In the interest of total honesty, full disclosure, biased reporting, or whatever name you want to give it, I am a huge Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q fan. I have been going to Big Bob's on 6th Avenue in Decatur since I was a very young girl. My mom, with my siblings and me in tow, would drive us from Athens (where we lived) to Decatur for various shopping trips or doctors' appointments, and, as luck would have it, a lunch stop at Big Bob's would be part of the plan. I can remember when larger-than-life Big Bob himself manned the cash register and reigned over his realm of happy eaters. So, my standard for judging all barbecue establishments stems from my early indoctrination. Let me add that Whitt's and Southern Hickory in Hartselle are very close second place winners, but they lack the sit-down dining AND the homemade pies.
With all that being said, I saw that a place called Blue Oak BBQ was on the list of new restaurants in Huntsville, so I suggested to Steve that we check it out. The online menu I examined had some similar offerings to those at Big Bob's -- pulled pork sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, Brunswick stew, baked beans, etc. I saw that Blue Oak BBQ originated in New Orleans, so I was pretty sure there would be some flavor differences. It still seemed worth a try.
This business is located at MidCity District (where Madison Square Mall sat for many years). Now MidCity is bustling and booming. At the back of the property is the wildly popular new Orion Amphitheatre, and in the front you'll find The Camp, Top Golf, Trader Joe's, Dave & Buster's, and dozens of other new retail stores, restaurants, coffee shops, condos, and more.
In the daytime, the sign for Blue Oak BBQ is a little hard to decipher. Just know that it sits across the street from Salt Factory Pub and around the corner from Tupelo Honey. The exact address is 1000 MidCity Drive, Unit 1. It is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Steve ordered The Craig with a side of baked beans, and I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with a side of Brunswick stew. I had my heart set on a stuffed potato but quickly learned those are only available on Thursdays. The Craig is a large pulled pork sandwich with brown sugar bbq sauce, sriracha, onions, cucumbers, and pickled carrots. Steve is a health nut, but he admitted this was a strange combination.
I have to say here that I love Big Bob's Brunswick stew. It was one of my daddy's all-time favorites, so it has a special place in my heart. Blue Oak BBQ's Brunswick stew is completely different. Take note that with its roots in New Orleans, red beans and rice are on the menu every Monday. I bet they do a great job with red beans and rice.
The only dessert listed on the regular menu is banana pudding, but I did see that if you order one of their Thanksgiving feasts (again with New Orleans influences), you'll get chocolate bread pudding as a dessert option. Check the Facebook page for more details.
I can see why Blue Oak BBQ chose this location. Those who come to shop or attend a concert at The Orion will be happy to find this eating option.
Prices are considerably higher than Big Bob's.
Orders are taken and paid for at the counter, then your meal is brought to your table. Everything is very casual.
Go ahead and try it for yourself. Just between us, I'll stick with Big Bob's.
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