Alabama boasts some of the best barbecue joints around. Here are nine restaurants that belong on every Alabamian’s barbecue bucket list. You’ll want to visit them all!
1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Decatur
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q was founded in 1926 and has two locations in Decatur, Alabama. For a 100 years, this award-winning restaurant has been serving up some of the best bites in town, including its popular smoked chicken with white sauce.
2. Archibald’s, Northport
Archibald’s might not look like much from the outside, but it offers some of the best ribs you’ll ever eat thanks to their hickory smoke wood. Founded in 1962 by George and Betty Archibald, this mom and pop shop has since been a staple in the community. According to Southern Living, Archibald’s is one of the South’s most legendary barbecue joints.
3. Bow & Arrow, Auburn
Bow & Arrow, which opened in late 2018, is a cafeteria-style restaurant that serves a variety of barbecue and Mexican food favorites. From brisket and pulled pork, to tacos and enchiladas, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
4. Brooks Barbeque, Muscle Shoals
Brooks Barbeque, which opened in 1965, is a local restaurant that serves everything from barbecue sandwiches and slaw dogs to wings and chicken stew. One of the biggest draws to this barbecue joint is its famous mustard slaw. After trying it just once, you’ll be hooked!
5. Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q, Bessemer
Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q has been serving authentic Southern barbecue since 1957. Its sauce was voted #1 in Alabama, and it’s a definite must-visit whenever your passing through Bessemer and craving a delicious meal. If you have more time on your hands, make sure you’re in town for their annual BBQ and Blues music festival.
6. Down South BBQ, Foley
Down South BBQ is located in Foley en route to Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. It’s best known for its barbecue sandwiches, which have buns made from cornbread.
7. Dreamland Bar-B-Que,Tuscaloosa
Alabama’s original Dreamland Bar-B-Que opened in 1958 and is located in Tuscaloosa. “Big Daddy” Bishop said God visited him in a dream and told him to open a restaurant, hence the name. Even though this iconic restaurant serves a variety of barbecue favorites, it’s most famous for its ribs. You can take some of the flavor home with jar of their gluten-free spicy barbecue sauce.
8. Champs Barbeque, Wetumpka
Champs Barbeque is tucked away in the small town of Wetumpka and serves some of Alabama’s tastiest barbecue. The menu features everything from chopped pork and smoked sausage to chopped chicken and ribs. Don’t forget to save room for Champs’ banana pudding. Your sweet tooth will thank you!
9. Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack, Jacksonville
Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack specializes in ribs, which can be ordered as a full rack or half rack, and either sauce covered or dry rubbed. These ribs are so good, they were featured on AL.com’s “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” list.
Feeling hungry? Make sure you too add these restaurants to your next trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner…