5 Best Barbecue Joints in Montgomery, Alabama to Try

Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, isn’t just the cradle of the civil rights movement—it’s also a storied barbecue city where old-school smokehouses and beloved family-run joints keep the South’s slow-cooked legacy alive.

Expect plenty of pork shoulder, tangy vinegar-and-mustard sauces, and the hush of pecan and hickory wood at work.

Here, barbecue means tradition and community—served with sweet tea and a warm “y’all come back now.”

Dreamland BBQ

With roots in nearby Tuscaloosa, Dreamland is the go-to for ribs so tender they practically melt.

The Montgomery location keeps it simple: slabs, white bread, and a vinegary, slightly spicy sauce that’s iconic to Alabama barbecue.

Locals rave about their smoky sausage and banana pudding, too.

There’s no pretense—just meat, heat, and history.

BBQ 65

A drive down to this just-south-of-town spot is considered an essential “welcome to Alabama” for many.

BBQ 65 is all about the classics: slow-pulled pork sandwiches stacked high with tangy coleslaw and drenched with their signature tomato-and-mustard sauce, plus house-made sides (don’t miss the baked beans and potato salad!).

Their friendly staff and generous portions make it a road-trip favorite.

Fat Man’s Smokehouse

Quirky, colorful, and down-home—Fat Man’s serves big portions in a laid-back atmosphere.

You’ll spot locals loading up on rib tips, smoked turkey (a house specialty), and pulled chicken drenched in their own zippy sauce.

Sides are Southern comfort: mac and cheese, collard greens, and banana pudding for dessert. The homemade sweet tea really ties it together.

Sam’s Bar-B-Q

A small, no-frills operation with an outsized reputation.

Sam’s is cherished for their smoked pork plates and the signature “hot slaw”—a central Alabama specialty that delivers vinegar snap and a touch of heat.

Their ribs and chicken bring regulars back again and again; ask for their house sauce for the full experience.

Brenda’s Bar-B-Q Pit

Open since 1942, Brenda’s is a historic, old-school take-out window with deep roots in Montgomery’s Black community.

You’ll find tender pork sandwiches (spicy is the way to go), rib tips, and chicken wings, all imbued with decades of love and family recipes.

The smoky, tangy, slightly peppery sauce is truly one of a kind—this spot is all about barbecue soul.