14 Alabama BBQ Joints Known For Their Signature White Sauce
Alabama has a barbecue tradition all its own, and nothing defines it like the tangy, creamy white sauce that locals swear by.
Across the state, from riverside towns to bustling city corners, pitmasters serve smoked meats slathered in this signature sauce that turns every bite into a flavor-packed experience.
Families gather, friends linger, and the aroma of hickory smoke signals that something special is on the grill.
In Alabama, barbecue is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of technique, history, and bold flavor.
These 14 joints have mastered the art, making white sauce not just a condiment but a legend worth chasing.
1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q — Decatur, Alabama
Legends aren’t born overnight, but this place came pretty close when Big Bob Gibson dunked a whole chicken into a bucket of his newly invented white sauce back in 1925.
Located at 1715 6th Avenue SE in Decatur, this iconic spot operates from a rustic red brick building that looks like it has witnessed nearly a century of BBQ excellence.
The Championship Pork Shoulder and the famous white sauce-drenched chicken remain the most ordered items on the menu.
Generations of pitmasters have kept Bob’s original recipe alive, winning over 600 BBQ competition awards along the way.
The dining room features walls covered with trophies, plaques, and newspaper clippings celebrating their victories.
Visitors often marvel at how the tangy sauce perfectly complements the smoky meat without overpowering it.
The building’s simple design keeps the focus squarely on what matters most: authentic Alabama BBQ done right.
2. Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q — Cahaba Heights, Alabama
Walking into this family-run gem feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, except Grandma’s serving championship-level BBQ instead of casseroles.
Miss Myra’s sits at 3278 Cahaba Heights Road in Cahaba Heights, housed in a charming cottage-style building with a welcoming front porch that invites you inside.
Their pulled chicken plate with white sauce has achieved legendary status among Birmingham-area BBQ lovers.
Founded in 1984, this spot earned its reputation by keeping things simple and delicious.
The interior features cozy wooden tables and homestyle decor that creates an intimate, comfortable atmosphere.
What started as a small operation has grown into one of Alabama’s most beloved BBQ destinations without losing its personal touch.
The white sauce here strikes a perfect balance between tangy and creamy, making every bite memorable.
Regulars swear by the ribs and smoked turkey, both served with generous portions of that signature sauce.
3. SAW’s BBQ — Homewood, Alabama
Mike Wilson opened this joint in 2009 and immediately started racking up accolades that would make any pitmaster jealous.
SAW’s BBQ operates from 1008 Oxmoor Road in Homewood, occupying a modern industrial-style space with exposed brick and metal accents that give it an urban edge.
The pulled pork with white sauce and the smoked chicken wings are absolute must-tries.
This place proves that newer establishments can honor Alabama traditions while adding their own creative spin.
The open kitchen layout lets diners watch the magic happen in real time.
Southern Living magazine named SAW’s one of the South’s best BBQ spots, and locals agree wholeheartedly.
The white sauce here has a bit more kick than traditional versions, appealing to those who like extra flavor.
Weekend lines stretch out the door, but the wait is always worth it for meat this perfectly smoked and sauced.
4. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ — Homewood, Alabama
Whole hog BBQ might be a Carolinas tradition, but Rodney Scott brought his award-winning expertise to Alabama and added white sauce to the mix.
Find this James Beard Award-winning establishment at 1919 28th Avenue South in Homewood, where the sleek contemporary building features large windows and a welcoming outdoor patio.
The whole hog platter with Alabama white sauce showcases the best of both BBQ worlds.
Scott’s commitment to cooking whole hogs over wood fires for hours creates incredibly tender, flavorful meat.
The dining space combines modern design with BBQ joint casualness, creating a unique atmosphere.
His famous banana pudding provides the perfect sweet ending after all that savory goodness.
The white sauce option here respects Alabama tradition while honoring Scott’s Carolina roots.
Celebrity chefs and food critics regularly make pilgrimages here to taste what authentic craftsmanship tastes like.
5. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q — Birmingham, Alabama
Starting as a single location in 1985, this Birmingham-born chain has spread across the South while keeping Alabama white sauce front and center.
The original location at 1908 11th Avenue South in Birmingham features a spacious layout with comfortable booth seating and rustic wood paneling throughout.
