Drive through order on a Sunday for lunch (they aren't open all day on Sunday), including 5 lb pulled pork, 1/2 gal cole slaw, white sauce and regular sauce. Oh, and my mother's favorite loaded baked potato with pork, extra butter, no sour cream. I did not call ahead and anticipated a wait. Thankfully they have their system down to a science; from order time to fulfillment for my order was less than 5 minutes! And while I was waiting on my order to be filled, someone was out taking paper orders for the line behind me. (Yes, I said line...and they weren't all patient. They must have been hungry.) I've heard it said you can't screw up BBQ, but you can, and they didn't. Given the "claim to fame" is a mild vinegar-based sauce, you can't hide much like you can with a sweet, ketchup-y sauce. I wish I had a scale, because I swear there was more than 5# of meat, and 1/2 gal was a LOT of cole slaw. A lesson learned and note to the wise: when they say 3 oz per sandwich when figuring how much you will need for a crowd, go with their approximation. Ever the consummate Southern hostess, I was afraid of running out of food & ordered this larger amount. Never ran out, everyone was full and lots of leftover pork was frozen. My mother's potato was exactly as ordered, texture was great for cutting and she made 2 meals out of it. This BBQ location is a go-to for our family. Always happy to have the opportunity to get it when in town. Think I'll try the turkey next... read more

I visited here last Monday for lunch while working in the Hartselle area. I had planned to eat inside but when I got there I realized it was much more of a drive through vibe so I went through the line and then drove to a nearby large lot and ate in my car. I'm honestly not sure if there's any indoor dining or not, but it worked out fine for me. They were reasonably busy at around 1 PM - maybe 3 cars ahead of me. I got through quickly enough and was able to place my order probably in less than 10 minutes. The menu isn't super easily viewable from the line so know what you want beforehand! The lady at the window was pleasant enough. I ordered a pulled pork potato and a large (they mean it when they say large!) sweet tea. I thought the price was VERY reasonable - I got out for only around $12 for a plenty large lunch. As far as bbq taters go, this isn't the monstrously large kind you'll find at Lawlers or the nearby Pigskin BBQ, but it is certainly big enough for a filling meal. The potato was cooked nicely. I was pretty happy with the pork, too -- good consistency/pull, and I could actually taste the smoke! My one complaint is that the sour cream and whipped butter spread (not real butter) came on the side. I very much prefer restaurants to apply those ingredients themselves so they can melt into the potato beneath the hot meat and cheese. Also, real butter would've been my preference, lol. Overall though, very solid potato and bbq for a very reasonable price. I would certainly return for a tasty local lunch. read more

Southern Hickory Barbecue - Loaded pork potato - Barbeque Near Me - Hartselle, Alabama

Skillfully prepared Southern bbq pork, turkey, chickens are delicious and always a pleasure. Service is quick and efficient even when lines exist. Walk up or drive through service allows tons dining options. Quick lunches, easy dinners, fun picnics or a sandwich on the go. We always enjoy the visit. Thanks. read more

It is really only ok. Sweet tea was not good at all, stew didn't have much flavor at all. I was a bit disappointed in the food all around.

Consider myself a BBQ conniseur and tried this Q last week and have to say that what I had was the best around to include Big Bobs, Whitts, Lawyers and Golden Rule, to be fair I only had a pork sandwich and potato said but it was excellent Q. Looking forward to trying the chicken and ribs. For what it's worth I am an amateur competition Q'er and this was some good stuff. read more

Southern Hickory Barbecue - At dusk - Barbeque Near Me - Hartselle, Alabama

Outstanding casual barbeque. Steady stream of customers shows its popularity. Fully respected to see barbeque sauce dripping off the pork and Turkey sandwiches; however this was not the case. But we were not disappointed as you could really tastethe savory flavor of the pork and Turkey. Ask for the wheat bun. Complaint?? Everything served in styrofoam.....beans....drink ...ands big one for each sandwich. The environmentalist in me cringes. Dump that stuff and you will make a 5. read more

Here it is, my homegrown, home-based example of what good southern barbecue should taste like. Southern hickory barbecue has been supplying my family with food for all of our picnics and Sunday afternoons for at least 10 years now. You just can't beat that hickory barbecue, and traditional southern style sides. Pulled pork, barbecue chicken, chicken stew, pies, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, and.... SWEET freaking TEA. Their sauces are the bomb diggity as well. Spicy for your pulled pork, and Momma's white sauce for your chicken plate. Its a drive through, and it offers 'party packs' for your large group/family needs. If you're driving through Hartselle, Alabama I recommend you stop at Southern Hickory Barbecue for some good wholesome barbecue religion, where we only believe in the one true hickory smoked taste. read more

Southern Hickory Barbecue - a van parked in front of a restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Hartselle, Alabama

Best BBQ I've ever tasted! Picked up a guest pack today with inside meat pulled pork. Best tasting pork I ever had, and the sauce was perfect. The slaw was very tasty as well. Will go back there for sure! read more

Your down home southern goodness in a drive thru. It is perfect for every occasion. Picnic, Party, Bridal Shower, Thanksgiving, Christmas... You name it, its perfect... And you can bet your southern drawers that if someone dies in your family, you are getting some southern hickory BBQ. There chicken plates are ideal, their pulled pork sandwiches are seasoned to perfection, and their stew makes you a 100% better when you feel under the weather. Nothing in Hartselle is better, this is my comfort food. read more

Amazing. Delicious. Perfection. Nowhere else on Earth does 'que like the people of North Alabama and Southern Hickory does it fantastically. The moist and lean meat coupled with the tangy slaw is a match certain to delight. Enjoy! read more

I grew up in Michigan, but my heart will always be in Alabama as I have family there. I dream about this BBQ. It's always the first thing I want when I roll into town, and I often take some home with me. I now live in North Carolina, one of the BBQ "capitals" and I still desire Southern Hickory BBQ. The vinegar based sauce beats the pants off of any tomato based sauce I have ever had. I can't wait to have some in November when I visit family for Thanksgiving! read more

Sounds like the two reviews that also reviewed Mr. Henry's, must work here. No stars, whitt's is better and Mr Henry's is a five star. We make the choice to eat where we eat. read more

I ordered the half chicken combo my chicken was dried out and hard my food was not good

Excellent BBQ! I have enjoyed Southern Hickory BBQ for years. Always consistently good quality and great service. I really enjoy the pork sandwich with chips and sweet tea! Give them a try if you have any doughts! read more

Great place for tasty barbecue. Fast, friendly service that can't be beat! Best sweet tea in town!!

I'm back in town and having pulled pork potatoes everyday till I leave. Unfortunately I'm only here for 3 days. This is the best hidden gem of Hartselle. read more