The original remains the best. Nestled in an African American rural neighborhood south of town, the very journey along an old 2-land highway is a throwback to a different South. The building is classic roadhouse style--totally unpretentious with its sign and adverts plaster on the walls. The interior is the same, open seating and seats at the bar. The menu has broadened over the years, rather than just ribs, white bread and pudding, you can get a pork sandwich and chicken with a limited number of sides (the Mac and cheese is superior). The franchised Dreamlands are so different with a plethora of choices, more to the liking of the suburban south. If you like that, go for it. For my money, you can't beat the original. The ribs are charred perfectly and the service is old time South, friendly and helpful. You immediately feel at ease with everything and everyone around you. Take out is available--actually this place is just minutes off the highway. But a whole another world at the same time. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Roadhouse classic - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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A little disappointed. Always heard this was the best BBQ in AL, but while we were seated fairly quickly, our food didn't come for 45 minutes. Server didn't tell us they'd run out of ribs and they were cooking more, we just sat there waiting. Once the ribs arrived, they tasted okay but were tough. I felt we were forgotten even though the servers were walking through the tight dining room often. Sorry to say after all the great things we'd heard, this won't be a repeater for me. read more

Wow, what a fantastic local barbecue joint! Came here on Friday before a game. We were able to snag a table right before the place got overwhelmed. They serve some bread and their barbecue sauce to dip it in as a starter. TBH the sauce seemed a bit too vinegary and with a slight heat, interesting but not great. Ok. Had a half rack of ribs (split a full rack.) OMG these ribs are fantastic and that sauce that didn't seem right on its own was the perfect flavor on the ribs. The ribs were cooked very nicely with just a bit of char on the end, which added to the fantastic flavor. Wow, these ribs are great. Had a side of Mac n cheese and it was tasty. Had a little chocolate pudding for desert and it was also delish. Washed thus all down with a cold natty light. The waitress was helpful and friendly. Real barbecue shack atmosphere. Would definitely look to return if in the area. read more

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Great ribs and classic atmosphere. We were in town for a football game and it was recommended by a local and it did not disappoint..

The food is amazing. My son and I came here for dinner. Yum! Make sure you know what you want and be sure. They are a little impatient! ROLL TIDE! read more

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Don't microwave ribs and check quality of each plate as it's delivered. I love them ribs and hope there will be some attention to the process. read more

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I think the place is very good. I just think that although they're famous for their ribs & bbq sauce they should have a better variety of things you can get. The ribs & bbq sauce was good, but if you're looking for a sweet bbq sauce they don't have it. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Danny says this is the Best BBQ in town. I tend to agree. - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Is it worth an hour wait? I'm not so sure! But if you can get in quickly, it's pretty good barbecue with homey and casual vibes on the inside. Everyone in my party got the bbq sandwich, we were headed to a concert and didn't feel ribs were a smart choice for this particular night, however if we were to ever make it back that's definitely what I would order! read more

Dreamland BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Had to go to the original when we had the chance. It did not disappoint. My ribs were excellent and I ordered too many of course. They were still great as a snack later. Beer was ice cold. Service was good and friendly. read more

What a great find in our travels today!! Sometimes when you end up off the beaten path, you find the best places for a great meal!! We each had the legendary bar-b-q chicken sandwich with a side of cole slaw. If you can't eat pork - don't stress! The chicken is delicious!! Servers were attentive and provided great service!! The inside is somewhat dimly lit but it just adds to the relaxed vibe of the place!! We felt welcomed, we enjoyed our food, and we left happy!! Thanks for the great stop! read more

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Food amazing. 100% the best I have ever had. Service was a little dull but the food made up for it and will bring me back!! That's how good it is. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Near the exit - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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The ribs hit the spot! Fresh cooked Dailey, get there early before they run out. Desert was also good

