‘Tooth Taste: Dreamland BBQ

ESPN doesn’t just pay attention to Alabama when it’s football season. In fact, the city of Tuscaloosa has been featured on ESPN for its food selection more than any other college town in the country. While we struggle through this off season, I’ll be doing some short pieces on the places that Tuscaloosa and Northport some of the best places to find good food in the Southeast.

This week we’re going to start off with something simple and delicious: Dreamland BBQ. This fine establishment started on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa in 1958, the same year Coach Bryant began coaching at the University of Alabama. It’s safe to say we can label 1958 as a year of greatness for the city of Tuscaloosa and all Alabama fans. Even today when you walk into the original Dreamland BBQ, you are greeted by nice but straight forward waitresses telling you sit wherever you’d like. Is it possible you might have to share a table with a couple of strangers? Absolutely. However, it can be argued that the bonding that occurs as you sit across from someone eating those mouthwatering ribs, sauce everywhere, and bits of pork in your teeth is one of the best experiences in Tuscaloosa. As you sit there slopping up the sauce, which you can get buckets of if you ask, with that fresh white bread you’ll be greeted by at least one manager checking in to see if everything is up to your expectations. Half of the time, that manager may even sit down next to you and talk some Alabama football. The original Dreamland is a mecca for all who enjoy good southern BBQ and a must-visit for any Alabama fan who has the chance to come to Title Town.

But Dreamland didn’t stop after perfecting their legendary ribs – they opened a location in Northport just over the bridge that offers the same quality food and more. Its menu offers pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, fries, baked beans, and some of the best mac & cheese your taste buds will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Just like the original location, the Northport Dreamland continues the tradition of kind folks waiting on you and an open bit BBQ where you can watch the magic happen as you enjoy your meal (and I use the word “waiter” loosely – it’s more like a family member asking what you’d like for dinner). Every piece of meat you eat will be juicy, but everyone needs a great beverage to go with their meal. If you are fan of sweet tea – and living in the South, I sure hope you are! – then Dreamland will pour you one of the best glasses of sweet tea you can find in the Southeast. Not too mention they’ll always ask if you’d like to be topped off before you leave. Once you’re done ingesting that salty and savory goodness, then finish off your meal with some banana pudding. Not a fan of banana pudding? Let Dreamland help change your mind. I wasn’t a fan of banana pudding but gave it a shot one day and I was blown away! I’d say it’s as good as mama used to make it, but that would be a lie. It’s better.

Next time you’re in Tuscaloosa and have a hankering for some real Southern BBQ, swing by Dreamland and order yourself a full rack of ribs, a big glass of sweet tea, and some of that fantastic ‘nana pudding. You won’t be disappointed. Remember Ain’t Nothing Like ‘Em, Nowhere!

You can find more information about Dreamland BBQ and their several locations on their website: http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/