Who doesn’t love dining out? Alabama boasts several types of places to dine, including some of the best barbecue restaurants around. Listed below 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. This award-winning restaurant offers a variety of food, 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. In fact, they're so delicious that people travel from near and far to enjoy them. Also, 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.
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. Even though this iconic restaurant serves a variety of barbecue favorites, it's most famous for its ribs. People have been known to drive numerous miles to get them, especially on Game Weekend.
8. Champs Barbeque - Wetumpka
Champs Barbeque is tucked away in the small town of Wetumpka and serves some of Alabama's tastiest barbecue. Its menu includes everything from chopped pork and smoked sausage, to chopped chicken and ribs. There's something for everyone. 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. Because of how good these ribs taste, they were also included on the list "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die."
Have you ever eaten at any of these nine barbecue restaurants? If so, please share your dining experience(s) with us in the comments below. Also, share with us any other barbecue restaurants you believe belong on this list.
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Featured Addresses
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, 1715 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601, USA
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, 2520 Danville Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35603, USA
Archibald's, 1211 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Northport, AL 35476, USA
Bow & Arrow, 1977 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
Brooks Barbecue, 203 Union Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661, USA
Bob Sykes Barbeque Inc, 1724 9th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020, USA
Down South Barbeque, 19891 Co Rd 10, Foley, AL 36535, USA
Dreamland BBQ, 5535 15th Ave E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, USA
Champs Barbeque, 231 Old US Hwy 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
Cooter Brown's Rib Shack, 8464 AL-204, Jacksonville, AL 36265, USA