So we visited since I was attending my graduation. Maybe its because of the search engine and my expectations but this place was overrated. Limited menu. The mac n cheese was thick but there was nothing special. Same thing with the bbq. Nothing worth driving for. The chicken was moist but taste was dull. Service was mediocre. The waitress seemed as if she didnt want to be there. The sauce had a vinegar taste to it and felt more like something to use while the meat was cooking in lieu of serving with the meat. read more

When I get the chance I love to experience BBQ at an original location. Dreamland did not disappoint! A building with history and many memories, if only the walls could talk! Service was fantastic and friendly. We ordered a rack of ribs, potato salad, Mac n cheese, and baked beans. The ribs were hot, fresh, and very tender. I'm a sauce girl and loved the sauce they make. It was light and full of flavor. The potato salad was creamy and delicious, the baked beans were hot and yummy, the Mac n cheese was just ok, a bit dry instead of creamy. read more

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By far the best bbq!!! Been traveling for 10 days across 9 states. Are here tonight and it was the best we have had all trip long. The atmosphere was just like a home. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Story - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

This is the OG. Dreamland first opened in 1958, and now there are 11 locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. This modest and battered building is where Big Daddy's "dream" started. It is a short drive from the McFarland exit of I-65, but feels miles away from all the commercial development on McFarland Avenue. And, less than 5 miles from the University of Alabama. A perfect dining option if you have an event on campus. Seat yourself after you enter the very rustic and dicey feeling dining room. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. Service moves at a "southern" pace so don't be in a hurry. Instead enjoy some sweet tea and the generous serving of plain white bread and the Dreamland BBQ sauce. The sauce is excellent for dipping. It is vinegar based and is a wonderful blend of tanginess with a little spiciness. Dreamland is most famous for their pork ribs so I ordered 1/2 slab of ribs with a side order of potato salad. The order is six large ribs, that I was not able to finish on my own. They were five star excellent. They were seasoned, smoky, and tender. They went perfectly with the vinegar-based sauce. The potato salad was yummy too, and a good compliment to the tangy bbq sauce. Obviously this is not a fancy place, but I would say a "must" try place in Tuscaloosa.. read more

Dreamland BBQ - 1/2 Slab (six large ribs) - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I have always gotten good service the ribs are always great they are done the way God intended ribs to be done and the banana pudding taste like your grandma made it read more

Mom & Pops feel BBQ spot. Nice environment. They have the best sweet tea I've had this side of the Mississippi! read more

Dreamland BBQ - Bomb sweet tea! - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I drove from Dallas. Read about this place and had high expectations. Service was Very Friendly. It all comes down to this, our ribs were refrigerator cold. Ribs cannot be served cold, period. We paid, left the food on the table and that was that. I'm told it is usually fantastic. Not tonight. read more

Price for chips on menu said $2; I was charged $2.49. Mgr said price went up. If the menu says $2, then either charge the advertised price or update the menu. read more

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"Hole-in-the-wall" - Yes. Service - GREAT! Food - so darned good!!! Many thanks to Jasmine. It was just me and she made me feel so welcome. Food was served quickly and it was so good. read more

Food a very long time I've been wanting to visit this location. My first experience was the one in Birmingham, and second in GA, and I've heard about this location. In any matter, the ribs were good, however not as good as Birmingham's. Might have to dust the place down. Other than that it was a good experience. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Bbq is ok not the best where I say let's drive 1 hrs for. I only had pulled pork. Sauce was good the service was top notch. The building looks like a hole in the wall but it works for a place that has been there for so long. read more

