The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Alabama Ranked

Alabama is known for its strong barbecue roots. All across the state, you’ll find spots that take pride in cooking low and slow, using methods passed down over generations. These places don’t chase trends. They focus on what works, keeping the flavors simple and letting the smoke speak for itself. Whether it’s a roadside shack or a longtime neighborhood favorite, each one offers something honest and true to the region.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of the 30 best BBQ spots in Alabama. These are not random picks. Each one earned its place through steady support from locals, strong reviews, and a clear focus on quality. This guide can help both visitors and locals find good barbecue without the guesswork. Alabama BBQ has a steady reputation for a reason, and these spots are a big part of it.

#30 – Kendall’s BBQ

Kendall’s BBQ in Georgiana, Alabama is a roadside stop known for its wood-smoked meats and laid-back setup. Located off Interstate 65, it serves from a walk-up window in a gas station parking lot, offering a menu packed with barbecue staples and Southern favorites. What makes Kendall’s stand out is the strong smoke flavor in the pork and ribs, along with a tangy red sauce that brings balance without overpowering the meat. While the focus is on barbecue, the menu also includes items like fried shrimp and rib-eye steak, giving customers more to choose from. The portions are generous, and the outdoor picnic table seating adds to its relaxed, down-home feel. Kendall’s has built a loyal following among travelers and locals alike for its straightforward, flavorful food and no-fuss atmosphere. It remains one of those places that keeps Alabama’s small-town BBQ spirit alive.

#29 – Good Ole Boys BBQ

Good Ole Boys BBQ in Alexander City, Alabama focuses on slow-smoked meats cooked fresh daily using cherry wood, which gives a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that helps the barbecue stand out. The restaurant is known for its laid-back, counter-service setup and generous portions. Their ribs, pulled pork, and chicken are slow-cooked on-site, and they also offer a wide variety of sides that complement the main dishes. Everything is cooked with consistency, and the barbecue sticks to old-school Southern methods with a few creative touches. The chain started small and has grown while staying true to its roots in Central Alabama, especially in Alexander City. With its strong reputation and attention to detail, Good Ole Boys BBQ continues to be a steady favorite in the state.

#28 – EG’s BBQ

EG’s BBQ in Bremen, Alabama has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on real wood-smoked barbecue and a welcoming, no-nonsense approach. What sets this place apart is its commitment to old-school smoking techniques, where the meat is cooked slowly over wood for hours to build rich, deep flavor. The setting is casual and friendly, giving off the kind of small-town feel that many people appreciate. Everything is made fresh, including the sides, which adds to the overall quality of the experience. While the menu sticks to the basics, each item is prepared with care and consistency. Locals often talk about the great flavor and how it reminds them of how barbecue used to be. EG’s BBQ has become one of the more talked-about spots in the area, thanks to steady support from the community and a focus on doing things the right way.

#27 – Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q

Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q in Florence, Alabama has been serving up classic Southern barbecue since 1972. What keeps people coming back is the steady quality and simple menu that focuses on smoked meats cooked over hickory wood. The flavors are bold but balanced, and the food is prepared with the kind of care that comes from decades of practice. One thing that makes Bunyan’s stand out is its signature slaw, which is served hot on sandwiches and has become a favorite in the region. The building itself is straightforward and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Locals appreciate the friendly service and the way Bunyan’s sticks to tradition without trying to do too much.

#26 – Demetri’s BBQ

Demetri’s BBQ in Homewood, Alabama has been part of the local food scene for more than 50 years. Known for its slow-smoked meats cooked over hickory wood, this place keeps things simple and consistent. The barbecue is served either chopped or sliced, and the sides often include a mix of Southern classics and a few Greek-influenced options, which reflects the restaurant’s unique background. The setting is casual and welcoming, with many regulars stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Demetri’s has stayed focused on doing the basics right and offering friendly service to match. Its long history, steady reputation, and spot in the Alabama Barbecue Hall of Fame make it one of the top choices in the area.

#25 – Carlile’s Barbecue

Carlile’s Barbecue in Birmingham, Alabama has been serving traditional barbecue since 1945, making it one of the oldest barbecue restaurants in the state. The meat is slow-smoked in pits using time-tested methods that bring out deep flavor and tenderness. Pork is a standout here, but what also makes Carlile’s unique is its variety of sauces. Customers can choose from a mustard-vinegar blend, a ketchup-based red sauce, or a northern-style white sauce, each offering a different take on Southern barbecue. Carlile’s has earned its place in Alabama’s barbecue scene by sticking with what works and offering choices that suit different tastes.

