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Burgers
J&J Grocery (Bessemer)
- It’s a little convenience store by the side of the road. Cigarette smoke sometimes hangs in the air. But this is the place many people consider to have the best burgers in Alabama. The grill closes at 2pm, but we suggest getting there earlier. Even the burgers that might take up residence under the warming lamps (which is rare) are still worth the trip.
Jack’s (Multiple locations)
- One of the few places we will list, that you can find outside the Birmingham metro. Jack’s gets a mention because it started in Birmingham, and still has its headquarters here. Jack’s in unpretentious fast food. Burgers, fried chicken, fries, hand pies, etc. It’s inexpensive, and the burgers aren’t bad. Some locations feature a fireplace in the dining room – though we’ve never seen one in use. 🙂
Chicken
Eugene’s (Multiple locations)
- If you have a hankerin’ for a hunk of Nashville-style hot chicken, this locally-owned spot comes highly recommended! Your site admin finds it not quite as hot (though he orders the Stupid Hot) as the Nashville import Hattie B’s, but finds it has MUCH better flavor. Ig you get the jumbo wings, keep in mind they truly are jumbo. Don’t get a dozen, as one Uber passenger did. She was still eating wings for breakfast the next day. Also, don’t miss the grilled cheese sandwich, which you MUST order with the spice blend on it. That spice makes it one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches around.
Barbecue
Dreamland (multiple locations)
- An Alabama legend, which started in Tuscaloosa. It’s come a long way from its beginnings in a run-down building out on the southern end of town. Back then, there were two main menu items: ribs, and a rib sandwich. The rib sandwich was just ribs served with a few slices of white bread on the side. Now, you can get a variety of mains, and some pretty good sides, too.
Rusty’s (Leeds)
- A family-run spot for smoked meats and all kinds of traditional sides. This is classic Alabama BBQ, with the sauce just s touch on the sweet side (If we remember correctly….so maybe it’s time to go back). You can be assured of good barbecue that has remained a staple of the local food scene for decades.
Saw’s (multiple locations)
- A local chain specializing in barbecue and other delights. Every location is just a little different, so choose wisely! Your site admin doesn’t really do the Alabama specialty white barbecue sauce, but Saw’s does, and apparently it’s quite good, if that’s your thing. If it isn’t, their regular sauce is tasty!
Uncle Sam’s Barbecue (Hueytown)
- Sam’s features all the usual suspects of barbecue – ribs & pork, chicken, and beef. Look for lunch special sandwich plates. Some customers tell us the baked beans are particularly good. Also sells barbecue to go, with a drive thru for easy pick up.
Everything Else
T-Bone’s Authentic Philly Style Cheesesteaks And Hoagies (Birmingham, downtown/southside)
- It’s been said the best cheesesteak in Philly is across the river at Donkey’s in New Jersey. If you want a great cheesesteak without going to the Garden State, get down to Five Points South for a visit to T-Bone’s. Even Philadelphia natives have commented it’s the best around. A side order of patience is advised around lunch hour, as it’s a slightly smaller space that can get pretty busy.
Thelma’s Place (Pleasant Grove)
- Soul food/meat & two served cafeteria style. One customer raved about the dressing, though another says it has too much sage. Be prepared to wait in line on Sundays after church.