July 4, 2025

Coolest Breakfasts in Tuscaloosa: Serving Smiles All Day Long

Track down Tuscaloosa's coolest breakfast spots where you can enjoy yummy pancakes and crispy fried bacon that will start your day off right. Discover tasty gems with fluffy biscuits and golden waffles that make breakfast.

Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
Alabama
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

It's breakfast time in Tuscaloosa, and there are so many tasty options to try! You can indulge in delicious, skillfully-prepared dishes that are fried to perfection. The places have a friendly, welcoming style, making it a wonderful way to start your day.

Urban Cookhouse

1490 Northbank Pkwy #110, Tuscaloosa

(205) 561-6999

Reviewed by:

James Reta

I visited Urban Cookhouse in Tuscaloosa for Sunday lunch, and it was a fantastic experience. Despite the line being out the door, it moved quickly with efficient service at the counter. The restaurant was clean, and we found a table easily once we ordered. Our group of four thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I went for the half El Cubano sandwich and a half local mix salad, while my daughter had a full local mix with added chicken. My son chose the quesadilla, and my better half tried the Pimiento BLT, which I found tastier than my Cubano, though both were satisfying. We each spent about $15, which felt reasonable given the quality of the farm-to-table options. Urban Cookhouse also impressed me when I used their catering service for an event. They were professional, easy to work with, and the food was a hit. My favorite item is their lime rice and steak with a fresh salad, paired with their signature orange rolls. Trust me, you’ll want to order some rolls to take home! On another visit, I tried their Easter lunch to-go, which was convenient and delicious. I ordered the lime steak and rice with a salad, broccoli soup, and sweet tea, all for $20—a great deal. The steak was tender and flavorful, and the salad and rice were fresh and tasty. While the broccoli soup wasn't my favorite, the sweet tea and orange roll made up for it. The service was excellent, and the setting added charm to the experience. Overall, Urban Cookhouse is a solid choice for good food at a fair price, and I’ll definitely be back.

Urban Cookhouse

1490 Northbank Pkwy #110, Tuscaloosa

(205) 561-6999

Reviewed by:

James Reta

I visited Urban Cookhouse in Tuscaloosa for Sunday lunch, and it was a fantastic experience. Despite the line being out the door, it moved quickly with efficient service at the counter. The restaurant was clean, and we found a table easily once we ordered. Our group of four thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I went for the half El Cubano sandwich and a half local mix salad, while my daughter had a full local mix with added chicken. My son chose the quesadilla, and my better half tried the Pimiento BLT, which I found tastier than my Cubano, though both were satisfying. We each spent about $15, which felt reasonable given the quality of the farm-to-table options. Urban Cookhouse also impressed me when I used their catering service for an event. They were professional, easy to work with, and the food was a hit. My favorite item is their lime rice and steak with a fresh salad, paired with their signature orange rolls. Trust me, you’ll want to order some rolls to take home! On another visit, I tried their Easter lunch to-go, which was convenient and delicious. I ordered the lime steak and rice with a salad, broccoli soup, and sweet tea, all for $20—a great deal. The steak was tender and flavorful, and the salad and rice were fresh and tasty. While the broccoli soup wasn't my favorite, the sweet tea and orange roll made up for it. The service was excellent, and the setting added charm to the experience. Overall, Urban Cookhouse is a solid choice for good food at a fair price, and I’ll definitely be back.

PJ's Coffee

1201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 248-7788

Reviewed by:

Tim Feer

I visited PJ's Coffee for breakfast in Tuscaloosa and had a wonderful experience. The staff was incredibly friendly, and our orders came out quickly. I enjoyed a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit along with a butter rum cappuccino. The cappuccino had just the right amount of flavor, and the biscuit was light and flaky. My wife tried the pralines and cream latte, which she loved, and had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel on an everything bagel. It was delicious. While we were a bit disappointed that the beignet machine was broken, we did get to try the "beignet bites," which were tasty. I was impressed with the great selection of coffees, pastries, and custards available. The seating was comfortable, making it a perfect spot to relax. Although it's a bit out of the way compared to my usual places, it's definitely worth the effort to visit, especially during quieter times like winter break. Being from NOLA, discovering PJ's makes me feel a bit closer to home. Every time I'm in Tuscaloosa, I make it a point to treat myself here.

