I was visiting my dad in B'ham last week and marveled at the fortune I had of growing up in a state with such fantastic barbecue! In your opinion, what's the best? Write in votes encouraged if I've left your favorite out.
Yes, there is a wealth of fine BBQ options in Birmingham. I miss that as there is only 1-2 passable places here that I will eat when I want a hint of home, but none of it measures up. I voted for Dreamland (Tuscaloosa one's better though), though I put rib joints and sandwich joints in a different category of BBQ altogether. I prefer Johnny Ray's for a sandwich, but Dreamland for ribs.
I have to vote Jim & Nick's. Partly because they are a sponsor of ours, but also because they are more consistent in their shoulder meat than Golden Rule or Johnny Ray's. I have to say, though, that you can't go wrong with any of the ones in the poll.
I prefer Johnny Ray's for sandwiches. Not a fan of Jim n Nick's pulled pork. I like my BBQ chopped. For ribs, Dreamland.
Sloss is hosting a BBQ festival in a few weeks called "Stokin' The Fire" http://stokin.slossfurnaces.com/ The website kind of sucks, but all the info you need is there.