The Alabama Barbecue Chase Spotlights Bama’s Best BBQ

When it comes to Alabama barbecue, everyone has an opinion — and a favorite joint they swear by. But few have turned that passion into a full-on mission like Ricky Harmon. As the founder of The Alabama Barbecue Chase, Ricky has spent years crisscrossing the state, from the mountains of North Alabama to the shores of the Gulf Coast, documenting the people, places, and pitmasters that define Bama’s barbecue scene.

What started as a personal quest to visit 50 top BBQ spots has evolved into a platform that celebrates the deep flavors, traditions, and creativity that make Alabama one of the South’s true barbecue capitals.

The Low & Slow Barbecue Show discusses The Alabama Barbecue Chase with Ricky during this podcast episode. For more podcasts exploring Alabama barbecue, listen to these episodes of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show:

• Spring Break Barbecue Road Trip: The Alabama Barbecue Tour.
• BBQ Road Trip Review: Fork Grove, Carlile’s, Rusty’s Bar-B-Q. 

This blog provides a summary of our conversation and shares some of Alabama Barbecue Chase’s top picks for barbecue in Alabama.

A Statewide Barbecue Chase: From Curiosity to Community

The Alabama Barbecue Chase started when Ricky stumbled upon a list of the 50 best barbecue joints in Alabama.

Realizing he had already visited more than a dozen of them, he decided to visit all 50 — and share his experiences online. Frustrated by restaurant reviews that focused more on wait times than the food itself, Ricky created a space where readers could get an authentic look into the Alabama barbecue experience: the flavors, the pitmasters, the traditions, and the people.

Today, The Alabama Barbecue Chase boasts over 75 restaurant reviews. The website, paired with a growing social presence on Facebook and Instagram. Visit The Alabama Barbecue Chase Instagram page to see interviews with barbecue legends like Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson’s and Van Sykes of Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q.

What Makes Alabama Barbecue Unique?

Ricky describes Alabama barbecue as deeply rooted in both tradition and experimentation. While the classic “low and slow” smoking method is common, many old-school pitmasters in Alabama still use “hot and fast” techniques — cooking meat directly over live coals and managing heat through airflow.

What about sauces? Ricky says Alabama is known for its diversity:

• North Alabama: tangy white sauce (thanks to Big Bob Gibson’s original invention).
• Central Alabama: sweet red sauces dominate.
• Southern Alabama: you’ll even find mustard-based options,

Many Alabama barbecue joints now offer multiple sauce styles, letting diners mix and match to their taste.

Here’s The Low & Slow Barbecue Show recipe for Alabama white sauce.

Lessons from the Alabama Barbecue Pit

The biggest takeaway from Ricky’s journey? Keep an open mind. “People are passionate about barbecue,” he says, “and they’re loyal to their favorite joints.” But every corner of Alabama has its own gems, and embracing variety opens the door to discovering new favorites.

Ricky’s reviews aren’t about ranking places or criticizing them — they’re about sharing what to expect and encouraging exploration. “It’s not just about how good the food is,” he explains. “It’s about the experience, the people, the vibe.”

The Alabama Barbecue Chase’s Top Alabama BBQ Picks

A few of Ricky’s must-visit Alabama barbecue spots:

• Rusty’s Bar-B-Q (Leeds) – One of Ricky’s top 3. Here’s our interview with Rusty’s Bar-B-Q founder, Rusty Thompson.
• Hog Wild BBQ (Gulf Shores) – Gulf coast BBQ that surprises.
• Carlile’s (Birmingham) – A downtown staple.
• Coach Brown’s BBQ (Mobile) – Smoked perfection in an old gas station.
• Big Bob Gibson’s (Decatur) – The birthplace of Alabama white sauce.

Which Alabama city has the best barbecue scene? Ricky leans toward Decatur, home to several standout spots including B.B. Perrins and Smokey C’s.

Behind the Camera

Ricky’s background in video production helped him bring his mission to life with professional-quality visuals and storytelling. While he still juggles this project with his day job, it’s evolved into a full-fledged family affair and a growing platform that celebrates the state’s rich barbecue culture.

He’s even started smoking meat himself, taking tips from the pros and documenting his experiments on video — sharing his learning curve with fans who want to follow along.

Final Thoughts

What fuels Ricky’s barbecue journey? It’s the people, the food, and the sense of connection. “There’s an energy around it,” he says. “It’s fulfilling to do something you love — and to share that love with others.”

For anyone curious about Alabama barbecue, The Alabama Barbecue Chase offers more than a guide — it’s a heartfelt tribute to the pitmasters, sauces, and slow-smoked traditions that define the state’s culinary soul.

Frequently Asked Questions: Alabama Barbecue Chase

What is the Alabama Barbecue Chase?

The Alabama Barbecue Chase is a passion project founded by Ricky Harmon, focused on reviewing and highlighting the best barbecue joints across Alabama. It includes a dedicated website and active social media channels that feature restaurant reviews, pitmaster interviews, cooking videos, and more — all celebrating the diverse world of Alabama barbecue.

Who started the Alabama Barbecue Chase?

The Alabama Barbecue Chase was started by Ricky Harmon, a video producer and barbecue enthusiast. Inspired by a list of Alabama’s top BBQ spots, Ricky decided to visit them all and share his experiences online, giving readers authentic insight into the food, atmosphere, and people behind each place.

How many restaurants has the Alabama Barbecue Chase reviewed?

As of now, The Alabama Barbecue Chase has reviewed more than 75 barbecue joints across the state, with more added regularly. Ricky covers everything from hidden gems to legendary pit stops.

What makes Alabama barbecue different?

According to The Alabama Barbecue Chase Founder Ricky Harmon, Alabama barbecue is known for its regional diversity, including:

• Hot and fast cooking over live coals (a traditional method)
• Alabama white sauce, made famous by Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur
• Sweet red sauces in Central Alabama
• Occasional mustard-based sauces in the southern part of the state

The Alabama Barbecue Chase documents these variations and explores what makes each style unique.

Can I follow The Alabama Barbecue Chase on social media?

Yes! You can follow The Alabama Barbecue Chase on:

• Instagram: @thealabamabbqchase
• Facebook: The Alabama BBQ Chase

There you’ll find video highlights, cooking demos, restaurant visits, and updates from the road.

Does the Alabama Barbecue Chase offer cooking tips or recipes?

Yes, Ricky shares his personal cooking journey, including beginner-friendly smoking tips, meat prep, and flavor techniques. While not a recipe site, The Alabama Barbecue Chase Instagram includes behind-the-scenes looks at his home cooks and advice from professional pitmasters like Chris Lilly.