The South is synonymous with comfort food, and possibly the best known of these is barbecue. While who has the best barbecue is an age-old, unanswerable question for Southerners, there is certainly no lack of options to choose from. Tuscaloosa, best-known as the home of Alabama football, is one great destination for classic Southern barbecue—from ribs to the timeless pulled pork sandwich on a toasted white bun. Take a tour of the Tuscaloosa BBQ scene at these five locations.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que
5535 15th Avenue East
Dreamland is one of the state’s most well-known destinations for barbecue, and it all began in Tuscaloosa. “It all started with a dream… and it was in that dream that God visited John ‘Big Daddy’ Bishop and told him to open a restaurant. Mr. Bishop obliged and opened the original Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1958.”
Our Top Recommendation: Full Slab
-Tender, hickory-grilled ribs cooked perfectly over Alabama hickory wood and generously slathered with Dreamland barbecue sauce
Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ
4215 Greensboro Avenue
Archibald & Woodrow’s is another area classic that brings a home-grown feel to the city’s food scene. “We are delighted to share our award-winning Tuscaloosa barbecue with you, with a little bit of Alabama hospitality. Our BBQ has been a staple in West Alabama since the early 1960’s and we want you to enjoy the same BBQ that your parents and grandparents have enjoyed for decades.”
Our Top Recommendation: Slab of Ribs
-A classic Southern slab of ribs, no frills
Moe’s Original BBQ
2101 University Boulevard
Moe’s Original BBQ has to come in as a top choice with its ties to Tuscaloosa. Founders Mike Fernandez, Ben Gilbert, and Jeff Kennedy first met on campus at The University of Alabama, and that is where Moe’s was born. “In 1988, Mike learned to fire-roast meats from Tuscaloosa legend Moses Day, whose distinct style makes up Moe’s original flavor of BBQ,” shares Moe’s.
Our Top Recommendation: Pulled Pork Sandwich Bama Style
-Slow-smoked pork shoulder, house-made BBQ sauce, marinated slaw, Alabama-style white BBQ sauce, pickles
Full Moon Bar-B-Q
1434 McFarland Boulevard East
Full Moon is a well-known and well-loved Alabama establishment with a loyal fan base. “Full Moon BBQ has a long, delicious history of excellent Southern-style ‘que made in the time-honored, traditional way – with quality meats cooked low and slow over a hickory wood-fired pit and spiced with mouthwatering, award-winning BBQ sauce,” they share.
Our Top Recommendation: Bar-B-Que Pork Sandwich
-An undeniably classic barbecue sandwich, no frills
Thomas Rib Shack
2931 15th Street
Thomas Rib Shack is a long-time Tuscaloosa go-to. “Thomas Rib Shack has come a long way since our opening in 1971 as a backyard grocery store. We’ve been a family-owned and operated favorite for local comfort food since 1990,” they share.
Our Top Recommendation: Slab of Ribs
-Smoky BBQ ribs with a juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender texture
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama
