Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q - Decatur, Alabama

Admiral A.

Big Bob Gibson’s is the second stop on our Easter Break trip. We were originally turned on to Big Bob's by Matt Pittman of Meat Church who told us that they are the originator of the Alabama White Sauce. We are familiar with AWS having loved it at Mission BBQ and the Duke’s (mayonnaise) version. In addition, a couple days before our trip, I saw the April 2025 Southern Living magazine which ranked Big Bob's as the best BBQ joint in Alabama. So I was excited to say the least about trying Big Bob Gibson's BBQ!

Having spent the day at the Space and Rocket Center we made the 30 minute drive from Huntsville out to Decatur. As we stepped out of our vehicle we could smell the glorious fragrance of smoking hickory coals pouring out onto the lot. Like a fish after bait, I was hooked. I couldn't get inside fast enough. The building and interior are a little dated but welcoming and cozy. We were a little before dinner time and there was no wait to be seated. Everyone on the staff was very friendly and attentive.

We had done our homework before we arrived and decided to get the full spread by ordering 2 Pitmaster Feasts for my family of 4. One order was with the quarter chicken and the other was with smoked turkey. Both orders had BBQ Pulled Pork, beef brisket and St. Louis spare ribs. Our four sides were redskin potato salad, mac n cheese, coleslaw and fresh cut fries. We also ordered sweet tea.

We'll cut to the chase, as by now you know what I'm here for. Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ Pulled Pork was fantastic! Smoke and bark were apparent and the flavor was great, very tender and moist. I also tried the three sauces. The sauce I preferred with the BBQ Pulled Pork was the white sauce. It's much thinner than most of the white sauces I've tried but the flavor with the pepper was phenomenal. They had run out of bottles of white sauce to purchase at the restaurant but we were able to find them at the local Walmart.

The ribs were great too, I enjoyed them plain but my family liked the ribs with Big Bob's Championship Sauce. The brisket was sliced and smoked to perfection. I liked pairing the brisket with the white sauce. The smoked turkey was also very good, possibly the best I've tasted. I’ve left the chicken quarter for last because I found it to be the star of the show. The flavor of the chicken borders on instantly addictive at first bite. It came sauced with their white sauce which only served to amplify the flavor. Big Bob Gibson’s White Sauce won me so completely that it will be my go to white sauce when I smoke chicken. I highly recommend the chicken quarter.

Each of the sides were good too. Fresh cut fries tasted great as expected. The coleslaw was different and I thought I tasted a bit of horseradish but our waitress said that was not an included ingredient. The potato salad was rich but not overpowering. Unfortunately, I was not afforded a taste of the Mac n Cheese. Even the sweet tea was done very well.

Joining with Southern Living and Matt Pittman, I highly recommend Big Bob Gibson's. They are definitely doing things right. If you're closeby, get here soon. In the event I return to Alabama and am within driving distance, you can bet I'll be back. Keep up the great work!

Leah M.

Big Bob Gibson lived up to the hype! This charming little spot delivers the perfect small-town atmosphere you'd expect from world-famous BBQ. The welcoming vibe and friendly service make you feel right at home, with that classic Southern hospitality shining through.

Now, onto the food—absolutely incredible! The greens are seasoned to perfection, and the macaroni and cheese is the real deal, made with actual cheese (no powdered stuff here!). The meats are cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, with plenty of their world-famous BBQ sauce on the table to drench every bite. If you're looking for top-notch barbecue with unbeatable charm, this place is a must-visit!

Albert D.

Big Bob Gibson's is a treasure and a wonderful place to have a BBQ meal by yourself or with the family!
The brisket and the turkey were delicious and had a mild gentle flavor.
The regular platters will certainly fill a hungry person, get the large if you plan on taking some home!
My wife also swears the coconut cream pie is one of the best she's EVER had!

Meaghan B.

I live an hour away . Big bobs has always been a favorite ( used to live here ) . I happened to be in town and grabbed a meal to go . I got home and my sides melted through the plastic into each other. So there was plastic in my food /melted . The sandwich was pitiful. Due to their new rule of having to bring the food back same day for a refund, there's nothing i can do . Sucks for those of us that drive from other cities but cant be reimbursed when its not our doing .

Karen K.

This is my first time visiting the area and six years and I knew exactly where I wanted to have my dinner. Big Bob Gibson barbecue it sets the bar so high and all my travels I give this location my number one barbecue experience their champion red sauce is perfect, the blend gives you a little of everything. I had the barbecue pork platter with a side of macaroni and cheese and green beans there macaroni and cheese is the best I’ve ever had at any barbecue joint and I’ve been to lots of barbecue joints across the country the green beans were Good it also came with a roll and the dinner roll was very good but the pork add a little of that champion red sauce and your mouth is just watering It is so good. And of course, I had to save room for one of their homemade pies. This time I chose the coconut cream pie, which is tapped off with a meringue. It was good. I do prefer having whip cream on top, but this definitely sufficed. I can’t wait for my next trip to the area so I can have another meal here Server was fantastic very polite and accommodating. It’s probably the most food for your buck. It’s a very inexpensive dinner.

Andrew A.

First time here. WOW! THE FOOD.."FORGET ABOUT IT"!! I WILL RETURN 💯% FOR SURE. THE INITIAL HOST GREETING WAS THE BEST! THE SERVER ANANDA HOLY COW! SHE WAS ON POINT IN FACT I RECOMMENDED A RAISE! I WAS INTRODUCED TO THE KINDESS GUY I GUESS HE'S CALLED BIG DADDY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.. HE WAS AWESOME TO CHAT WITH. NOT THE FOOD!!! OMG WINGS GO WITH THE SPICY SAUCE,PULLED PORK,SALAD,PULLED PORK POTATO FULLY LOADED, RANCH DRESSING,MAC N CHEESE,RIBS!! HOLY CANOLI! MEAT FELL OFF THE BONE AND TASTED PHENOMENAL!, BRISKET, BEANS, SLAW AND FINALLY THE LEMON BOX PIE!!

Wenona O.

Food was good and prices were reasonable. Our waitress was very attentive and so polite.

Jeff H.

A group of us went for lunch on a weekday. We arrived around 12:30. It was quite busy but they got us a table as soon as a group left. They took our order quickly - beverages and food. The food was delivered quickly. We eat all types of dishes ... chicken, chicken wings, brisket, ribs, and typical sides. No complaints, everyone seemed to enjoy the meal. A couple of us had pie -- recommended. The bill was very reasonable for 9 people. I'd go again and recommend you go also.