The ultimate guide to 3 mom-and-pop Auburn/Opelika barbecue joints

Auburn’s local barbecue scene is un-grill-ievable. Read on to get fired up about some hickory-smoked goodness and learn the rich history behind each.

1. Butcher Paper BBQ

Starting with a homemade smoker using propane tanks, Mark Coxwell quickly made a name for himself in the Opelika area. In 2017, he expanded Butcher Paper into a mobile food unit catering to all kinds of events. Just one year later, a brick and mortar restaurant was opened, giving the shop a permanent home. Trust us, this place is a must-try.

Our top menu choice: Homemade banana pudding.

• Address: 128 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801
• Hours: Monday-Saturday I 10AM-8PM
• Website I Facebook I Instagram

2. Country’s Barbecue

Nothing says southern like a classic farmhouse-feel, exactly what you get at Country’s Barbecue. Jim Morpeth opened the eatery in Columbus, Georgia in 1975 and each storefront has kept a family-oriented atmosphere ever since. Make sure you go for their famous Brunswick stew that takes two fulls days to brew.

• Address: 1021 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11AM-9PM I Thursday-Saturday 11AM-10PM
• Website I Facebook I Instagram

3. Byron’s Smokehouse

Byron’s has been an Auburn favorite since 1989. The family-oriented business started in 1961 with Byron Gulledge feeding students right out of his home. Byron’s son, Glen Gulledge, now owns the mom-and-pop joint that is Byron’s Smokehouse.

The southern-style menu features ribs, pork, chicken, veggies and the famous Byron’s breakfast.

• Address: 436 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday I 6AM-3PM
• Facebook I Instagram

As southerners, we take great pride in good barbecue. Run, don’t walk to the lovely town of Auburn to experience all they have to offer.

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