This is a real Southern BBQ joint. No frills, locals noshing on BBQ, styrofoam and plastic and a BBQ pit as you walk in the front door. The pork ribs were out of this world. Lots of meat, fall of the bone juiciness and just the right amount of smoke. The ribs are a must and if you're on the run, you're in luck because there's a drive through.
(5)
Jeremy B.
Been eating BSB for 30+ yrs past five the sauce has changed not so good anymore.
(3)
KJ C.
Old school B'ham BBQ. I had the pork sandwich and okra and it was solid. Love the atmosphere w/ the open pit.
(4)
Ben B.
Bob Sykes shouldn't be on my list for two reasons, one, I don't do BBQ chains. I know it's no longer a chain, and their story is that they wanted to perfect their craft at one store, so I threw that pre-req out the window. The second reason is that I'm not a huge spare ribs fan, but after reading other reviews and on the advice of a friend, I caved. Good ribs, not great. Defintely not fall off the bone. Large in size, and in portion. Not overly smokey, and served dry with ample bbq sauce on the side, next time I'd go with the smoked brisket or pork. Alas, I'd stop back, but I'll go w/ something other than the ribs. But that's my humbled opinion. If you're a spare ribs afficinado, this may be your place! Oh, and when pulling into the parking lot, take it slowly. Due to the steep grade of the entrance, I bottomed out an SUV. I'd hate to see what it'd do to a sedan!
(3)
Joe L.
Get the pork ribs, eat them right away, and get the pulled/chopped pork I swear this is the first time I've had a a waitress at a BBQ restaurant who I just couldn't understand. Im sorry, I've spent the last 4 years in the south, and just drove across the country. Twice. If I cant understand you, then theres a problem. Ok now onto the food. I ordered the combination plate for 15 dollars. It's a lot of food. It came with 4 (maybe 5.. I got 5) pork ribs (not baby backs) and half a plate of sliced and chopped pork. Get the chopped pork, it's a LOT better. The chopped pork mixes with the sauce a lot better, and to be honest, the sauce here is actually pretty good. The sweet, spicy, and a bit sour. Almost like a vinegar based sauced. When mixed with the chopped pork , you get that salty porkiness which is really strong on the pork, the charr'd flavor from the grill and the sweet, spicy and sourness of the sauce. Pretty good. The sliced pork itself was kinda dry and didn't really have a smoky flavor to it. They kinda just needed to be lightly dipped into the sauce. But once you did all, all was solved. I'll be honest, I would have given this place 4 stars, but the sliced pork dropped it 1 star for me. BUT, what stood out was deifinitely the pork ribs. These are definitely the best pork ribs I have ever had. They instantly passed the bite and pull test. Tender, juicy, with a nice smoky flavor. This time, without a dry rub, its good enough to eat without a sauce. That is impressive for a piece of meat which if done improperly, like at a otherwise outstanding bbq joints in texas, can be tough and chewy. The pros though are that if done properly, you get a lot more meat for your money, and each individual rib is a lot bigger than a baby back. The two things that definitely stand out to me the moist about the ribs are how tender and juicy they are, and how much smokey flavor the meat had. In fact, as I am writing this, I am eating the rib without any sauce on it. OMG I just realized I got a free burnt end from the pork ribs. It is soo smokey and so good. It was also surprisingly moist. The baked beans were average. They were sweet, properly cooked correctly, but have nothing on the baked beans at The Smokin Joint or Goode, which have my 2 favorite baked beans. They are kinda just sweet, not really salty or spicy. However, the potato salad was really good. It's mustard based (waitress didn't know what I meant by that), which is how I think potato salad should be made. It was FILLED with potato both in chunks and mased, and also had finely diced pickles and red peppers. It actually didn't taste super mustardy/bitter at all and was a very pleasant slightly sour So average BBQ for me. You get a pretty large portion for the price, but DO NOT WHATSOEVER get the pork sliced instead of chopped. And it's also kind of a bummer that they machine chop it instead of hand pulling it like most placed. And the pork ribs are great here. But they dont offer baby backs.... weird. BUT, I do like this place better than Dreamland's ribs. So if you need help deciding, go here.
(3)
Clark L.
I've been eating BBQ for 60 years! I've eaten Rendevoux in Memphis,Charlie Nickens( long gone) and Jack's in Nashville,Snow's in Lexington,Tx( best in Texas), been to Kansas city BBQ festival many times,12 Bones in Asheville(current fav) and hundreds of others. Bob Sykes wouldn't be on my Top 50 list.Tonight I ordered the Combo Plate.Chopped pork and ribs.Chopped pork was Ok.Rating of 5 on a 1-10 scale.Too salty.Little smokey flavor.Single sauce.Eatable,but nothing great.Kind of the Wendy's of BBQ. Ribs were big,but tough and basically uneatable.They looked good,but you couldn't eat them. Okra was greasy and long ago cooked.The "veg of the month",summer squash,must have been cooked at the beginning of the month.... Decor was fine.Service was good.Just the food was pretty plain,noy very appetizing. These old places(50 Yrs for Bob Sykes) need to always be attending to their product.The new comers,as has 12 Bones in Asheville,will eat the lunch of these old places,if they don't strand to their future,rather than their past!
