Dreamland BBQ in Huntsville, AL

Dreamland has been written about several times before both by myself and Lleechef. The sites were Mobile and Birmingham. They were super.

I gotta tell you about the one I enjoyed to day in Huntsville, AL. I got there at 10:30AM and I was afraid they would not be open. They open at 10:00AM daily.

As I went in this huge place I noticed a guy standing in front of a huge indoor pit powered by wood. The wood was not so much for smoking but for pit cooking. He was doing ribs at the time and he told me that he cooked his ribs for about a hour and a quarter and basted them right before they were finished.

I order a half slap of ribs for $9.95. These ribs were super and i got the first ribs of the pit for the day. Fresh, juicy, tender and tasy. I got a order of their creamy cole slaw. I did not want their vinegar cole slaw and their BBQ sauce and bread. My business friend got their pulled pork, cole slaw and the rest was the same. I got a quart of their BBQ sauce for the gift package at the February meeting at the Moonlite with the Mayor, Bushie, Poverty and others.

I gotta tell you folks, this place is the real deal. I recoginize that BBQ is subjective and I am well aware of regional taste but I totally assure you that this place is super. I had the same experience in Mobile and Birmingham. I think Lleechef will tell you the same thing.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I will second your recommendation, Sundancer. I love the Alabama locations that I have eaten at - wish I could say the same about those located in my native Georgia, but they pale in comparison. Have you ever had the chance to try out Archibald's in Tuscaloosa? Its a great rib shack, too - very similar in some ways to Dreamland.

rhpenland

SD7,

Dreamland is a Find. I have dined at the Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery locations. Although Mobile and Huntsville are the best locations, you can not beat the BBQ.

Have you ever tried the Banana Pudding? Please order more than the pint because you will ask for more.

Iwanago, do you wanago to the Moonlite meet in February? It's going to be a great time, and even better if you show up.

I agree with Poverty Pete...Having one of the door prizes be some of that sauce will be a treat! Thanks Sundancer for the report, and for adding to the gift list!

Iwanago, I sure hope you can make it !

You betcha,

When the Mayor speaks, I listen. Also, Poverty, I so do wanago! I will be there. So nice to hear from you both.

In reference to Dreamland. I live in Huntsville, and I have eaten at Dreamland twice and will never go back. I have also eaten at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa and it was great. Did I go on a day when the ribs weren't up to par? But, shouldn't they be up to par everyday? I don't know, but they were tough and bland. And believe me, their banana pudding is certainly not "homemade". You don't take vanilla wafers and add instant banana flavored pudding to it and call it true southern banana pudding. To me the best bargeque in Huntsville is at the "old" Greenbrier restaurant (not the "new" one you can see off the Interstate spur. You take the Greenbrier exist off I-565 and follow the sign for about 2 miles. They absolutely have the best barbeque chicken and huspuppies around. And their white sause beats Gibson's by far. I alway get a pint to go. It interesting to note that Huntsville also had a Corky's barbeque joint which didn't last long. I think us Huntsvillians are spoiled by barbeque like Greenbrier and Gibson's and that is why places like this don't last long here. A Golden Rule barbeque place opened up recently, but I haven't tried it yet.

I too, like Big Bob's, but I have never eaten at Dreamland in Huntsville - just the ones in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and in Alpharetta, GA. Those branches seem to be quite good.

Sassygrits: Sounds to me like you really know your BBQ????. Glad to know that you also know your banana pudding.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by dereksmith

Franchise Police

Please move to the franchise forum. These corporate locations should not be discussed in the roadfood forum. This forum is only for true roadfood locations and not franchises.

Thank you

Poster. What makes you so sure that they are a franchise? I know they have about five locations which makes them a chain but anything more than two forms a chain.

I view Dreamland more of a institution than a overused franchised. Please give us your knowledge of Dreamland.

I have visited their locations and I find them very good and in fact exceptionally good.

I enjoyed walking into their locations and viewing a huge pit fueled with wood that is used to cook the ribs, chicken and pork, not to smoke it but it adds lotsa flavor.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

TO ALL...
The thread stays where it is. The protesting notes have been deleted. Thanks for your concern.
The Mayor.

Mr. Smith:

from the dreamland website (http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/main/franchisesales.asp)

Dear Prospective Franchisee:

Thank you for your interest in franchise opportunities with Dreamland BBQ Ribs. The legend of Dreamland's famous ribs has grown Throughout the state of Alabama and beyond. Today our ribs are still cooked over an open hickory-fired pit in our dining room much as they have been since 1958. The demand for these incredible ribs is awe-inspiring. As a result of this demand, Dreamland is selling franchises. Single-unit and multi-unit franchises are currently available in the Alabama area.

Dreamland is interested in attracting only the highest caliber franchisee. We seek individuals who meet the following criteria:

* Exceptional business skills and operational experience, particularly in the casual dining industry;

* Financial strength and stability to sustain a rapid development schedule;

* Financial resources that meet our requirements. Typically for single-unit development, a prospective franchisee should have a minimum net worth of $750,000 excluding personal residence, with $200,000 in liquid assets (i.e., cash or marketable securities only). For multi-unit development (for example, 3 or more restaurants), we require a minimum net worth of $2.25 million with $800,000 in liquid assets. Dreamland does not offer any type of financial assistance.

If you would like to receive a Franchise Information Package outlining our franchise program in more detail, please provide us with your full name, mailing address, telephone number and the city and state you are interested in.

As of January 1, 2003, Dreamland and its related parties own Dreamland restaurants in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Atlanta. Commitments have been executed for an additional 16 Dreamland restaurants in three states.

Contact us at 205-822-9800 or fransales@dreamlandbbq.com

I particularly like the rapid development piece as well as the desire for multi-unit development.

