Countdown to Kickoff: Who has the better BBQ—Tide or Tigers?
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This is the first piece in a four-part Countdown to Kickoff series, comparing Tuscaloosa and Auburn in things outside the football field including barbecue, brunch, bars + traditions.
The calendar officially turned to August this morning and that means we are finally in the same month as the start of the college football season.
While other in-state games kick off sooner, Auburn opens the season with a Friday night date at Baylor on Aug. 29. Alabama heads to Tallahassee to play Florida State on Aug. 30.
So before things kick off on the field, we decided to take a look at Auburn and Tuscaloosa off the field. And we want your help.
First up, which college town has the best barbecue for gamedays?
Auburn
While Auburn may not have the history behind their barbecue joints like Tuscaloosa does, they’re confident in their ability to compete.
Of course, they have the Jim N Nicks, Full Moon and Moe’s BBQ that is popular in any city but what can Auburn provide that’s unique to the rest of the state?
Byron’s Smokehouse is certainly a good place to start. It’s one of the closest to campus options making it a great place to grab a gameday meal—for 2 or for 20.
Bow & Arrow has become a local favorite in recent years. The Lonestar Platter (or two) is a perfect order to share whether you’re taking it to a tailgate, eating at the restaurant or just running home to watch the game on TV.
If you’re wanting to take the drive to Opelika, your options are expanded a bit to include places like Butcher Paper BBQ and Chuck’s Bar B Que.
Tuscaloosa
It’s hard not to consider Tuscaloosa the favorite in this particular competition.
There’s not many places across the state that can compete with the home of the original Dreamland BBQ + Archibald’s. There’s nothing like showing up to a tailgate or somebody’s house on a gameday with a slab of ribs or a pound of pork in hand.
And don’t forget to grab some banana pudding for the final touch!
While those two spots will be on the top of most lists, maybe you want to find some spots that won’t have a long wait on gamedays. Some of the other places around town include:
- Hoo’s Q + Brew
- Thomas Rib Shack
- Jim ‘N Nicks
- Full Moon
- Moe’s
Which college town do you think has the best BBQ? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook!