(2)
Kaneil Smith S.
Good southern BBQ. Large portions. Nice little place. Worth the price. The ribs could be a little more tender though. But I didn't regret spending my money there when I was visiting AL
(4)
Rev. B.
First of all, this isn't barbeque...it's grilled meat. The pork shoulders and beef are grill roasted, as are the ribs. There's hardly any smoke being used. So, it's not real barbeque. Go ahead and argue with me and prove your an ass. Anyway. The "pulled pork" and "bbq beef" were insipid and anemic. Just cooked meat with no seasoning. I didn't even detect salt and pepper. So disappointing. The ribs were not good, but the most salvageable of the trio, simply because they were pork meat grilled with bone, and not overcooked. The end pieces of the rib were on the tough side, but the middle, thick ribs were tender. Again though, no seasoning. No salt & pepper, no rub. (they can't use rub; they're grilling at higher heat...the rub would burn before the meat was done) I was traveling with two other friends, who both know and have had world class bbq before. We were all equally disappointed. We read and heard rave reviews about this place. "Landmark, legendary, incredible, can't miss..." whatever. Sucked. We took the pork and beef home and made hash with it the next morning, seasoned it and salvaged it. The ribs we ate because we were starving and in the middle of a 900 mile drive. The best part of the place was the water. Really; their water tasted good. Hard to mess that up. Baked beans were tasty, kind of a hybrid between a tomato-ey pork and beans and a boston baked. Not a dark, sticky sauce, but had some tomato and vinegar in it. The slaw was acceptable as well. One final note, the bbq sauce was actually really good, but it didn't transform the meat. A friend of mine coined a phrase in reference to what people think good pizza and cheesesteaks are up here in Philly/Jersey area. She said "Just because you've been eating it your entire life, doesn't make it good." The patrons of Bob Sykes BBQ apparently haven't heard this yet.
(2)
Liz R.
I didn't want to insult by rating this restaurant a 2, but I can't say I liked it. Now, maybe I just don't like Alabama BBQ... which, to me, tasted like watered down tomato sauce with a teeny tiny tang at the end. I prefer big, robust, spicy kick-you-in-the-butt flavors like I've had in Dallas, Memphis, Detroit, etc. I tried the pulled pork sandwich, BBQ beans and coleslaw. All were OK.
(3)
Elliott W.
We ate at the Tannehill State park location. The facility was very nice and I liked the fact that the pit is right out in front. However, as an avid BBQ'r myself, and having eaten at many of the best BBQ joints anywhere, I was not impressed. Syke's has a legendary reputation, but it was not lived up to. I had the spare ribs, which needed at least another hour on the pit. The sause was forgettable. The okra tasted like frozen, pre-breaded okra and was soggy. The coconut pie was not smooth and the merange was thick with gelatin, not light and fluffy as it should be. I would recommend eating elsewhere.
(2)
Elaine L.
I Love Bob Sykes Bbq! It's been around since 1957...you know they're doing something right. I love their bbq chicken and of course the chopped bbq sandwich. Their homemade onion rings and desserts are amazing. The service is fast, warm, and friendly. It's the best bbq in Alabama!
(5)
Jack U.
Bob Sykes BBQ USED to be one of the best barbecues in this country, about 30 years ago. Unfortunately, it's nothing like it's former self. About the only thing that hasn't changed is the sauce- it's still a terrific sauce, but it's not enough to make up for the other things. I just ate there earlier today, and I had a half slab of their pork ribs. The ribs were meaty, and obviously well smoked, but the meat was very tough. It was kind of funny grabbing a bit of meat in my teeth, and trying to pull it off. I just couldn't do it! I had to tear the meat off the bones with my fingers and try to eat it that way. I didn't try the other things on the menu- if the ribs aren't any good I'm not interested in anything else.
(2)
Matt H.
I wish there were more stars. The burgers, the rings, the BBQ... Where to start? Great place to eat and enjoy a landmark of the Bessemer community!
(5)
Stacey W.
So just what does a pesce vegetarian eat at a BBQ smokehouse? Loaded baked potato, salad, and baked beans of course! It left me stuffed and satisfied! That potato was out of this world. I jut had to turn the other way, though, and pretend not to see the pig body parts laying in a row on the fire pit. Sniff, sniff.
(3)
Tim W.
get the cheese burger also
(4)
Ram-a-lama D.
Had the ribs and the were tough and chewy. Everyone else on here likes them, maybe it was an off day but that's what I got. Only one choice of sauce and it was kinda runny without that much flavor... But hey...Sweet tea was good...
(2)
Jason E.
Old School BBQ. You can feed about 2-4 people for $20. Ribs are cooked over direct heat, so they are not as tender as some, but the flavor is very good. Sweet Tea is very good.
(4)
Gregory R.
