Simmons Barbecue
About This Spot
Pulling up to Simmons Barbecue in Guntersville, you’re greeted by the unhurried rhythm of a genuine hometown favorite. This isn’t your typical sit-down spot—it’s a drive-through destination where the warmth comes not from stiff formality, but from simple kindness and well-loved recipes prepared with care. The small line of cars waiting their turn hints at the secret many locals already know: great barbecue doesn’t need a fancy dining room to shine.
The atmosphere here is quiet yet welcoming, with an easygoing pace that invites you to slow down just a bit, whether you choose to pick up your order and head elsewhere or find a spot nearby to savor your meal outdoors. The folks behind the counter offer a down-to-earth friendliness that feels more like catching up with neighbors than a transaction.
On the menu, smoky pork ribs and tender sliced ham make their mark as hearty pillars, balanced by comforting sides that are every bit as thoughtfully prepared—the kind of dishes that speak to a deep respect for tradition and flavor. Whether you’re nibbling on a sandwich piled high with pulled pork or diving into the rich, slowly smoked goodness of a rib plate, there’s a quietly satisfying soulfulness here that lingers beyond the meal.
Many who stop by appreciate the straightforward ease of grabbing a meal to-go without compromising on quality. It’s a place where the food feels like it’s been cooked just for you, even if it’s made in a streamlined, no-frills way. And after your first bite, it’s easy to see why Simmons has become a quietly cherished stop for both locals and those who’ve traveled in from farther afield searching for authentic Alabama barbecue.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Kerbside pickup
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No-contact delivery
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Delivery
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Drive-through
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Great tea selection
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Serves local specialty
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Comfort food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Counter service
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Dessert
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Table service
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Casual
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Quiet
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Family friendly
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Dogs allowed
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Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Friday | 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hannah Kell 02 Jan 2026
I had the half chicken, it comes with white sauce but I opted for traditional. The food was absolutely amazing. My FAVORITE BBQ place now. I will not go ANYWHERE else. Also try that nanner puddin it's heavenly.
I C 31 Dec 2025
The lady was really friendly. It’s not a sit down place, so that kind of surprised me. We ordered then came to the dock and ate so it was pleasant either way. The food was pretty good. I got pulled pork and my bf got the ribs. He said the Mac was REALLY good. The baked beans were good too. No complaints and it def got the job done.
Bailey 10 Dec 2025
I was pretty pleasantly surprised with Simmons! I often find that drive-through only bbq is very hit or miss, but this place is a hit for me. Like I said, this operation is drive-through only, so all meals are made to-go. I got mine shortly after work for a late lunch. City harbor is a short drive away, so I toodled over there for a view of the water while I ate. The drive through line moved quickly enough. The menu has bbq, the less fancy bbq sides (beans, slaw, chips), family pack meals for a variety of crowd sizes, as well as loaded potatoes and nachos. I selected a pork loaded baked potato with a Diet Pepsi (iirc - don't think it was Coke). I think my lunch ~$12, which isn't too bad for the serving sizes. The lady at the drive through was polite and welcoming. My pork tater was quite large and came with liquidy butter, cheese, and dollops of sour cream and bacon bits on top. The bacon bits, while the pre-packaged salad garnish kind, are a pleasant surprise - you don't often get those on bbq taters without asking. The potato was cooked nicely, still warm and soft. I genuinely enjoyed the Que, enough so that I'd get it on a sandwich or on a plate without the goodness of a potato there as backup, lol. I don't like bbq sauce on my taters but I did dip a small piece of pork in the cup they gave me. It's a more vinegar based sauce, but it had enough sweetness to it that I still enjoyed it. Thanks for a quick, easy, and tasty lunch!
Nick Payne 20 Nov 2025
Brown bag special with green beans and a pork sandwich all rhe way and a half rack of ribs. Sandwich was great. Pudding was good. Wish ribs had some rub on it.
Justin Reynolds 23 Sep 2025
I drove here from huntsville. Absolutely 10/10 competition level barbecue. The kind ladies who served me there were treating me like family and I got the most perfectly cooked large pork sandwich and ribs. This place is the real deal. Hands down the best bbq in the state.