
Dreamland BBQ
A decades-old Alabama institution serving legendary hickory-fired ribs and authentic Southern BBQ in a lively, casual atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Dreamland BBQ

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A decades-old Alabama institution serving legendary hickory-fired ribs and authentic Southern BBQ in a lively, casual atmosphere.
"Ain't nothin' like 'em nowhere!"
Must-Try Ribs
Order the famous ribs for an authentic Dreamland experience.
Beware of Spice
Chili and other dishes can be quite spicy; approach with caution if you're sensitive to heat.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Hickory-Fired Ribs
Dreamland BBQ's signature ribs are legendary, known for their smoky flavor and tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection.

Authentic Southern BBQ Experience
A casual, welcoming atmosphere serving up classic Southern comfort food, making it a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts.

Sidewalk Patio Dining
Enjoy your BBQ al fresco on the charming sidewalk patio, especially delightful during the summer months.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-Try Ribs
Order the famous ribs for an authentic Dreamland experience.
Beware of Spice
Chili and other dishes can be quite spicy; approach with caution if you're sensitive to heat.
Don't Skip the Chips
The in-house made chips are highly recommended by visitors.
Peak Time Service
Visit during lunchtime for surprisingly fast service, even when busy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Must-Try Ribs
Order the famous ribs for an authentic Dreamland experience.
Beware of Spice
Chili and other dishes can be quite spicy; approach with caution if you're sensitive to heat.
Don't Skip the Chips
The in-house made chips are highly recommended by visitors.
Peak Time Service
Visit during lunchtime for surprisingly fast service, even when busy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dreamland BBQ is celebrated for its legendary ribs and authentic Southern barbecue experience, offering a casual and welcoming atmosphere. While many rave about the smoky flavors and generous portions, some reviews mention that certain sides or dishes might not meet expectations. However, the overall sentiment highlights friendly service, a great vibe, and delicious comfort food that keeps patrons coming back.
"Just an all around great experience! The BBQ here is good, they have so many different options to try different things! My favorite thing on the menu are the Big Daddy Loaded House Chips! The prices and portions are mind-blowingly awesome! The local beer selection is quite plentiful as well, they have something for any and all tastes! I usually sit at the bar, and the bartenders are just wonderful, they are attentive, prompt, and kind! The music selections are just perfect! If you’re looking for a chill place to relax with good food, great beer, awesome service, and nice jams…Dreamland BBQ downtown Montgomery is where you need to be!"
Joe Turner
"It was such a cool place, it was a long weekend and I just wanted something lite, went with the chili. It was spicy (I'm not into spice), if you like spice, then you'd love it.
The husband had a wrap and enjoyed it. The chips and sausage as an appetizer was delicious"
Teisha Hart
"Service was amazing. Food on the hand was not so good
Mac n cheese is a boxed tasteless noodles
Wings are not smoked or really fried. They are not seasoned and the drizzle of sauce or the sauce on the side do any for them.
The chicken on that salad had no taste.
Rib tips were good
French fries had no seasoning but tasted good with salt and pepper."
Donnie Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Dreamland BBQ is most famous for its legendary, hickory-fired ribs, a dish that has earned them widespread recognition.
Yes, the Montgomery location features a lovely sidewalk patio that's perfect for al fresco dining, especially in warmer months.
Some dishes, like the chili, can be quite spicy. If you're sensitive to heat, it's advisable to ask for recommendations or proceed with caution.
The Big Daddy Loaded House Chips and the in-house chips are highly recommended by visitors.
Visiting during peak lunchtime is surprisingly recommended for fast service, even when the restaurant is crowded.
Yes, the restaurant offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great spot for families to enjoy comfort food together.
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Top Restaurants In Montgomery Alabama
A fixture on Alabama’s dining scene for over 50 years, Dreamland BBQ first opened its doors in 1958 in the neighboring city of Tuscaloosa and has since grown to two locations in Georgia and six branches in Alabama, including its Montgomery branch on Tallapoosa Street. Located in a picturesque brick building in downtown Montgomery, the restaurant features a casual and welcoming interior and a lovely sidewalk patio perfect for dining out on during the summer months. A must-try when visiting Dreamland BBQ are its legendary much-loved ribs, though a number of other barbecued items are also available including BBQ chicken and the smoked sausage.
48 Hours in Montgomery, Alabama: Travel Guide
First opened in Tuscaloosa, AL, Dreamland is one of the most authentic Southern Bar-B-Que experiences that you can find. there are ten Dreamland locations and they actually have one about 30-40 minutes from our house, but we had to try it out in Alabama while we were visiting and boy was it good!. We ordered pulled pork, fried okra, mac & cheese, and big cups of sweet tea, but we saw another table get an order of ribs and that will definitely be our next taste there when we go back!
17 Fun Things to Do in Montgomery On Your Alabama Adventure
