A busy Sunday afternoon, a steady line of customers. Made our order and found a seat outside. We love outdoors if the weather permits. Brisket plate with slaw and potato salad. Smoked 1/4 Chicken with slaw and Hoe cake. We should have both skipped the slaw, waterly thin & sweet. Fried Hoecake ok. Tater salad good as was the brisket and chicken. Service was spotty. The noise was over the top, music too loud for any conversation, inside was worse with a room full of people. All the glass makes the acoustics hard for hearing anything but noise and not so good music. Good BBQ, the Atmosphere good be much better. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Pulled Pork & Brunswick stew - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

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Had lunch today at Martin's BBQ Joint located at 3029 Pump House Road in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. It's actually in the Cahaba Heights area off of Highway 280. You order at the counter, which can be a little hectic for a first-timer. Luckily for me, I knew what I wanted and quickly found it on the big menu on the wall beside me. I later noticed that people were looking at handheld menus as you entered the restaurant. There was no one in front of me when I entered, so I didn't see those. The lady at the counter was very friendly and helpful in answering my questions. I ordered the pulled pork shoulder tray with two sides. If you have read my reviews, you know I only eat fries, so I doubled up the fries. You are given a number and can sit anywhere in their very big (for a BBQ joint) indoor dining area, or you can sit on a patio or outside. The walls are COVERED with pictures of old movie posters, country music stars, album covers, car tags, signs, and even a picture of the NWO (IYKYK). I didn't see the required Alabama BBQ joint picture of The Bear, Alabama football coach Paul Bryant, but with so many things on the wall, I'm sure it has to be there somewhere. There is a separate 'To-Go' spot for placing orders on the run. This also looked like a bar area as I saw advertising for alcohol. They also offer T-shirts and hats for sale if that is your thing. The menu consists of burgers, tacos, brisket, chicken, catfish, smoked chicken wings, BBQ nachos with just about any kind of side you can ask for, and pie for dessert. My order was brought to me in a timely manner. The BBQ is West Tennessee-style whole hog that Martin's cooks low and slow over hickory wood for up to 24 hours. The pulled pork is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, topped off with their special Jack's Creek BBQ sauce, on the table, which is a sweet vinegar and pepper-based sauce. I did see other sauces behind the counter, so I'm sure you just have to ask. The portions were just right for me. The fries are real cut potatoes that have been peeled. I doubled up, and that was enough to feed a family of four. Next time I will just ask for one side so as not to waste fries. The Jack's Creek sauce was great poured over my fries; it is water-based and not thick, and that is how I like my sauce. The sweet tea wasn't as sweet as some places, but I'm not complaining; it was good, and the day was hot. There seemed to be a lot of staff working. I guess it can be busy on Saturdays for lunch. I visited around 2:30 pm, and it was not crowded when I arrived but picked up as my time went on. The staff didn't have anything to say as several walked past me while doing random things. Not that it's a bad thing; I just always acknowledged customers with a "how ya doing?"--little things. The music was a mix of classic rock, soft 70s to hair metal, set at a decent volume. I don't mind being able to hear the radio, but maw maw and paw paw may complain that it was too loud. The parking lot may fill up with a big dinner crowd as there is a business next door that shares the parking lot. There is handicap parking available. Overall, Martin's offered a cool atmosphere for BBQ and a relaxing meal. They offer live music some nights (check their website), and it seems to be a great place for socializing in a casual setting. 5/5 -Kevin read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Jack's Creek Sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