Their cheese biscuits and pulled pork sandwiches with white sauce have become signature items that keep customers coming back.
Jim ‘N Nick’s popularized white sauce beyond Alabama borders, introducing countless people to this regional specialty.
The restaurant’s design balances casual comfort with enough polish to feel special for any occasion.
Each location smokes meat fresh daily, maintaining quality across all their restaurants.
The white sauce here leans toward the traditional tangy profile that made Alabama BBQ famous.
Their commitment to community involvement and consistent quality has built a loyal following spanning multiple generations of BBQ lovers.
6. Full Moon Bar-B-Que — Birmingham, Alabama
Since 1996, this spot has been perfecting the art of slow-smoked meats paired with their exceptional take on white sauce.
Located at 3021 Lorna Road in Hoover, Full Moon operates from a building designed to resemble a classic Southern roadhouse with plenty of parking and outdoor seating areas.
The baby back ribs and smoked chicken with white sauce top the list of customer favorites.
Founder David Durrence grew up in the restaurant business and brought that experience to every aspect of Full Moon.
The interior features warm lighting, wooden tables, and BBQ memorabilia that creates an inviting, relaxed environment.
Multiple locations now serve the Birmingham area, but the quality remains consistently excellent across all spots.
Their white sauce recipe balances creaminess with just enough tang and pepper to keep things interesting.
The restaurant also offers catering services that bring Alabama BBQ tradition to weddings, parties, and corporate events throughout the region.
7. Lawlers Barbecue — Athens, Alabama
Family recipes passed down through generations form the foundation of everything served at this Athens institution.
Situated at 1506 US Hwy 72 E in Athens, LawLers occupies a simple, no-frills building that puts all the emphasis on the food rather than fancy decor.
The BBQ chicken with their homemade white sauce has been a local favorite for decades.
Opened in the 1970s, this spot has remained true to its roots while other places came and went.
The modest interior features basic tables and chairs, proving that great BBQ doesn’t need elaborate surroundings.
Locals know to arrive early on weekends because once the meat sells out, they close for the day.
The white sauce recipe here stays close to traditional Alabama style with a slightly sweeter finish.
This place embodies the authentic, unpretentious spirit of small-town Alabama BBQ at its finest and most delicious.
8. Ted’s Bar-B-Q — Huntsville, Alabama
Operating since 1987, Ted’s has become a Huntsville staple where locals bring out-of-town visitors to experience real Alabama BBQ.
You’ll find Ted’s at 4800 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville, housed in a casual brick building with a large dining room that accommodates families and large groups easily.
The BBQ chicken plate with white sauce and their smoked turkey are menu standouts.
Ted Bellas started this restaurant with a commitment to quality that still guides operations today.
The straightforward interior design keeps diners focused on the star attraction: perfectly smoked meat with incredible sauce.
Their white sauce has a devoted following among Huntsville residents who grew up eating here.
The restaurant maintains a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere where staff members often know regular customers by name.
Reasonable prices and generous portions make Ted’s a go-to spot for feeding hungry families without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.
9. New Market BBQ — New Market, Alabama
Tucked away in the small town of New Market, this BBQ joint punches way above its weight class in flavor and quality.
Located at 5601 Winchester Road in New Market, the restaurant operates from a modest building that might be easy to miss if not for the steady stream of cars in the parking lot.
Their pulled pork and chicken with white sauce draw crowds from Huntsville and beyond.
What this place lacks in size, it more than makes up for with perfectly seasoned, slow-smoked meats.
The cozy interior features simple decor that creates a welcoming small-town vibe.
Many customers claim the white sauce here ranks among the best in North Alabama, with a creamy texture and bold flavor.
The friendly service and reasonable prices add to the overall appeal.
Despite being off the beaten path, New Market BBQ has built a reputation that brings BBQ enthusiasts from across the region to this tiny town.
10. Boarhog’s Barbeque — Huntsville, Alabama
Competition-level BBQ techniques meet Alabama tradition at this Huntsville favorite that takes smoking meat seriously.
Boarhog’s sits at 2118 Hwy 72 E in Huntsville, operating from a building with a rustic exterior and comfortable interior dining space.