#24 – Hog Wild BBQ

Hog Wild BBQ in Gulf Shores, Alabama is a popular spot known for its wood-smoked meats and laid-back beachside setting. The restaurant uses old hickory wood to slow-smoke everything on site, which brings out deep flavor and keeps the meat tender. Customers appreciate that all the food is made in-house, from the sauces to the sides, which helps keep the quality high and the flavors consistent. The menu sticks to barbecue favorites and includes a few coastal touches that match the local area. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a good fit for both locals and tourists. With a solid reputation and high ratings online, Hog Wild BBQ has become one of the most trusted barbecue places along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

#23 – Sam’s Smokehouse

Sam’s Smokehouse in Fayette, Alabama focuses on traditional barbecue done low and slow over wood, producing rich flavor and consistent texture. The meats are smoked on-site, with a strong emphasis on getting the details right, from the seasoning to the timing. The setup is simple, with a menu that highlights the basics and avoids unnecessary extras. Each plate is prepared fresh, with classic sides that match the style of the barbecue. The portions are generous, and the overall approach sticks closely to old-school Southern cooking. Sam’s doesn’t rely on trends or gimmicks. Instead, it has built its reputation by offering straightforward, well-smoked barbecue that reflects the region’s cooking roots.

#22 – Creekside BBQ

Creekside BBQ in Pelham, Alabama brings together a mix of Southern barbecue styles, offering a variety of smoked meats prepared on-site using wood-fired pits. The menu includes Alabama-style chicken, pork with Carolina influence, and ribs seasoned in the Memphis style. Each meat is paired with house-made sauces, including a tangy white sauce, and a rotating list of sides that go beyond the usual, such as smoked cheese grits and feta potato salad. The location near Oak Mountain State Park adds to the relaxed setting, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Creekside focuses on keeping things fresh and balanced while respecting traditional cooking methods. The variety and consistency in flavor have helped it stand out among barbecue spots in the region.

#21 – Dick Howell’s BBQ

Dick Howell’s BBQ in Florence, Alabama has been a part of the local barbecue scene since 1947. The restaurant uses open-pit smoking over hickory wood, a method rooted in Memphis-style barbecue that has been passed down through generations. The menu focuses on pork, chicken, and smoked hot dogs, all cooked on-site with attention to tradition. The sauces are made in-house and stick to a classic Southern flavor profile. The atmosphere is modest, keeping the spotlight on the food and the cooking process. Over the years, Dick Howell’s has stayed true to its original approach, making it a trusted spot for straightforward, well-prepared barbecue in northwest Alabama.

#20 – Top Hat Barbecue

Top Hat Barbecue in Hayden, Alabama has been serving wood-fired barbecue since 1952, making it one of the oldest pit-style joints in the region. The restaurant is known for its use of green hickory wood, which gives the pork shoulders a bold, smoky flavor without the need for heavy spices. The meat is cooked in custom-built pits that allow for slow cooking, even smoking over several hours. The method is simple but time-tested, and the results reflect that care. Along with its smoked pork, the menu includes catfish and homemade sides like coleslaw and hush puppies. The setting is laid-back and fits the rural location, offering a comfortable place to enjoy a filling meal. Top Hat’s focus on tradition and hands-on cooking has kept it a reliable choice for barbecue in north Alabama.

#19 – Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack

Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack in Jacksonville, Alabama has been serving smoked meats since 2000, using a pecan wood-fired rotisserie smoker that helps lock in flavor and keep the meat tender. The ribs are dry-rubbed and slow-cooked for several hours, then finished with sauce on the side so customers can adjust the flavor to their liking. The menu also includes smoked wings, pulled pork, and grilled chicken, along with a few in-house starters like egg rolls. Everything is cooked to order, and the focus remains on freshness and consistency. The setting has a casual, rustic feel that fits the food and makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed meal. Cooter Brown’s has earned steady local support by sticking to its methods and offering barbecue that balances tradition with a few original touches.

