Alabama BBQ joint lands on USA Today’s Best Restaurants of 2025
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Whether you are a regular or just a visitor making a stop in Selma, Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot will treat everyone the same. And that treatment is highlighted by some great food.
And the historic restaurant is no stranger to getting a little bit of the spotlight. Most recently, Lannie’s was included on USA Today’s annual list of best restaurants around the country, being the state’s only representative on the list.
“In 1944, from the front porch of their home, the Hatcher family started selling pulled pork smoked in a hand-dug pit in the backyard over live oak and pecan coals. In 1946, they opened Lannie’s. The fifth generation now works their restaurant. After a 2023 tornado destroyed the original space, which had been in a small brick building across the street from the family home, its rebuilding was followed all over the state. It has that big a footprint.”
~ Marty Roney, Montgomery Advertiser of USA Today
Keep reading to see why Lannie’s was recognized + how you can get a taste of it for yourself.
Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot
Lannie’s has two locations in Selma including a spot that re-opened just last year, rebuilding their location that was destroyed by a tornado in 2023.
Those two locations include:
- Location: 2115 Minter Ave, Selma, AL 36703
- Hours: 8AM-8PM, Tuesday-Saturday | 8AM-2PM, Monday | 10:30AM-1:30PM, Sunday
- Location: 205 Medical Center Pkwy, Selma, AL 36701
- Hours: 9AM-9PM, Monday-Saturday | Sunday closed
The signature dish highlighted by USA Today is Lannie’s pulled-pork sandwich, which is smothered in a vinegar-based barbecue sauce. It’s then topped with crispy barks of pork skin. USA Today suggested pairing it with some fried okra.
The menu also includes ribs, wings, burgers and a popular catfish option. There is a special menu for breakfast available before 10AM.
USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year
Lannie’s was one of 44 restaurants across the entire country to be included in this year’s list. Last year, Alabama was represented by Urban Bar & Kitchen in Tuscaloosa.
This is the second time USA Today has released a “Restaurants of the Year” list, which is selected by local writers and staff.
“What’s the best restaurant to try? The query comes from locals wondering about new openings, out-of-towners seeking hidden gems, and loyal readers trusting our expertise. As journalists, it’s a question we love to answer because we know our communities deeply. Whether it’s a classic taco joint in Arizona, a historic Serbian diner in Wisconsin, or a waterfront seafood restaurant in Florida, our recommendations come from those who live, work and eat there.”
~ USA Today
Make sure to check out the complete list for some food recommendations on your next out-of-state trip.
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