Chick-fil-A

4900 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 247-9980

Reviewed by:

Andres Shannon

I stopped by Chick-fil-A in Tuscaloosa for breakfast and had a great experience. The food was delicious, especially the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, which was a hit with my whole family. Even though the weather was terrible, with heavy rain and lightning, the team members managed to serve us efficiently and with a smile. The staff handled the situation professionally, showing their dedication and commitment to customer service. This location did a great job representing the Chick-fil-A brand, maintaining the high standards of food quality and employee courtesy that I've come to expect. I'll definitely be back for more breakfast delights.

Big Bad Breakfast - Tuscaloosa

520 19th Ave, Tuscaloosa

(205) 539-6859

Reviewed by:

Mercede Rodriguez Inyang

I took a group of students to Big Bad Breakfast in Tuscaloosa, and it was a fantastic experience! It was my first time at a BBB, and I’m already planning to return. Our server, Shane, was outstanding—knowledgeable, fun, and attentive without being overbearing. The food looked and tasted wonderful, especially the shrimp & grits and French toast. We visited on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that the wait was shorter than expected. Inside, the restaurant was clean and relaxing, though it was a bit cold, which is why I’d give the atmosphere a 4/5. Shane kept our glasses filled and ensured we were well taken care of. Even the manager stopped by to check on us, demonstrating great hospitality. My husband and I stopped by after staying at The Embassy Suites and missing breakfast there. The BBB staff greeted us warmly and quickly seated us. The manager, Tracy, impressed me by noting my preference for no onions on my avocado toast and serving the pico de gallo on the side. Such attention to detail! Both our breakfast plates were delicious and served hot, and we couldn’t resist taking a turkey sandwich to go for our ride home. Everything was amazing, right down to the spotless bathrooms. I highly recommend Big Bad Breakfast for its great atmosphere, excellent food, and exceptional service. Kudos to Tracy, Shane, and the kitchen team for making our visit memorable!

Cravings

2320 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 331-4153

Reviewed by:

Albanellys Karp

Cravings for breakfast in Tuscaloosa is such a cute little spot that I absolutely adore. The decor and aesthetics are charming, and the atmosphere is a fun mix of different vibes. The staff is really friendly, which adds to the welcoming feel of the place. My boyfriend and I tried the bacon, egg, and cheese bagel with the house salad, and both were delicious! I was genuinely amazed by how good the bagel was. Their bakery section is impressive, too, with every treat looking tempting. Although they messed up our order and the wait was longer than expected, the quality of the food made up for it. The simple menu offers great bagel options for breakfast, and sitting outside is my preferred choice, especially in historic downtown Tuscaloosa. I have to mention the lobster roll – it was a highlight, with gigantic chunks of real lobster that were picture-worthy. The lobster mac and cheese was also packed with flavor and generous lobster portions. The combination of friendly folks, a great atmosphere, and fast service makes Cravings a must-visit spot for anyone in the area.

Cravings

2320 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 331-4153

Reviewed by:

Albanellys Karp

Cravings for breakfast in Tuscaloosa is such a cute little spot that I absolutely adore. The decor and aesthetics are charming, and the atmosphere is a fun mix of different vibes. The staff is really friendly, which adds to the welcoming feel of the place. My boyfriend and I tried the bacon, egg, and cheese bagel with the house salad, and both were delicious! I was genuinely amazed by how good the bagel was. Their bakery section is impressive, too, with every treat looking tempting. Although they messed up our order and the wait was longer than expected, the quality of the food made up for it. The simple menu offers great bagel options for breakfast, and sitting outside is my preferred choice, especially in historic downtown Tuscaloosa. I have to mention the lobster roll – it was a highlight, with gigantic chunks of real lobster that were picture-worthy. The lobster mac and cheese was also packed with flavor and generous lobster portions. The combination of friendly folks, a great atmosphere, and fast service makes Cravings a must-visit spot for anyone in the area.

