Archibald's

We ordered a slab for two of us to share. We could have fed one more easily. Ribs tasted great, a little charred on some but you have to trade off because it was grilled atop a pit fire. If you order large beans - it’s too much for one person. Love supporting local businesses - please do the same here.

The food was really good! Got the half chicken and it was gone. I read the reviews before I went and it didn't disappoint. The place itself is old school. They have a new patio built were you can eat. I was the only person there, that why 1 star for atmosphere.

I was down here for work and looked up the best local restaurants and Archibald's came up first. I had the large rib plate with slaw and potato salad. (Best damn ribs and sauce I've ever had). The food is inexpensive for what you get and well worth every penny spent. I highly recommend checking Archibald's out 👍🏻👍🏻

This is legacy nex barbq at it's best. They have been doing it for over 60 years. The food was phenomenal the service and did I say the food. Pull pork melts in your mouth. The ribs stick to the bone until you bite into it.I will definitely make the drive roughly 150 miles to have again

So this was the third place I went to in Tuscaloosa. It’s awesome how old this place is and the BBQ history here. I loved the old pit which they still call a hole in the wall. I ordered the ribs, the pork which you can get sliced or chopped and baked beans and coleslaw. I got the pork sliced because that’s what they recommend. It was so moist and flavorful, and the bark had great flavor. I would definitely get that again. The ribs however were a little disappointing. They had great smoke flavor, however there was no rub on them. Some pieces were a little tough and fatty. I did like them I just don’t know if I would get them again because of the last two points. The sauce was excellent because it is vinegar based and reminds me of a Carolina sauce. Baked beans and Coleslaw were really good as well. I definitely recommend going to this place. Totally worthwhile. You have to go to the Northport one though.

Their food truck came to Presbyterian apartments today. We had three options. We could choose a rib plate with 3 ribs for $13, pork or chicken sandwich plate for $10, or 6 wings plate for $10. Everything came with two sides. Macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw. I had never tried their food before, so I ordered one wing plate for lunch, and a pork sandwich for later. The wings were tiny legs with a sauce that was a little sweet. The macaroni and cheese was creamy and tasted like it should. The coleslaw - forget it. There was plenty of creaminess and mayonnaise, but there was a funky taste about it that I couldn't identify. I couldn't eat it beyond a couple of bites, nor could my friend. The pork sandwich was good, with a sauce that was tangy. It was chopped meat with a liquid drizzled in it. I tried a bite of the baked beans. They might have had chili sauce in them. They were good, just a little sweet and different. I would rather spend my money on pulled pork. If you like a lot of vinegar in your food, this might be for you. This wasn't good enough to try again for my money.

Got to try their food after so many recommendations. Tried their chicken “sandwich”, which apparently is not a sandwich, but just a single chicken thigh and drum piece. It’s definitely good, but (atleast for me) I did not feel like the flavor is as intense as I would normally expect it to be. The fries were standard, but wish they’d toast the bread. The ambience of the place is typical of what you’d expect from a long-standing, southern place. Would definitely go back to the restaurant, for some wings at least.

Great food! Was in the area visiting the university and found Archibald’s as a top rated option. The food and service were excellent. I would highly recommend eating here from my experience; especially if you’re looking for bbq ribs or wings.

These are hands-down THE VERY BEST ribs in Tuscaloosa. IT'S where the locals go! You are not there for the ambiance - you are there for the season and smoke. Trust me! Do not miss a chance to try these ribs- get a few slabs to go and lots of sauce and light bread. It's the good stuff!!!

Ambiance was there with the wood pit, hole in the wall vibe but a 2 hour wait, wrong order, mostly fat and little meat, ran out of most sides, etc, was awful. How is this "second best bbq in America"? Let's get into it: - Slaw was good - Banana pudding was pretty decent - Plate was 95% fat - Sauce is pretty good for a vinegar base - No smoke flavor - Heavy pickle/relish flavor potato salad BBQ is my favorite food and consider myself a connoisseur. And I have to say the main part of the meal wasn't even good. Go to Moe's or Cook Out instead.

I can see why this place was featured in Southern Living magazine. The food is fantastic! We ordered takeout of ribs, a whole chicken, catfish, fried okra, potato salad and baked beans. The order also came with soft white bread. The catfish was delicious. It was crispy and seasoned just right. I couldn't stop eating it. Rolling a piece of catfish onto the bread brought back childhood memories. I know this is a barbecue place, but I will order the fish every time I come to Tuscaloosa! The ribs and chicken were pretty good too. Dipping the chicken in the sauce took the flavor to another level. The baked beans were really tasty and the potato salad was prepared the way I liked it. I had several servings of each. Can't wait to return during my next visit!

