Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, with two locations in Decatur, has once again been crowned Alabama’s best barbecue joint by Southern Living. This marks the second consecutive year that the iconic eatery has claimed the title in the magazine’s annual ranking of the South’s top barbecue spots.

For nearly a century, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been a staple in Alabama’s barbecue scene. Founded by Robert “Big Bob” Gibson in 1925 as a backyard operation, the restaurant quickly gained popularity for its wood-smoked pork shoulders and chickens. Over time, Gibson expanded to barbecue stands before eventually opening a fully air-conditioned restaurant along Highway 31 just south of Decatur. Since 1987, the family has operated out of its current building, where fifth-generation pitmaster Chris Lilly and his team continue the tradition of cooking over wood-fired brick pits.

One of Big Bob Gibson’s standout features is its signature Alabama-style white barbecue sauce, a tangy and creamy creation that has become a defining element of their smoked chicken. This original recipe, along with Gibson’s timeless barbecue techniques, continues to draw visitors from across the country.

The recognition from Southern Living follows a rigorous selection process. Proof Insights, a third-party agency, conducted an online survey from July 10 to August 21, 2024, collecting over 10,000 responses from Southern Living readers. Voters ranked their favorite barbecue joints across the South, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q emerged as the top pick for Alabama.

As Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025, this latest accolade reinforces its legacy as a cornerstone of Southern barbecue culture. Whether you visit the original location on 6th Avenue or the second spot on Danville Road, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q continues to deliver mouthwatering, award-winning barbecue that has stood the test of time.