The 20 Best BBQ in Alabama

Alabama is known for a lot of things, and one of them is the delicious BBQ. Southern hospitality is very famous, and it can be seen at the eateries in the state.

The Lane cake and Banana pudding are iconic desserts. The lane cake made with layers of bourbon and coconut pecan icing was first invented in Alabama.

The food in Alabama is amazing, and there are plenty of delicious dishes you can eat if you are visiting Alabama.

To help you find the best BBQ, here is our list of the top 10 best BBQ in Alabama.

Best BBQ in Alabama

Heards BBQ and Soul Food

Heards BBQ and Soul Food have one of the best BBQs served with fresh sides in Alabama. The signature BBQ hamburger and taco hamburger are plain out amazing.

They have plenty of side options too.

The Smokey crab legs are out of this world. The portions are very large, and the prices are also reasonable.

The service is very friendly. It’s a great place to get your quick BBQ fix with friends and family.

8341 AL-22, Maplesville, AL 36750, United States
Wednesday, 11 AM –4 PM. Thursday, 11 AM –7 PM, Friday, 11 AM –7 PM. Saturday, 11 AM –4 PM. Sunday, 12:30 PM –3:30 PM
+1 3345436856

Lil Smokey’s BBQ

Lil Smokey’s BBQ serves fine chopped BBQ pork with no fat or gristle. The pitmaster at Lil Smokey’s BBQ is passionate about BBQ, and you can tell from the taste of BBQ.

The coleslaw and other sides, as well as desserts, are amazing. Everything on the menu is delicious. If you are coming to the lake area, do visit this place.

It is family-friendly and very casual. Perfect for spending some quality time.

8678 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853, United States
Wednesday – Saturday, 11 AM –6 PM
+1 3345303959

Saw’s BBQ

Saw’s BBQ serves smoked chicken and pulled pork star in a snug barbecue joint that is packed with signs & sports mementos that adorn the walls.

It is just off Oxmoor Road when you are driving from NYC to New Orleans.

The serving sizes are huge, and the food is delicious. The meat is tender and flavorful. It is served with freshly prepared sides, and the tantalizing homemade sauces are to die for.

1008 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209, United States
Monday – Saturday, 11 AM –8 PM
+1 2058791937

L.a. Barbeque

L.A. Barbeque is a mom-&-pop BBQ joint with a counter that turns out smoked meats with signature rubs and homemade sauces. It tastes exactly like L.A BBQ in Los Angeles.

The Smokey meat and sauces are wonderful. The pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, and other sides are mouth-watering.

The peach cobbler and chocolate pie are decadent and are a must-try whenever you come here.

603 AL-59, Summerdale, AL 36580, United States
Monday – Saturday, 10:30 AM – 7 PM
+1 2519478722

Top Hat Barbecue

Top Hat Barbecue is a rustic BBQ joint that whips up pit-smoked meat and American comfort fare in a roomy space that has an astounding vintage vibe.

The restaurant has been around for more than 40 years. The food and the service are commendable.

The sauces are fabulous, and once you have them, you want to take them home with you. The BBQ has all the right flavors and spices.

For all social media fanatics, it’s a great spot for some nice clicks too!

8725 US-31, Hayden, AL 35079, United States
Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM –8 PM
+1 2563529919

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is a casual barbecue spot turning out down-home eats and a specialty white sauce in wood-paneled digs.

The place is near a church and a great stop for Sunday evenings.

The staff is wonderful, and they bring out food very fast. The Pit room feast and sampler are delicious.

The habanero sauce is sweet and sour, it tastes yummy and hits the right spot. The services are exceptional, and there is nothing that you’ll want to change about this restaurant.

1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601, United States
Monday – Sunday, 9:30 AM –8:30 PM
+1 2563506969

Dreamland BBQ

Dreamland BBQ is a local BBQ chain dishing out hickory-fired ribs, plates, and sandwiches, with chicken wings and comfort sides.

The wait staff is very knowledgeable, and they help you select from the menu.

The Tips and Chips are amazing. The pork is very tender and moist, just bursting with flavors. The serving portions are also large, and the smell of pork just spreads in the air.

The bread and dipping sauce is lovely and a great accompaniment with the pork meat.

5535 15th Ave E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, United States
Monday-Sunday, 11 AM –9 PM
+1 2057588135

Carlile’s Barbecue

Carlile’s Barbecue is a humble, family-run joint serving BBQ plates and sandwiches with Southern sides since 1945.

The food hasn’t changed in the years, and the recipe is the same old prepared with love and passion for BBQ.

The Baggett Burger is appetizing with onion rings, BBQ meat, and vegetables. It is crispy, juicy, and saucy.

The peach cobbler is top-notch and a must-try if you have a screaming sweet tooth.

3511 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States
Monday – Friday, 10:30 AM –3 PM
+1 2052549266

Down South Barbeque

Down South Barbeque is a small shack-style space with a take-out window serving ribs, wings & other BBQ standards at outdoor tables.

The prices are the biggest reason this place is visited by locals often.

The prices are incredibly low, and you get yummy, flavorful BBQ in a huge portion that you can save for the next day.

They are an open very limited number of days, so be sure to check before going. The smokey flavor and aroma that spreads outdoor are amazing.

The restaurant is very casual, and the BBQ meats are addictive.

19891 Co Rd 10, Foley, AL 36535, United States
Wednesday – Friday, 10 AM –6 PM. Saturday, 10 AM –4 PM
+1 251 955 6622

Hog Leg Barbecue

Hog Leg Barbecue is an eatery in Arab that is well-known for the BBQ chicken, smoked sausage smoked ham, and smoked turkey that is slow-smoked to perfection.

They serve the smoked meats with delicious sides, and the banana pudding tastes like grandma’s, full of flavor and creaminess.

