Alabama is known for many iconic foods: boiled peanuts, fried okra, pecan pie, banana pudding, grits, and fried green tomatoes. But there's also fabulous barbecue. Fueled by hickory wood, and sometimes oak and pecan, Alabama is most famous for its distinctive pork, including ribs, shoulder, butt, and ham. However, the chicken and brisket are great, too. All in all, Alabama barbecue holds its own among the other Southern states that form the barbecue belt: Georgia, the Carolinas, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Ready to try it out? Fortunately, there are several great BBQ joints near Tuscaloosa homes for sale. Our real estate agents are happy to make some recommendations.

1. Thomas Rib Shack. 2931 15th St., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   Thomas Rib Shack bills itself as a soul food joint, and that's fair. Barbecued ribs or any kind of barbecue might be called the original soul food. Pair it with the trimmings or go rogue and try the chitlin dinner, side of oxtail, pan trout, or catfish. It's not fancy, but it doesn't need to be because it's authentic. Check out their Facebook page so you can watch for announcements on Soul Food Sundays.
   
   
2. Dreamland Tuscaloosa. 5535 15th Ave. East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
   Dreamland Bar-b-que, like any famous Alabama barbecue joint, is noted for its ribs — but that's not all. You can get a half chicken, smoked sausage, and turkey breast, plus delicious sides including baked beans, potato salad, mac n' cheese, and coleslaw. What's the perfect dessert to follow barbecue? Why scrumptious, creamy banana pudding, of course.
   
   
3. Archibald's and Woodrow's BBQ. 4215 Greensboro Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
   Depending on how hungry you are, choose one of Archibald's and Woodrow's BBQ plates, platters, or sandwiches. Take your pick of fabled ribs, sliced pork, chicken fried steak, or chicken, or opt for delectable fried catfish. For the calorie-conscious, there's whiting prepared several different ways. Sides are varied: potato salad, corn on the cob, beans, coleslaw, or collards, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, fried okra, and fried green tomatoes. Leave room for banana pudding.
   
   
4. Buddy's Rib and Steak. 2701 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd., Northport, AL 35476
   Buddy's Rib and Steak is just down the road from Tuscaloosa, so you don't have to go far for some memorable barbecue. The menu is basic: plates of sirloin, chicken, beef, or pork and two sides for lunch, while dinner offers several steak choices, plus plates with ribs, beef, or pork.
   
   
5. Hoo's Q. 101 15th St. E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
   Deservedly well known for their "Q" sauce, Hoo's Q serves up plates of ribs, chicken, meatloaf, and more with the special sauce. There are also tender wings, as well as salads — and a big favorite among Southerners — pimento cheese. Sides include grilled okra (as good as fried, many Southerners maintain), baked beans, and coleslaw. Don't skip dessert: fried pecan pie, peanut butter pie, and banana pudding. There's also Hoo's Q and Brew in N. Tuscaloosa (1825 Mcfarland Blvd., N. Suite No. 110, 35406), which has some of the same fare but with more of a brewpub flair.
   
   
6. Bama Barbeque. 3076 McFarland Blvd. #14, Northport, AL 35476
   After you take in the Tuscaloosa River Walk, get in the car and drive the short drive (3 miles or so) to Bama Barbeque and Grill in Northport. Enjoy plates or sandwiches with pork, beef, ribs, smoked sausage, chicken, or catfish. Sides include the usual suspects: coleslaw, beans, corn, and potato salad. Finish up with lemon, strawberry cream cheese, or pecan pie.

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