Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, y’all. Whether you’re spending it out on the lake, at the pool or at home on your back porch– no holiday weekend is complete without some good old fashioned Southern barbecue.
Keep reading for all the best spots around the Birmingham area to get the best BBQ in town.
This guide was originally created in December 2021 and was last updated in May 2023.
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: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Buc-ee’s
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
“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
Located at Oak Mountain 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-8PM
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
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: Locations
Hours: Varies by location
Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Full Moon BBQ
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
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-Saturday 10:30AM-8PM | Sunday 11AM-7PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Good Ole Boys
Fresh, flavorful and Southern—what more could you ask for in a barbecue joint? Start off with some porky fries or corn nuggets and finish with a little banana pudding.
Top choice: Jumbo wings + porky fries
Where: 16634 US-280, Chelsea, AL 35043
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-8PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Que
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: Bar-B-Q Chicken with white sauce + side of BBQ corn on the cob
Where: Locations
Hours: Varies by location
Website | Facebook | Instagram
12. 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: 4817 Pinson Valley Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35215
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 5:30AM-6PM | Thursday-Friday 5:30AM-7PM | Saturday 6AM-5:30PM
Facebook
13. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
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 is kicking off summer with 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. Pick up your Memorial Day weekend orders anytime between Friday, May 26 and Monday, May 29.
Top choice: Smoked chicken wings
Where: 3029 Pump House Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Hours: Daily, 11AM-9PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
14. Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q
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-Saturday 11AM-7PM
Website | Facebook
15. Moe’s Original BBQ
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: Sunday-Wednesday 11AM-9:30PM | Thursday-Saturday 11AM-10:30PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
16. Rodney Scott’s
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: Locations
Hours: Daily, 11AM-8PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram
17. 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
18. Saw’s
Whether you choose to eat at Saw’s BB, 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
19. 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
Contributors to this story include Patience Itson and Grace Howard.
Did we miss one of your favorites barbecue spots? Let us know who you love by tagging us on social @BhamNow.
