ken's hickory pit barbecue

i have been going token'sbbq since i started work nearby in 1990. that's 32 years off and on. i can say because i know, the food has gotten worse every year since it was sold a few years back. i was willing to give it one more try today, even though the last few times i went it was sub-par from what i'm used to. sadly, this was the worst it has ever been. the mac and cheese was runny and kraft does better. i ordered inside cut and the meat had an off odor and taste. even the slaw was off. the only good thing i can say was that the portions were tiny so i didn't have to suffer long. 80% of the food went into the trash. get it together mike. you can do better than that.

ken's is the best barbecue ever!. hello barbecue fans i am a real pinson, al native and have knowken'sas the only household name in barbecue for well over 40 years. once you step insideken'syou will find things simple and down to earth with a big pit roasting/cooking the savory barbecue ken has served up for so long. (i can still remember the building was a very small gas station in it's day back whern hwy 79 was only two lanes). sliced, diced or even pulled pork your visit will be worth your time. ken is famous for his special sauce that sets the resturant ahead of all other barbecue resturants. sadly ole ken has passed, but not to worry the legend lives on with a fine staff that worked under his careful skilled direction. if you are near birmingham, al and you have the tast for real southern barbecue this is it!

ken's has been a landmark for good bbq in birmingham for 40+ years. i always ate there when i was a teenager but now only get to enjoy their bbq when i happen to be in birmingham. their bbq and smoke sausage combo is what i always get and it can't be beat at any bbq joint anywhere. i stopped in today , the first time in over 6 years and brought back a family pack to have for supper. as always the bbq was great with just the right amount for hickory smoke flavor and the bbq baked beans and sauce are to die for! i only wish we lived closer or came to birmingham more often. maybe,ken'scould start an overnight mail order program!

little heaven on earth. this has been, and always will be, the best bbq in alabama. i remember eating breakfasts, lunch, and the take home plates when just sitting at home was best with a warm plate ofken'sbbq!

i started eating there with my father back in 1971 or so and when i am back in birmingham, it is the first place i want to go!

there will never be enough "special" places like these in the usa. definitely a landmark for the area as well as in my heart mind & tummy :-)

great bbq and friendly quick service.ken'shickory pit barbecue
4817 pinson valley pkwy, birmingham, al 35215
http://goo.gl/maps/pdoyl

i was visiting my home town last weekend and had the opportunity to take my kids to lunch at one of the very best bbq dives around birmingham. its a small place on hwy 79 near jeff state jr college called simply,ken'sbbq. the place opened in the early 70s and ive been a customer on and off since then. i once worked down the street for several years and during those days, i stopped there for breakfast nearly every day!

the ownership has changed hands over the years but some of the same folks still work there. they've upgraded the decor and moved the pit into the back of the kitchen , but they kept all the recipes the same. essentially, everything i had for lunch was just like it was in the 70's. all i can say is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" they've added some new things to the menu as well. my kids had a side of onion rings and they were fried to perfect crispiness!

amidst the hustle and bustle of the friday lunch crowd (and it was packed) i ran into an old school buddy, bill, who i think to be the kitchen manager. he stopped for a minute and i asked him about the pit and he explained that they moved it about 4 years ago and upgraded to a gas/wood smoker that will do a 100 butts at a time. it only burns two pieces of wood a day. talk about green, wow! additionally, he explained they have expanded and now opened a kens in oneonta and soon to be another in trussville on hwy 11.

we all had the pork plate, i got the small, with classic beans, slaw, fries and a piece of white bread. my kids got the regular plate but neither could finish theirs. the portion sizes are just enough for a good lunch. the pork was chopped and nicely smoked, the slaw is a tangy and slightly sweet and the beans are just like i remember them from years ago, just plain good!
the fries and onion rings were all made to order. i didn't sample the pies but they've always been known for their desserts as well.

they open early for breakfast and are known for ham and biscuits. don't order this unless you're really hungry! ive had this before and eaten until im stuffed and still carried a togo box out with enough for another days breakfast!

this is a good place with a down home small town feeling. they have quick service and a friendly wait staff. the food is fantastic!

urban cowgill

this is the best! we are retired and live 1000 miles fromken'sbut my husband use to work in birmingham 15 yrs ago and livedken'sso much we made a special trip to enjoy this super place. simple fare, simple location, friendly people and the best barbecue and the best cole slaw. wish we lived closer. glad we indulged my husband's craving that he so fondly remembers.

the best breakfast.ken'shas been my favorite breakfast spot for my entire life, hands down. the meats are unbeatable and the staff is excellent. so i was very thankful to be able to visit once more while at home for thanksgiving weekend!

the best bbq and ribs intown!. we have not been atken'sfor a long time! our family were there today and omg !!!!!!!! so amazing how different inside and outside they have cleaned out! we love their hand chopped meat and the ribs were so awesome .they added a lot foods in their menu now . we tried chicken wings, onion rings ,potatoes salad ,banana pudding and pies ...everything were delicious :)ken'sbbq take credit card now! we will come back soon!

get it to go. kens has it going on. they know how to smoke chicken and pork and omg the smoked sausage is sinful!
there is no room so get it to go!ken'sdoes a great job catering too. i love kens!