#18 – Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q began in Birmingham, Alabama in 1985 and has since expanded across several states while keeping its roots in traditional Southern barbecue. What sets this chain apart is its focus on slow-smoking meats using hickory wood for up to 14 hours, all done on-site daily. The kitchen makes everything from scratch, including their signature sides and sauces. Pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken are all part of the lineup, prepared with a strong attention to detail. Even the cheese biscuits are made fresh each day. The restaurant combines counter service with a warm, casual setting that fits the comfort-food style. Their long-standing reputation is built on doing barbecue the right way without cutting corners.

#17 – Rusty’s Bar-B-Q

Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama has built a strong reputation for its traditional pit barbecue and made-from-scratch sides. Since opening in 2009, the restaurant has focused on hickory-smoked meats cooked low and slow in a brick pit, with pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken as regular favorites. The setting is cozy and welcoming, with vintage decor and a laid-back atmosphere that fits the food style. Rusty’s stays rooted in classic barbecue traditions while keeping things simple and honest.

#16 – Johnny’s Bar-B-Q

Johnny’s Bar-B-Q in Cullman, Alabama has been serving traditional Southern barbecue since the early 1960s. This family-run spot is known for slow-smoking its meats fresh each day, with pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken being the main draw. The kitchen also prepares scratch-made sides and desserts, offering a full plate of comfort food rooted in local tradition. They use classic techniques that focus on flavor and consistency without relying on shortcuts. Everything is cooked on-site, and the menu stays true to barbecue basics that have stood the test of time. The setting is casual and welcoming, giving it a laid-back feel that fits the style of cooking. Johnny’s has kept the same approach for decades, focusing on good food made right every day.

#15 – Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot

Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot in Selma, Alabama has been part of the community since the 1940s, known for its traditional wood-smoked barbecue cooked over open pits using hardwood. The pork shoulder is the main feature, served with crispy pork skin on top, which adds a crunchy texture that regulars expect. Their sauce is thin and vinegar-based with a touch of sweetness, made to complement the smoke without covering it up. The place still holds its original charm, with a simple brick setup that reflects its long history. Lannie’s has stayed true to old-school Southern barbecue methods, using time, smoke, and patience instead of shortcuts. It has deep roots in Selma’s culture and continues to serve food the same way it always has, keeping things honest and focused on flavor.

#14 – The Shack BBQ

The Shack BBQ in Talladega, Alabama has been serving wood-smoked barbecue since 1983. The meat is cooked on-site over wood, never frozen, which brings out a fresh and smoky taste that locals appreciate. It has a rustic feel, with a casual setting that puts the focus on the food. Alongside well-prepared barbecue, the menu includes favorites like burgers, fried chicken, and seafood, plus house-made sides served with care. The service is friendly, creating a laid-back atmosphere that makes customers feel at ease. The Shack continues to earn a place among Alabama’s trusted barbecue spots.

#13 – Meat Boss BBQ

Meat Boss BBQ in Mobile, Alabama specializes in daily wood-smoked meats using pecan wood over custom smokers that keep the meat juicy and fresh. The menu lets you build your own dish with options like Boston butt, brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, and smoked sausage. You can pick a bun, wrap, or plate, then top it with one of five in-house sauces ranging from sweet and spicy to Carolina and white BBQ. House-made sides, including slaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, fries, green beans, and boss beans, complete the meal. One standout item is their “rib candy,” smoked rib meat caramelized in sweet sauce. The setup is casual with counter service and to-go bags, blending speed with quality. Meat Boss has built a reputation for flexible ordering, fresh smoked flavor, and a menu that offers variety without losing its BBQ focus.

#12 – Local Joe’s BBQ

Local Joe’s BBQ in Albertville, Alabama serves wood-smoked meats in a casual setting that also works like a small hometown market. The menu includes pulled pork, ribs, turkey, chicken, and sausage, all smoked on-site using traditional methods. Guests can order barbecue plates or build their own meals with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad. The restaurant also sells local goods like sauces, pork skins, baked items, and fresh produce, giving it the feel of a general store. This mix of smoked meat and local groceries helps set it apart from typical barbecue spots. Local Joe’s also offers catering for events of all sizes. With its steady focus on quality cooking and consistent flavor, it’s built a strong reputation in the area for serving barbecue with a personal touch.