Excellent BBQ, tried the slab of ribs, sausage, Mac and cheese, potato salad baked beans, and coleslaw, served with slices of white bread. Service was great waitress was super nice and helpful. The food was hot and BBQ sauce was delicious. Would totaly recommend the place. The neighborhood is sketchy but they actually have a security guard at the restauraunt. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Slab of Ribs, Sausage and sides - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Bucket list: Eat at the original Dreamland BBQ... check. If you live in Alabama, you've heard of Dreamland BBQ. A little off the beaten path, this is the original and first Dreamland BBQ opened in 1958. After entering you will agree. I was told originally, it had a dirt floor. Now it's concrete, small, rustic and decorated with what would can be described as "vintage". The walls are covered in Alabama football memorabilia as well as license plates from around the country. With a bar on one wall, the ceiling is splattered with funny t-shirts. You won't find any LED lights here so it's not the most brightly lit restaurant. The only thing missing was a couple of pool tables in a corner. It was a rainly cold night that myself and 2 fellow yelpers, Paul and Gary visited. We sat ourselves and was met by our server, a very friendly young man. He took our drink orders. My sweet tea was good but it was so sweet, I had to ask for a cup of unsweet tea to mix. If you're the OG, you don't have to do much with your menu and so they didn't. Just the facts mame! Full slab, half slab of ribs, rib sandwich, chicken, smoked sausage, legendary bbq sandwich. That's all you get to choose from and the fixins: coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad or mac n cheese. I almost got their famous pork ribs, but opted for their legendary pork bbq sandwich. I don't know about legendary, but it was a pretty good sandwich on a warm toasted bun with pickles. I'm glad they didn't flood it with their BBQ sauce, but instead didn't put much sauce on it at all. So I had the opportunity to flavor it myself. Their BBQ had a hint of sour and tang probably from some vinegar. With the contrasting sweetness of the sauce, I can see why many love Dreamland. My potato salad was ok. The coleslaw was also on par. Paul let me have a couple of his ribs and now I know why it's famous. Tender and falling off the bone delicious. Oh I have to mention that after being seated they bring you a free appetizer plate of sliced white bread and 2 small cups of their famous BBQ sauce... something different. Now that I can say I've eaten at the original Dreamland, I'd like to go back and try their sausage. If you're in Tuscaloosa, give em a try. read more

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Great food, service, and their rep and ties to the Tide. The Tuscaloosa location is our favorite.

Ok I have gone there before and it was awesome, we met some random strangers and got our food in under 30min. I read Patrick H.'s review and he said that he got a bag of chips and the menu said 2 dollars. apparently he was charged $2.49. First off who goes into a bbq restaurant and only gets a bag of chips. second why are we taking 3 stars off a review for less than 50 cents. And thirdly, I am fifteen and understand that there is a little thing that the government does called taxes. Patrick I am beyond disappointed in you and your cute little crashout. I love dreamland and RTR for life!!! read more

Hadn't been in Tuscaloosa since 2013. We decided to hit an old favorite the original Dreamland BBQ. Menu has definitely changed. Used to be ribs, mulligan stew, and a few sides. And of course the original chips and white bread. Now they offer chicken, sausage. Ribs were still good. Not quite as good as I remembered but BBQ overall has come a long way in last twelve years. Everyone still friendly and good service. Prices still fair too. Especially compared to what they want us to pay here in Texas. Lot of these fools wanting $38 lb for their brisket and ribs. Next time your in Tuscaloosa give the original a try. Lot of history and good food. read more

Not a lot of words required here. I've been eating at Dreamland for nearly 40 years. It's a bucket list place for so many and it will not disappoint. I ate there earlier this week on my way home to Atlanta. Did my heart and my stomach good! Mercy, do I love that sauce! read more

If you're reading this, then you already know that dreamland barbecue is the finest ribs. You can get in the United States. I go there every single time I'm anywhere near Tuscaloosa. read more

This was my first BBQ road trip in a few years and I feared that I'd blown it by getting off to a late start. My arrival time in Tuscaloosa would be 7:00 p.m.  ...too late for most BBQ restaurants, but not Dreamland. Dreamland is open on Sunday nights until 9:00! I got there around 8:30. I ordered a rib sandwich and an order of coleslaw to go. The ribs were still warm when I got to my hotel room. My brain was telling me that a mistake was made as I placed the container on the table... it appeared to weigh at least 1/2 pound. Opening the container revealed four hefty bones. These were full-size spare ribs (St. Louis + rib tips), cooked to perfection and covered in a tangy, sweet, vinegary, red sauce. The ribs were tender, smoky and had a distinct vinegar and pepper kick. The order was more than I should have eaten in one sitting (but I ate them anyway). The coleslaw was a nice creamy mayo-base complement to the ribs. I'd learn from a previous visit to dip the bread in the sauce and eat it along with the BBQ. Texas rules when it comes to pit-smoked beef and sausage. Someone will try to take away my Texas card for this, but northern Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia can't be beat for barbequed pork ribs! read more