PJ's Coffee

1201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 248-7788

Reviewed by:

Tim Feer

I visited PJ's Coffee for breakfast in Tuscaloosa and had a wonderful experience. The staff was incredibly friendly, and our orders came out quickly. I enjoyed a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit along with a butter rum cappuccino. The cappuccino had just the right amount of flavor, and the biscuit was light and flaky. My wife tried the pralines and cream latte, which she loved, and had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel on an everything bagel. It was delicious. While we were a bit disappointed that the beignet machine was broken, we did get to try the "beignet bites," which were tasty. I was impressed with the great selection of coffees, pastries, and custards available. The seating was comfortable, making it a perfect spot to relax. Although it's a bit out of the way compared to my usual places, it's definitely worth the effort to visit, especially during quieter times like winter break. Being from NOLA, discovering PJ's makes me feel a bit closer to home. Every time I'm in Tuscaloosa, I make it a point to treat myself here.

Chick-fil-A

4900 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 247-9980

Reviewed by:

Andres Shannon

I stopped by Chick-fil-A in Tuscaloosa for breakfast and had a great experience. The food was delicious, especially the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, which was a hit with my whole family. Even though the weather was terrible, with heavy rain and lightning, the team members managed to serve us efficiently and with a smile. The staff handled the situation professionally, showing their dedication and commitment to customer service. This location did a great job representing the Chick-fil-A brand, maintaining the high standards of food quality and employee courtesy that I've come to expect. I'll definitely be back for more breakfast delights.

Big Bad Breakfast - Tuscaloosa

520 19th Ave, Tuscaloosa

(205) 539-6859

Reviewed by:

Mercede Rodriguez Inyang

I took a group of students to Big Bad Breakfast in Tuscaloosa, and it was a fantastic experience! It was my first time at a BBB, and I’m already planning to return. Our server, Shane, was outstanding—knowledgeable, fun, and attentive without being overbearing. The food looked and tasted wonderful, especially the shrimp & grits and French toast. We visited on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that the wait was shorter than expected. Inside, the restaurant was clean and relaxing, though it was a bit cold, which is why I’d give the atmosphere a 4/5. Shane kept our glasses filled and ensured we were well taken care of. Even the manager stopped by to check on us, demonstrating great hospitality. My husband and I stopped by after staying at The Embassy Suites and missing breakfast there. The BBB staff greeted us warmly and quickly seated us. The manager, Tracy, impressed me by noting my preference for no onions on my avocado toast and serving the pico de gallo on the side. Such attention to detail! Both our breakfast plates were delicious and served hot, and we couldn’t resist taking a turkey sandwich to go for our ride home. Everything was amazing, right down to the spotless bathrooms. I highly recommend Big Bad Breakfast for its great atmosphere, excellent food, and exceptional service. Kudos to Tracy, Shane, and the kitchen team for making our visit memorable!

FIVE Tuscaloosa

2324 6th St, Tuscaloosa

(205) 345-6089

Reviewed by:

Latisha Siebert

Had a Sunday brunch at FIVE Tuscaloosa and it was awesome. The atmosphere was incredible with jazz playing from a really talented sax player, transporting me to another town for an hour. The food was great, and I'm so glad I finally tried the place. It's a great spot overall! The menu is limited, with five items per category, but everything was delicious and well-prepared. The drinks were also good; the Strawberry Lemonade was perfectly balanced and not too sweet, ideal for a cocktail. There were plenty of tables both indoors and outdoors, and the service was fast and professional. The Bread Pudding was exquisite, with a real pudding texture that I haven't found elsewhere. The decor is super cute, featuring art paintings of famous personalities like RBG. The concept of a limited menu but executing it well works here. My large group tried all the options and liked them all. The service was quick, even with a big group. Overall, a delightful experience.