Had the combo plate, food was amazing! Service was quick especially for Gameday. Atmosphere was top notch being an Alabama fan. Highly recommend for anyone in the area.

I can't get this style of barbecue in the Midwest. Ribs and smoked beans were second to none. As you pull into the parking, the odor of the smoke from the pit confirms you made the right choice with Archibalds.

Awesome food at Archibalds. Had the large dinner plate with pulled pork and ribs and they were incredible. I have never been a fan of mustard on my bbq but Archibald's has changed my way of thinking. The people were really nice too. Loved my experience!!

I give five stars to the original location only. The others are awful unfortunately. You get bad customer service (and by bad I mean horrific), and they will over salt food to the point of being inedible. The original location has amazing customer service and the food is always on point. Far better than any other BBQ places in Northport. Best in all of North West Alabama.

Great old school bbq place. Fair warning if you get a rib sandwich it is bone and all you have to take the meat off the bone but so good. The bbq pit is very impressive as well. If you have been to dreamland try this place next time.

The food was great . Its been over 17 years since I ate there I wasn't in Bama but now that I live in Tuscaloosa I will order again . The food was great

Probably the most historically significant BBQ joint in Alabama. Food is fantastic. Great service. Just get there before they run out!

While in Tuscaloosa for a football game we stopped by this historic establishment to get some BBQ after the game. As you drive up you will see the pit on the left with parking for about 7 cars. You order at the counter facing the pit where BBQ gods are cooking up some great pork and ribs. The sauce is unique and that makes the deal a great one for us that love a good pork plate. They have side such as fries and chips but to be honest I just get the plate. Very awesome! Service is polite and there is a seating area, but I recommend just getting it to go. See you there next football season!

Was told to stay in car and would bring to car. one meal did not gets sides that was order. One order only got one side, when should have been two.

Great ribs, good prices, I'd give it a 4.5 but leaning toward 5 because the pork wasn't amazing but still pretty good

The dining area is an enclosed porch with ac and a tv. Very pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. You place your order in a separate little area, and the workers bring your food and drinks out to you . Staff is so friendly. The sweet tea is huge and delicious and free refills. The food was very tasty. Fried okra was out of this world. Cole slaw potato salad beans and pulled pork. Did not capture pics of all.

I can't believe I didn't get a photo of my AMAZING shredded pork plate! This chef is having THE BEST time chopping the pork IN THE STOVE!!! The food is absolutely spectacular and the service is BEYOND friendly! You can tell, this is just a happy and YUMMY place!!!

Ribs were not tender at all. Baked beans were alright. I will try again my next visit to Tuscaloosa, always try a second time is my motto before I cut you off.

It's been many years since the last time I ate their BBQ but this is not as good as the past. Meh at the best.

Archibald's made the list for one of the best BBQ places in the country. So took a trip with a buddy who loves BBQ as much as I do, to go check them out. KEY POINT... there are 2 locations. The first one is Archibalds. It's the original. The other is Archibald and Woodrow's, apparently a business or partnership old man Archibald formed with another BBQ man long ago. We went to both so I will separate the reviews. Archibalds has that family feel, folks who love what they do. The ribs were fresh off an open brick pit cooked over hickory wood. They cook hot and fast so Not the most tender ribs you will ever have but still good. They have a thin vinegar based sauce to go with the meat to give it an extra twang. Been in business since 1967 and still going. Try them if you're in town for a football game but be ready to stand in line. Word is they sell 300 plus slabs on a busy day and more on game day !

I travel for a living and try the best BBQ places all over the country. This week I went to Tuscaloosa and decided to stop by at Archibald's BBQ. Usually, I always order brisket and pork. I looked at approximately 20 different restaurant menus only to find out that none of them serve brisket. Instead of brisket you usually get the option to get your pork sliced, instead of pulled. It was quite enjoyable watching all the racks of ribs sizzling while ordering and the smell was amazing. I ordered a large rib dinner with potato salad and beans. Also, I went for a half pound of sliced pork. Both meats tasted smokey, savory with a bit of sweet. The sauce added a nice vinegary kick. Some of the best pork I ever had. The sliced pork is more tender and the ribs give you more crust. Also, the half pound of pork was a lot. I'm pretty sure it was at least a pound. The potato salad was too sweet for my taste and even though the beans had great flavor and a bit of a kick, they were very sweet as well. I wouldn't plan on eating at the restaurant as there are only three tables, unless the weather is nice as there are more tables and benches outside.

