Thursday, May 30, 2013

Big Jim's Bama'Q

(256) 635-0208

10330 Al Hwy 117 
HammondvilleAL 35989

There's a colorful character in northeast Alabama who goes by the moniker of "Big Jim". Big Jim is friendly, jovial and a talker. Typical of someone who has pit smoke on their clothes and barbecue sauce in their veins.

Head north out of Fort Payne on US-11/AL-7 or west from Valley Head on AL-117 to Hammondville, AL.

If you take a slow blink when you reach this intersection, turn around. Your effort will be rewarded. As soon as you turn the corner toward Valley Head on AL-117, Big Jim's Bama Q will be right there.

If you love good barbecue, you've come to the right place. If you love good people, you've come to the right place. If you love an interesting twist, you've come to the right place. A twist, because upon entering Big Jim's Bama Q you can't miss the two dining rooms...the walls are covered with signatures. For years people have been writing their names all over Big Jim's walls.

The writing is on the walls at Big Jim's Bama Q
                                                                         
The story of the graffiti came from Big Jim, himself. He said that when he opened the doors of his establishment, his daughter had painted the walls a pristine white and wanted them to stay that way. A group of 4 Japanese travelers came in one day and wanted to try "one of everything!" Big Jim tried to explain that it would be a lot of food to try one of everything. But they were insistent. So, Big Jim's crew brought out one of everything. They ate it all! On the wall behind them, Big Jim wrote, "I ate one of everything at Big Jim's Bama Q", and had each of them sign their names below it. It didn't take long for other signatures to show up and eventually cover the walls. Two years ago the Japanese visitors returned...and once again they signed their names on the walls.


What good is a story about a barbecue joint if the food is left out? The pork was very flavorful, had great texture and was smoky without being bitter. Put the pulled pork in a sandwich and add as little or as much sauce as you want. Let the sauce soak into the bread and add homemade onion rings and you have a very tasty lunch! 

Yes! Yes! Definitely put Big Jim's Bama Q on your list of barbecue places you must try. Hopefully, Big Jim himself will be there to tell you the history of his building and feed you some excellent bbq.

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