In a state that is a veritable melting pot of BBQ styles there may be a joint that out shines the best in the nation. The north end of the state has a style similar to Memphis while the east trends towards the high vinegar sauces of the Carolinas. Of course there is also unique "Alabama White" sauce made famous by Big Bob Gibson.
Now in South Alabama most folks are drawn to the Kansas City style of barbecue imploring well smoked meats with a sweet/smokey tomato based sauce and there is one place that does better than the rest, The Brick Pit.
The "Pit" is just blocks from campus of the University of South Alabama and it looks like a BBQ joint should. In a word, shabby. Uneven floor, wobbly tables and the walls, corner posts and even the ceiling is cover with graffiti. It is a custom to sign the walls whenever you visit. The walls are also adorned with awards, national right ups and pictures of all the of football players and coaches that frequent the week of the Senior Bowl.
The Brick Pit is on virtually every "Top 100" lists out there and they have been profiled on national TV numerous times. The menu is simple: pulled pork, brisket, chicken and Mobile's favorite ribs. They are tender from smoking not from boiling, steaming or roasting. Low and slow just like they're supposed to be. The sides are the usual suspects - slaw, potato salad and baked beans. Que is available dry or with a helping of the classic KC style sauce. The Brick Pit may not be the best BBQ joint in the country but they are definitely on the short list.
The ceiling of the Brick Pit in Mobile, AL
In less than a decade Mobile's little BBQ cook-off that could, has. Now in it's ninth year the
BBQ Championship & Hog Wild Festival is a major swing on the
Kansas City Barbecue Society. In the past few years
Hog Wild has been featured on a number of cable networks and it's popularity has grown exponentially as was evidenced by the mile long line of cars waiting to get into the festival as I drove by today. Now teams come from far and near to try their best recipes in front of certified judges and a crowd that is very knowledgeable about barbecue. For a taste of
Hog Wild check out this video from Mobile's WALA Fox10:
NINTH ANNUAL BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP AND HOG WILD FESTIVAL
WHEN: 3-9 p.m. March 12; 9:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. March 13.
WHERE: Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds
WHY: Professional and amateur barbecue teams compete for cash and prizes in a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event. Proceeds benefit the local office of United Cerebral Palsy.
TICKETS: Day passes are $10, available at the gate. Kids 12 and younger are free.
INFO: Call the UCP office in Mobile at 251-479-4900; or visit www.bbqmobile.net.
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