Famous Alabama BBQ restaurant has the most adored banana pudding.
Dishin' Down South: Dreamland Bar-B-Que's Got the Goods
Hankerin' for some damn fine banana pudding? Bet ya can't beat a good 'ole barbecue joint like Dreamland Bar-B-Que! There's just somethin' about the smoky, succulent pork and cold, creamy pudding that'll make ya swear mama's cookin'! And it's no coincidence that this Southern classic is whipped up by a legendary barbecue spot.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que's Roots
Now if y'all ain't familiar, Dreamland Bar-B-Que's name is known far and wide throughout Alabama, thanks to John "Big Daddy" Bishop who opened the iconic joint in Tuscaloosa back in 1958. This brick mason hand-built the crimson-colored cinderblock building and the original barbecue pit himself! In those early days, Dreamland wasn't just a barbecue spot, they served up burgers and hot dogs too, but it was their hickory-smoked pork ribs that stole the show! Soon enough, those meaty morsels turned Dreamland's barbecue into a regional must-have[1][2].
As the years passed and Dreamland spread across the state, the menu stayed simple: ribs, sauce, Sunbeam white bread, chips, and soda. That is, until Mobile came knockin'!
"Mobile folk straight up said they needed sides or they ain't comin' back," recalls current CEO Betsy McAtee. "They'd even bring their own sides into the restaurant!" Two years later, the menu expanded to include classics like baked beans and potato salad, and it set off a chain reaction—before long, Dreamland was catering and swapping out simple pies for a new dessert contender: banana pudding[3].
Dreamland's Impenetrable Secret Recipe
These days, banana pudding can be found on the menu of all 11 locations, and it's a top-seller! McAtee sheds some light on the recipe, claimin' it ain't too complicated. "It's all stuff you can find on the shelf," she says. But the secret, she swears, is in the cookie—they use vanilla wafers from a local favorite, Bud's Best Cookies, and a whole lotta love[3].
"Folks come up to me all the time, claimin' this here pudding is second to their grandmama or mama, and I take that to mean it's the dang best!" McAtee exclaims. "Gotta give credit where it's due, though; they ain't gonna diss grandma, are they?"
So if you're ever passin' through Alabama and hankerin' for a taste of the South, make sure to swing by Dreamland Bar-B-Que! You won't be sorry, promise[4].
dreamlandbbq.com; multiple locations; 205-943-7900
[1] Thompson, Arlin. "Home Grown: Dreamland's barbecue has become an institution in the state." The Tuscaloosa News. June 23, 2016.[2] "Dreamland Bar-B-Que." Encyclopedia of Alabama. July 19, 2010.[3] "The history of barbecue in Alabama." The Alabama Tourism Department. n.d.[4] "Alabama's Legends: Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Tuscaloosa." Alabama Foods. n.d.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que, a renowned Southern dining spot known across Alabama, offers an array of delicious foods, including their famous banana pudding. This dessert is a hit, making the restaurant a must-visit for those craving an authentic taste of the South. The recipe, while seemingly simple, is a closely guarded secret, with the cookies playing a crucial role. Many claim it to be as good, if not better, than their grandmothers' recipes. So, to satisfy your hunger for Southern living, visit Dreamland Bar-B-Que and experience their rich food and recipes, including their popular barbecue and banana pudding. For more information and location details, visit their official website dreamlandbbq.com.