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If the ratings went higher than 5 stars I would rank it higher. Birmingham is a city filled with great BBQ restaurants. If it isn't good BBQ, it won't last. My wife and I ate at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint for the first time today, and we have found our new favorite BBQ joint. We enjoy watching Pat Martin's tv show, "Life of Fire," so we came with very high expectations. They surpassed them. When we stepped out of the car the smoke BBQ smell was amazing. I ordered a pulled pork shoulder sandwich and asked them to top it with coleslaw and had a side of mac & cheese and bought a second side, cornbread hoecake. Martha ordered the sliced brisket sandwich with a side of baked beans. I started with the mac & cheese. It was delicious with plenty of cheese and baked to perfection with a crispy cheese top. Really delicious. The cornbread hoecake was incredible it looks like and has the consistency of a pancake. You must order that when you go. Then I picked up the pulled pork shoulder sandwich and sunk my teeth in it. Oh, my! Pulled pork at its best. I added the Jack's Creek vinegar-based sauce to it, and wow, that added even more outstanding flavor to it. I've found my new favorite BBQ sauce. Martha thoroughly enjoyed her sliced brisket sandwich. We both had a bite of each others sandwiches and both were mouth-satisfying delicious. The brisket was perfect. The baked beans were very tasty, too. Everything was about as perfect as you can get at a BBQ joint. Pat Martin knows his BBQ, just as he displays on his show "Life of Fire." Before I could say anything, Martha said, "This is the best BBQ I've ever had. Let's come back for lunch tomorrow." She didn't have to twist my arm. We still like many other delicious BBQ restaurants in Birmingham, and will eat at them again, but Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is our new favorite. In a city where BBQ is king, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint sits atop the throne. We returned the next day for lunch. : Martha enjoyed the mouth watering and mouth satisfying Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with coleslaw and deliciously seasoned and crisp homemade chips. I threw down on a half slab of fall off the bone full flavored ribs. I got half of the ribs Memphis dry rub and the other half wet (St. Louis style). They were amazing! My sides were broccoli salad (because I'm a health nut) and homemade fries. And, of course, the delicious cornbread hoecake. We can't wait to come back to B'ham again to try more delicious food here at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. read more

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This place is awesome. Now as a barbecue connoisseur, I asked my friend Duane, What is the best barbecue in Birmingham, Alabama? And he said, "Martin's." We went down there, and as a brisket connoisseur, they said, "What would you like?" I said, "I would like brisket." The brisket was very good. Tastes great. I also had a hoecake. It was okay. Also, the slaw was good. So also like the decor of everything. It looked li, and also with a good friend. So the food is really good here. I like the barbecue, and the sauce is good as well. read more

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It's been so many years since I had Martin's bbq. I am pretty sure they had just opened when I last visited, prior to recently. The gentleman working greeted my mom and me right away when we entered the dine in section of the restaurant. They also have a separate section/ bar space for to go orders. I really like this concept! We took a few mins to review the menu. I didn't take long bc I already knew that I wanted ribs. The 4 spare rib tray comes with 2 side. I got baked beans and fries. The sides were okay .. nothing amazing. The dry rub/ sauce ribs had a nice flavor to them. Very tender as well. My mom had the pulled pork tray also with baked beans & fries. She requested her bbq sauce on the side. Their bbq sauce is quite tasty!!!! Drinks had to be purchased separately. I think my mom ordered a Coke and I had a good people pale ale. We dined outside on the back covered patio. It was a beautiful yet kinda windy day. Once our food was brought out , no staff members came to check on us. I felt this was odd , although everyone was nice and welcoming. Idk.. I wasn't too pressed bc I really prefer to be left alone for the most part when I'm out dining. It just would have been pleasant if someone came over at least ONCE! Overall, my 2nd visit here ( my mom's first) was satisfying. I was craving ribs so this definitely hit the spot! She enjoyed her meal. We both needed to go boxes. They have an attached parking lot. It's shared with Bendys and other stores in the area. Parking might be problematic if you visit during a busy time. read more

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Stopped by Martin's BBQ Joint during happy hour and was pleasantly surprised by how good the deals were. I ordered the bologna sandwich, and let me just say -- that thing was big. Thick cut, smoky, and full of flavor the way a proper BBQ bologna sandwich should be. The vibe during happy hour was laid-back and fun, and the staff was friendly and quick. It's definitely the kind of spot where you can grab a solid meal without feeling rushed, especially if you time it with their specials. If you're looking for good BBQ, good portions, and a good price, Martin's is absolutely worth a stop -- and the bologna sandwich is a must-try if you like it big and bold. read more

