Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Golden Rule BBQ & Grill, located at 2504 Crestwood Blvd in…read moreIrondale, Alabama. While I had initially planned to visit next Friday for a particular occasion, my desire for some exceptional BBQ led me there sooner. My family has been patrons of Golden Rule since the 1970s. This establishment has a rich history, having been in business since 1891, originally under the ownership of the Williams family and the Stones. In 1969, Golden Rule was acquired by Michael Matsos, a local restaurateur from Birmingham. Mr. Matsos commendably preserved the Williams' family recipes and the high standards of their outstanding BBQ. However, in 2022, Golden Rule was sold to Brian Kemp of Kemp's Kitchen, another local figure with several (now closed) establishments in the Birmingham area. Mr. Kemp acknowledged his limited knowledge of BBQ but pledged to maintain Golden Rule in its 131-year-old tradition. Upon my arrival, I noticed the spacious parking lot, which was not overly crowded, as it was after the usual churchgoers' rush. As I approached the entrance, I passed a window sign proudly proclaiming "Birmingham's Best BBQ." I observed several individuals within close proximity as I entered, and I noticed that no one offered a greeting, which was a minor detail. I then made my way to my preferred table, the one my father and I always shared when he would call and suggest meeting at Golden Rule. The traditional book-style menus have been replaced with a more streamlined placemat-style menu. This was not an issue, as I already knew what I wished to order. Anna, my server, provided exceptional service throughout my visit. She promptly took my drink order, ensured my tea glass remained full, and was attentive to all my needs, even while managing two tables each with eight guests. Anna did a truly wonderful job. As I waited, I reflected that this was typically a place where I wouldn't need to comment on the absence of the legendary Alabama BBQ figure, the picture of The Bear. Golden Rule has always been adorned with numerous framed sports moments and memorabilia from various state teams on its walls. However, upon looking up, I noticed they were no longer there. Approximately 95% of the sports pictures are gone. The walls are largely bare, and the remaining pictures appear to be hung without any particular arrangement, suggesting that the others were simply removed from around them. I have dined here several times since the sale to Mr. Kemp, but my research indicated that family members had come in to retrieve their pictures from the walls. The establishment now has a rather stark appearance. It would be beneficial to address this. Golden Rule offers a diverse selection of meat choices, including pork BBQ sandwiches, pulled pork plates, chicken, brisket, baby back ribs, and sausage. They also feature hamburger steak, chicken tenders, and on Fridays, catfish. Additionally, soup and salads are available. With a wide array of side dishes such as green beans, baked beans, corn on the cob, slaw, chips, and fries, you are sure to find something to your liking. Dessert options include pies, cake, and cookies. My order arrived on a metal tray, which is the traditional and appropriate way to serve BBQ. I selected the jumbo pulled pork plate with a double portion of fries (a preference of mine). It looked incredibly appetizing. I would advise bringing a hearty appetite if you choose the jumbo plate, as it is quite substantial. I immediately noticed a difference in the cooking process compared to previous occasions; the meat was noticeably less coarse and dry. Previously, I often needed a knife to cut the slices, but this time it was incredibly tender, practically falling off the fork, which was truly delightful. It was some of the finest barbecue I have ever tasted. When topped with their vinegar-based sauce, it becomes absolutely irresistible. The fries are clearly cut from real potatoes and are served in generous portions. Overall, the value offered by this barbecue restaurant is exceptional. A jumbo plate of meat, fries, and sweet tea for under $20 is an offer that is difficult to surpass. Despite some changes, Golden Rule remains one of the best barbecue establishments in the area. It comes highly recommended. 5/5 -Kevin

I ordered the loaded baked potato with chicken, and I will say this first: the portion size was…read morehuge. Definitely a very large potato, so value-wise, you're getting a lot of food. I've always heard that Golden Rule BBQ mainly caters to retired senior citizens, and after trying it myself, I feel like I'm just not the target audience. That said, the establishment itself is clean, and the customer service was good and friendly. The potato came out hot, which I appreciated, but it was lightly sprinkled with cheese. Sour cream was served on the side, there was no butter, and the BBQ sauce was also on the side. Unfortunately, the sauce tasted sour and was very runny. The chicken didn't taste grilled or BBQ'd at all, which was disappointing. One thing I really liked was the atmosphere. Seeing Mrs. Kelly's photo along with others hanging on the wall made the place feel homey and welcoming. Overall, I'd recommend giving Golden Rule BBQ a try at least once, but it's not somewhere I'll be returning to.

