1813 27th Ave. South
870-7788
Lunch only at this hole in the wall behind Chicago Mike's in Homewood. Offers both pork and beef barbecue, as well as chicken and Polish sausage, plus hot dogs and hamburgers. Hole in the wall atmosphere, limited menu. The sauce is spicy, not sweet, with lots of black pepper.

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.

1901 28th Ave. South
871-1581
www.birminghammenus.com/demetris/
A Homewood institution for 45 years, serving Southern barbecue with a Greek flair. Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, sandwiches. Greek chicken on Wednesday nights. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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.

1810 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover/Riverchase, 733-1300
Hwy. 280 & Hugh Daniels Drive, 280 corridor/Greystone, 991-1306
220 Oxmoor, Homewood, 942-3336
1908 11th Ave. S., Southside/Five Points South, 320-1060
1660 Gadsden Hwy., Trussville, 661-3100
915 Odum Rd., Gardendale, 608-3315
1804 Hwy. 78 East, Jasper, 221-2271
www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks
Smoked pork, chicken, ribs, beef, turkey, sausage with all the trimmings, plus non-barbecue appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, soups and salads. We eat at the Riverchase location frequently, and think it's very good, but have heard mixed reviews on other locations.
Click here for Bhamdining.com review

7268 Gadsden Highway Suite 120, Trussville, 655-8228
3431 Colonnade Pkwy, Hwy. 280 corridor, 967-0099
316 Valley Avenue, Homewood, 945-7437
2910 Morgan Road, Bessemer, 424-6639
10569 Old Hwy 280, Chelsea, AL, 678-8418
2252 Pelham Pkwy, 989-7211
1460 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia, 823-7437
www.johnnyrays.com
We think Johnny Ray's is not as good as it was before they started branching out. The old Valley Ave. location, in an old Sambo's restaurant, is still the best. The barbecue's OK, but Honey's Pies are worth the visit!