I never imagined a barbecue joint could win me over with fried chicken—until I moved to Alabama. Here, the pitmasters don’t just master the art of smoke; they’ve perfected the golden crunch of fried perfection, too.
It’s a delicious double threat born from years of tending fires and seasoning with instinct. Locals treat these places like sacred ground, passing down their names in hushed tones as if revealing family secrets.
From Birmingham’s bustling smokehouses to Decatur’s roadside gems, these eleven Alabama joints prove that true masters of the pit know exactly how to make chicken worth every bite.
1. SAW’s Soul Kitchen — Birmingham (Avondale)
My first bite of their Sweet-Tea Fried Chicken Sandwich felt like a flavor epiphany wrapped in a bun…