it.
-- Enjoy the game. As much as I like my beer, I don't imbibe during the game, and don't recommend trying to smuggle alcohol in.
-- After the game, stroll back west up University. You'll pass the same watering holes you saw earlier in the day. Go in or not as you interest dictates.
-- Depending on the nature of the game (blowouts empty out gradually, starting at halftime; close games have a tsunami when the game ends), it takes anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours for University to clear after the game ends.
-- Walk or cab back to the deck and savor the memory.
You're going to have a great time.
would take place after games but that's probably because we don't get weather for tailgating pre game.