The smoked wings with white sauce and the pulled pork sandwich rank as customer favorites.
Pitmaster experience from the competition circuit translates into consistently excellent food that satisfies even the pickiest BBQ fans.
The restaurant features a laid-back atmosphere with BBQ-themed decorations and a welcoming staff.
Their white sauce recipe adds a peppery kick that complements the smoky meat perfectly.
Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and the sides hold their own against the star attractions.
Regular customers appreciate the attention to detail that goes into every plate, from meat selection to cooking time to final presentation with that signature white sauce drizzled on top.
11. RD’s Smokehouse Barbecue — Harvest, Alabama
Authentic wood-fired smoking creates the incredible flavor that makes RD’s a destination worth seeking out in Harvest.
Current listings show 1811 Nick Davis Road and 5522 Old Railroad Bed Road in Harvest for RD’s, so “13640 Highway 53” appears outdated.
The smoked chicken with white sauce and the brisket plate are menu highlights.
RD’s commitment to traditional smoking methods means longer cooking times but results in superior taste and texture.
The interior combines country comfort with practical BBQ joint functionality.
Their white sauce stays true to Alabama roots while offering enough personality to stand out from other versions.
Friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere make first-time visitors feel like regulars.
The restaurant’s location in Harvest provides a more relaxed, small-town dining experience compared to busier Huntsville spots.
Locals treasure this place as their go-to for authentic Alabama BBQ done the old-fashioned way with care and patience.
12. Rick’s Barbecue — Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Musicians from the famous Muscle Shoals recording studios have been fueling their creativity with Rick’s BBQ for years.
Find Rick’s at 2501 Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals, where the unassuming building houses some seriously good smoked meats and white sauce.
The BBQ plate with chicken and ribs showcases their smoking skills perfectly.
This spot has earned its reputation through consistent quality and generous portions that satisfy hungry customers.
The casual interior provides a comfortable space to enjoy your meal without pretension.
Their white sauce recipe leans toward the tangier side, cutting through the richness of smoked meats beautifully.
Local residents consider Rick’s an essential part of the Muscle Shoals food scene.
The restaurant serves as a gathering place where community members share meals and conversations over plates of authentic Alabama BBQ.
Reasonable prices and reliable quality keep customers returning week after week for their BBQ fix.
13. Bark & Barrel BBQ — Huntsville, Alabama
Modern BBQ innovation meets Alabama tradition at this Huntsville newcomer that’s already making waves in the local food scene.
Located at 3414 Governors Drive SW in Huntsville (Stovehouse), Bark & Barrel operates from a contemporary setting with industrial-chic design elements throughout.
The smoked brisket and chicken wings with white sauce demonstrate their mastery of both Texas and Alabama BBQ styles.
The restaurant’s name refers to the crispy bark that forms on perfectly smoked meat, showing their attention to detail.
Stylish interior design featuring metal accents and modern lighting creates an upscale-casual atmosphere.
Their take on white sauce respects tradition while adding subtle creative touches that make it memorable.
Craft beer selections pair wonderfully with the smoky, saucy meats.
Despite being newer to the scene, Bark & Barrel has quickly built a following among Huntsville BBQ enthusiasts who appreciate quality and innovation working together harmoniously.
14. Moe’s Original BBQ — Mobile, Alabama
Southern hospitality meets serious BBQ expertise at this Mobile location that brings Alabama white sauce to the Gulf Coast.
Moe’s is listed in Mobile at 701 Spring Hill Avenue, housed in a spacious setting with plenty of indoor seating.
The pulled pork nachos with white sauce and the smoked chicken wings are crowd-pleasers.
Founded in 2001, Moe’s has expanded throughout the South while maintaining quality and authenticity.
The restaurant features a casual, family-friendly environment with Southern charm and BBQ-themed decor.
Their white sauce offers a creamy, tangy complement to every smoked meat on the menu.
The full bar serves up cold drinks that pair perfectly with spicy, smoky BBQ.
Live music on select nights adds entertainment to the dining experience, making Moe’s more than just a restaurant.
Consistent quality and generous portions have made this a favorite among Mobile residents and visitors exploring Alabama’s BBQ traditions.