24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot

Reading time: 9 minutes

Saw's BBQ, Edgewood
When you’re in the mood for barbecue, Saw’s is a must-visit spot. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Birmingham knows barbecue. From smoky ribs to slow-cooked pork and house-made sauces, the city is full of tasty spots. Whether you’re after a classic plate with all the fixings or a spin on the basics, we rounded up 24 BBQ joints worth sinking your teeth into.

Keep reading for all the best spots to get BBQ around the Birmingham area.

1. Archie’s Bar-B-Que & Burgers

Formerly Golden Rule, this Hoover location changed its name in 2020 to become Archie’s Bar-B-Q & Burgers. Still under the same management, the food is just as tasty as always. 

Top choice: Jumbo pork sandwich with sweet & sour coleslaw. Don’t forget the sweet tea!

*Golden Rule is still in business in Trussville and Irondale. Scroll to #9 for the details.

Where: 1571 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35216
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-8PM | Sunday 11AM-8PM
Website

2. Bob Sykes Bar-B-Que

From pit to plate, Bob Sykes is a Bessemer staple cooking up delicious barbecue and homemade sides. Enjoy combos like the Big Bob Special with large barbecue sandwich, choice of two sides and a drink.

Top choice: Smoked turkey sandwich

Where: 1724 9th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30AM-8:30PM | Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Buc-ee’s

Bucees 44 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
Buc-ee’s has surprisingly good brisket sandwiches. (Bham Now)

A convenience store may not seem like the ideal place to order barbecue, but when it comes to Buc-ee’s in Leeds, we all know rules don’t apply.

Top choice: Brisket sandwich

Where: 6900 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Leeds, AL 35094
Hours:
Open 24 hours
Website
| Facebook | Instagram

4. Carlile’s BBQ

Carliles BBQ 100 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
Carlile’s BBQ (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

“Where every butt counts.” If Carlile’s slogan doesn’t draw you in, their menu definitely will. Filled with favorites like smoked brisket, fried pickles and ribs, this downtown Birmingham staple has been around for over 70 years– and they know a thing or two about barbecue.

Top choice: BBQ chicken sandwich with Carlile’s sauce

Where: 3511 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30AM-3PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. Creekside BBQ

Creekside BBQ
To-die-for mac ‘n cheese. (Cecilia Wood / Bham Now)

Located in Pelham, this spot offers a variety of smoked meats, such as Alabama-style chicken, North Carolina pork and Memphis-kissed ribs. Throw in chef-inspired sides, soulful music and good vibes and Creekside will be your new favorite barbecue pitstop.

Top choice: Pork plate with a side of feta potato salad

Where: 1020 Oak Mountain Park Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-9PM | Sunday 11AM-3PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. Demetri’s BBQ

Demetri’s BBQ has been serving up all things delicious in Birmingham for over 50 years. With daily specials and incredible flavors, people come from all over to experience what makes this restaurant a beloved spot.

Top choice: Pork plate with a side of coconut cream pie

Where: 1901 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6AM-4:30PM | Sunday 9:30AM-2PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

7. Dreamland BBQ

Screenshot 2025 07 30 at 11.29.12 AM 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
Dreamland BBQ (Madison MacMullen / Bama Buzz)

You’ll love whatever you order from this well-known barbecue joint. From ribs to Southern sides and their famous sauce, Dreamland has it all. Our favorites? You can’t miss the fried green tomatoes and banana pudding.

Top choice: Hickory-smoked ribs

Where: Dreamland BBQ Southside | Dreamland BBQ 280
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday 10AM-10PM
Website
| Facebook | Instagram

8. Full Moon BBQ

Full Moon 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
Full Moon has tons of tasty bites for you to try. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Full Moon BBQ is known for their delicious Southern-style eats. With Hickory wood-fired pits and fresh ingredients, Full Moon is a one-stop-shop for BBQ lovers. Don’t skip their famous chow-chow and homemade chocolate, coconut or key lime pies.

Top choice: The Big Baker– it’s huge and you’ll devour every bite

Where: Locations
Hours: Varies by location
Website | Facebook | Instagram

9. Golden Rule 

BBQ
Golden Rule BBQ in Irondale (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

One of the oldest barbecue restaurants in Alabama, Golden Rule has been in business since 1891. While they’re under new ownership as of 2023, the menu still has the same old classics. What are they known for? Their delicious pit-cooked barbecue and banana pudding. 

Top choice: Hickory chicken sandwich

Where: 2504 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday 7AM-8PM | Sunday 11AM-7PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

10. Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Que

IMG 3754 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
Jim ‘N Nicks has locations all around the Birmingham area. (Bham Now)

Thanks to their mind-blowing cheese biscuits, I will always be a Jim ‘N Nicks fan. While I could make a meal of just these delectable biscuits, there are plenty more delicious classics on the menu to try like Beef Brisket and Classic Spare Ribs.

Top choice: BBQ Chicken with white sauce + side of BBQ corn on the cob

Where: Locations
Hours: Varies by location
Website | Facebook | Instagram

11. Ken’s Hickory Pit Barbecue

Barbecue pork, chicken, smoked sausage and more can be found at Ken’s Hickory Pit Barbecue. This neighborhood nook is a great place to grab a quick bite and satisfy your cravings for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Top choice: BBQ chicken plate

Where: 4437 Pinson Valley Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35215
Hours:
Monday-Wednesday 5:30AM-6PM | Thursday-Friday 5:30AM-7PM | Saturday 6AM-5:30PM
Facebook

12. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

An order of ribs, french fries and mac n cheese from Martin's BBQ
This could feed me for two dinners. (Martin’s BBQ’s on Facebook)

Fresh barbecue made daily, check out Martin’s menu full of classics like brisket, smoked bologna and fried catfish. Want to switch it up? Try the redneck taco– a cornbread hoecake with your choice of smoked meat and topped with slaw and Jack’s Creek sauce.

