’Que it Up

“You need to bottle that and sell it!” That’s something several Alabama pit masters have been told about their secret sauces for years. The good news for you? Some of them have done just that! We take barbecue seriously here and the traditions, ingredients and finger-lickin’ goodness have been passed down through generations. The result is an answer to a ’que lover’s prayers, as a trip along the Alabama Bass Trail will put you within sniffing distance of many of the great smokers throughout the state. We’re offering a few suggestions to get you started, but we’re sure you’ll find your own favorites along the way.

Near Lake Guntersville, Wilson’s BBQ in Albertville is known for its BBQ Chicken Baked Potato. This is a popular spot for grab-and-go service from the drive-thru, but the “fast food” here has spent hours on the smoker and delivers a flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

While you’re at Lake Wheeler, you have to check out the famous Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur. Bob’s Chicken and White Sauce is known far and wide. But since 1925 when the business started under a sycamore tree, Bob’s has perfected more than white sauce. After a taste or two, you may want to take some sauces and rubs home and try your own skills.

Johnny’s Bar-B-Q in Cullman is a favorite for folks around Smith Lake. Try a pulled pork plate and you’ll see why. Down near Jordan Lake, Champs Barbeque in Wetumpka is famous for their Champ Stew (a mix of pulled pork, chicken and vegetables). This popular lunch spot is also a great place to get a Pork Pack for your road trip.

Speaking of road trips, it’s probably worth a drive to go over to Bessemer and visit Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q. Many say he started the ’que craze here. While there’s a new generation at the smoker, they use the same pit and the same processes to produce the same tasty results.

When you’re on Lake Eufaula, you might want to drive down to Dothan for a taste of the pulled pork at the BBQ Shack. Like so many others, their recipe has been handed down for generations.