Great ribs. Nice people. Bought same package: slab of ribs, quarts of beans, Cole slaw, and potato salad, and extra sauce, at Archibald's and the famous competitor right down the road. Archibald's won the taste test, and was $15 less. Give them a try if you haven't been there.

Drove out to Tuscaloosa to see what all fuss about was with Archibald's, and it delivered big time. Ribs were meaty with just the right amount of char. Sauce was tangy and delish. Highly recommend!

absolutely some of the best BBQ i've ever had, the wings were incredibly good as well. Nothing fancy here, but simply awesome taste!

So I've never complained or made a bad review, at 2:04pm made a call for an order to go the man on the phone verified twice that we would be there soon, "it will be ready".... get there 2:17pm.. not only was it not ready they had no clue what we ordered between 5 staff members they fumbled around asking us what we ordered... little taken back but we reordered in person. Then had to wait 11 minutes, then get back home only to find we are missing sides and I'm not sure what was put in this pulled pork plate but wow. Called back and asked them hey do y'all write orders down? Lady says yes, but when inside there was no ticket, then I told her my problem she said what would you like to do about it. Boom say less.. Lived here my whole life and have been eating there my whole life that was it for me guys. Check out this pork plate

Inside and out this place screams great BBQ and it ain't wrong! I put a rib on top of my head and my tongue nearly beat my brains out trying to get to it . Highly recommended!!

This place is mostly a winner and we wouldn't hesitate to return. Ribs were huge and had such good flavor. Their sauce is unlike any sauce I've had before. It's pretty watery, I guess mostly vinegar, but it's really good. I'm used to thicker, sugary bbq sauces so this was a good change up. The chicken was a miss as it was pretty bland. Banana pudding dessert was solid. Service was very friendly.

Was able to get a slab of ribs on the 4th even though I didn't preorder them. I did have to place the order and come back a couple of hours later but I I was just glad I was able to get them. Staff was very nice and attentive and the ribs were amazing - definitely with the wait!

I've been looking forward to coming here for years. I tried the pork and ribs. The pork was wonderful! As good as any smoked pork shoulder I've ever had, would get that every time. The ribs were disappointing. Very chewy, almost tough and Not much smoke flavor. Planning on trying the ribs the next time I'm in town, may have been an off day. I will definitely be getting the pork the next time!!

Best smoked chicken in town...and they have lots of competition. Their sauce is also wonderful. I have people ask me to bring it out of state all the time.

We stopped for a take out order on the way home from the lake. The food was a bit fatty for me, but my husband loved it. The taste was really good, so I picked through the pork and removed the grissles!! The sauce was very tasty.

We stopped on our way thru. I had the large mix plate and my wife had the catfish. The atmosphere was great and family like. The service was fast and great! My wife said the catfish was the best she has had. I'd show a pic, but it would be of an empty table because it is all gone!

i really wanted to like this restaurant. and maybe my taste for bbq is more aligned with central Texas bbq. so.... here is what i will say. i have not been around nicer folks than the team at the bbq restaurant. i was greeted and they even gave me some free chicken wings (which we loved). if you grew up on Alabama bbq i am sure you will think this is amazing however it is not what i grew up with but that is ok!!! i would recommend anyone give them a try and meet Archibalds grand daughter who works the cash register!!

Awesome. Don't fall for the hype in other places, Archibald's is the real deal. Hole in the wall, as much as it gets. Completely authentic. Great ribs, catfish, etc. Nice people. Value is off the charts. A lot of food for your money. Got to hit this place up. No frills, just real.

Wow! This hidden gem is worth the trip to Northport. This restaurant is a throwback to the days of no nonsense, family run establishments. No commercial or corporate agenda. Just down-to-earth folks serving great food and providing great service. Archibald's takes great pride in their BBQ, and they have been doing it since 1962. The restaurant is a bit off the beaten path but it is not far from the U of A campus. Our GPS took us right to the rustic building. Not knowing what to expect, it looked a little sketchy. The building is a collection of seating areas that have been slapped together over time. A narrow entrance leads to an even narrower bar where you place your order. I ordered the small rib dinner. It is a generous portion of spare ribs with beans and coleslaw. The sides were average, but the ribs are worth writing about. The ribs are slow cooked in the historic wood fire smoker. The ribs were phenomenal; tender and flavorful. The rub is solid, and the barbecue sauce is excellent. The sauce is a thin vinegar base that didn't overwhelm but complemented perfectly. Three slices of soft white bread are served for soaking up the sauce.

Y'all. Wow. This place is unbelievably good. I don't really like bbq, but my husband wanted to come here as he loves to go places that he feels are rich in southern roots so I agreed. I got the wing special and my husband ended up with the pork platter. The sauce is a thin vinegar based type of sauce. Giving 4 stars because they messed up our order and overcharged us. The service is not very good either. Keep in mind this is a hole in the wall type of place, but wow is it worth it. Give this place a try!

