Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q named best in Alabama—Here’s why

Big Bob Gibson
A drive to Decatur may be in my near future. (Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que on Facebook)

It’s no secret that Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q‘s Alabama-style white sauce revolutionized the barbecue game. That’s why we were so glad to see the restaurant get a shout out from Southern Living Magazine—the Decatur spot nabbed Southern Living’s award for the best barbecue in Alabama this year.

Read on for more information about the restaurant + info on where you can get a bottle of Big Bob Gibson’s white sauce for yourself.

Alabama’s best

Big Bob Gibson
Fresh every day. (Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que on Facebook)

Big Bob Gibson has been a Decatur staple for nearly 100 years. The first restaurant was founded in 1925, and since then five generations of pit-masters have upheld the BBQ tradition.

The restaurant is also no stranger to awards—in their century of business, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has received dozens, including:

American Royal International Barbecue Contest

  • 1st Place Original White Sauce: 1995
  • 1st Place Brisket: 2004
  • 1st Place Pork: 2007
  • Best Sauce on the Planet: 1998

Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Cook-off

  • 1st Place Pork: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2015, 2018
  • 1st Place Pork Grand Champion: 2000, 2003, 2011, 2014, 2017
  • 1st Place Sauce: 1997

The Birmingham News

  • Best Barbecue in Alabama

Today Show Challenge

  • 1st Place Champions, 2009

…Plus many more.

How to get a taste

Big Bob Gibson pie
Go for the BBQ, stay for the pies. (Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que on Facebook)

You’ll only find two Big Bob Gibson locations, and both are in Decatur. The addresses are:

The 6th Ave location is open every day from 9:30AM-8:30PM. The Danville Road location has the same hours, but is closed on Sunday.

If you’re not up for the drive to Decatur, don’t worry—Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q’s signature sauce is available at several local grocery stores like Kroger, Walmart and Publix. Or, cut out the middleman and order directly from the source—all of Big Bob Gibson’s sauces and rubs are available for purchase online. There, you can also find cookbooks, gift baskets and even barbecue that can be shipped worldwide.

What’s your favorite menu item at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram.

Emily Phillips
Emily Phillips
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