Birmingham-area spots named among best barbecue chicken in the US
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National food publication The Takeout recently released its list of the 14 best barbecue restaurant chickens in the United States, and the Birmingham metro area claimed two spots.
While pork and brisket usually dominate local smokehouse conversations, these two local joints are getting national recognition for excellence in the art of smoked poultry.
Here is a look at the Birmingham-area restaurants that made the cut, along with another legendary Alabama spot that secured a position on the national list.
Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q serves award-winning flavor in Cahaba Heights
Family-run since 1984, Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q has long been a staple of the Birmingham culinary scene. The Cahaba Heights institution utilizes a custom-built brick pit and hickory wood to slow-smoke its meats.
The Takeout highlighted Miss Myra’s half-chickens, noting the perfect balance of crisp skin and juicy meat. The publication also praised the signature white barbecue sauce, which delivers a distinct tang without overpowering the deep hickory smoke flavor.
The spot has earned fans far beyond Alabama, including four-time James Beard Award winner Andrew Zimmern, who previously named it some of the best barbecue chicken he has ever eaten.
Rusty’s Bar-B-Q brings backyard traditions to Leeds
Located just outside Birmingham in Leeds, Rusty’s Bar-B-Q earned high marks for its tender, wood-smoked chicken. Owner Rusty Tucker combines formal culinary training with the traditional, backyard smoking techniques passed down from his father, The Takeout wrote.
According to the national ranking, the bone-in smoked chicken stands out for its deep smoke penetration and consistent moisture. Local patrons frequently cite it on online forums as a top contender for the best smoked chicken in the state.
- Location: 7484 Parkway Dr, Leeds, AL 35094
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Legendary North Alabama icon completes the state sweep
The Birmingham area was not the only region represented on the national roundup. The Takeout also recognized an iconic brand further north that helped shape the identity of Alabama barbecue.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur
No list of elite smoked chicken would be complete without the birthplace of Alabama white sauce.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur has been a Southern-food-lover’s destination for more than a century. The restaurant is famous for its method of submerging whole hickory-smoked chickens into a vat of mayonnaise-and-vinegar-based white sauce immediately after pulling them from the pit, ensuring the meat remains exceptionally moist.