The original Archibald's in Northport reminds of what Dreamland used to be. Excellent ribs.

Great Service, staff was very nice! Food is to die for, hands down best bbq in the Tuscaloosa Area. Great price for the amount of meat you get. Will be going back a lot!

Authentic - the food and the experience. BEST anywhere through all the years. Historically significant.

Their ribs and sauce were good but they have very unfriendly personnel. They feel somewhat raciest but honestly not friendly to anyone. The place is dated but acceptable clean.

They serve really great barbecue here. It's been a tradition in this area for as long as I can remember

Place was as advertised. You can stay in business selling bbq in Bama for 60 years if you ain't got it goin on right. And Archibald's do. Get some. Large plate of ribs. Chicken wings. And pulled pork. Hold the bread. Too much filler. Get after that meat. Sauce is vinegary sweet and hot. Love it.

Well this is definitely the real deal Southern BBQ. No frills but good food. We tasted why Archibald's has many accolades! We ordered the largest family meal along with a must have dessert, banana cream pudding! It was my first time having catfish and it was a delight. A crispy coating and simply placed in between two slices of white bread. There was a red dipPing sauce which was tasty. I ate my sandwich plain. I was stuffed but had to forge ahead and eat some ribs, wings and pork! Not to mention the cole slaw and beans! It was a hot and humid day in BAMA as we sat out in their covered porch. It was worth a great meal y'all!

Every time I visit Tuscaloosa/Northport, this is a MUST go! Best ribs around, get extra sauce!! Great people and the the atmosphere makes you feel at home!

A true Tuscaloosa classic! Best BBQ in Tuscaloosa! You have to get the wings though! They are amazing!! Always great service and the folks are super friendly! Great place to visit with a great atmosphere and get what true Tuscaloosa legendary BBQ is all about!!

Best BBQ in Alabama. Family owned and operated and you get a very down home feeling here. I highly recommend them.

The wings are Everything! They're not big and steroidish and the sauce is delicious with a kick!

So this was the third place I went to in Tuscaloosa. It's awesome how old this place is and the BBQ history here. I loved the old pit which they still call a hole in the wall. I ordered the ribs, the pork which you can get sliced or chopped and baked beans and coleslaw. I got the pork sliced because that's what they recommend. It was so moist and flavorful, and the bark had great flavor. I would definitely get that again. The ribs however were a little disappointing. They had great smoke flavor, however there was no rub on them. Some pieces were a little tough and fatty. I did like them I just don't know if I would get them again because of the last two points. The sauce was excellent because it is vinegar based and reminds me of a Carolina sauce. Baked beans and Coleslaw were really good as well. I definitely recommend going to this place. Totally worthwhile. You have to go to the Northport one though.

Old school Alabama BBQ I have eaten at both locations but this review is for the original Archibald's in Northport. When I'm eating BBQ, I don't need frills or interesting sides- give me my meat! In this respect- Archibald's more than delivers. My son had the catfish sandwich which was well seasoned, flaky, fresh tasting and delicious. My husband had the small rib dinner and those ribs...well, that what y'all should be eating here, because they were pretty awesome. They aren't "fall-off-the-bone", so if that's how you like them, go elsewhere. They have some good texture, a great smoke ring and a nice bite to them. The orange colored sauce on the side just enhances the flavor. Their baked beans have a chili powder flavor to them, strong and sweet. And their sweet tea- on point! I had the wings (thanks BRob for the recommendation), and they were very tasty with what tasted like an orange flavored BBQ sauce. They were really delicious, but buyer beware- they were legitimately the smallest chicken wings I have ever seen. Think the size of quail wings. One of them was smaller than my pinky finger. See photos. So, just know for you are ordering them you might want to get more than you normally would. Next time I will stick with their pulled pork which is phenomenal. Oh, staff was polite and pleasant- always appreciated.

Archibald's was recommended by a local friend and we were not disappointed. The pulled pork was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. I'm normally a bigger fan of traditional bbq sauces but the Archibald's vinegar sauce was mesmerizing and perfect. The homemade potato salad and slaw were very good. Best of all, while we were eating they brought us a free container of wings. Oh my, I should have ordered these first because they were heavenly.

Darn good bbq. Had the opportunity to grab the chicken wings with fries and bbq ribs with baked beans at their food truck when I was at work. Loved the sweet honey bbq on the wings and their classic archibald's bbq sauce on the ribs. Quite a delicious treat and great plate deals. Will come back for more, especially the catfish.