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