#11 – Bow & Arrow BBQ

Bow & Arrow BBQ in Auburn, Alabama blends South Texas and Deep South barbecue traditions under one roof. The restaurant slow-smokes meats using hardwood and serves a variety of proteins like brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and ribs. What makes it stand out is the mix of Southern comfort and Tex-Mex influence on the menu, with choices such as enchiladas, borracho beans, and green chile rice alongside more classic sides like collard greens and potato salad. The sides and sauces are all made in-house, keeping everything fresh and consistent. Guests can order meat by the pound, build plates, or go for family-style servings. The space has a casual feel, but the food is prepared with attention to detail, showing influence from both traditional barbecue and modern Southern kitchens. This approach gives Bow & Arrow a unique place in Alabama’s barbecue scene.

#10 – Whitt’s Barbecue

Whitt’s Barbecue started in Athens, Alabama in 1966 and continues to use the same slow-smoking method that built its local reputation. The family-owned business uses hickory coals and brick pits to cook pork shoulders low and slow, locking in flavor and tenderness. Their menu focuses on simple, time-tested barbecue staples like pulled pork and smoked turkey, along with fresh-made sides and sauces that are prepared daily. Whitt’s avoids shortcuts by sticking to traditional cooking techniques that take hours instead of minutes. Even with multiple locations, the quality remains steady thanks to the original pit design still being used today. This long-standing commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way has helped Whitt’s stay popular in North Alabama for decades.

#9 – Bar-B-Que Place

Bar‑B‑Que Place in Fort Payne, Alabama serves wood‑smoked barbecue made with time‑honored techniques and simple ingredients. The meats are cooked low and slow on-site, allowing the natural smoke to bring out flavor and tenderness. Choices include pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and beef, all seasoned and smoked in-house daily. The space is unpretentious and welcoming, putting the focus on honest, well-prepared barbecue. With a solid reputation for consistency and hearty portions, Bar‑B‑Que Place stands as a reliable stop for anyone craving traditional Southern smoked meat in northeast Alabama.

#8 – Brenda’s Bar-Be-Que Pit

Brenda’s Bar‑Be‑Que Pit in Montgomery, Alabama stands out for sticking to tradition in every part of the experience. Since 1942, this small roadside spot has served up wood-smoked barbecue from a walk-up window with no indoor seating, keeping things simple and focused on the food. The meats are smoked over hickory wood daily, giving them a deep, natural flavor without relying too much on sauce. One thing that makes Brenda’s different is their pig ear sandwich, a rare find that ties back to older Southern roots. Their rib plates and chopped pork are well known for being rich in flavor and served with fresh, classic sides like potato salad and baked beans. The approach is no-frills, but the commitment to old-school barbecue techniques is what keeps locals and travelers coming back.

#7 – Full Moon Bar-B-Que

Full Moon Bar-B-Que started in Birmingham in 1981 and has grown into a well-known Alabama chain with locations across the state. They’re known for smoking meats like pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs over hickory wood at each location. The process brings out a rich, smoky flavor that has become their trademark. They keep their sides classic, offering options like baked beans, slaw, and mac and cheese, all made fresh every day. One thing that makes Full Moon stand out is their house-made chow-chow, a sweet and tangy relish that adds a punch to their sandwiches and plates. Their baked potatoes, stuffed with meat and toppings, have also become a customer favorite. Full Moon keeps things casual and consistent while focusing on slow-cooked barbecue and Southern staples.

#6 – Bob Sykes Bar-B-Que

Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in Bessemer has been serving Alabama-style barbecue since 1957. They use a large open brick pit located in full view of the dining area, where pork shoulders are smoked fresh every day over hickory wood. This method adds a deep, smoky flavor to the meat, which is sliced rather than pulled to maintain its texture. Bob Sykes sticks to traditional Southern barbecue practices, keeping the menu simple and focused. Their sides, like hand-cut onion rings and baked beans, are made from scratch daily. What sets them apart is the consistency and long-standing commitment to real pit-cooked barbecue. The restaurant also has a strong local following and remains family-run after all these years, preserving its roots while keeping quality a priority.

#5 – Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Que

Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q is located in Cahaba Heights, a neighborhood within Birmingham, Alabama. Known for using a traditional brick pit, they slow-smoke their meats with hickory wood to build deep flavor. The focus stays on time-tested techniques, with pork, chicken, ribs, and sausage cooked fresh each day. One thing that sets them apart is their house-made white sauce, which pairs especially well with the smoked chicken. This spot has earned a loyal following by sticking to a simple formula. From the setup to the food, Miss Myra’s keeps things straightforward. No gimmicks, just solid barbecue that speaks for itself.

