7530 Highway 78, Dora
648-9838
We've never been there, but the place has been around since the 1950s, so it must have something going for it. There are currently three generations working there. Check out a little bit of the history and interviews with the current owner, Susie Headrick, who bought it with husband Leo in the '70s, at http://www.southernbbqtrail.com/greentopbbq.shtml.

1644 Forestdale Plaza, Forestdale
798-3565
In a small, homey store along U.S. Highway 78, Dave Lawrence continues the tradition of his father-in-law Jim Deerman, who retired from the business in 1982.

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

2516 Walker Chapel Road, Fultondale
849-5122
We don't list much up Fultondale way, but City Scene gave Porky's Pride five stars in a 2007 review, touting "excellent barbecue -- and more -- at this casual, rustic, country-style dining destination." The review found the barbecue pork tender and moist, ribs "tender, smoky, meaty, falling-off-the-bone," and gave good marks to the fried catfish with light, puffy hushpuppies, as well as blackberry cobbler and coconut cake.