If there’s one thing Alabama doesn’t joke with, it is authentic, cooked-to-precision barbecue. A recent BBQ study ranked Alabama as a top 5 barbecue state in America.
Whether you’re after smoky pulled pork or tangy sauce-drenched chicken, you’ll get it all here.
There are many things that make a BBQ joint truly great. For most, it’s all about the quality of the meat, flavorful sauce, and sides that round out the meal. While a few others greatly prioritize a good service and welcoming atmosphere.
As a professional food blogger in Tuscaloosa, I’ve spent years exploring local restaurants and joints across Alabama. That passion for finding the best BBQ spots led me to penning this guide.
After doing my research and talking to locals, here’s my list of the five top joints that represent the best barbecue in Alabama.
The 5 Best BBQ Joints in Alabama
Alabama is home to some of the best barbecues in the country.
These BBQ joints should be your go-to spot anytime you visit here:
Saw’s BBQ
Saw’s BBQ original spot is a must-visit for BBQ lovers. The spot, which started as a hobby of owner Mike Wilson, opened in May 2009 and has been rated as Alabama’s best BBQ by numerous customers.
Similar to Milwaukee’s Carnevor Steakhouse, this spot’s menu features an incredible selection of meats. You can have Carolina-style smoked pulled pork, flavorful chicken wings, and ribs served with three rich sauces. For sides, you can go for cheese, baked potatoes, beans, deviled eggs, macaroni, and coleslaw.
While its main spot is in Homewood, Saw’s BBQ has expanded to multiple Alabama areas, including Leeds, Avondale, Crestline, Hoover, and Southside. No matter the franchise you visit, the spot is always small and cozy, with a laid-back southern feel and welcoming service.
Check out the menu on their website before visiting.
- Address: 1008 Oxmor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
- Phone: +1-205-879-1937
- Website: https://sawsbbq.com/
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Big Bob is an Alabama legend. This award-winning restaurant is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious barbecue spots.
It was founded in 1925 by Bob Gibson, an L&N railroad worker honing his cooking skills in a hand-dug barbecue pit. Their signature sauces and dry rubs have lasted for 100 years.
While visiting the restaurant at Decatur, the first meal I recommend you try is their famous pulled pork and bar b-q chicken drenched in the signature creamy white sauce.
They also offer tender ribs and smoked turkey. You can order sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and stuffed baked potatoes to complete your meal.
Big Bob lets you order online so you can pick up at their spot or have it delivered to your location.
- Address: 1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601
- Phone: +1-256-350-6969
- Website: https://bigbobgibson.com/
Creekside BBQ
Creekside BBQ offers a mix of great BBQ, soulful music, good energy, and great vibes. The spot is in Pelham just outside of Oak Mountain State Park and is led by the renowned Chef Eric Pippert.
While visiting, you’ll be treated to a variety of the region’s best smoked meats and chicken. Their menu offers North Carolina pork, Memphis kissed ribs, and chef -inspired sides. A meal of smoked pork belly with coleslaw and fried egg will only cost $12. There is something for everyone at this restaurant!
Whether you are hiking through the state park, driving to a Birmingham Bulls game at the Pelham Civic Complex, or visiting a fun attraction in Tuscaloosa, Creekside BBQ is surely a perfect stop for an authentic Alabama BBQ experience.
If you cannot visit in person, order online through their website.
- Address: 1020 Oak Mountain Park Road Pelham, AL 35124
- Phone: 205-358-7103
- Website: https://www.creekside-bbq.com/
Smokey C’s Barbecue
What began as two brothers hosting cookouts for family and friends in their backyard became a top BBQ spot in Alabama.
Casey and Cory Culver started Smokey C’s Barbecue in 2008 after wowed guests encouraged them to share their enthusiasm for creating authentic, Southern-style barbeque with the world.
The Culver brothers worked to perfect their recipes and originally launched the business in a drive-thru place on 14th Street SW before moving to a larger space.
Now located on Highway 20 West in Decatur, Smokey C’s is the budget-friendly BBQ restaurant for meat lovers with light pockets.
Their pledge to their customers is simple: “We make it the best it can be, and we make it that way every time.”
The menu offers affordable barbeque pork, ribs, several flavors of smoked wings, smoked turkey, chicken, and sliced pork loin. They offer specials such as the signature Big Smokey sandwich and the famous Tater Bowl, a customer favorite. In addition, you can enjoy Sides including mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans.
Their workers are welcoming, and the ambience is just as incredible as the one you get at Evangeline’s Restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. If you’re around Jack’s and McDonald’s in Decatur, visiting Smokey C’s is the right choice for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Address: 3075 AL-20, Decatur, AL 35601, United States
- Phone: +1-256-353-7787
- Website: https://smokeycsbbq.com/
Moe’s Original BBQ
Named among the Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal, Moe’s Original BBQ is one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country.
It was founded by the trio of Mike Fernandez, Ben Gilbert, and Jeff Kennedy in 1988. They all met at the University of Alabama and instantly connected over their mutual interest in all things Southern: BBQ, college football, and whiskey.
Over the years, they refined their cooking methods and created a distinct style to make up Moe’s original BBQ flavor.
When you visit Moe’s Original BBQ, you can slow down and enjoy their quality Southern soul food recipes passed down for generations. Their menu includes flavorful Alabama-style BBQ, chicken wings, soulful sides, beer, or any other drink.
In Alabama, the restaurant is spread across several locations:
- Auburn – Downtown
- Auburn – Bent Creek
- Birmingham – Hoover
- Birmingham – Lakeview
- Birmingham – Vestavia
- Birmingham – Trussville
- Cullman
- Daphne
- Decatur
- Foley
You can look through their website for more info and visit any location closest to you. The bar is always open as long as there’s a crowd!
- Phone: (205) 252-5888
- Website: https://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/
FAQs
What makes Alabama BBQ different?
What makes Alabama BBQ sauce so unique is its famous white sauce. The tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and spices, which goes well with smoked chicken. It is one of the healthier barbeque condiments out there and makes the meal so delicious.
What is the history behind Alabama’s famous white sauce?
The famous Alabama white sauce originated at the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que in 1925. Initially, it was designed to keep smoked chicken moist and add some flavor during cooking. This mayonnaise-based sauce has grown to become a staple in the South.
What is the #1 BBQ place in America?
According to Timeout, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is consistently ranked as the top BBQ joint in the country. This barbecue spot serves Kansas-style slow-smoked meats slathered in a thick, sweet, tomato-based sauce.
Are there any annual barbecue festivals or events in Alabama?
Several barbecue festivals in Alabama celebrate its deep-rooted BBQ traditions and show how much smoked meat is enjoyed. Some of these events include the Central Alabama BBQ Festival, Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival, and Riverfest BBQ & Music Festival.
These events offer a chance to connect with other Alabamians while trying different BBQ styles and flavors from local joints.