"Authentic Alabama-Style Smoked Meats & Southern Soul Food"
📍 Complete BBQ Guide, History & Catering Information | July 2026 Updated
Pulled Pork • Smoked Chicken • Ribs • Catfish • Scratch-Made Sides
If you are searching for authentic, down-home Southern barbecue, Moe's Original BBQ is a standout destination. Specializing in Alabama-style barbecue, Moe's is famous for its fruit-wood smoked meats, tangy Alabama white sauce, and incredible scratch-made Southern sides.
With over 50 locations across more than a dozen states, this fast-casual joint delivers a relaxed, blues-infused atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or grabbing a "Haul it Home" family pack. It is essential to note that Moe's Original BBQ is entirely distinct from Moe's Southwest Grill. If you are craving fresh Tex-Mex burritos instead of ribs and pulled pork, head over to our Moe's Southwest Grill Menu homepage.
The story of Moe's Original BBQ begins in 1988 at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Three friends—Mike Fernandez, Ben Gilbert, and Jeff Kennedy—bonded over a mutual love for Southern BBQ, cold beer, and blues music.
After learning how to fire-roast meats from Moses Day, a legendary BBQ pitmaster in Tuscaloosa (the namesake "Moe"), the trio eventually relocated to Vail, Colorado. What started as a roadside pit quickly blossomed into a highly successful restaurant. Today, the chain brings their award-winning recipes—featuring meats smoked fresh daily and side dishes prepared from scratch—to communities nationwide while maintaining the authentic, laid-back vibe of a backyard Southern BBQ.
Moe's sandwiches are served "Bama Style"—meaning they are piled high with marinated slaw and pickles right on the toasted bun. You can order just the sandwich, or upgrade to a Meal which includes two classic Southern sides and a drink.
Platters are designed for those with a serious appetite. Every platter comes with your choice of two side dishes and a piece of sweet, griddled cornbread.
| Platter Item | Description | Estimated Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Pulled Pork Platter | Generous portion of slow-smoked pulled pork with red BBQ sauce. | $16.00 - $18.00 |
| Smoked Half Chicken | Bone-in half chicken smoked over fruit wood, served with white sauce. | $16.50 - $18.50 |
| Smoked Turkey Platter | Sliced smoked turkey breast served with red and white BBQ sauces. | $16.50 - $18.50 |
| Rib Platter (Small / Large) | St. Louis style spare ribs, dry-rubbed and slow-smoked to perfection. | $18.00 (Sm) / $23.00 (Lg) |
| Smoked Wings Platter | Jumbo wings smoked, flash-fried, and tossed in wing sauce. Served with celery and white sauce. | $17.00 - $19.00 |
What makes Moe's Original BBQ truly special is the attention paid to the side dishes. These aren't an afterthought; they are generations-old recipes made fresh every single day.
Baked Beans: Sweet, savory, and loaded with chunks of smoked pork.
Marinated Slaw: A vinegar-based, refreshing slaw without heavy mayo. The perfect complement to rich BBQ.
Potato Salad: Classic Southern mustard-based potato salad.
Macaroni & Cheese: Ultra-creamy, baked mac and cheese (a crowd favorite!).
Banana Pudding: Traditional Southern dessert with vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding.
*Many locations also feature rotating daily specials like collard greens, black-eyed peas, sweet potato casserole, or jambalaya!
Feeding a crowd? The "Haul It Home" menu allows you to purchase smoked meats by the pound and sides by the pint, quart, or half-pan.
| Bulk Item | Portion Size | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double Wide Family Pack | 1 lb of meat, 2 sides (pints), buns or cornbread (Feeds 3-4) | $32.00 - $38.00 |
| Triple Wide Family Pack | 1.5 lbs of meat, 3 sides (pints), buns or cornbread (Feeds 5-6) | $45.00 - $55.00 |
| Pulled Pork | By the Pound | $16.00 / lb |
| Smoked Turkey | By the Pound | $17.00 / lb |
| St. Louis Ribs | Full Rack | $28.00 - $32.00 |
| Sides (Pint / Quart) | Pint feeds 2-3 / Quart feeds 5-6 | $7.00 / $12.00 |
Moe's Original BBQ is highly regarded for its robust catering services, perfect for weddings, corporate lunches, tailgates, and family reunions.
💡 Booking Tip: Catering prices usually run between $12 to $18 per person depending on the meat selections. It is best to contact your local Moe's Original BBQ at least a week in advance for large orders.
At Moe's Original BBQ, ordering a sandwich "Bama Style" means it comes topped with their signature red BBQ sauce, marinated slaw, and dill pickles directly on the meat inside the bun. It provides the perfect crunch and tang to cut through the rich smoked meat.
Alabama White Sauce is a regional BBQ specialty native to Northern Alabama. It is a mayonnaise-based sauce mixed with vinegar, black pepper, and other spices. It is tangy, creamy, and is traditionally served over smoked chicken or turkey.
No, they are completely separate companies. Moe's Original BBQ was founded by three friends from the University of Alabama and serves Southern BBQ. Moe's Southwest Grill serves customizable Tex-Mex burritos and bowls.
Yes! Almost all Moe's Original BBQ locations feature a full bar. They are known for serving the "Bushwacker" (a frozen, creamy, chocolatey rum cocktail) as well as a great selection of local craft beers and Southern iced tea.
Yes. All of their smoked meats (pork, chicken, turkey, ribs) are naturally gluten-free. Most of the sides, including the baked beans, potato salad, and marinated slaw, are also gluten-free. Just skip the buns, cornbread, mac & cheese, and banana pudding. (For Tex-Mex options, see our Moe's Southwest Grill Gluten-Free Guide).
Yes, most locations sell their signature Red BBQ Sauce and Alabama White Sauce by the bottle or pint so you can take the flavors home.