Stopped here on a road trip for my first taste of some true southern BBQ. Maybe I don't like true southern BBQ. As I am now slowly learning most of these places are drive-thrus and are pretty much fast food joints. When we pulled in to this place and saw the drive-thru and fast foody menu, I was about to keep driving but I thought, hey, maybe it's like the early days of McDonalds. They probably had pretty good food in the early days. I got a BBQ pork sandwich and it came out in a wrapper. The bun was spongy, white, and tasted as strange and foreign as any other cheap hamburger joint. But, the BBQ pork was actually really good. I ended up just eating the pork out of the sandwich. This place is definitely worth dining in because it has more of a local diner vibe than a McDonalds vibe on the inside. The other bonus is that you can see all the meat being cooked just inside the door. Overall if you are not a fast food fan, I'd say just order the chicken, ribs, or a side of the pulled pork. The pies look pretty good and homemade, but I didn't try them. Probably wouldn't eat here again but it's worth checking out once!
(2)
Sheila L.
After reading the previous poster's review, I feel that I simply must put in my two cents. I will concede that the bread is only average at best, but the chopped pork is fabulous! At Christmas, instead of slaving over the stove making the traditional fare (that we just ate at Thanksgiving), my family always orders chopped pork from Bob Sykes. We get a portion of chopped inside and a portion of chopped outside. The outside brown is what taste buds were created for. Savory & smokey with a bit of crunch! Yum! The sauce has a vinegar base and is expertly seasoned with a just a bit of heat. It's very well balanced.
(4)
Chris E.
Best Barbecue in the world. I eat BBQ all over the country and this is by far the best. Dine in and take in the old school Alabama BBQ house feel. The sauce is to die for and the meat can probably need a little something. They have a nice selection pies also that are pretty good and I belive homemade.
(5)
Russ M.
I found this "iconic", "legendary","historical"..etc etc etc BBQ joint to be a solid 3 star experience....Average. The service was friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was nice. The food was fine...just nothing spectacular. Sorry, but I simply have no superlatives for Bob Sykes BBQ.
(3)
Stephanie K.
Food is great, the ribs had a GREAT amount of meat on them (A+) , the sauce isn't too spicy but not too bland... the baked beans were hot, and the coleslaw was cold and great. I thought the combination plate was gonna be small, and very little meat (4oz is what it said on the board) the large section of the plate was piled with pulled pork :) great value for sure.
(5)
Jerry R.
I gave ONE STAR, due to the BRISKET ONLY! This was AWFUL! I have eat here for YEARS... and always try to stop in when I am in town... a least once a month. Yesterday, we had stopped in, and I thought I would try the BRISKET BURGER. UGH! It was terrible. Half cooked, THIN THIN THIN BRISKET, VERY TOUGH... like thick undercooked, dried out bacon... very bad. Of course the burger part was great! Van, you need to take the brisket OFF the menu until you get this right... sorry... it was bad. If this was my FIRST visit, FIRST IMPRESSION.. I doubt if I would ever give them a SECOND. But, I know ALL IN ALL, they're GREAT! Except the brisket burger. ugh.
(1)
Paul C.
This is a Birmingham original that has been serving barbecue since 1957. This was my first time at this restaurant, but it felt very similar to the many other barbecue places in town (Full Moon, Golden Rule, and Johnny Ray's come to mind). The fire pit is just a couple feet from the dining area. You have an unobstructed view of the grill, and the smell of hickory smoke is in the air. While I was there chickens, ribs, and pork shoulders were on the grill. I thought the ribs were solid, but not outstanding. I ordered 1/2 slab, and the portion was big. Six or seven ribs. The smaller ribs were tender and the meat easily pulled from the bone. The larger pieces had sections that were tough and chewy. The rub was flavorful and not too salty. Their barbecue sauce was sweet and had enough vinegar to give a slight tanginess. You can order packaged jars of the sauce, but I'm glad I didn't because I thought it was petty common. I'm glad I tried the ribs. The restaurant is family owned and operated, and the Bob Syles name Is well known. The customers who were there looked to be a loyal following.
(3)
Kim K.
The BBQ is NOT as good as people make it out to be,..if this represents Alabama KEEP IT! The pulled pork sandwich I had from there was full of FAT! Where was the meat? and the sauce...Kraft bbq tastes so much better out of the bottle than what I've recieved....the ribs we're over cooked and dry that NOTHING could have revitalized the pork...no pig should have to sacrifice itself to Bob Sikes
(1)
Chris W.
My family and I love this place! The ribs and chicken are good... I am not a fan of their sauce... I always get it on the side. I grew up near this place so is a bit nostalgic...
(4)
Casey S.
Went here years and years ago when passing through Bessemer on a road trip. Set-up was confusing but the employees were very helpful/patient and explained how everything worked and what different menu items included. The ribs are some of the meatiest/largest/most delicious ribs I have ever had in my life. The BBQ sauce is thick and vinegary but you hardly need it. Pulled pork - equally delicious with great smoky flavor. My father got brisket and a side of smoked sausage and raved about each. Everyone got different sides including mac and cheese, cole slaw, and beans and everyone was pleased. If you have room (or just take it for later) try one of the homemade slices of pie for dessert!
(5)
Rusty R.
