Birmingham BBQ -Where's the best?

DoubleEgger

Headed over to Birmingham this morning for work. Where's the best BBQ in town? I want to check it out at lunch. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

fljoemon

@DoubleEgger .. I was there 3 years ago and was recommended Saw's BBQ. It is in Homewood which is a suburb of Birmingham. The pulled pork was amazing. Try the vinegar BBQ sauce ... man I want to be there right now.

Saw's BBQ
Address: 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone:(205) 879-1937
Hours:Open today · 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

ksmyrl

I travel to Birmingham a lot for work. One of my clients over there is a BBQ snob. He takes me to Golden Rule, and it is very good. I think they are franchised now  but the original one in Irondale, AL is where we go. I think it's actually in a different building now, but it's considered the original one. Just for kicks last time we went to Dreamland and had ribs...one word, OVER-RATED. Stick to Golden Rule IMHO. Travel safe.

Golden Rule BBQ
2506 Crestwood Blvd

Birmingham, AL 35210 (Irondale)

BigGreenBamaGriller

I grew up around Birmingham and have eaten everywhere. If you want good BBQ, go to Saws. There are three locations; the one in Homewood has the more traditional menu (I.e. Ribs). The other two locations have more trendy menus, but all are outstanding. Golden rule is crap, full moon is kind of ok, dreamland has good sauce, but their ribs are underdone. Go to Saws...

fence0407

I'd be sure and skip Dreamland too. I agree with @ksmyrl that it is way overrated! 

BigGreenBamaGriller

Did I mention that Johnny Rays is ok at best, and I'm not terribly impressed by Miss Myra's. Go to Saws...

Walt2015

Had saw's at an interview dinner and about embarrassed myself with the quantities of pulled pork and their mustard vinegar.....And beer

Wowens

Saw's is the bomb!!  Golden Rule, Jim'n Nicks, Full Moon are all good. 

Golden Rule actually has a really good cheeseburger.  I used to work about a mile from the one in Irondale, and ate there alot.  I'm not sure which one is the original, as about half of the locations say "The Original" on the sign.

DoubleEgger

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to Saw's. Johnny Rays is near our office but it isn't very good. I'm not a fan of Dreamland and Jim Nicks either as they have those in Atlanta. I appreciate the advice EggerNation! 

ksmyrl

We expect a full report later!! Woooooooooo!

DoubleEgger

Well Saw's in Homewood was some good Q. Small place, older decor... Just like a Q place should be. I had the pulled pork plate with Mac and Cheese and Black Eyed Peas. When your BBQ plate comes with white bread as standard, you know it's gonna be good.  The lady behind the counter said I made a good choice and to expect the "itis" this afternoon I asked her what she was talking about. She said that's a lot of good food. You're not going to want to do anything this afternoon. LOL. The pulled pork was tasty, not over seasoned and had a good vinegar based sauce. It wasn't a NC style sauce. Unique and tasty. The sides were good with the mac and cheese being better than most. The two guys I was with both had a pulled chicken sandwich with the white sauce. Both said it was some of the better white sauce they've had. Tried to buy a couple bottles but they don't sell it. Whoever I pull in the Rub/Sauce exchange in SOL but at least I was thinking about you!  Will be back. Overall ranking - 4 green eggs out of 5. 

Chowman

FYI i beleive the original Dreamland is in Tuscaloosa , old hole in the wall , was much better than the one at 5 points Birmingham 

BigGreenBamaGriller

@doubleegger next time you visit, try one of the other the other locations. I highly recommend the pork n greens, or they usually have good daily specials. Glad you left happy! 

Chowman

Thanks for the info everyone, I'll be in Birmingham in a couple of weeks and will return to Saws. Went there a few years ago but couldn't remember the name. Can't wait!

Chicklet

Saw's.  Period.  End of discussion.  

DoubleEgger

I'll be back. Wasn't too far from our branch office in Pelham either.