FIVE Tuscaloosa

2324 6th St, Tuscaloosa

(205) 345-6089

Reviewed by:

Latisha Siebert

Had a Sunday brunch at FIVE Tuscaloosa and it was awesome. The atmosphere was incredible with jazz playing from a really talented sax player, transporting me to another town for an hour. The food was great, and I'm so glad I finally tried the place. It's a great spot overall! The menu is limited, with five items per category, but everything was delicious and well-prepared. The drinks were also good; the Strawberry Lemonade was perfectly balanced and not too sweet, ideal for a cocktail. There were plenty of tables both indoors and outdoors, and the service was fast and professional. The Bread Pudding was exquisite, with a real pudding texture that I haven't found elsewhere. The decor is super cute, featuring art paintings of famous personalities like RBG. The concept of a limited menu but executing it well works here. My large group tried all the options and liked them all. The service was quick, even with a big group. Overall, a delightful experience.

Starbucks

807 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa

(205) 348-9842

Reviewed by:

Mabi Calixte

I'm really impressed with the Starbucks in Tuscaloosa, especially for breakfast. It's right on The University of Alabama campus, making it super convenient. Even though it's always busy, the service is efficient, and the place runs smoothly. The coffee is consistently good, and the staff is friendly. They have a great variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, which I really appreciate. It's a reliable spot where you can start your day with a solid meal and a great cup of coffee. Highly recommend it!

Starbucks

804 Skyland Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 650-0671

Reviewed by:

Olivia Eastman

The staff at the Starbucks in Tuscaloosa was incredibly helpful during my visit. They assisted me in choosing a non-coffee beverage by clearly explaining the ingredients and flavor profile, which was impressive. The store itself was clean and well-organized, and I found it to be quite spacious and not too busy around midday. Though I've only visited once or twice, I usually opt for the frozen coffee, which has been pretty good each time. The drive-thru experience was relatively quick, which I appreciated. Although the screen at the order speaker wasn't working, I'm sure it'll be fixed soon since they just reopened at this location. Despite often being busy, the staff does a fantastic job of being friendly and efficient. They always make my drink just right, which keeps me coming back!

Starbucks

807 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa

(205) 348-9842

Reviewed by:

Mabi Calixte

I'm really impressed with the Starbucks in Tuscaloosa, especially for breakfast. It's right on The University of Alabama campus, making it super convenient. Even though it's always busy, the service is efficient, and the place runs smoothly. The coffee is consistently good, and the staff is friendly. They have a great variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, which I really appreciate. It's a reliable spot where you can start your day with a solid meal and a great cup of coffee. Highly recommend it!

Starbucks

804 Skyland Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 650-0671

Reviewed by:

Olivia Eastman

The staff at the Starbucks in Tuscaloosa was incredibly helpful during my visit. They assisted me in choosing a non-coffee beverage by clearly explaining the ingredients and flavor profile, which was impressive. The store itself was clean and well-organized, and I found it to be quite spacious and not too busy around midday. Though I've only visited once or twice, I usually opt for the frozen coffee, which has been pretty good each time. The drive-thru experience was relatively quick, which I appreciated. Although the screen at the order speaker wasn't working, I'm sure it'll be fixed soon since they just reopened at this location. Despite often being busy, the staff does a fantastic job of being friendly and efficient. They always make my drink just right, which keeps me coming back!

Guthrie's of Tuscaloosa

205 15th St, Tuscaloosa

(205) 349-2222

Reviewed by:

Rod Iriarte

Guthrie's of Tuscaloosa is the spot for chicken fingers that just can't be beat—it's seriously better than Cane's. The chicken is always crispy and cooked perfectly, with that signature Guthrie's sauce that elevates the entire meal. The menu is straightforward, which is part of the charm. You get exactly what you want without any fuss: perfectly fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and maybe some Texas toast if you're in the mood. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite after class or just in the mood for some comfort food, Guthrie's is the go-to in T-Town. The experience in the new location was wonderful. Everyone was extremely nice, and Bree stood out with her exceptional service. She was really attentive, making sure my order was correct and that everything was just right. It's comforting to know you can enjoy good food with great service.

