Barbecue — Come discover your new favorite BBQ joint. Photo via Meat Boss

Down here on the Gulf Coast, you have two very important decisions to make from a very young age: are you an Alabama or Auburn fan? Do you get your barbecue from Moes or Dreamlands? With these very important loyalties in mind, it’s (understandably) hard to branch out when it comes to barbecue restaurants, which is why we’ve gathered 3 amazing, locally-owned barbecue places right here in Mobile that you need to try ASAP.

1. Meat Boss Cottage Hill

Benny Chinnis, better known as The Meat Boss, started this restaurant in 2012 with just $3000, his family, and a love to feed people. Since then, they’ve specialized in mouth-watering pulled brisket that’s more than just plain delicious. What makes Meat Boss one of the best if their build-your-own style ordering. Pick your bread, meat, sauces, etc. all to build your new favorite BBQ sandwich. Plus, they offer take-out lunches in brown bags, “just like mom used to do.”

Our Recommendation: A beef brisket sandwich on sourdough with sweet & spicy sauce, YUM!

The Meat Boss
Address: 5401 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL 36609
Hours: Tues-Thurs: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Closed Sun & Mon
Order online: Menu | Order Directly
Contact: Facebook | Website

2. Cotton State BBQ

Cotton State BBQ was started in 2014 by brothers Ryan & David Tillman, who wanted to branch out from that traditional barbecue. While you can still, of course, enjoy a delicious pulled-pork sandwich with crisp, made-the-same-day coleslaw, you’ll also find new twists on that same old barbecue flavor you already love. Our favorite is the loaded beef brisket potato, a loaded baked potato with thinly-sliced, slow-cooked brisket and BBQ sauce on the side. SO delicious.

Our recommendation: the loaded beef brisket potato, of course!

Cotton State BBQ
Address: 101 N Conception St, Mobile, AL 36602
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Contact: Website | Facebook

3. Bay Barbeque

Bay Barbeque was opened in 2019, and grill master Arthur Green knows a thing or two about slow-roasting meats. This precious little midtown joint has amazing, fall-off-the-bone meats and plate combinations that’ll just make you drool. Similar to Cotton State BBQ, Bay Barbeque also does things a little differently, adding menu items like smoked chicken salad sliders to make their menu even more delicious.

Our Recommendation: trio smoked bruschetta, comes with ribs, chicken, and brisket