Can say enough about this sandwich! Very unique and HUGE! Only thing I would add is if it's on a hoe cake instead of the regular hamburger bun! Because the meat is Sssoooo hhhuugee it's literally eats the hamburger bun This Mac n cheese is AMAZING! You can tell this isn't Velveeta and has fresh cheese with a golden crust that is cooked in the oven! Great place for family and friends to come and hang out! read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Baloney sandwich with mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

I am a big fan of this place, but the last couple of times I have been very disappointed with the ribs. I've tried them with the dry rub and with the wet barbecue sauce. The ribs are dried out, and on the smaller bones the meat is so dry that the are tough to chew. I will keep going back, but would not recommend getting the ribs. By the way, my sides today were the baked beans and cole slaw. Both were very good. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Mini moon pie - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

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Lively spot in Cahaba Heights! Plenty of areas to sit inside and outside. Very family friendly, but also with a bar area inside too! Great menu options with lots of fun sides. Also large portions. You order at the counter, and our servers were quick and kind. Enjoyed this spot for BBQ!! read more

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Super charming place from the outside. We were greeted promptly and served with a smile. We sat ourselves and only waited 5 or so minutes for out dinner. When it came out we immediately recognized how small the portions were. Size was especially noticeable in regards to the patty melt. Please see photos. The food also came out at room temperature. Overall the taste wasn't there. Everything was mediocre at best. We completely regretted getting the hoe cake, as it was a plain, tasteless, pancake. We also bit into and pulled a piece of plastic wrap out of our pulled pork sandwich. I do believe if I revisit it will be on the basis of happy hour only. 07-08-2025 read more

Love these ribs. Tonight, they were extremely tender and the meat fell off the bone. Had baked beans and potato salad. Everything was fresh tasting and good. I tried someone else's broccoli salad and I will get that next time. I liked mine with the Sweet Dixie Sauce. read more

I have passed this restaurant a few times when going through Cahaba Heights. I am not typically fond of Southern food, but when I moved here, everyone said I had to try Alabama BBQ. I have not tried everywhere, but so far, I have really enjoyed Martin's BBQ. I had it delivered, and it was hot and fresh, and well-packed. I also really like their non-plastic packaging. It helps so the steam does not catch too much and the food does not become soggy. I will admit, I am not a big pork fan, so I decided to try their smoked turkey BBQ nachos, macaroni and cheese, and fries. A little array of food. I will say, I really liked the smoked turkey nachos. They had a wonderful, fresh, seasoned flavor for the turkey and BBQ sauce, which is their Jack's Creek sauce. I believe it is more vinegar-based, and it goes well with the nachos. The queso on the nachos, along with the fresh cilantro and light slaw. The fries were well-seasoned and neither too soft nor too hard. Their macaroni was not too creamy and had a perfect balance of crust-like topping. I never knew there were so many different types of macaroni and cheese, so now I like to try different ones. Overall, I would have another order to go from there. I would like to stop in one day. They have a lovely outside, I saw when I drove by, that looks like the perfect spring seating arrangement with friends. read more

My chips was Burnt and could not eat very disappointed because I never had the chips. Wasted my money

Looking to try some bbq in the area and stopped in Martin's. They are a whole hog style place. The atmosphere is nice and suits a good bbq joint. Had the pulled pork with fries and Brunswick stew and also tried some hushpuppies. Unfortunately, the bet part was the fries which were hot and crispy. The pork was mostly bland and just warm enough to eat. The stew was just good without any real pop to it or anything that would set it apart. The location does have a bar area in a separate room that looked to be busy and a good place to have a drink and watch a game. It is a location where you place your order and get a table number. Overall, good atmosphere but very average bbq. read more

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The layout of the building is really cool, lots of space with plenty of seating, parking lot is pretty small and tight however. The employees are super friendly and helpful, gave good advice, came by to see if everything was ok. Got my kid chicken fingers and fries which were pretty good, the burger was decent. Unfortunately the brisket was TERRIBLE. No smoke, or any real flavor at all, tasted like i was eating thick slices of roast beef, really bad. Maybe i'll give some of the other BBQ they have a chance, but will see. read more

