There are plenty of iconic barbecue joints known throughout the state, and all for good reason, but they aren’t the only ones turning out some seriously good food.
As part of our
Unsung Alabama series
, we’re highlighting some of the state’s hidden treasures, and that includes the state’s many underrated barbecue joints. That’s why we recently
asked AL.com
and
This is Alabama Facebook followers
to share which barbecue spots they think deserve more love.
We got thousands of responses about eateries from all over the state, and from there, we narrowed them down to the restaurants included in our “Which unsung Alabama barbecue joint do you think is the best?” poll.
And while they might not have the same name recognition as other more iconic barbecue joints, these restaurants are beloved by their communities, and some have years of business and awards under their belt too.
So with that in mind, we thought we’d share a little more about the
9 unsung barbecue joints that might just be the best in Alabama.
You can read about each one below, and you can find out which restaurant got the most votes in
our poll
, which will remain open until noon on July 10, this Friday.
Promise Land B.B.Q.
20482 U.S. 11 in Woodstock
Promise Land B.B.Q.
in the small town of Woodstock, near Tuscaloosa, has been around for years, but may get overlooked for the barbecue spots with more well-known names in the area. That’s a shame too, because when it comes to meaty ribs and a pull pork sandwich smothered in sauce, Promise Land has you covered. The take-out only eatery, open Tuesday through Saturday, offers plenty of other barbecue favorites and the Southern sides to go along with ‘em, and while it might be a drive, it’ll be worth it.
Related:
The Alabama Barbecue Bucket List
Rock’s Famous BBQ
307 S. Memorial Drive in Prattville
Rock’s Famous BBQ
in Prattville, open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, is dedicated to giving its loyal customers a “a down-home BBQ experience” by serving up meals filled with fall-off-the-bone meats and flavorful sides. Given that Rock’s menu includes everything from brisket to wings, slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork, bologna sandwiches, and more, served alongside classic sides like collard greens, fried tomatoes, homemade camp stew, and potato salad, it certainly seems like they’re doing just that.
Hootenanny BBQ
Serving the Huntsville area
Hootenanny BBQ
might not have a permanent location, but that hasn’t stopped the Huntsville-based food truck and catering company from racking up fans and awards thanks to its flavorful barbecue. With an eclectic menu that’s always evolving, Hootenanny offers everything from classic pulled pork to brisket-topped cheeseburgers and more. Plus, you never know what specialty desserts, like Sun Drop cheesecake and strawberry banana pudding, will be up for grabs on any given day. To find out where they’ll be next,
visit the Hootenanny BBQ Facebook page.
Related:
11 Alabama food trucks you need to try
Brad’s Bar-B-Que
1809 U.S. 78 in Oxford
Brad’s Bar-B-Que in Oxford is another beloved barbecue joint that’s off the beaten path, but still has managed to become a popular place to grab a delicious meal. Open from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Brad’s offers a menu of chopped pork, ribs and other barbecue favorites topped with their flavorful homemade sauce as well as Southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, baked beans and pecan pie. Plus, there’s fried catfish on the menu too if you’re looking to mix it up.
Bama Bob’s BBQ
3758 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile
A meal at
Bama Bob’s BBQ
in Mobile is a hard one to forget, and not just because the restaurant’s unique decor includes a giant bull head mounted to the entrance. Nope, it’s the flavorful food, including pulled pork, ribs, wings, brisket and more served alongside sides like mashed potatoes, okra and green beans, that has likely made Bama Bob’s, which is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, such a standout among its customers. Whatever you order, just don’t forget to save room for its banana pudding or funnel cake fries too.
Fat Man’s Bar B Que
10179 Old U.S. Highway 231 in Cropwell
For a great meal in a comfortable setting,
Fat Man’s Bar B Que
in the small town of Cropwell is always a good choice. The family-owned restaurant, open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, offers a variety of barbecue and Southern dishes including barbecue sandwiches, salads and plates as well as ribs, wings, burgers, country fried steak, catfish, its popular “Piggy Fries” and more. Plus, there are plenty of homemade sides and desserts, including chocolate silk pie, to pick from.
Buddy’s BBQ
103 Haynes Street in Talladega
Buddy’s BBQ
in Talladega is a barbecue joint that got plenty of shout-outs when we asked readers for their suggestions, and if you’ve eaten there, it’s easy to understand why. The casual restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, features a menu that changes daily but often includes everything from barbecue favorites like brisket, pulled pork, ribs and smoked chicken to Southern classics like fried catfish, hamburger steak and more.
MaePop’s Barbecue
3010 Notasulga Road in Tallassee
Looking for a barbecue spot that’s got a little something extra going on? Head over to
MaePop’s Barbecue
in Tallassee, where you can find signature dishes like the “Kuntry Bumpkin Bowl” and “Cheesy Heifer” sandwich alongside classics like pulled pork and sliced brisket. Plus, there’s loaded nachos, BBQ mac and cheese and more on the menu, but you’ll have to act fast. Open for lunch Wednesday through Saturday as well as dinner on Thursday and Friday, MaePop’s Barbecue has been known to sell out before closing time.
Uncle Sam’s Barbeque
3043 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive in Hueytown
Fans of
Uncle Sam’s Barbeque
in Hueytown think the popular restaurant has it all, and they’re not wrong. From sandwiches to jumbo potatoes, salads, fries, plates and more, Uncle Sam’s, which opens its doors at 10 am. seven days a week, serves it piled high with your choice of pork, beef and chicken. And that’s not even mentioning all the delicious sides, like potato salad, onion rings and more as well as the homemade pies, including chocolate, coconut and lemon, you can buy the slice or whole while you’re there.
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