OK - to start let me say that the hospitality is good, the prices are fantastic, but when it comes to barbecue lovers... This place seems to fall a little short of the raving reviews you find on here otherwise. I'm a barbecue enthusiast, I've traveled form Texas through the south sampling barbecue straight up to New York. Bob Sykes has the at home feel we all love but the love in the air does not represent the food by far. If you enjoy smokey favors this is the place to be, but the beef falls short of flavor and moisture, the ribs shortly behind as well. The concern is the lack of moisture.. The fat needed to make smoking and true barbecue work.. Aside from a few bites of the rib where the balance was perfect, the meat is chewy. The sliced beef is dry and flavorless and needs big helping of sauce to go down. As a local staple this place will survive, but for those traveling through and looking for good eats and maybe a place to rave about, I hate to say it, but this is not the place.
(3)
T Ann C.
This is my husband's favorite place for ribs...sauce on the side. It has quickly became my go too for ribs as well. The meat is tender with a nice smoke ring and MAN us it juicy! I have only had their ribs so I can't speak up for the rest of the menu but based on the lines inside and out, I think it is safe to assume they are pretty good. I got my hubby a half slab yesterday (since I wanted to savor my Red Pearl Chinese) and one bone I stole was soooo good, I'm back for more right now! ....Just devoured an order of okra from Sykes on the way home! Yum!
(4)
Guy S.
I have a HS friend who swears this is the best BBQ a in the world. He's not far from wrong. I finally made it in here, although I needed to drive 25 miles out of my way after flying from ORDINARY to LIT to ATL to BHM. So it was quite a stretch to get here. Bob Sykes' was founded in 1957. The decor is original and rustic...nothing fancy here...just huge portions and solid Q! I ordered a combo plate, which actually arrived as a series of PLATES!! I had pulled pork and beef, which was a brisket simmered to falling-apart tender. The slaw is excellent...frequently a big miss in BBq restaurants. The only small point of contention here is that the sauce is more smoky than tangy...a personal preference, but one that matters to me. Still, aside from betting friend Ray off of my a** by coming here, it was well worth the trip.
(4)
Ross K.
Bland meat with no flavor ( DEFINITELY NO SMOKE) and watery/ketchupy BBQ sauce. Don't waste your time and don't let the open grill fool you when you walk in, everything is pre-cooked, I asked....
(2)
Cindy G.
It is cleaner than it looks on the outside. Inside is fairly new and clean. I ordered the 1/4 chicken and had potato salad and baked beans for my sides. The woman was rude when I opened my food. We did get our food fairly quickly but my chicken was over cooked. When you go to a BBQ place every kind of meat should be falling off the bone. The sauce was okay but a bit runny. The baked beans were bland as was the potato salad. Went I went to leave a different woman was just as rude when I asked for a to go box (for my dog because I wasn't gonna eat it lol). All in all I would say drive a couple more miles and eat at Uncle Sam's BBQ in Hueytown.
(2)
Jr S.
The only reason I gave them 2 stars was because their ribs are cooked really nice. I've been there 2 times and the ribs were good both times. Now onto their sauce. It tastes to me like ketchup and taco sauce mixed up for some reason but the sauce sucks bad and bbq to me is pretty much all in the sauce. Not to mention 14 buks for a rib sandwich 1 side and a small drink... Wtf. The guy on the grill knows his stuff tho.
(2)
Brad H.
My father-in-law loves this place, always raving about it. I finally joined him and tried it out, and I was glad to say it exceeded my expectations. I loved the sauce (nice tang to it), the fries, the price, quantity of meat piled on my sandwich. A+ experience all around. Can definitely see why they've been doing business for so long. Will be back.
(4)
Cody M.
Grew up eating Bob Sykes BBQ. Whenever I eat at other BBQ I compare them to Bob Sykes. The ribs are my favorite, potato salad excellent, slaw the best around. Cheeseburger is messy and delicious. Try the onion rings too. Worth a stop in Bessemer if you are passing through!
(4)
Jeff D.
Iconic. I've been eating here for 30 years. Don't listen to people from Jersey about BBQ. Likewise, don't ask people from the South about pizza. Some advice. The average BBQ restaurant in the South is known for chopped pork. If it is a rib joint, they will brag about their ribs. Go to Texas if you want brisket. Stick to the specialty of the region. Ask your server. Wood smoked overnight. Great sides. Super friendly family run place.
(5)
John L.
Food was great. Price was in line with food. Barbecue was excellent. If you like barbecue and are in the area eat here. It's voted best in Alabama for a reason.
(5)
Roderic P.
I've eaten there until one day... When I went there close to closing and they were cleaning up the smoker area on the right of the store, and hundreds of ROACHES were every where, it completely grossed me out I was still waiting on my food and just threw it away..... Just terrible
(1)
Chris J.
I have been eating Bob sykes for years it is my first stop on my way in from Detroit, MI on june 27,2014 i ordered a half slab of ribs 3 pork sandwiches a beef sandwich and a gallon of tea and the tea tasted different the sandwitches did not tasre smoke they hade plenty of meat but not good the sandwiches come chopped and not pulled the rib tasted good but tuff will never go there again
(2)
David P.
Got the big Bob special which consist of a pork sandwich and two sides. I got the pulled pork with fries and corn. The sandwich was bathed in sauce that was average, the fries were ok and the corn was dried out and cooked in flavorless water. You want better bbq come over to GA.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Lee H.
