Southern Living recently released its “Best of the South”, which narrowed down the best of Southern food, culture, and hospitality into several categories including Best BBQ, Best Hotels, and Best City. Over 20,000 votes were cast to help determine who was named the best of the best. And, while it comes as no surprise to those of us who live in the One and Only, two Tuscaloosa-area establishments placed in two of the food categories: The South’s Best Barbecue Joints 2017 and Best Southern Pies.
The Empire Apple Pie at Pie Lab made the list of best pies in the South. Just an easy drive down Hwy. 69 North, Pie Lab has been serving delicious delicacies and bringing life back to the Greensboro community since 2009.
“Food brings people together,” designer Amanda Buck says. “Pie is how we get to know Greensboro.” PieLab teaches area youth how to make pies, and then sells slices for $2 ($3 à la mode). Since opening, the designers have also started job training programs for local residents and done design work for downtown merchants. “All because of pie,” Amanda says.
1317 Main Street, 334-624-3899
5535 15th Avenue, East Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, 205-758-8135
The original Dreamland Café is located about two miles from the intersection of Hwy 82 and Interstate 59 just south of Tuscaloosa in an area known as Jerusalem Heights. Known even beyond the Tuscaloosa city limits as legendary bbq, Dreamland is a game-day spread staple and offers an atmosphere sure to make everyone there feel as if they’ve walked into a family get-together.
One bite of their legendary ribs and some good, ole-fashion white bread is all it takes to know how true it is that there “ain’t nothing like ’em nowhere!”
While Tuscaloosa is filled with great places to eat, we’re recommending the next time you’re stuck wondering, “where should we eat,” you think Dreamland and Pie Lab!
P.S. If Greensboro is a little too far out of town for dinner, you can pre-order your pie and pick it up at Maker’s Market located in downtown Tuscaloosa at 401 22nd Avenue each week.