Guthrie's of Tuscaloosa

205 15th St, Tuscaloosa

(205) 349-2222

Reviewed by:

Rod Iriarte

Guthrie's of Tuscaloosa is the spot for chicken fingers that just can't be beat—it's seriously better than Cane's. The chicken is always crispy and cooked perfectly, with that signature Guthrie's sauce that elevates the entire meal. The menu is straightforward, which is part of the charm. You get exactly what you want without any fuss: perfectly fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and maybe some Texas toast if you're in the mood. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite after class or just in the mood for some comfort food, Guthrie's is the go-to in T-Town. The experience in the new location was wonderful. Everyone was extremely nice, and Bree stood out with her exceptional service. She was really attentive, making sure my order was correct and that everything was just right. It's comforting to know you can enjoy good food with great service.

Jack's Family Restaurant

1200 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa

(205) 758-6520

Reviewed by:

Norma Lee Magalhaes

I stopped by Jack's Family Restaurant in Tuscaloosa for breakfast and had a fantastic experience. The moment I walked in, the staff impressed me with their friendliness and efficiency. The line moved quickly, and I barely had to wait before placing my order. The food was delicious, especially the buttery hot biscuits, which were perfect for starting my day. It's a great spot, conveniently located near campus, perfect for grabbing a quick meal before heading to work or class. The positive atmosphere seems to reflect how well the team works together. I can't wait to go back and enjoy another breakfast at Jack's.

Jack's Family Restaurant

1200 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa

(205) 758-6520

Reviewed by:

Norma Lee Magalhaes

I stopped by Jack's Family Restaurant in Tuscaloosa for breakfast and had a fantastic experience. The moment I walked in, the staff impressed me with their friendliness and efficiency. The line moved quickly, and I barely had to wait before placing my order. The food was delicious, especially the buttery hot biscuits, which were perfect for starting my day. It's a great spot, conveniently located near campus, perfect for grabbing a quick meal before heading to work or class. The positive atmosphere seems to reflect how well the team works together. I can't wait to go back and enjoy another breakfast at Jack's.

Dunkin'

160 McCorvey Dr, Tuscaloosa

(205) 348-4041

Reviewed by:

Maritza Abdulmajeed

I had a great experience at Dunkin' for breakfast in Tuscaloosa. The employees were friendly, which made my visit enjoyable. Their donuts were delicious, and I really liked the hash browns. They were crispy and flavorful, definitely worth trying. The overall atmosphere was welcoming, and it was a nice spot to grab a morning bite. I’d recommend it if you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast option.

Starbucks

816 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Tuscaloosa

(205) 343-2468

Reviewed by:

Emily Calderon

I was very impressed with the customer service and organization at Starbucks for breakfast in Tuscaloosa. They have a great order board that shows orders being placed, made, and served in real time, which is really helpful. The staff is always nice, friendly, and makes sure everything is correct. It's a busy location, often with a line to the drive-thru extending to Veteran Pkwy, so if you're short on time, you might want to consider another spot. The interior is lively, with many people working or having meetings, so it might not be ideal if you're looking for a quiet place. Parking is limited and can be a bit challenging with spaces easily blocked. Despite these issues, the employees are working hard and are very welcoming, which makes the experience positive overall.

Milo's Hamburgers

5020 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 248-7215

Reviewed by:

Ahlam Manga

While driving through Alabama, we decided to stop at Milo's Hamburgers for breakfast in Tuscaloosa. It's conveniently located near the interstate, which made it an easy stop. We were warmly greeted at the counter, and I opted for a hamburger with fries and a milkshake, while my wife chose sweet tea with her meal. The burgers were interesting; the Milo sauce was a unique twist that might take some getting used to. There was a slight mix-up with my wife's order as it came with onions despite her request for none. However, the fries were perfectly cooked and lightly salted, and my milkshake was delicious. My wife enjoyed her sweet tea, as always. We decided to eat outside because the inside was quite cold. Despite the initial hiccup with my order in the drive-through, the manager was incredibly helpful. I called to let them know about the mistake, and they promptly invited me back to correct it. The manager, Tarsha, went above and beyond to ensure we left satisfied, even adding a few pies to our order. Her dedication truly made a difference in our experience. Overall, while the sauce might not be to everyone's taste, the staff's commitment to customer service turned our visit into a positive one. We're fans of Milo's tea and lemonade, and learning about the restaurant was an unexpected bonus on our road trip.