There’s nothing better than chowing down on some true Southern grub, and Dreamland BBQ is the ideal Montgomery restaurant to do just that. One of the best things to do in Montgomery, AL, is to pull up a chair to the bar, catch a game on one of their flatscreen TVs, and eat until you’re stuffed to the brim!. Dreamland BBQ has been serving up good ol’ Southern comfort food since 1958, like pulled pork, ribs, mac n’ cheese, fried okra, and more.
Dining Guide to Montgomery, Alabama
BBQ lovers will find that the Montgomery location of Dreamland hits the spot. The environment is fun and lively and the menu is quite expansive compared to the original Dreamland. The original menu items are available, such as slabs of ribs and white bread, but additional items like their fried okra starter, stadium nachos, BBQ sandwiches, wraps, salads, potato salad, mac n cheese, and even banana pudding are available as well.
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Dreamland BBQ doesn’t play around when it comes to barbecue dishes served in a vibrant setting. The restaurant is found in multiple locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida; Montgomery is one of these locations. Dreamland’s specialty is BBQ ribs, but it also has sumptuous sandwich variations like the Big Daddy BBQ Sandwich, which is stuffed with either pork, chicken, or sausage.
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Dreamland BBQ originally opened in 1958 and has since grown into one of Alabama’s biggest barbecue restaurants, expanding into an empire of diners and caterers. BBQ sticks to traditional Southern barbecue, serving only chicken and pork. Starters include nachos and wings, but the main dishes offer a selection of barbecued pork and chicken combos.
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Railyard Brewing Company was once its own brewpub, but it closed its restaurant part of the business, at which point Dreamland BBQ moved in. Nowadays, Railyard still brews from within the old historic building at the northern edge of downtown Montgomery. There are 6 taps of their beer (available as a flight), as well as a few others.
Montgomery, Alabama Weekend Getaway
Dreamland BBQ – The original Dreamland in Tuscaloosa kicked off an Alabama legend that had people driving for miles just to taste the ribs. Thankfully, Dreamland has expanded to several locations throughout Alabama so that those of us in other parts of the state can enjoy it without having to make a pilgrimage.
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John “Big Daddy” Bishop opened Dreamland in 1958—literally by hand. He built the café himself, as well as created all of the from-scratch recipes. Dreamland firmly lives up to the promise to offer mouthwatering ribs, and is resolutely correct in bragging there, “Ain’t nothin’ like ‘em nowhere.” There aren’t.
My Base Guide - <!-
12 W Jefferson St Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 1 (334) 273-7427 Dreamland BBQ is a local chain that serves up tons of great BBQ. This place has a ton of loyal customers and the reason why is clear. You can find a large selection of BBQ classics at really great prices, including a three-meat combo for $14.99.
The Best Restaurants in Montgomery, a City Serious About Eating
The Dreamland BBQ sauce is the star—spicy, tangy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. While it’s not new, it’s hard to imagine a list like this without Dreamland’s smoky presence. The banana pudding also deserves a shoutout, if only to balance out the spice.
Exploring the Best Places to Eat in Montgomery, AL
The restaurant serves classic BBQ favorites like pulled pork, ribs, and chicken and some lesser-known dishes like burnt ends. The sides are just as good and range from the traditional baked beans and coleslaw to more creative offerings like bacon-maple sweet potato fries.
abama’s best barbecue: Reader picks
We also saw people insist “it’s tough to beat” Big Bob Gibson up in Decatur, shout out Birmingham’s Full Moon and Dreamland in Tuscaloosa (plus other locations statewide). And while it didn’t make the AL.com lists, Jim ‘N Nick’s was well-represented among reader choices.
Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in Montgomery
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (1,190 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 12 W Jefferson St, Montgomery, AL 36104-2573- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Dreamland BBQ is an institution in Montgomery, famed for its mouth-watering ribs and signature sauce. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
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If this wasn’t your first choice, an Alabama State Trooper may stop you. Dreamland BBQ is one of Alabama’s major barbecue franchises, with its own restaurants and catering business.
Where to Eat in Montgomery, Alabama
Dreamland BBQ– (Downtown) I rarely crave BBQ but when I do, this place hits the spot!. It has a sports bar feel and great food!. I get the half chicken and mac and cheese!
The 20 Best Dining Spots in Montgomery for 2023, Expertly Reviewed and Ranked
12 W Jefferson StreetMontgomery, AL 36104(334) 273-7427 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Dreamland BBQ is a casual barbecue restaurant in historic downtown.
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Dreamland BBQ: casual barbecue restaurant in historic downtown that gives off a lively ambiance and delicious classic barbecue dishes where all ages are satisfied.
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Or treat yourself to some of Alabama’s best barbecue with dishes like Tips & Chips, Boneless Rib Tips, or the Ultimate BBQ Plate at Dreamland BBQ!
The 7 Best Places For BBQ In Montgomery, Alabama
It’s hard to find a list of the best BBQ in Alabama that doesn’t mention Dreamland. And, for a good reason. The BBQ here is out of this world.
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