5893 Trussville Crossings Blvd., 655-0020
613 Springville Road, Huffman (original location since 1980), 853-9933
15 Lakeshore Pkwy., Homewood (Wildwood), 263-0145 (Drive-thru only)
2201 4th Place West (north of downtown, off Finley Blvd.), 252-2109
www.costasfamous.com
Menu varies by location, but Trussville store offers not just barbecue sandwiches and plates (pork, beef, ribs, chicken or turkey), but also burgers, sandwiches, Southern veggies, hot wings, fried catfish, salads, steaks, grilled salmon. Breakfast and sports bar at Trussville store. Finley location also offers pasta, shellfish and fresh fish in addition to barbecue, steaks etc. Huffman and Wildwood locations have more limited, typical barbecue menus.

Birmingham Airport, 5600 Messer Airport Hwy.,  591-6100
5060 Academy Drive, Bessemer,  426-5188
740 Brookwood Village, Suite 238, Homewood, 423-9068
Harbert Plaza, 1901 6th Ave N Suite 263, downtown, 801-9600
4290 Highway 52, Helena, 621-7427
1571 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, 823-7770
2506 Crestwood Blvd., Irondale, 956-2678
744 29th Street South, Southside/Lakeview, 327-5414
3100 Pelham Parkway, 621-4525
120 South Chalkville Road, Trussville, 655-4849
Golden Rule has grown into a regional chain, but we include it here because it's still a home-grown business. The first Golden Rule opened its doors in 1891, just a short distance from where the Irondale location is today. The original building was a roadside stop for travelers making the journey to Atlanta. The current Irondale restaurant has been in its location on Hwy. 78 for more than 30 years. The next oldest is the Hoover location, opened in 1973.

3921 1st Avenue North
592-9941
A reader recommends this small restaurant downtown, with not only barbecue and sandwiches but also a buffet with several choices of meat and vegetables. Breakfast, too. "I ate there almost every day for two years," writes Doug Richardson. "Good service and the nicest people around."