This is a real Southern BBQ joint. No frills, locals noshing on BBQ, styrofoam and plastic and a BBQ pit as you walk in the front door. The pork ribs were out of this world. Lots of meat, fall of the bone juiciness and just the right amount of smoke. The ribs are a must and if you're on the run, you're in luck because there's a drive through.
(5)Jeremy B.
Been eating BSB for 30+ yrs past five the sauce has changed not so good anymore.
(3)KJ C.
Old school B'ham BBQ. I had the pork sandwich and okra and it was solid. Love the atmosphere w/ the open pit.
(4)Ben B.
Bob Sykes shouldn't be on my list for two reasons, one, I don't do BBQ chains. I know it's no longer a chain, and their story is that they wanted to perfect their craft at one store, so I threw that pre-req out the window. The second reason is that I'm not a huge spare ribs fan, but after reading other reviews and on the advice of a friend, I caved. Good ribs, not great. Defintely not fall off the bone. Large in size, and in portion. Not overly smokey, and served dry with ample bbq sauce on the side, next time I'd go with the smoked brisket or pork. Alas, I'd stop back, but I'll go w/ something other than the ribs. But that's my humbled opinion. If you're a spare ribs afficinado, this may be your place! Oh, and when pulling into the parking lot, take it slowly. Due to the steep grade of the entrance, I bottomed out an SUV. I'd hate to see what it'd do to a sedan!
(3)Joe L.
Get the pork ribs, eat them right away, and get the pulled/chopped pork I swear this is the first time I've had a a waitress at a BBQ restaurant who I just couldn't understand. Im sorry, I've spent the last 4 years in the south, and just drove across the country. Twice. If I cant understand you, then theres a problem. Ok now onto the food. I ordered the combination plate for 15 dollars. It's a lot of food. It came with 4 (maybe 5.. I got 5) pork ribs (not baby backs) and half a plate of sliced and chopped pork. Get the chopped pork, it's a LOT better. The chopped pork mixes with the sauce a lot better, and to be honest, the sauce here is actually pretty good. The sweet, spicy, and a bit sour. Almost like a vinegar based sauced. When mixed with the chopped pork , you get that salty porkiness which is really strong on the pork, the charr'd flavor from the grill and the sweet, spicy and sourness of the sauce. Pretty good. The sliced pork itself was kinda dry and didn't really have a smoky flavor to it. They kinda just needed to be lightly dipped into the sauce. But once you did all, all was solved. I'll be honest, I would have given this place 4 stars, but the sliced pork dropped it 1 star for me. BUT, what stood out was deifinitely the pork ribs. These are definitely the best pork ribs I have ever had. They instantly passed the bite and pull test. Tender, juicy, with a nice smoky flavor. This time, without a dry rub, its good enough to eat without a sauce. That is impressive for a piece of meat which if done improperly, like at a otherwise outstanding bbq joints in texas, can be tough and chewy. The pros though are that if done properly, you get a lot more meat for your money, and each individual rib is a lot bigger than a baby back. The two things that definitely stand out to me the moist about the ribs are how tender and juicy they are, and how much smokey flavor the meat had. In fact, as I am writing this, I am eating the rib without any sauce on it. OMG I just realized I got a free burnt end from the pork ribs. It is soo smokey and so good. It was also surprisingly moist. The baked beans were average. They were sweet, properly cooked correctly, but have nothing on the baked beans at The Smokin Joint or Goode, which have my 2 favorite baked beans. They are kinda just sweet, not really salty or spicy. However, the potato salad was really good. It's mustard based (waitress didn't know what I meant by that), which is how I think potato salad should be made. It was FILLED with potato both in chunks and mased, and also had finely diced pickles and red peppers. It actually didn't taste super mustardy/bitter at all and was a very pleasant slightly sour So average BBQ for me. You get a pretty large portion for the price, but DO NOT WHATSOEVER get the pork sliced instead of chopped. And it's also kind of a bummer that they machine chop it instead of hand pulling it like most placed. And the pork ribs are great here. But they dont offer baby backs.... weird. BUT, I do like this place better than Dreamland's ribs. So if you need help deciding, go here.
(3)Clark L.
I've been eating BBQ for 60 years! I've eaten Rendevoux in Memphis,Charlie Nickens( long gone) and Jack's in Nashville,Snow's in Lexington,Tx( best in Texas), been to Kansas city BBQ festival many times,12 Bones in Asheville(current fav) and hundreds of others. Bob Sykes wouldn't be on my Top 50 list.Tonight I ordered the Combo Plate.Chopped pork and ribs.Chopped pork was Ok.Rating of 5 on a 1-10 scale.Too salty.Little smokey flavor.Single sauce.Eatable,but nothing great.Kind of the Wendy's of BBQ. Ribs were big,but tough and basically uneatable.They looked good,but you couldn't eat them. Okra was greasy and long ago cooked.The "veg of the month",summer squash,must have been cooked at the beginning of the month.... Decor was fine.Service was good.Just the food was pretty plain,noy very appetizing. These old places(50 Yrs for Bob Sykes) need to always be attending to their product.The new comers,as has 12 Bones in Asheville,will eat the lunch of these old places,if they don't strand to their future,rather than their past!