I've had Demetri's maybe 3-4 times over the years. I always get the smoked wings! They are great…read moreeverytime. Perfectly cooked with the perfect kiss of smoke. There no doubt this is the best Smoked wing in the Birmingham area! Will be a lifer here!

Stopped in at Demetri's for lunch on Saturday. I was pleasantly surprised to see the location also…read moresold Greek food. It's like a bbq smokehouse and inside it's several areas for seating. My waiter was a bit rushed and straight to business which was a bit intimidating for a first visit and a big menu. I can tell he was used to regulars coming in which is a good thing. The food was filled with a smoky flavor. I got pulled pork, grilled mixed veggies and greens. All in all it was an ok visit.

I got the chance to eat here during Birmingham's restaurant week. I am so glad I decided to try…read morethis food truck for the first time. The line was very long so I knew the food had to be good. I also loved the menu options but I decided to get the canal catfish po'boy. ! I loved the Cajun ranch fries that they offer and highly recommend people to get them. This was one of the best po'boys I have ever had. The service was amazing and they made sure to pay me attention when I was ordering. The only thing is the food is always made fresh so I had to wait a little while before I got it. That was no problem because it was worth the wait and I cannot wait to try you guys again! Thank you for your amazing Cajun food services! Please visit this food truck for the best tasting catfish around the Birmingham area!!!

I got a shrimp poboy and fries from their food truck. The fries were good and the shrimp in the po…read moreboy was good as well. I will say the bread in the sandwich was a bit thick and dry so I probably wouldn't order a po boy from here again.

This is classic southern bbq place with a twist, all the food is perhaps the best most consistently…read moregreat in the city. The twist is the white sauce I recommend the pork plate with tater salad and turnip greens use the white sauce on everything you won't regret. It's as legit as real bbq gets and if your really lucky you get to say hey to Pearl

The best white sauce anywhere!! Bang bang !! Freshest…read morechicken sandwich out there! Pulled pork to die for

Came to Woodhaven Lakes for our Thursday Foodtruck Nite…read more Service was great, food was cooked to order, Burgers were Primo. Had plenty of great helpers.

The service was really good and they did not take that long to get my order. I was in and out in…read moreless than 15 minutes with others head of me. The wings were seasoned really good. I tried the lemon pepper ones. The portions were small though, the smallest wings only was already 8.00. I would try them again however if other options were available I would definitely go with that.

This is a very nice Mexican food option in the Valleydale/Cahaba Valley area of Hoover. The menu…read morefeatures all the traditional favorites, including enchiladas, quesadillas, and burritos, but what really stands out to me is the selection of more authentic Mexican dishes. I especially like that they offer street tacos and tortas. The street tacos are served on soft corn tortillas with your choice of meat and topped with cilantro and onions. They are simple, but the combination is perfect. The torta is a traditional Mexican sandwich with your choice of meat, topped with beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cheese, and mayonnaise, all served on their own unique, sub-like bread. The fresh ingredients and avocado take this sandwich to the next level. On my last visit, I ordered the Tamale option (#13) from the lunch menu. The ratio of cornmeal to meat was just right, and the tamale paired nicely with the beans and rice. It was a very satisfying lunch. If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant in the Hoover area that offers both familiar favorites and some more authentic options, this is definitely worth a visit.

Excellent! One of my all time favorite Mexican restaurant. Salsa is the best I've ever tasted and I…read moreALWAYS get the tamales.

I have noticed this truck in my neighborhood for a few months, but this was my first time to stop…read moreby. Sweet lady was out there on her own today. She had bacon, eggs, and toast--so I ordered a breakfast sandwich for $4. Hot off the grill and very tasty! I was pleased to see another customer pulling up after me! I'll be back for a burger or wings!

The wing was good the thing that I didn't like was that I order 10 wings they took my order then…read morewhen they give it to me the said they ran out of wings and give me I 6 wings

This was not my first time here, but I had the best pie that I have ever had here!! I will say that…read moreI love all of their pies but the Saw's barbecue pie is exceptionally delicious!! It featured and was made with Saw's barbecue pulled pork!! When I say that it was the best barbecue pizza I have ever had, please believe me!! Most barbecue pizzas that I've had were made with chicken. For those who don't know, Cher

Went last week for a late lunch and I was pleasantly surprised in some changes they have made. They…read moreare now full service. No more standing in the line to wait to order. Also, the server and other wait staff were incredibly attentive. I ordered the margarita pizza which was loaded with fresh basil, tomatoes and mozzarella. Fresh and extremely tasty. Also, the price is excellent! Go check it out!