This Alabama Barbecue Joint Is Known For Its Legendary Ribs

History of Dreamland Bar-B-Que

Dreamland Bar-B-Que started in 1958 with what else but a dream? John “Big Daddy” Bishop had a dream in which God told him to open a restaurant, so he did. He opened the original Dreamland Café just down the road from his house on 15^th Avenue East in Tuscaloosa, Alabama—and that’s where it remains today. A brick mason, Bishop built the crimson-colored cinderblock building, as well as the original barbecue pit, himself. In the early days, Dreamland not only sold barbecue but hamburgers and hot dogs, too. But it was their meaty, hickory-smoked pork ribs that had people clamoring for more and soon it became not only the most-ordered item at the restaurant but something of a regional phenomenon. John “Big Daddy” Bishop passed away in 1996, but today his legacy lives on in 11 Dreamland locations spread amongst Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as in his secret barbecue sauce that can now be ordered from anywhere in the world.  

What Makes Dreamland’s Ribs So Special?

The motto at Dreamland is “Ain’t nothing like ‘em nowhere,” and after you’ve taken your first bite into a rib, you’ll understand why. The ribs are cooked in exactly the same way Bishop did himself 65 years ago. Pork spareribs are grilled hot and fast (typically for just 45 to 55 minutes) over a hickory wood-fired pit. While they cook, they’re generously basted with Dreamland’s tangy, slightly spicy barbecue sauce to keep them moist. When they come off the grill, the result is smoky, meaty, and pleasantly chewy rib meat that pulls clean off the bone. The charred crust around the ribs’ edges give another glorious contrasting texture.   

Menu Highlights

Obviously, ribs are the thing to order at Dreamland, but the full experience at the original Dreamland starts with a warm bowl of barbecue sauce and a stack of supple untoasted white bread. And you don’t have to wait for your ribs to arrive before diving in. Tradition says to grab a slice of bread, give it a dunk in the orangey-red, vinegar-based sauce, and go to town. The recipe for Dreamland’s sauce is heavily guarded but restaurant owners have confirmed that mustard and jalapeno juice are both involved.

At the original Dreamland location, the menu is simple: choose between ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. Sides include coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese. Then, finish off with banana pudding or chocolate dream (chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crumbled chocolate cookies). Other locations expand the menu with everything from barbecue bakers and wings to Brunswick stew and fried green tomatoes, but it’s still the ribs that keep people coming back for more.

How To Visit Dreamland Bar-B-Que

Dreamland Bar-B-Que East Montgomery: 7900 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL; (334) 239-8228

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Montgomery: 12 West Jefferson Street, Montgomery, AL; (334) 273-7427

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Mobile: 3314 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL; (251) 479-9898

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Tuscaloosa (original location): 5535 15^th Avenue East, Tuscaloosa, AL; (205) 758-8135

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Tallahassee: 2415 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL; (850) 800-7427

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Roswell: 10730 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, GA; (678) 352-7999

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Northport: 101 Bridge Avenue, Northport, AL; (205) 343-6677

Dreamland Bar-B-Que 280 Birmingham: 101 Inverness Corner, Birmingham, AL; (205) 820-7427

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Huntsville: 3855 University Drive, Huntsville, AL; (256) 539-7427

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Duluth: 3540 West Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, GA; (770) 366-7427

Dreamland Bar-B-Que Southside Birmingham: 1427 14^th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL; (205) 933-2133