#4 – Dreamland Bar-B-Que

Dreamland Bar-B-Que started in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1958 and quickly grew into one of the state’s most recognized names in barbecue. Known mainly for its hickory-smoked ribs, Dreamland sticks to a traditional cooking method using open pits and a vinegar-based sauce that brings a bold and tangy flavor. The ribs are grilled directly over a wood fire, which gives them a deep smoky taste and a crisp texture on the outside. While many places branch out with large menus, Dreamland keeps it simple, focusing on a few items done well. That dedication to consistency has helped it grow to multiple locations without losing its original style. The brand stays close to its roots, making it a favorite for those who want a true Alabama barbecue experience with no shortcuts.

#3 – Saw’s BBQ

Saw’s BBQ started in Homewood, Alabama in 2009 and quickly gained a strong following for its wood-smoked meats and house-made sauces. They cook low and slow over hickory, which helps lock in the flavor of the pork, chicken, and ribs. Each location sticks to the same methods, keeping the quality consistent across the board. The menu includes traditional Southern BBQ with a few creative twists like their loaded baked potatoes and barbecue over greens. Their sauces range from vinegar-based to sweet red, and even include the popular Alabama white sauce. Saw’s has grown to several locations across the Birmingham area but still focuses on fresh ingredients and real wood smoking. This steady commitment to flavor and technique is a big part of what makes Saw’s stand out in Alabama’s crowded barbecue scene.

#2 – Archibald’s BBQ

Archibald’s BBQ in Northport, Alabama has earned a strong local following for its wood-fired approach to barbecue that dates back to the early 1960s. Known especially for its ribs, this no-frills spot uses a simple pit setup that brings out bold, smoky flavors without relying on heavy sauces. The pork is cooked directly over hickory wood, a traditional method that gives the meat a deep, rich taste. The menu stays focused on the basics, with a short list of meats and classic Southern sides. The small building, with its old-school charm and outdoor pit, reflects the straightforward style of the food itself. People often return for the consistency and the way the barbecue keeps its focus on smoke, texture, and tradition. Archibald’s has become one of the most talked-about barbecue spots in Alabama, especially in the Tuscaloosa area.

#1 – Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que in Decatur, Alabama, has been serving wood-smoked barbecue since 1925. It started with a hand-dug pit and a homemade table under a sycamore tree. Over the years, it grew into one of the most respected names in Southern barbecue. The restaurant is known for slow-smoking pork shoulders and whole chickens over hickory wood in large brick pits. This traditional method brings out deep smoke flavor and tender texture in the meats. Their recipes and techniques have been passed down through generations, helping the restaurant stay consistent while keeping a loyal following. With a strong focus on quality, tradition, and simple sides that match the barbecue, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que has earned its spot as one of the best in Alabama.

What Makes Alabama BBQ Stand Out

Alabama BBQ has roots going back to the 1800s, when communities gathered to cook whole hogs over open pits for social and political events. That long-standing tradition helped shape the state’s love for low and slow barbecue. Over time, BBQ joints popped up along main roads and small towns, smoking pork and chicken over hickory and oak. The cooking style focuses on wood-fired flavor, with meat that’s tender, smoky, and served with simple sides like slaw or baked beans.

One thing that separates Alabama from other BBQ regions is a tangy white sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper. It was originally used to keep smoked chicken moist during long cooking times, and it quickly became a staple in the northern part of the state. Today, many locals still prefer this sauce with chicken, while the rest of the state leans toward pork with tomato or vinegar-based sauces.

---

FAQs About Alabama BBQ

What meats are most common in Alabama BBQ?

Pork is widely popular, especially pulled pork and ribs. Smoked chicken is also a favorite in some areas.

Is white sauce used across the entire state?

No. White sauce is mainly found in the northern region. Other parts of Alabama use tomato or vinegar-based sauces.

What kind of wood is used for smoking in Alabama?

Hickory is the most common, but oak and fruit woods like apple are sometimes used for a lighter flavor.

Is Alabama BBQ usually spicy?

Not really. Most sauces are tangy or slightly sweet. Some places offer spicy options, but it’s not the main style.

Are there any BBQ festivals in Alabama?

Yes. Several towns host local BBQ festivals that include food contests, live music, and community events.