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Awesome food great atmosphere! Everyone was nice will go back again in the future! Awesome

The pulled pork was absolutely as good as it gets...but the sides were even better. Top 1 or 2 potato salad I have ever had. The mop is spicy but excellent. You have arrived it is as down south bbq experience as you can have. read more

Forced to patronize for a business dinner. Been on the road for over 5 hrs, super tired then asked to meet at Dreamland at 8pm. Dreading it, I went. Best pork ribs I have ever had! Atmosphere A++, barbecue A++, sides A++, overalls A++++. Highly recommend no matter how road weary you are. read more

Ok I think the warning sign was there were no cars in the parking lot... Restaurant-its basic, filled with old license plates, t-shirts and pictures. It was clean though. Food-I don't know about the others, we were a group, but the food was just ok. Wait, let me back up...they were out of the half chicken so I resulted to the chicken sandwich. They give you plain white bread with 2 cups of BBQ sauce. My chicken was dry, the bread was toasted tho, although I didn't eat the bread. The ribs were not hot that my husband had and the half chicken that was served was not flavorful. I didn't use the restroom, but everyone said it was useable. I was not impressed read more

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For my first time visiting the south, specifically Alabama I went to a local at the hotel we were staying at to ask where she would go for BBQ....she didn't even have to think about it she blurted out right away, Dreamland BBQ. This spot is truly old school has been around since the 1960's. Simple decor and down home hospitality was the takeaway here. The food was great, simple and well cooked. I opted for the link sausage. My girlfriend the half rack of ribs. The BBQ sauce had a nice vinegary tang but accented the meal well. To end the meal their two desserts had to be tried. The banana pudding and chocolate pudding were delicious, homemade and just made out meal a memorable one at this Tuscaloosa staple restaurant. read more

The food was good. We have eaten at various Dreamland bbq locations many times through the years. However, the staff at this location today, one person in particular, made the experience uncomfortable, stressful and unenjoyable. The staff member was loudly yelling at other employees during our entire meal, arguing about who gets what table (ours in particular), the bathroom, and the hierarchy of the staff. We will not stop at this location again. Charles, at the bar, was excellent, friendly and courteous! He gets 5 stars. And sorry Charles if your $10 tip did not make it to you! read more

This unfortunately appears to be a case of good products, but staffed by incompetent employees. I'm not sure if we were treated differently since one of my colleagues is black. Either way the service was so bad. We walked in the door at 5:37pm, we were unable to leave until 7:11pm due to our waitress struggling to run our payments. In the time we were there, the waitress (Porscha) neglected our table and decided to charge me for the half chicken that remained untouched on my plate. In short I paid 13:00 for chicken I didn't want and$3:00 for coleslaw that I did actually eat. She ran away each of the meager 3 times that she visited our table bed I could ask for a lemonade, or cut me off when I'm in the middle of trying to tell her I want the chicken sandwich. Not half a cracked bird on my plate. 1 star would not recommend. If the choice is between you going hungry & eating at this establishment. Go hungry read more

Dreamland BBQ - Chicken untouched - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Was really good. Service was excellent and friendly and the atmosphere was really fgood here. Definitely recommend it. read more

Dreamland BBQ - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The service here was horrible. We got dirty looks as soon as we walked in. Not quite sure who trained these people but they need some more training. As soon as we sat down the tables were extremely sticky. We had to put paper towels on the table to eat.The food was actually good. The ribs were a little dry and the atmosphere is very tense in there . My husband even asked for an extra cup of Mac and cheese and the other server stated she will let our server know. We never even received it. I will never go back to this establishment. You guys should do better. read more