IHOP

724 Skyland Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(800) 606-1592

Reviewed by:

Jordan Peterson

My experience at IHOP in Tuscaloosa was remarkable, especially because of our server, Courtney R. She was incredibly polite, knowledgeable about the menu, and set a positive tone from the start. It felt like one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The Colorado omelette was the standout dish, packed with flavor and perfectly cooked, and the pancakes on the side were just right. While the chicken biscuit was decent, the omelettes truly stole the show. If you're into hearty omelettes, perfect pancakes, a good cup of coffee, and generous portions, IHOP is the place to be. Thank you, Courtney R, for making our day special.

Starbucks

816 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Tuscaloosa

(205) 343-2468

Reviewed by:

Emily Calderon

I was very impressed with the customer service and organization at Starbucks for breakfast in Tuscaloosa. They have a great order board that shows orders being placed, made, and served in real time, which is really helpful. The staff is always nice, friendly, and makes sure everything is correct. It's a busy location, often with a line to the drive-thru extending to Veteran Pkwy, so if you're short on time, you might want to consider another spot. The interior is lively, with many people working or having meetings, so it might not be ideal if you're looking for a quiet place. Parking is limited and can be a bit challenging with spaces easily blocked. Despite these issues, the employees are working hard and are very welcoming, which makes the experience positive overall.

Milo's Hamburgers

5020 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa

(205) 248-7215

Reviewed by:

Ahlam Manga

While driving through Alabama, we decided to stop at Milo's Hamburgers for breakfast in Tuscaloosa. It's conveniently located near the interstate, which made it an easy stop. We were warmly greeted at the counter, and I opted for a hamburger with fries and a milkshake, while my wife chose sweet tea with her meal. The burgers were interesting; the Milo sauce was a unique twist that might take some getting used to. There was a slight mix-up with my wife's order as it came with onions despite her request for none. However, the fries were perfectly cooked and lightly salted, and my milkshake was delicious. My wife enjoyed her sweet tea, as always. We decided to eat outside because the inside was quite cold. Despite the initial hiccup with my order in the drive-through, the manager was incredibly helpful. I called to let them know about the mistake, and they promptly invited me back to correct it. The manager, Tarsha, went above and beyond to ensure we left satisfied, even adding a few pies to our order. Her dedication truly made a difference in our experience. Overall, while the sauce might not be to everyone's taste, the staff's commitment to customer service turned our visit into a positive one. We're fans of Milo's tea and lemonade, and learning about the restaurant was an unexpected bonus on our road trip.

Dunkin'

160 McCorvey Dr, Tuscaloosa

(205) 348-4041

Reviewed by:

Maritza Abdulmajeed

I had a great experience at Dunkin' for breakfast in Tuscaloosa. The employees were friendly, which made my visit enjoyable. Their donuts were delicious, and I really liked the hash browns. They were crispy and flavorful, definitely worth trying. The overall atmosphere was welcoming, and it was a nice spot to grab a morning bite. I’d recommend it if you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast option.

IHOP

724 Skyland Blvd, Tuscaloosa

(800) 606-1592

Reviewed by:

Jordan Peterson

My experience at IHOP in Tuscaloosa was remarkable, especially because of our server, Courtney R. She was incredibly polite, knowledgeable about the menu, and set a positive tone from the start. It felt like one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The Colorado omelette was the standout dish, packed with flavor and perfectly cooked, and the pancakes on the side were just right. While the chicken biscuit was decent, the omelettes truly stole the show. If you're into hearty omelettes, perfect pancakes, a good cup of coffee, and generous portions, IHOP is the place to be. Thank you, Courtney R, for making our day special.

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