Alabama BBQ Trail
May is ‘National BBQ Month’ and in Alabama, barbecue is a culture all in itself. The state serves some of the nation’s best, with iconic and award-winning restaurants just about everywhere you look. Take a tour of some of North and Central Alabama’s best – from the fruits of lifelong professional pit masters to new kids on the barbecue block – and pick up a side of fun along the way.
The Alabama Tourism Department’s website helps travellers discover some of the state’s best places for ribs, pulled pork and chicken barbecue with a listing of some of Alabama’s most noted barbecue restaurants.
- Visit the Home of Alabama White Sauce in Decatur
Over the past 85 years, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has grown from a makeshift table in Gibson’s backyard to a regional barbecue staple – garnering attention from news outlets and cooking competitions all over the country.
In the 1920s, vinegar-and-mustard-based Carolina-style sauce was the predominant choice of barbecue cooks. Big Bob Gibson didn’t think it complemented his chicken very well, so he came up with his own mayonnaise-based condiment, which also contains vinegar, apple juice, horseradish, lemon juice, black pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Pork With a Side of Soul
In Florence, you’ll find the W.C. Handy Home, Museum and Library where you can see musical instruments, personal papers and original sheet music belonging to the “Father of the Blues.” The legendary songwriter is credited with taking the blues from the South into other parts of the country, educating people along the way and turning the genre into a cherished art form. Each July, the W.C. Handy Festival celebrates the Florence native’s musical contributions and those of other blues musicians.
Bunyan's Bar-B-Q is located less than a half-mile from the W.C. Handy museum. A local favourite since 1972, Bunyan’s is known for its pork and hot slaw. Grab a spot at one of the small tables inside or dine al fresco at one of several outdoor tables.
- Rib It Up in Tuscaloosa
Head down to Tuscaloosa and prepare to get your hands a little messy. Your first stop? Lunch at Archibald's in Northport.
George Archibald Jr. was 12 years old when he started working in the barbecue business his father started in 1962. Today, George and his sister, Paulette, keep this diamond in the rough going, serving the famous ribs and vinegar-based sauce that have garnered local admiration and national attention.
- The Original Dreamland Bar-B-Que
No trip to Tuscaloosa is complete without a meal at the original Dreamland Bar-B-Que. First opened by John “Big Daddy” Bishop in 1958, the restaurant has hosted celebrities like Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr. The story goes that the idea to build a restaurant on the land next to his home came to Bishop in a dream. Soon Bishop and his wife were selling ribs, sandwiches and more to regular customers. Once known for serving only ribs, white bread and sauce, today the restaurant’s eight locations all serve pulled pork, chicken, traditional side items and desserts.
- Get Your Fill in Birmingham
Birmingham is a barbecue lover’s mecca. From pulled pork at Jim ‘N Nick’s to Full Moon’s famous chow-chow, there’s plenty to keep your taste buds entertained. Pace yourself as you sample some of the best Alabama has to offer.
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q has served the Birmingham community for more than 25 years, and it now boasts more than 25 locations throughout the South and in Colorado. Known for its pulled pork, cheese biscuits and homemade slaw, the restaurant consistently receives accolades from local and national publications like Saveur and Bon Appétit. In addition, Jim ‘N Nick’s was crowned the winner in the Alabama Tourism Department’s inaugural Alabama BBQ Bracket.
Also in Birmingham’s Southside is Full Moon Bar-B-Que. The restaurant famous for its half-moon cookies and chow-chow – a spicy, sweet Southern relish – was once owned by Pat James, then was bought in 1996 by brothers David and Joe Maluff. Full Moon now has eight locations, including the original.
Another must-try barbecue joint Saw's BBQ in Homewood is young compared to longstanding pork houses like Full Moon, Jim ‘N Nick’s and Dreamland, but it hasn’t taken long for it to become a local favourite.
Saw’s barbecue is North Carolina-style and served in a signature vinegar-based sauce. While the Birmingham location is the only source for the restaurant’s pulled pork, ribs, chicken with white sauce, stuffed potatoes and home-style sides, Saw’s Sauce is available online, in stores across Alabama and at other retailers throughout the country. Saw’s also boasts two sister restaurants in Birmingham – Saw’s Soul Kitchen and Saw’s Juke Joint.
Grab some napkins and get started!
For more information on Alabama, please email alabama@deep-south-usa.com.