The environment is great, and you will definitely feel very relaxed eating at Hog Leg Barbecue.

9413 AL-69, Arab, AL 35016, United States
Wednesday – Saturday, 11 AM –8 PM
+1 2567532227

Full Moon Bar-B-Que

You’ll find a few Full Moon Bar-B-Que locations around Alabama, but this Southside Birmingham location is the original joint!

BBQ Pork is one of their mainstays, sliced to order and served on a bun or plate with two of their homemade sides.

If you haven’t tried Chow-Chow, this is the spot to taste this relish – a Southern specialty! Spicy and flavorful, it pairs up perfectly with mac & cheese and some ‘cue.

525 25th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Monday – Friday 10:30 AM – 5 PM
+ 1 205-324-1007

The Shack BBQ

The Shack BBQ is a cozy wood cabin restaurant with a homey interior and lots of charm.

They’ve been around since 1983, so they know a thing or two about the biz!

Sit back and dig into generous helpings of flavorful chopped BBQ, ribs, and juicy sliced pork.

Plates come with 2 sides; grab the classic beans and crispy, beer-battered onion rings for a little change.

Tuck into their banana pudding while you’re there – some of the best around!

7744 Stemley Bridge Rd, Talladega, AL 35160
Sunday – Thursday 10 AM – 7 PM; Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM
+ 1 256-268-2005

Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q

If you go a little off the beaten path, you’ll find the best local secret: Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q.

Using the same recipe for over 30 years, they’ve got consistently delicious BBQs and loyal customers!

Smokey, tender pork runs the show here, but the half chicken is right behind it – try ’em both with their house-made white sauce.

Desserts here are to die for – grab a slice of the chocolate chess pie (or a whole one, if you’d like!).

3278 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
Monday – Thursday 10 AM – 8 PM; Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 205-967-6004

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Drop in for some tasty West Tennessee-style ‘cue at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Birmingham.

Meats get cooked low and slow for up to 24 hours, so you’ll wanna get there before they sell out for the day!

Pork is king at Martin’s, so you should get in on their succulent pulled pork shoulder sandwich or the generous BBQ trays.

Side options include fresh hushpuppies, cream mac & cheese, and the comforting Southern specialty: cornbread hoecakes.

3029 Pump House Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Daily 11 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 205-715-8999

Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ

Opened in the 1960s, Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ has since been a Tuscaloosa go-to for great BBQ.

This no-frills joint has friendly staff and a down-home atmosphere, just as it’s always been.

You’ll need both hands for their generous sandwiches, like saucy, delicious ribs or tender pork in between pillow-like fresh bread.

The menu here has everything from BBQ to Catfish dinners, so you have a bit of variety and a whole lot of finger-licking good food!

4215 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 205-331-4858

Bow & Arrow

Relative newcomers Bow & Arrow opened in 2017 with a mission to be Auburn’s very own South Texas smokehouse.

Owner and Chef, David Bancroft, has spent his life between two States, so you’ll find some Alabama favorites alongside Texas staples, like smoked turkey with the famous white sauce or some tender sliced brisket and jalapeno cheddar sausage.

Help yourself to borracho beans and collard greens on the side, and save some room for Memaw’s Eclair – it’s a must!

1977 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
Tuesday – Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM
+ 1 334-246-2546

Brenda’s Bar-be-Que Pit

The folks at Brenda’s Bar-Be-Que Pit in Montgomery aren’t new to the BBQ game – they’ve been winning it since 1942!

A small, humble take-out stop, Brenda’s serves up a handful of delicious BBQ options and sides.

Local favorites include the Pig Ears – try this tender delicacy in a sandwich with a dollop of mustard.

Saucy ribs are also a crowd-pleaser, and their popular homemade sweet potato pie is the perfect treat to finish with.

1457 Mobile Rd, Montgomery, AL 36108
Tuesday – Thursday 10:30 AM – 7 PM; Friday & Saturday 10:30 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 334-262-9349

Bob Syke’s Barbeque Inc.

Another longstanding establishment, Bob Syke’s Barbeque Inc., is another on the list of top Birmingham BBQ joints.

If you’re extra hungry, grab one of their generous “Big Bob” sandwich special – piled high with your choice of meats like smoked turkey, BBQ beef, or juicy pork.

Creamy slaw and crispy, thick onion rings only make it that much better! And, of course, satisfy that sweet tooth by indulging in their Lemon Ice Box Pie – a staple from the original menu!

1724 9th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020
Monday – Thursday 10:30 AM – 8 PM; Friday & Saturday 10:30 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 205-426-1400

BBQ 65

Open bright and early at 6 AM, BBQ 65 is a former gas station turned humble roadside stop for great BBQ and satisfying sides.

They’ve got counter service and cheerful staff, with a chalkboard displaying daily offerings to pick from.

Get your fix of smoked chicken and white sauce with the famous loaded potato casserole or flavorful squash casserole.

You can’t go wrong with their pulled pork or tender ribs sandwich either – a delicious, filling, and budget-friendly option.

2391 Pineapple Hwy, Greenville, AL 36037
Daily 6 AM – 10 PM
+ 1 334-371-5826

Boarhog’s Barbeque

If you’re asking about the best BBQ sandwiches, chances are you’ve heard of Boarhog’s Barbecue down in Huntsville.

Something of a legend, this joint offers sandwiches with smoky, tender meat piled sky-high.

The pulled pork sandwich comes with the perfectly balanced flavors of vinegar slaw, pickled, and just the right amount of mayo.

If you’re feeling for something different, try the loaded nachos with brisket, cheese, and grilled jalapenos – big enough to share!

2118 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL 35811
Wednesday – Saturday 10:30 AM – 9 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM
+ 1 256-851-2762

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William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.