(2)Kaneil Smith S.
Good southern BBQ. Large portions. Nice little place. Worth the price. The ribs could be a little more tender though. But I didn't regret spending my money there when I was visiting AL
(4)Rev. B.
First of all, this isn't barbeque...it's grilled meat. The pork shoulders and beef are grill roasted, as are the ribs. There's hardly any smoke being used. So, it's not real barbeque. Go ahead and argue with me and prove your an ass. Anyway. The "pulled pork" and "bbq beef" were insipid and anemic. Just cooked meat with no seasoning. I didn't even detect salt and pepper. So disappointing. The ribs were not good, but the most salvageable of the trio, simply because they were pork meat grilled with bone, and not overcooked. The end pieces of the rib were on the tough side, but the middle, thick ribs were tender. Again though, no seasoning. No salt & pepper, no rub. (they can't use rub; they're grilling at higher heat...the rub would burn before the meat was done) I was traveling with two other friends, who both know and have had world class bbq before. We were all equally disappointed. We read and heard rave reviews about this place. "Landmark, legendary, incredible, can't miss..." whatever. Sucked. We took the pork and beef home and made hash with it the next morning, seasoned it and salvaged it. The ribs we ate because we were starving and in the middle of a 900 mile drive. The best part of the place was the water. Really; their water tasted good. Hard to mess that up. Baked beans were tasty, kind of a hybrid between a tomato-ey pork and beans and a boston baked. Not a dark, sticky sauce, but had some tomato and vinegar in it. The slaw was acceptable as well. One final note, the bbq sauce was actually really good, but it didn't transform the meat. A friend of mine coined a phrase in reference to what people think good pizza and cheesesteaks are up here in Philly/Jersey area. She said "Just because you've been eating it your entire life, doesn't make it good." The patrons of Bob Sykes BBQ apparently haven't heard this yet.
(2)Liz R.
I didn't want to insult by rating this restaurant a 2, but I can't say I liked it. Now, maybe I just don't like Alabama BBQ... which, to me, tasted like watered down tomato sauce with a teeny tiny tang at the end. I prefer big, robust, spicy kick-you-in-the-butt flavors like I've had in Dallas, Memphis, Detroit, etc. I tried the pulled pork sandwich, BBQ beans and coleslaw. All were OK.
(3)Elliott W.
We ate at the Tannehill State park location. The facility was very nice and I liked the fact that the pit is right out in front. However, as an avid BBQ'r myself, and having eaten at many of the best BBQ joints anywhere, I was not impressed. Syke's has a legendary reputation, but it was not lived up to. I had the spare ribs, which needed at least another hour on the pit. The sause was forgettable. The okra tasted like frozen, pre-breaded okra and was soggy. The coconut pie was not smooth and the merange was thick with gelatin, not light and fluffy as it should be. I would recommend eating elsewhere.
(2)Elaine L.
I Love Bob Sykes Bbq! It's been around since 1957...you know they're doing something right. I love their bbq chicken and of course the chopped bbq sandwich. Their homemade onion rings and desserts are amazing. The service is fast, warm, and friendly. It's the best bbq in Alabama!
(5)Jack U.
Bob Sykes BBQ USED to be one of the best barbecues in this country, about 30 years ago. Unfortunately, it's nothing like it's former self. About the only thing that hasn't changed is the sauce- it's still a terrific sauce, but it's not enough to make up for the other things. I just ate there earlier today, and I had a half slab of their pork ribs. The ribs were meaty, and obviously well smoked, but the meat was very tough. It was kind of funny grabbing a bit of meat in my teeth, and trying to pull it off. I just couldn't do it! I had to tear the meat off the bones with my fingers and try to eat it that way. I didn't try the other things on the menu- if the ribs aren't any good I'm not interested in anything else.
(2)Matt H.
I wish there were more stars. The burgers, the rings, the BBQ... Where to start? Great place to eat and enjoy a landmark of the Bessemer community!
(5)Stacey W.
So just what does a pesce vegetarian eat at a BBQ smokehouse? Loaded baked potato, salad, and baked beans of course! It left me stuffed and satisfied! That potato was out of this world. I jut had to turn the other way, though, and pretend not to see the pig body parts laying in a row on the fire pit. Sniff, sniff.
(3)Tim W.
get the cheese burger also
(4)Ram-a-lama D.
Had the ribs and the were tough and chewy. Everyone else on here likes them, maybe it was an off day but that's what I got. Only one choice of sauce and it was kinda runny without that much flavor... But hey...Sweet tea was good...
(2)Jason E.
Old School BBQ. You can feed about 2-4 people for $20. Ribs are cooked over direct heat, so they are not as tender as some, but the flavor is very good. Sweet Tea is very good.
(4)Gregory R.