Fantastic southern BBQ! We ordered the full spread to feed 8 people. The brisket was melt in your mouth and smokey. The chicken and pulled pork was well seasoned. The sides were definitely the stars for me though. The green beans were my favorite - tender and flavored with the smoked ham. The Mac and cheese are some of the best you'll have. The baked beans have brisket mixed in but a bit on the salty side. Really took care of my fix for bbq. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

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Whole hog bbq is awesome! Family owned Martin's BBQ is delicious! Great ribs, brisket, smoked chicken and turkey! House made sides. Great bar. Pulled pork nachos are amazing. Good service. Fun vibe. Love the lights outside. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Our grandsons visiting from Boise, Idaho Enjoying a mocktail at the bar - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

I've been here several times and cannot believe I've never reviewed it. Guess I need to remedy that ASAP! I do love me some BBQ, and this is a welcome addition to the Birmingham area. They have a large area, both inside and outside, so that they have ample seating, and it is very nice when the weather isn't too hot or too cold. They have good wings, brisket, and have even added smoked sausage recently. I have had their turkey, ribs, and brisket burger as well - all were good. Their sampler plate is enough to split between two people as well. Their sides are good - I like the macaroni and cheese the best, but the fries are decent as well. I did not like the broccoli salad. read more

I decided to get Martins BBQ for my friends and I. They offer large family meals which was very convenient. I got barbecued chicken, ribs, pulled pork, beans, and mac n cheese. Everything was warm and fresh when I picked it up. I place the order online and I just had to call when I got there. When I got there someone came outside and handed me the food. My favorite were the ribs. I don't have barbecue very often but I am picky when it comes to southern barbecue because there tends to be something missing. Martin's was genuinely very good. It felt like it was made in a home. The customer service was good as well. I like how convenient online ordering is. I would recommend Martins to anyone looking for good barbecue in Birmingham. It is in a nice location next to an ice cream shop and the summit up the road. read more

Well, the food is great, and the staff is friendly. If only I could hear others talk it would be even better. Not sure if it was today, but the music was way too loud. Put on my noise canceling headset and still the noise was too loud. Was not a fan of this, management please keep and eye on this. Would have left a 5 star otherwise. read more

Food is amazing as always I've eaten at 3 different locations food never disappoints service is always great you never go home hungry here will always recommend hopefully my wife and I will be back soon read more

I had eaten only lunch here the first years it opened but with a job change I haven't been in this area for years. I went for dinner tonight and wowzers it was so awesome. The first one that I placed my order with was so kind and helpful. She was great. Then I sat at the bar to eat and the bartender was the best of the best. He was super great to make the ambience here wonderful. The food I had was delicious too. I would absolutely recommend anyone and everyone to go here to get lunch and/or dinner. It's so great. read more

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Brisket was Smokey, fatty and moist. What else could a person want out of their brisket. Hoecake was decent but could have been a lot better if served with butter. Mac and Cheese was on point. Atmosphere. Very large spot with three separate areas. One area is a full on bar. The other is outside seating. And the last is the large indoor dining with some indoor/outdoor flow. Perhaps a bit too loud for me but I may have just been having old man vibes that night. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Brisket with hoecake and mac and cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Nice bbq joint in Vestavia Hills. You order at the counter, get a number and your food is brought to you. They have outside and bar seating. The cashier was very nice and had a great attitude. I have been on several occasions but never posted a review until now. A must try is the catfish; wings are also delicious. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - 6pc smoked wings with Alabama white sauce Pitmasters punch - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

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Sweet home Alabama! Martin's provides the weary southern soul with great comfort! Great ambience! Great people watching. I enjoyed the eclectic art, posters, sports regalia take you back to the 1970s...ex. "Walking Tall", "Deliverance ", Daisy Duke, . Great food! Wings are solid. Smoked Turkey sandwich, brisket burger and the slaw were devoured . All the t-shirts, rubs, sauces your heart desires. Excellent beer selection. The music adds to the experience. I would recommend Martin's to any BBQ lover who wants to enjoy good grub and southern hospitality. read more

Great bar b que and ribs. Just like the Nashville location! Recommend to all you Nashville fans of que!