Need enough to serve a crowd? Martin’s offers catering feasts that serve any size crowd. Including a variety of smoked meats such as ribs, turkey and brisket, as well as classic Southern sides, and sweet treats, view the full menu here.

Top choice: Smoked chicken wings

Where: 3029 Pump House Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Hours: Daily, 11AM-9PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

13. Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q

Miss Myra's BBQ Chicken
Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q’s white sauce is always a top pick. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Located in the heart of Cahaba Heights, you’ll find Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q. Since 1984, Miss Myra’s been serving up some of Birmingham’s best pit barbecue and homemade desserts—including their signature white sauce.

Top choice: Pork sandwich with deviled eggs + banana pudding for dessert.

Where: 3278 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday 10AM-9PM
Website | Facebook

14. Moe’s Original BBQ

Moe's BBQ, wings
Moe’s BBQ wings (Patience Itson / Bham Now)

Love wings? Moe’s offers crispy smoked wings in mild or make-you-sweat spicy. Don’t skip the cornbread—it’s delicious. Our favorite? The redneck nachos– BBQ chips topped with pork, jalapeños, onions, scallions, BBQ sauce and queso.

Top choice: Redneck nachos

Where: Locations
Hours: Varies by location
Website | Facebook | Instagram

15. Rodney Scott’s

Birmingham, Alabama, Avondale, Rodney Scott's BBQ
Pulled Pork Plate at Rodney Scott’s BBQ. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

It’s nearly impossible to have a barbecue guide without mentioning Rodney Scott’s. Here you’ll find South Carolina-style vinegar-based barbecue that will have you craving more.

Top choice: Smoked chicken wings

Where: 2701 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209 (Homewood) | 312 Main St, Trussville, AL 35173 (Trussville)
Hours:
Daily, 11AM-9PM
Website
| Facebook | Instagram

16. Uncle Sam’s BBQ

If you find yourself in Hueytown, make a pitstop at Uncle Sam’s BBQ. Smoking meats is their specialty– stop by for daily specials featuring everything from rib plates to pork or chicken sandwich plates.

Top choice: Rib & chicken plate

Where: 3043 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr, Hueytown, AL 35023
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-8PM | Sunday 10AM-7PM
Website

17. Saw’s

Saw's BBQ
Saw’s BBQ never lets us down. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Whether you choose to eat at Saw’s BBQ, Soul Kitchen or Saw’s Juke Joint, you’ll be glad you paid them a visit. Enjoy all the barbecue essentials like pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken plates and all the sides.

Top choice: Smoked chicken with white sauce

Where: Locations
Website | Facebook | Instagram

18. Roadside BBQ

This BBQ joint is the real deal. If you’re ever traveling down 1st Avenue North through East Lake looking for lunch, stop by Roadside. Serving up fan favorites like St. Louis style ribs and hickory smoked wings with Alabama white sauce, you’ll clean the plate at Roadside.

Top choice: Smoked chicken with white sauce

Where: 7303 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30AM-5:30PM

Website

19. Rusty’s Bar-B-Q

Rustys BBQ 2 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
If you’re ever in Leeds, give Rusty’s a try. (Bham Now)

Barbecue lovers in Leeds know and love this spot—Rusty’s Bar-B-Q. For 16 years, they’ve been serving up pit-smoked barbecue along with a lineup of hearty sides and sweet desserts.

Top choice: Rib plate & potato salad

20. The Pit BBQ

The Pit BBQ is a classic hole-in-the-wall bbq joint that’s sure to hit the spot for barbecue fans. While the barbecue sandwiches draw plenty of attention, don’t sleep on the breakfast sandwiches—word on the street is that they’re some of the best.

Top choice: Barbecue pork sandwich

21. Burning Tree

Burning Tree BBQ / Lakeview
Ribs & brisket tacos at Burning Tree (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Burning Tree is a fresh face on Birmingham’s barbecue scene and it’s already getting plenty of buzz. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an easy spot to settle in—and the brisket is definitely worth a try.

Top choice: Brisket tacos

22. The Barbecue Stop

If you’re after a laid-back spot with homestyle food and a relaxed atmosphere, the Barbecue Stop in Pinson is worth a visit. Swing by and try the rib plate—it’s a local favorite.

Top choice: Rib plate with fries & coleslaw

23. Big Doon’s BBQ

Big Doons BBQ 105 24 Birmingham BBQ joints that hit the spot
Big Doon’s wing combo. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Big Doon’s in Birmingham dishes out Southern-style barbecue with all the comfort and flavor you’d expect. From tender smoked meats to classic sides, it’s an easygoing spot that keeps things simple and satisfying.

Top choice: Rib plate with coleslaw & baked beans

24. Brother Paul’s BBQ

From tender pulled pork to savory ribs and classic sides, Brother Paul’s is a neighborhood favorite. Located in Alabaster, they have a variety of tender & juicy options to choose from.

Top choice: BBQ pork sack lunch

Did we miss one of your favorites barbecue spots? Let us know who you love by tagging us on social @BhamNow.

Makenzi Fultz
Makenzi Fultz
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