Burning Tree BBQ / Lakeview — Owner Warren Webster inside Burning Tree Smokehouse. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

There’s a new barbecue joint in the Magic City, and you don’t even need the address—just follow your nose.

We caught up with owner and local BBQ veteran Warren Webster to learn more about Birmingham’s new fast-casual Southern barbecue restaurant: Burning Tree Smokehouse.

Burning Tree Smokehouse now open in Pepper Place

About a week ago, I started smelling something delicious on my drive to work, and I’ve finally pinpointed the source: Burning Tree Smokehouse.

Located at 3090 3rd Ave S near Pepper Place, Burning Tree Smokehouse is a brand-new restaurant affiliated with the Fatback Pig Project, a pork farm and processing plant owned by Fresh Hospitality Group. You may recognize them as the group behind restaurants like Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Martin’s Bar-B-Q Joint, Biscuit Love and Big Bad Breakfast.

While building out its new processing plant in Birmingham, the Fatback Pig Project realized they had enough space for a restaurant—and Burning Tree Smokehouse is the result.

Leading operations at Burning Tree Smokehouse is Warren Webster, a longtime pitmaster who spent the past 35 years perfecting the art of barbecue at Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q.

“I started at Jim N’ Nick’s back in 1991 and worked at multiple locations over the years; I spent the last 20 years at the Trussville location as assistant general manager.”
Warren Webster, Owner-Operator, Burning Tree Smokehouse

What’s on the menu?

The menu—hand-written on parchment paper above the counter—features a mix of barbecue classics like brisket, turkey, pork and ribs. You’ll also find a variety of sandwiches, tacos and sides like slaw, beans, fries and a rotating side of the week.

Webster recommends first-timers try the Brisket Taco or Brisket & Gravy.

“We use beef tallow to season our tortilla shells and barbecue rub to give the Brisket Tacos a unique twist. Our loaded Brisket & Gravy comes with fries, topped with gravy and chopped brisket and shredded cheese.”
Warren Webster, Owner-Operator, Burning Tree Smokehouse

For my first visit, I sprung for a couple of Brisket Tacos and a BBQ Rib Sandwich—and it’s hard to pick a favorite!