Tailgate Barbecue Guide: Where to pick up the best game day barbecue in Alabama

Tailgating is as beloved as barbecue in the South, which is why the two make perfect companions any time fans throughout the Yellowhammer State warm-up for college football home games.

But while many tailgaters set up their own smokers, grills, and griddles to cook the ritual pregame meal (or two), some fans are content to pick up bulk orders of pork, chicken, beef, and fixings at a nearby barbecue restaurant.

Our select list focuses on establishments relatively close to campus or the stadium. But many college towns offer multiple choices. In larger cities, you’ll also find one or more Alabama ’cue stalwarts like Moe’s, Full Moon, Jim N Nick’s, and Dreamland.

The state’s first home stadium kickoffs start August 29 (University of Alabama at Birmingham and Jacksonville State) and continue until September 21 (Miles College and Tuskegee University). Get orders in early; many smokehouses run out on game day.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham

Blazers’ first home game: Thursday, August 29 (7 p.m.)

Carlile’s BBQ (3511 Sixth Avenue South) smokes beef brisket, pork shoulder (pulled), house sausage, spare ribs, chicken halves, chicken wings, and turkey. Tailgater packages feed 3-8 depending on the selection.

The Pit BBQ (2820 10^th Avenue North) barbecues pork, riblets, beef, and makes smoked sausage.

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville

Gamecocks’ first home game: Thursday, August 29 (7 p.m.)

Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack (8464 Alabama Highway 204) serves smoked pork ribs, pork shoulder (chopped), chicken wings, chicken, and turkey.

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa

Crimson Tide’s first home game: Saturday, August 31 (6 p.m.)

The original location of Dreamland Bar B Que (5535 15^th Avenue East) specializes in pork ribs. It also sells pulled pork, smoked chicken halves, and smoked sausage.

Archibald and Woodrow’s BBQ (4215 Greensboro Avenue) is the Tuscaloosa kin to the family behind Northport’s beloved rib specialists, Archibald’s. The grandson of founder George Archibald Jr. is now in charge, selling ribs, pulled pork, smoked brisket, and smoked chicken.

Auburn University

Auburn

Tigers’ first home game: Saturday, August 31 (6:30 p.m.)

David Bancroft’s renowned Auburn restaurant, Bow & Arrow BBQ (1977 East Samford Avenue), specializes in beef brisket; the menu includes St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and smoked sausage.

Byron’s Smokehouse (436 Opelika Road), another fan favorite, makes pork ribs; pork shoulder (chipped, sliced, or chopped); sausage; ham; and smoked turkey.

Troy University

Troy

Trojans’ first home game: Saturday, August 31 (6 p.m.)

Outlaw’s Bussin’ BBQ (901 South 3 Notch Street) makes pork ribs, chicken halves, chicken wings, and smoked sausage.

University of South Alabama

Mobile

Jaguars’ first home game: Saturday, August 31 (4 p.m.)

Meat Boss (5401 Cottage Hill Road) smokes Boston butt pork shoulder, pork ribs and tips, beef brisket, chicken wings, halved chickens, turkey breast, and ham.

University of West Alabama

Livingston

Tigers’ first home game: Saturday, August 31 (6 p.m.)

TNT BBQ in nearby York (629 Third Avenue) serves pulled pork, pork ribs, pig tails, and chicken.

Alabama State University

Montgomery

Hornets’ first home game: Sunday, September 1 (2 p.m.)

K and J Rib Shack (4255 South Court Street) offers an eclectic mix of pork spare ribs, rib tips, pig ears, pig feet, barbecued chicken, beef brisket, and beef back ribs.

University of North Alabama

Florence

Lions’ first home game: Saturday, September 7 (6 p.m.)

Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q (901 West College Street) makes pulled pork, pork ribs, and smoked chicken. Chicken stew portions start with a half pint and go to a gallon.

Alabama A&M

Huntsville

Bulldogs’ first home game: Saturday, September 7 (6 p.m.)

Blue Oak BBQ (1000 Mid City Drive) smokes St. Louis spare ribs, pulled pork shoulder, green onion sausage, beef brisket, turkey, chicken halves, and chicken wings. The chicken salad is made with smoked meat.

Samford University

Homewood

Bulldogs’ first home game: Saturday, September 14 (6 p.m.)

Saw’s BBQ (the nearest location is in Homewood’s Edgewood neighborhood at 1008 Oxmoor Road) sells pulled smoked pork, smoked chicken (halves and pulled), and smoked sausage.