My friends and I decided to try this bbq spot out for Memorial Day weekend! I like the set up of the restaurant with the additional open space outside for eating. The food was decent! I enjoyed my smoked turkey. The Mac and cheese could have used some seasoning. Overall it's a nice spot! read more

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Recently got introduced to Martin's when an event used them to cater boxed lunches. Each lunch had a sandwich, chips, and a cookie. The meat was very good, and the sandwich was a good size for a lunch. Of course, the cookie was good, too. The stand-out, though, was the handmade chips. They were really good, and spiced with a little zing to them. I liked it all enough that I will both try to go in person and consider them for boxed lunch catering in the future. read more

The food is good. Great atmosphere. Pricing is fair. The issue: The music. We went for lunch early and the music was WAY too loud. I asked if they could turn it down a little. I was told 'the policy is no'. I respectfully asked for the manager. They never came. I asked our food delivery to the table person to get the manager. Again. No show. They checked to see if he came so I know they received the message. I realized late that the sound isn't as bad when the restaurant fills up. I don't think asking to turn down the musics until 11:30 is out of line. I was never able to have that conversation. read more

Sat at the bar and went out on a limb with smoked bologna sandwich. Incredible. Literally melts in your mouth. Waitress warned me (and she was right) that it is thick. Think good burger. Comes with mustard and cheese, but I substituted mayonnaise. Perfect lunch. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Bologna sandwich and broccoli salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

I was very happy with our meal. We ordered Brisket Chili, Brunswick Stew, Spare Ribs, Smoked Chicken, Hushpuppies, Cornbread Hoecake, Mac & Cheese, and Martha Ann's Fudge Pie. I didn't get to taste everything because my kid's snagged some items. The chili and stew were really good. I thought about dunking in a hushpuppy, but it was also very yummy and I ate it before I had time to find out how it tasted with the chili or stew sauce on it. I can't wait to order it again. read more

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Very nice place.. the employees provide great customer service. They continually walk around pickup up trash. Very clean place. Love the pictures and memorabilia on the walls is amazing. Good BQ, but I'm not a fan of the meat falling off the bone with their ribs, but nothing personal against this place. I should of got the dry ones The clientele very clean cut. They also have a nice bar area. I liked the atmosphere. I will come back for sure, but I'll get something else. I would definitely try this place out if you like something new. read more

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Barbeque Near Me - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Solid 5/5. Service is always great, food is consistent. The brisket tacos dipped in white bbq sauce is a must! This place can get pretty busy especially with families with children and there isn't a lot of parking. We love to sit on the patio, great neighborhood feel! read more

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Mid at best. Ambiance is great because of the neighborhood vibe. Service is what it is being a fast casual. The bbq is just mid at best. Little flavor, and being in the BBQ capitol of the south, doesn't cut it. read more

The layout of this restaurant was pretty cool! It's very spacious. There is a bar with TV's and takeout area across from the normal dining area. It had a very nostalgic vibe with tons of pictures and placards from various places on the walls. There's tons of BBQ places in the Birmingham area but this is definitely on the top of the list. The Brisket was very tender and flavorful and the ribs fell off the bone! With both platters we ordered the sweeter smoky BBQ sauce. The macaroni & cheese was actually baked which I appreciated! The staff was very friendly and service was quick. You place your order at the counter and seat yourself where you like; there is indoor and outdoor seating. They also have lots of tshirts, stickers, spices, and shot glasses to choose from for purchase. read more

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Great service, anytime it's packed it seems like we always get our food pretty quickly. We love the Brunswick stew in the winter!

didn't get any of the sides i paid for in my takeout order. But everyone wants a tip before you get anything now days, then you get screwed . bad service. read more

Convenient location, great family atmosphere and good BBQ. What more could you ask for?

We attended my company Christmas party at our office, Martins catered the event, I was very impressed with the food. I can't speak for the service or the Ambiance as I have not eaten there yet but the food has me planning that experience. read more

Best Brisket Cheeseburger! First time here and the entrees were great. Sides ok. Service was very friendly. read more