11 BBQ Restaurants In Alabama That Serve White Sauce
Alabama white sauce isn’t your typical BBQ condiment.
This mayo-based, tangy-peppery sauce might raise eyebrows at first glance, but one taste can transform doubters into devoted fans. From its birthplace in Decatur to hidden gems across the state, these 11 spots serve up white sauce magic that’ll make you wonder why you waited so long to try it.
1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur
Holy smokes! After more than a century, the origin of Alabama white sauce continues to hold its dominance. Big Bob himself created this peppery, tangy mayo concoction back in 1925.
It’s like seeing culinary history as they dip freshly smoked birds into vats of this creamy concoction. More trophies than a Little League display case have been amassed by their championship pitmasters!
2. SAW’s BBQ – Birmingham
Where smoke meets sauce in a heavenly marriage! SAW’s might look unassuming from outside, but inside awaits flavor that’ll knock your socks clean off.
Their wings, oh those wings, arrive gloriously smothered in white sauce with just enough kick to make you smile. The tiny Homewood joint often sports lines out the door, but trust me, it’s worth every minute of waiting.
3. Rusty’s BBQ – Leeds
Tucked away in Leeds sits this gem where pit-cooked perfection meets white sauce wizardry. Rusty’s serves honest-to-goodness flavor bombs without any pretentious embellishments.
The luscious white sauce that their chicken nearly floats in has the ideal ratio of creaminess to tartness. Extra points for making your grandmother envious with their handmade potato salad (don’t tell her I said that, though).
4. Archibald & Woodrow’s – Northport
If walls could talk, these would share decades of BBQ secrets! Family-run since forever, this Northport institution serves white sauce that’ll make you slap your knee with joy.
Before their creamy, peppery demise, their hickory-smoked fowl acquire this beautiful mahogany skin. The white-sauced chicken is what converts more quickly than a revival gathering, even if their ribs made them renowned.
5. Saw’s Juke Joint – Birmingham
Where blues music meets BBQ brilliance! This soulful spot cranks up both flavor and volume, creating an atmosphere that’s half roadhouse, half culinary paradise.
Their wings arrive crispy yet juicy, absolutely swimming in that signature white sauce. Marvel as skeptical out-of-towners transform into white sauce evangelists between bites, often declaring “I never knew chicken could taste like THIS!”
6. Full Moon BBQ – Multiple Locations
It’s been howling since 1986! Even though Full Moon has grown into a mini-chain, they haven’t compromised on quality in their quest for white sauce.
Only after hours of slow cooking does their half-chicken platter have that distinctive smokey taste. For those who are just starting out with white sauce, this dish’s peppery bite will pique your interest without overpowering it.
7. Jim ‘N Nick’s – Birmingham
Fancy meets down-home at this Birmingham staple! While some purists might side-eye a place with cloth napkins, Jim ‘N Nick’s white sauce game is seriously legit.
Their smoked chicken arrives with a side of that heavenly white elixir for dunking or drizzling – dealer’s choice. What sets them apart? The hint of horseradish that gives their sauce an unexpected zing that’ll make your eyebrows shoot up in delighted surprise.
8. Martians BBQ – Birmingham
Talk about out-of-this-world flavor! Before your first mouthful takes you to culinary paradise, this modest location could appear to be just another strip mall restaurant.
The ideal blend of acidic, creamy, and peppery flavors is achieved by their well-balanced white sauce. Known as “Martian” in high school because of his extraordinary basketball abilities, the proprietor uses the same enchantment in his barbecue. You’ll need napkins, so get extra!
9. Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q – Bessemer
Keeping it old-school since 1957! When a place has been smoking meat for over 60 years, you know they’re doing something right.
Their white sauce recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, though rumors suggest a hint of apple cider vinegar gives it that special zing. The chicken practically falls off the bone before getting that glorious white sauce bath. Even die-hard red sauce fans find themselves reaching for seconds!
10. Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot – Selma
History and flavor collide at this Selma institution! Since before many of us were even born, Lannie’s has been providing delicious smoky food.
Unlike its rivals, its white sauce has a touch of sweetness. Before it meets its creamy white end, the chicken is first smoked until it is just right, and then it is finished on the grill for a little more char. Sauce-stained clothing is the badge of pride here, so be prepared!
11. Golden Rule Bar-B-Q – Irondale
Since 1891! Yes, you read that right – Alabama’s oldest continuously operating BBQ joint still brings the white sauce thunder.
Their version leans heavier on the vinegar, creating this perfect pucker-worthy sauce that cuts through smoky richness. While they didn’t invent white sauce (tip hat to Big Bob), they’ve perfected their own take that keeps generations of families coming back. The vintage photos covering the walls tell quite a story!