Iconic Alabama Spot Reopens as Country Bar and Venue: 'A Perfect Experience'

A New Music Venue in Alabama Aims to Bring Nashville Vibe to Tuscaloosa

A new music venue and bar called Two Dimes is set to open its doors in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with the goal of creating a Nashville-style atmosphere for country music fans. Located at 1307 University Blvd on the Tuscaloosa Strip, the venue is scheduled for a soft opening on August 16. This location has long been known as a hub for entertainment, having previously housed several iconic spots such as Druid City Music Hall, The Jupiter, The Varsity, and Bama Beach Club.

Two Dimes is designed to host nationally recognized country acts in a space that can accommodate up to 1,500 people. Co-owner Grant McCabe, who is also a Tuscaloosa entrepreneur, emphasized that the project is a long-term investment. “We’re building this venue and plan to have it for the long haul,” he said. McCabe is one of four partners in the business, joining forces with Cory White, Ric Mayers, and Tyler Hearing, a social media influencer from Alabama with over a million followers on TikTok.

The inspiration for the venue came from the bars in Nashville, which McCabe described as a key influence on the design. “We’ve really changed the entire look of the interior space. We’ve made it larger on the inside, to be able to increase capacity and bring in more renowned acts,” he explained. The renovation included expanding the space, adding more bathrooms, bars, and creating a more Nashville-themed environment.

So far, six shows have been announced for Two Dimes, including performances by two Alabama natives: former "American Idol" winner Dexter Roberts on August 16 and Jamey Johnson on August 21. An additional well-known country act is expected to perform at the grand opening on August 27, though the artist has not yet been revealed. Other acts scheduled include ChaseWest on August 28, Disko Cowboy on September 12, The Brook & the Bluff on October 2, and Flosstradamus on December 12.

Peachtree Entertainment, a concert promoter associated with the Rock the South festival in Cullman, is responsible for booking national acts at Two Dimes. Tickets for several events are already available through Ticketmaster.

The development of Two Dimes has been in the works since January, according to McCabe, who also owns Rounders, a popular bar on the same strip. Scott McReynolds, the general manager at Rounders, will also manage Two Dimes, with the owners involved in daily operations.

McCabe mentioned that the team had been eyeing the building for about 12 years, dating back to when it was known as The Jupiter. He noted that previous attempts to acquire the space didn’t work out financially, but the opportunity presented itself again in December, leading to the current project.

While the exact cost of renovations remains undisclosed, McCabe admitted that the project exceeded initial budget expectations. “We were over budget, but it’ll be well worth it to create that experience we’re looking for for our customers,” he said.

If the vision comes to life, Two Dimes aims to become a staple on the Tuscaloosa Strip, drawing consistent crowds and attracting visitors from nearby cities like Birmingham and Mississippi. The venue also plans to cater to football fans, especially during University of Alabama games. It will feature a large TV screen, video walls, and multiple TVs to provide an immersive game day experience. Live music will be available throughout the day, with national acts performing on game weekends.

The location’s prime spot on the Strip is expected to appeal to bar hoppers, who often take a tour of different venues on game days. McCabe noted that the venue will be part of a broader bar-hopping experience, connecting with other local spots like Innisfree, Houndstooth, and Gallettes.

Covering approximately 15,000 square feet, Two Dimes will have a single stage, with most concerts being standing-room-only. Private tables on the mezzanine will be available for select events. While there won’t be a food menu, the team plans to collaborate with local catering companies for special occasions.

Events at Two Dimes will range from Greek events and fraternity/sorority parties to weddings, wrestling, boxing, and comedy acts. McCabe shared that even a 6-year-old is planning a birthday party at the venue soon.

The name “Two Dimes” reflects the team’s commitment to excellence. “Everything that we do, we like to do it to perfection,” McCabe said. “With a dime being 10 cents, and a 10 being perfect, we figured why be perfect when we could be more than perfect? So we figured Two Dimes is a catchy name for creating our perfect environment.”