great bbq and friendly quick service. ken's hickory 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 tolunchat one of the very best bbq dives around birmingham. its a small place on hwy 79 near jeff state jr college called simply, ken's bbq. 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 forlunchwas 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 fridaylunchcrowd (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