Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
A century-old BBQ institution famous for its iconic Alabama White Sauce and award-winning slow-smoked meats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Busy but fast service
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Best Time
Busy but fast service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old BBQ institution famous for its iconic Alabama White Sauce and award-winning slow-smoked meats.
"This place is all about the food. No fancy lighting or trendy decor, just award-winning BBQ that speaks for itself."
🎯 Try the White Sauce!
Don't leave without trying the legendary Alabama White Sauce, especially on chicken!
🥔 Load Up That Potato
The baked potatoes are massive and delicious, especially when loaded with white sauce.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alabama White Sauce
The iconic, tangy, mayonnaise-based sauce that put Big Bob Gibson on the map. A must-try for any BBQ aficionado!
Award-Winning Smoked Meats
From tender ribs to juicy chicken and flavorful brisket, their slow-smoked meats are consistently praised.
Humongous Baked Potatoes
These loaded baked potatoes are a meal in themselves, often topped with white sauce and other delicious fixings.
Pecan Pie
A sweet and satisfying finish to your BBQ feast, often described as a perfect complement to the savory dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the White Sauce!
Portions & Speed
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the White Sauce!
Don't leave without trying the legendary Alabama White Sauce, especially on chicken! +2
🥔 Load Up That Potato
The baked potatoes are massive and delicious, especially when loaded with white sauce.
💰 Great Value Portions
Portions are huge, often enough for leftovers. Great bang for your buck!
🏆 Awards Wall
Check out the impressive wall of BBQ competition awards – a testament to their quality.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the White Sauce!
Don't leave without trying the legendary Alabama White Sauce, especially on chicken! +2
🥔 Load Up That Potato
The baked potatoes are massive and delicious, especially when loaded with white sauce.
💰 Great Value Portions
Portions are huge, often enough for leftovers. Great bang for your buck!
🏆 Awards Wall
Check out the impressive wall of BBQ competition awards – a testament to their quality.
🥧 Save Room for Pie
The pecan pie is a highly recommended sweet ending to your meal. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is widely celebrated for its legendary Alabama White Sauce and consistently delicious, award-winning smoked meats. Visitors rave about the generous portions, friendly service, and great value, making it a must-visit destination for BBQ enthusiasts. While the atmosphere is casual and no-frills, the food quality speaks for itself.
"Best barbeque I ever had in my life. The potato was the biggest potato I've ever seen. And it was delicious. The pulled pork sandwich was also delicious. Their sweet tea is the best I've ever had also. The prices are super cheap, and you get food for a couple days. I would come back every week if I could."
Giulia Zanella
"great flavor, friendly staff, big servings. They also sold good looking t-shirts of about $25. The restaurant seemed to stay busy during lunch time but they provided fast service. They have a drive thru, but it seemed too congested for me so we just ordered to go from inside the restaurant since we had pets. The menu has a good size selection of meal combinations, so its good to know what you want before coming to avoid holding up the line. Overall it was a great experience."
M E
"Phenomenal BBQ. Had the wings to start which were some of the best wings I've ever had. The Bob Gibson Combo plate was excellent. I got spare ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. They were all great. The Mac n cheese and green beans were some of the sides I've ever had at a BBQ joint. Highly recommend. I was headed to Nashville from Mobile and had to take a little detour to eat here and so glad I did."
David E.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is located in Decatur, Alabama. It's a popular stop on the North Alabama BBQ trail. Many visitors find it easily accessible by car, especially if they are traveling through the region. +1
Yes, it's a well-known landmark in Decatur. If you're using GPS, simply search for 'Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q' in Decatur, AL.
Parking is available, but it can get congested, especially during peak hours. Some visitors opt for the drive-thru or ordering to-go from inside to avoid parking hassles.
Public transport options are limited in Decatur. It's generally recommended to travel by car to reach Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q.
Absolutely! Big Bob Gibson is a key stop on the Visit North Alabama BBQ Trail, celebrating the region's rich barbecue heritage. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q operates as a restaurant where you can walk in or use the drive-thru to order.
Opening hours can vary, but they are typically open for lunch and dinner. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially on holidays.
There is no admission fee to enter the restaurant. You only pay for the food you order.
Reservations are generally not accepted as it's a casual, walk-in establishment. They focus on fast service for all customers.
Lunchtime can be very busy. If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Big Bob Gibson is most famous for its legendary Alabama White Sauce, a creamy, tangy mayonnaise-based sauce that pairs exceptionally well with their smoked chicken. They are also renowned for their slow-smoked meats like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, as well as their massive baked potatoes. +4
Must-tries include the BBQ half chicken with white sauce, the pulled pork sandwich, the ribs, and the loaded baked potatoes. Many also recommend the pecan pie for dessert. +2
Popular sides include mac and cheese, baked beans, and greens, which are often described as tasting like grandma used to make.
While white sauce originated on chicken, some visitors enjoy it on pork. However, many Redditors suggest it's best on chicken, as it was originally intended.
Yes, the portions are famously generous. Many reviewers mention that a single meal can often provide leftovers for another day. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic Alabama White Sauce, the impressive spread of award-winning meats, and the sheer size of the loaded baked potatoes. The restaurant's exterior and interior, with its awards wall, also make for great shots.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the restaurant. Many visitors document their meals and the restaurant's atmosphere.
The BBQ half chicken drizzled with white sauce, the overflowing loaded baked potato, and the beautifully smoked ribs are all highly photogenic. +1
The wall of awards is a unique backdrop for photos, showcasing the restaurant's legacy. The food itself, especially the signature white sauce chicken, is also very 'grammable.
Daytime offers the best natural light for food photography. However, the warm interior lighting can also create a cozy ambiance for evening shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider ordering a variety of meats and sides to share, allowing everyone to sample different flavors. The pecan pie is also a crowd-pleaser for dessert.
💰 Budget Travelers
The prices are described as 'super cheap' for the amount of food you receive.
🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Alabama White Sauce
While it's a staple for chicken, many visitors enjoy experimenting with it on other meats like pulled pork or ribs.
If you're visiting Big Bob Gibson, trying this legendary sauce is non-negotiable. It's a taste of history and a defining element of the Southern BBQ experience.
A Century of Barbecue Excellence
Chris Lilly, a prominent figure in the BBQ world and a descendant of the Gibson family, continues to uphold the restaurant's traditions while innovating.
Visitors often remark on the no-frills atmosphere, emphasizing that the focus is squarely on the exceptional food.
Generous Portions and Value
Reviewers consistently mention that a single meal can often feed two people or provide a satisfying second meal.
The efficient service, even during busy periods, ensures that you get your substantial meal quickly, allowing you to enjoy your food without a long wait.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit