Dive on in: Charlie’s BBQ takes title in state contest
Published 3:15 pm Thursday, September 3, 2015
- Serving up Charlie's BBQ
Entering the Alabama Barbecue Battle wasn’t Scott Holmes’ decision.
Holmes was busy running a restaurant when his loyal customers decided he needed some credit for his work. They’re the ones who signed up his place, Charlie’s BBQ in Odenville, for the contest.
Sponsored by the Alabama Department of Tourism, the Battle pitted barbecue restaurants from across the state and lasted the month of August. For a while Charlie’s was middle-of-the-pack. Holmes didn’t have high hopes for becoming a state champion as Charlie’s stayed in close competition with other contenders.
But he’s got more of a fan base then he thought.
“I didn’t know we were even in the running, but our customers really stepped up and put us in the mix,” he said. “Then, towards the end, they really took off with it, and we took the lead.”
Charlie’s held that top spot right to the end, and on Sept. 1 the Odenville favorite on US 411 was named the top barbecue restaurant in the state in the contest’s Dives category.
“This is a great award for us,” Holmes said. “But more than that, it shows how great our customers are.”
Charlie’s has created a loyal base that has lasted since the restaurant’s namesake opened the doors in 2008. Holmes took the business over in 2010, and he’s made some changes in the last five years. The joint is now nearly double its original size thanks to a luxurious outdoor seating area, and the menu has expanded to bring in a selection of new fan favorites. Charlie’s caters to all of its customers by providing a menu with a wide variety of choices. From catfish to made-from-scratch chicken fingers, there are options for everyone.
One thing has stayed the same though. A secret to Holmes’ success at Charlie’s is the smoke shed behind the restaurant.
Meats served in the restaurant are all smoked on location, some for up to 16 hours. Charlie’s also makes and sells its own specialty Coyote Barbeque Sauce. Orders for that tangy treat come in from everywhere in the world, including China, Alaska, Ireland and England.
One Charlie’s BBQ specialty is beef brisket, only available on Wednesday and Saturday. In preparation for bringing brisket into the menu, Holmes traveled throughout Texas, sampling plates and learning how to craft an unrivaled offering in St. Clair County.
The restaurant is also known for its daily specials, including the Saint Burger Challenge — open to anyone who dines in the restaurant on a Thursday. In 15 minutes, a Challenge contestant must finish a burger with two 9-ounce patties, a 24-ounce milkshake and a large order of fries, which serves four people.
If you can do it, it’s all on the house.
Visit the restaurant today to place a preorder for your Labor Day celebrations. For more information, visit Charlie’s website at charliesbbq.net and like them on Facebook at facebook.com/CharliesBBQAL.
Charlie’s BBQ’s Weekly Specials Check out Charlie’s BBQ for lunch, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., where specials start at only $5.39! Try Brisket on Wednesday and Saturday, and take the Saint Burger Challenge every Thursday!
Charlie’s BBQ
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
13690 US 411 Odenville, AL 35120
(205) 629-2998