Stopped here on a road trip for my first taste of some true southern BBQ. Maybe I don't like true southern BBQ. As I am now slowly learning most of these places are drive-thrus and are pretty much fast food joints. When we pulled in to this place and saw the drive-thru and fast foody menu, I was about to keep driving but I thought, hey, maybe it's like the early days of McDonalds. They probably had pretty good food in the early days. I got a BBQ pork sandwich and it came out in a wrapper. The bun was spongy, white, and tasted as strange and foreign as any other cheap hamburger joint. But, the BBQ pork was actually really good. I ended up just eating the pork out of the sandwich. This place is definitely worth dining in because it has more of a local diner vibe than a McDonalds vibe on the inside. The other bonus is that you can see all the meat being cooked just inside the door. Overall if you are not a fast food fan, I'd say just order the chicken, ribs, or a side of the pulled pork. The pies look pretty good and homemade, but I didn't try them. Probably wouldn't eat here again but it's worth checking out once!
(2)Sheila L.
After reading the previous poster's review, I feel that I simply must put in my two cents. I will concede that the bread is only average at best, but the chopped pork is fabulous! At Christmas, instead of slaving over the stove making the traditional fare (that we just ate at Thanksgiving), my family always orders chopped pork from Bob Sykes. We get a portion of chopped inside and a portion of chopped outside. The outside brown is what taste buds were created for. Savory & smokey with a bit of crunch! Yum! The sauce has a vinegar base and is expertly seasoned with a just a bit of heat. It's very well balanced.
(4)Chris E.
Best Barbecue in the world. I eat BBQ all over the country and this is by far the best. Dine in and take in the old school Alabama BBQ house feel. The sauce is to die for and the meat can probably need a little something. They have a nice selection pies also that are pretty good and I belive homemade.
(5)Russ M.
I found this "iconic", "legendary","historical"..etc etc etc BBQ joint to be a solid 3 star experience....Average. The service was friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was nice. The food was fine...just nothing spectacular. Sorry, but I simply have no superlatives for Bob Sykes BBQ.
(3)Stephanie K.
Food is great, the ribs had a GREAT amount of meat on them (A+) , the sauce isn't too spicy but not too bland... the baked beans were hot, and the coleslaw was cold and great. I thought the combination plate was gonna be small, and very little meat (4oz is what it said on the board) the large section of the plate was piled with pulled pork :) great value for sure.
(5)Jerry R.
I gave ONE STAR, due to the BRISKET ONLY! This was AWFUL! I have eat here for YEARS... and always try to stop in when I am in town... a least once a month. Yesterday, we had stopped in, and I thought I would try the BRISKET BURGER. UGH! It was terrible. Half cooked, THIN THIN THIN BRISKET, VERY TOUGH... like thick undercooked, dried out bacon... very bad. Of course the burger part was great! Van, you need to take the brisket OFF the menu until you get this right... sorry... it was bad. If this was my FIRST visit, FIRST IMPRESSION.. I doubt if I would ever give them a SECOND. But, I know ALL IN ALL, they're GREAT! Except the brisket burger. ugh.
(1)Paul C.
This is a Birmingham original that has been serving barbecue since 1957. This was my first time at this restaurant, but it felt very similar to the many other barbecue places in town (Full Moon, Golden Rule, and Johnny Ray's come to mind). The fire pit is just a couple feet from the dining area. You have an unobstructed view of the grill, and the smell of hickory smoke is in the air. While I was there chickens, ribs, and pork shoulders were on the grill. I thought the ribs were solid, but not outstanding. I ordered 1/2 slab, and the portion was big. Six or seven ribs. The smaller ribs were tender and the meat easily pulled from the bone. The larger pieces had sections that were tough and chewy. The rub was flavorful and not too salty. Their barbecue sauce was sweet and had enough vinegar to give a slight tanginess. You can order packaged jars of the sauce, but I'm glad I didn't because I thought it was petty common. I'm glad I tried the ribs. The restaurant is family owned and operated, and the Bob Syles name Is well known. The customers who were there looked to be a loyal following.
(3)Kim K.
The BBQ is NOT as good as people make it out to be,..if this represents Alabama KEEP IT! The pulled pork sandwich I had from there was full of FAT! Where was the meat? and the sauce...Kraft bbq tastes so much better out of the bottle than what I've recieved....the ribs we're over cooked and dry that NOTHING could have revitalized the pork...no pig should have to sacrifice itself to Bob Sikes
(1)Chris W.
My family and I love this place! The ribs and chicken are good... I am not a fan of their sauce... I always get it on the side. I grew up near this place so is a bit nostalgic...
(4)Casey S.
Went here years and years ago when passing through Bessemer on a road trip. Set-up was confusing but the employees were very helpful/patient and explained how everything worked and what different menu items included. The ribs are some of the meatiest/largest/most delicious ribs I have ever had in my life. The BBQ sauce is thick and vinegary but you hardly need it. Pulled pork - equally delicious with great smoky flavor. My father got brisket and a side of smoked sausage and raved about each. Everyone got different sides including mac and cheese, cole slaw, and beans and everyone was pleased. If you have room (or just take it for later) try one of the homemade slices of pie for dessert!
(5)Rusty R.
