10 Hidden Alabama BBQ Joints That Could Hold Their Own Against The Best In The South
Texas and the Carolinas might hog the BBQ headlines, but Alabama has its own smoky secrets waiting to be uncovered.
In the Yellowhammer State, tucked between bustling cities and backroads, pitmasters have been perfecting their recipes for decades, often in little joints you’d miss if you blinked while driving by.
These spots don’t need flashy signs or national hype – their ribs, pulled pork, and tangy sauces speak louder than any billboard, holding their own against the South’s most famous barbecue legends.
1. Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q: Florence’s Hot-Slaw Haven
Tucked away in Florence since the 1970s, this family-run stand has locals lining up for their legendary hot-slaw dogs. The magic happens when they pile their spicy, vinegar-based cabbage mixture atop perfectly smoked pork.
My grandpa first brought me here when I was eight, and that first bite of their hot-slaw sandwich changed my understanding of what barbecue could be. Their simple storefront belies the complexity of flavors waiting inside.
2. Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack: Jacksonville’s Dry-Rub Specialist
Housed in a rustic log cabin, Cooter Brown’s has been Jacksonville’s worst-kept secret for years. Their dry-rub ribs develop a beautiful bark during slow smoking, creating a perfect crust without drowning the meat in sauce. The smoky aroma hits you before you even park your car.
Regulars know to order the wings alongside those ribs – they’re jumbo-sized and treated with the same reverence as the main attraction. Even on weeknights, expect a crowd of loyal followers.
3. Leo & Susie’s Famous Green Top Bar-B-Q: Dora’s Roadside Legend
The original mint-green building along Highway 78 was a landmark from the early 1950s, but after a 2022 fire, Green Top relocated to a new space in Dora along Highway 78.
Green Top’s chopped pork sandwich comes on plain white bread that soaks up their tangy sauce perfectly. When I was in college, we’d drive 40 minutes just for their stuffed BBQ potato – a mountain of tender pork, cheese, and sauce atop a perfectly baked spud.
The current owners maintain the same recipes that made this place famous decades ago. Their white sauce option offers a North Alabama twist on tradition.
4. Chuck Wagon Texas BBQ: Bringing Brisket to Madison
Texans who relocate to North Alabama often despair of finding proper brisket, until locals point them to Chuck Wagon. This small, unassuming spot has been smoking meat Texas-style since 2004.
The brisket emerges from their smokers with a perfect black bark and pink smoke ring. Each slice maintains just enough fat to melt in your mouth without being greasy.
Their smoked chicken wings prove they’ve mastered more than just beef, with crisp skin and tender meat that barely clings to the bone.
5. Smokey C’s: Decatur’s Lunchtime-Only Treasure
Blink and you might miss your chance at Smokey C’s. Open only during lunch hours on weekdays, this Decatur gem creates a daily feeding frenzy among locals in the know.
I once rescheduled an important meeting just to make it there before they closed at 2 PM. Their BBQ Tater Bowl – loaded with pulled pork, cheese, and sauce – was worth every bit of the schedule juggling.
Their limited hours aren’t a gimmick but a necessity; they sell out almost daily.
6. Down South BBQ: Foley’s Coastal Smokehouse
Near Alabama’s beaches sits a tiny shack where barbecue and coastal living merge beautifully. Down South BBQ operates on their own schedule – typically just Thursday through Saturday – making each visit feel like a special occasion.
Their pulled pork carries subtle hickory notes that complement rather than overpower the meat. Tourists often drive right past this unassuming spot, leaving more room for locals who plan their weekends around these limited hours.
The early birds catch the best cuts before they sell out.
7. BBQ 65: Greenville’s Interstate Oasis
Most interstate barbecue spots cater to travelers passing through, but BBQ 65 in Greenville draws locals from miles around. Positioned perfectly at Exit 128 off I-65, this joint serves as both a convenient pit stop and destination dining.
Their pulled pork plates come with two generous sides – the collard greens alone justify the drive. Unlike many highway restaurants, nothing here tastes rushed or mass-produced.
Each meat portion bears the hallmarks of proper slow-smoking: tender texture, pink smoke ring, and authentic flavor.
8. Brenda’s Bar-B-Q Pit: Montgomery’s Historic West Side Gem
Since 1942, Brenda’s has been smoking meat in the capital city’s west side. This historic pit survived the Civil Rights era and continues serving exceptional barbecue to a devoted following.
The pig-ear sandwich might raise eyebrows among first-timers, but adventurous eaters find themselves returning specifically for this specialty.
On my first visit, I watched the pitmaster pull ribs from the smoke with bare hands calloused from decades of heat.
Their chopped pork on light bread represents barbecue in its purest, most traditional Alabama form.
9. Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot: Selma’s Reborn Classic
After a brief hiatus, Selma celebrated when Lannie’s reopened in 2024, bringing back their famous Swampburger and corn fritters. This neighborhood institution blends traditional barbecue with unique offerings you won’t find elsewhere.
The pork sandwich comes dressed with a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between vinegar tang and tomato sweetness.
Their corn fritters, golden-brown puffs of cornmeal magic, complement the smoky meats perfectly. Families often gather here after church, continuing a tradition spanning generations.
10. 13th Street Bar-Be-Que: Phenix City’s Multi-Location Mainstay
Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, 13th Street Bar-Be-Que has quietly built an empire of low-key locations serving consistent, excellent barbecue. The downtown Phenix City spot feels like stepping back in time, with wood-paneled walls and the constant hum of local conversation.
Their signature sauce, slightly thinner than most commercial varieties, penetrates deep into the chopped pork. Brunswick stew here isn’t an afterthought but a star in its own right, packed with smoked meat and vegetables.
Even Georgia folks cross the bridge for this Alabama barbecue.