When it comes to barbecue, Birmingham, Alabama, is a city that knows how to serve up smoky, savory, and succulent dishes.
Rooted in deep Southern traditions, Birmingham’s barbecue scene offers a delightful blend of flavors and techniques that cater to both locals and visitors.
Here’s an expanded look at the best five barbecue restaurants that should be on your must-visit list.
1. Saw’s BBQ
Location: 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
Signature Dish: Pork and Greens
Saw’s BBQ is a staple in Birmingham’s culinary scene, known for its casual atmosphere and exceptional food.
Opened by Mike Wilson, a former test kitchen chef at Cooking Light, Saw’s BBQ quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality, flavorful dishes.
The Pork and Greens is a standout dish, featuring tender pulled pork atop a bed of cheesy grits and greens, all topped with crispy onion strings.
Their menu also includes a range of other barbecue staples like smoked chicken, ribs, and their famous Carolina-style pulled pork.
Saw’s BBQ’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and their expert smoking techniques make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. Dreamland Bar-B-Que
Location: 1427 14th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Signature Dish: Ribs
Dreamland Bar-B-Que has a storied history, originating from Tuscaloosa in 1958, when John “Big Daddy” Bishop started serving ribs that quickly became legendary.
The Birmingham location continues the legacy with its mouthwatering ribs, served with a simple yet delectable sauce that enhances the natural smoky flavor of the meat.
The ambiance of Dreamland is quintessentially Southern, with rustic décor and a friendly atmosphere.
In addition to their famous ribs, Dreamland offers a variety of sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Their banana pudding is also a local favorite, providing a perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.
3. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
Location: 1908 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Signature Dish: Cheese Biscuits and Pulled Pork
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q combines traditional barbecue with a touch of Southern hospitality.
Founded in 1985 by father-son duo Jim and Nick Pihakis, the restaurant has expanded while maintaining its dedication to quality and community.
Their pulled pork is slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
What sets Jim ‘N Nick’s apart are their cheese biscuits, which are light, fluffy, and addictively delicious.
These biscuits, served warm, are a perfect complement to their savory meats.
Jim ‘N Nick’s also offers a variety of other barbecue dishes, including beef brisket, smoked sausage, and spare ribs, all cooked with the same dedication to flavor and quality.
4. Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Location: 3719 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Signature Dish: Whole Hog BBQ
Rodney Scott’s BBQ brings the flavors of South Carolina to Birmingham, focusing on whole hog barbecue.
Rodney Scott, a James Beard Award-winning pitmaster, has perfected the art of barbecue, and his Birmingham location delivers dishes that are both authentic and innovative.
The meat is cooked low and slow, ensuring it is infused with a deep, smoky flavor.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a modern twist on traditional barbecue décor.
In addition to their signature whole hog barbecue, Rodney Scott’s offers a variety of sides that are equally impressive.
The pork rinds are a crispy, savory snack, while the mac and cheese provides a creamy, comforting side dish.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ is a testament to the art of slow cooking and the rich tradition of Southern barbecue.
5. Full Moon Bar-B-Que
Location: 525 25th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Signature Dish: Half Moon Cookies and Brisket
Full Moon Bar-B-Que offers a wide variety of barbecue dishes, but their brisket is particularly noteworthy.
Slow-cooked and seasoned to perfection, the brisket is tender and flavorful, melting in your mouth with each bite.
Founded by Pat and Chris McLemore in 1986, Full Moon has grown to become a beloved barbecue destination in Birmingham.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional smoking techniques.
Full Moon is also famous for their Half Moon Cookies—decadent treats that combine chocolate and vanilla for a sweet finish.
These cookies are the perfect way to end a hearty barbecue meal.
With a diverse menu that includes everything from smoked turkey to pork ribs, Full Moon Bar-B-Que is a favorite among Birmingham barbecue enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Birmingham, Alabama, boasts a vibrant barbecue scene that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Each of these top five barbecue spots offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Saw’s BBQ stands out with its creative dishes like Pork and Greens, while Dreamland Bar-B-Que offers a nostalgic taste of classic ribs.
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q impresses with its cheese biscuits and pulled pork, and Rodney Scott’s BBQ delivers an authentic whole hog experience.
Full Moon Bar-B-Que rounds out the list with its mouthwatering brisket and signature Half Moon Cookies.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these barbecue restaurants are sure to leave you craving more of Birmingham’s best.
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