OK - to start let me say that the hospitality is good, the prices are fantastic, but when it comes to barbecue lovers... This place seems to fall a little short of the raving reviews you find on here otherwise. I'm a barbecue enthusiast, I've traveled form Texas through the south sampling barbecue straight up to New York. Bob Sykes has the at home feel we all love but the love in the air does not represent the food by far. If you enjoy smokey favors this is the place to be, but the beef falls short of flavor and moisture, the ribs shortly behind as well. The concern is the lack of moisture.. The fat needed to make smoking and true barbecue work.. Aside from a few bites of the rib where the balance was perfect, the meat is chewy. The sliced beef is dry and flavorless and needs big helping of sauce to go down. As a local staple this place will survive, but for those traveling through and looking for good eats and maybe a place to rave about, I hate to say it, but this is not the place.
(3)T Ann C.
This is my husband's favorite place for ribs...sauce on the side. It has quickly became my go too for ribs as well. The meat is tender with a nice smoke ring and MAN us it juicy! I have only had their ribs so I can't speak up for the rest of the menu but based on the lines inside and out, I think it is safe to assume they are pretty good. I got my hubby a half slab yesterday (since I wanted to savor my Red Pearl Chinese) and one bone I stole was soooo good, I'm back for more right now! ....Just devoured an order of okra from Sykes on the way home! Yum!
(4)Guy S.
I have a HS friend who swears this is the best BBQ a in the world. He's not far from wrong. I finally made it in here, although I needed to drive 25 miles out of my way after flying from ORDINARY to LIT to ATL to BHM. So it was quite a stretch to get here. Bob Sykes' was founded in 1957. The decor is original and rustic...nothing fancy here...just huge portions and solid Q! I ordered a combo plate, which actually arrived as a series of PLATES!! I had pulled pork and beef, which was a brisket simmered to falling-apart tender. The slaw is excellent...frequently a big miss in BBq restaurants. The only small point of contention here is that the sauce is more smoky than tangy...a personal preference, but one that matters to me. Still, aside from betting friend Ray off of my a** by coming here, it was well worth the trip.
(4)Ross K.
Bland meat with no flavor ( DEFINITELY NO SMOKE) and watery/ketchupy BBQ sauce. Don't waste your time and don't let the open grill fool you when you walk in, everything is pre-cooked, I asked....
(2)Cindy G.
It is cleaner than it looks on the outside. Inside is fairly new and clean. I ordered the 1/4 chicken and had potato salad and baked beans for my sides. The woman was rude when I opened my food. We did get our food fairly quickly but my chicken was over cooked. When you go to a BBQ place every kind of meat should be falling off the bone. The sauce was okay but a bit runny. The baked beans were bland as was the potato salad. Went I went to leave a different woman was just as rude when I asked for a to go box (for my dog because I wasn't gonna eat it lol). All in all I would say drive a couple more miles and eat at Uncle Sam's BBQ in Hueytown.
(2)Jr S.
The only reason I gave them 2 stars was because their ribs are cooked really nice. I've been there 2 times and the ribs were good both times. Now onto their sauce. It tastes to me like ketchup and taco sauce mixed up for some reason but the sauce sucks bad and bbq to me is pretty much all in the sauce. Not to mention 14 buks for a rib sandwich 1 side and a small drink... Wtf. The guy on the grill knows his stuff tho.
(2)Brad H.
My father-in-law loves this place, always raving about it. I finally joined him and tried it out, and I was glad to say it exceeded my expectations. I loved the sauce (nice tang to it), the fries, the price, quantity of meat piled on my sandwich. A+ experience all around. Can definitely see why they've been doing business for so long. Will be back.
(4)Cody M.
Grew up eating Bob Sykes BBQ. Whenever I eat at other BBQ I compare them to Bob Sykes. The ribs are my favorite, potato salad excellent, slaw the best around. Cheeseburger is messy and delicious. Try the onion rings too. Worth a stop in Bessemer if you are passing through!
(4)Jeff D.
Iconic. I've been eating here for 30 years. Don't listen to people from Jersey about BBQ. Likewise, don't ask people from the South about pizza. Some advice. The average BBQ restaurant in the South is known for chopped pork. If it is a rib joint, they will brag about their ribs. Go to Texas if you want brisket. Stick to the specialty of the region. Ask your server. Wood smoked overnight. Great sides. Super friendly family run place.
(5)John L.
Food was great. Price was in line with food. Barbecue was excellent. If you like barbecue and are in the area eat here. It's voted best in Alabama for a reason.
(5)Roderic P.
I've eaten there until one day... When I went there close to closing and they were cleaning up the smoker area on the right of the store, and hundreds of ROACHES were every where, it completely grossed me out I was still waiting on my food and just threw it away..... Just terrible
(1)Chris J.
I have been eating Bob sykes for years it is my first stop on my way in from Detroit, MI on june 27,2014 i ordered a half slab of ribs 3 pork sandwiches a beef sandwich and a gallon of tea and the tea tasted different the sandwitches did not tasre smoke they hade plenty of meat but not good the sandwiches come chopped and not pulled the rib tasted good but tuff will never go there again
(2)David P.
Got the big Bob special which consist of a pork sandwich and two sides. I got the pulled pork with fries and corn. The sandwich was bathed in sauce that was average, the fries were ok and the corn was dried out and cooked in flavorless water. You want better bbq come over to GA.
(3)