Dreamland as an institution yes, I agree. My numerous visits their have been wonderful. But at what point would an institution like Dreamland cease to become a Roadfood place and become the next Friday's or Ruby Tuesday's or Sonny's BBQ. At one time each of these could have been held in the esteem that we now hold a Dreamland.

I agree w/ Derek, when you become concerned that the roadfood place loses its quality or service and when it starts to exhibit the atmosphere of a chain, it then loses the roadfood status and has morphed into the dreaded chain most of us dislike. That could happen with the 2nd location or the 100th. It's all relative. The franchise info described above certainly resemble "chain-type" methodology to me. All in all I hope the Dreamlands I visit don't lose their atmosphere or quality - or I go elsewhere.

What kind of Ribs are done in a hour and half?Riblets or parboiled?

quote:

Originally posted by jellybear

What kind of Ribs are done in a hour and half?Riblets or parboiled?

Those would be grilled ribs. At an indirect temp of 350°-400°, spares will be done in that time and backribs might be ready in as little as an hour without any parboiling. It certainly isn't low & slow cooking and, for sure, isn't barbecue (in the true sense). pb

quote:

Originally posted by porkbeaks

quote:

Originally posted by jellybear

What kind of Ribs are done in a hour and half?Riblets or parboiled?

Those would be grilled ribs. At an indirect temp of 350°-400°, spares will be done in that time and backribs might be ready in as little as an hour without any parboiling. It certainly isn't low & slow cooking and, for sure, isn't barbecue (in the true sense). pb

It may not be true BBQ but it sure taste good.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

We have eaten at two Dreamland locations - Tuscaloosa, AL and Roswell, GA. I thoroughly enjoyed Tuscaloosa. The food and the roadfood ambiance were both excellent. Roswell has been extremely disappointing each time. There will not likely be a next time. To me, the difference is between the real thing and the franchise. The above posts suggest that the Alabama franchises are more impressive than what we have in Georgia - different franchisees, I assume.

Hello All,
Back in the early 1990's, we lived in Tuscaloosa, Al., and one of my biggest regrets was that I did not eat at Dreamland.
It is a legend that I failed to meet. I haven't a clue as to whether it meets the standards of what is true BBQ or is becoming a franchise, but all I have heard was how good it is. Sportcasters who come to Tuscaloosa for Bama games will often mention their visits to Dreamland because the food is good and so unique. I doubt they mention this because they get free food, but rather because
of the quality and the special flavours they find there.
Again, I regret never eatin there, but money was tight and I had other things to care about. But perhaps a visit to Dreamland would
have made my time in Tuscaloosa a little bit better.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

quote:

Originally posted by Fieldthistle

Hello All,
Back in the early 1990's, we lived in Tuscaloosa, Al., and one of my biggest regrets was that I did not eat at Dreamland.
It is a legend that I failed to meet. I haven't a clue as to whether it meets the standards of what is true BBQ or is becoming a franchise, but all I have heard was how good it is. Sportcasters who come to Tuscaloosa for Bama games will often mention their visits to Dreamland because the food is good and so unique. I doubt they mention this because they get free food, but rather because
of the quality and the special flavours they find there.
Again, I regret never eatin there, but money was tight and I had other things to care about. But perhaps a visit to Dreamland would
have made my time in Tuscaloosa a little bit better.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

I know how you feel. I spent ten years of my adult life in Kansas City and never ate at Arthur Bryant's. Excitement over BBQ didn't occur until I had lived in Georgia for several years. Now I want to stop at every new BBQ place I see - even the chains - just to see how they compare with all of the others.

Milt,
I like the way you described why you like BBQ places. I think along the same lines. I am not a "Purist", but I know what I like and what I don't like. We tend to stop at BBQ places when in the mood for something to eat while on the road.
I like (in priority order) Ribs- Pulled pork - Beef brisket- Mutton- then Poultry-and then a bunch of other stuff like fish and veggies etc.
I prefer my sauce on the side to allow me to Dip, Dunk or Slather as I see fit. Basting during cooking is fine, but pouring over a plateful of 'Que is not my idea of the right thing to do.I do not like the BBQ to be drowning in sauce. I prefer semi-sweet/tart-spicy as opposed to spicy xtra-hot or mustardy. I really do not like BBQ chopped up into tiny pieces..like coarse sawdust. I like to have something to 'bite and chew'. I prefer cole-slaw on the side, not on the meat or sandwich.

These are just my personal preferences, not intended to demean whatever anyone else prefers. I really like to step into a BBQ 'store' and find that they do BBQ the way I like it prepared. I think that's why I enjoy stopping at Hays Smokehouse,Arthur Bryant's, The Moonlite BBQ and Louis Mueller's so much. Their idea of BBQ and my taste for the product seem to match well. It is great fun to compare the places we stop, and I hope to continue this activity for a long, long time.

Dreamland in Birmingham was the first place I ever had the kind of Ribs that knock your socks off! Ever since then it's been an obsession. Now I've had em all, and I'm dying to go back to dreamland t see if it's as good as the first time. But back then (1985?) it was a revelation.

quote:

Originally posted by RUB bbq

Dreamland in Birmingham was the first place I ever had the kind of Ribs that knock your socks off! Ever since then it's been an obsession. Now I've had em all, and I'm dying to go back to dreamland t see if it's as good as the first time. But back then (1985?) it was a revelation.

I do not know how they were in 1985 but they are great now. I have tried Dreamland in Mobile, Birmingham and Huntsville. They were all the same. Delicious. I love their sauce. The ribs were nice and moist.

I have never tried the Dreamland in Tuscaloosa. I understand that they do them different there?

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I went by the Tuscaloosa location when I went back to New Orleans to clear out my apartment last month.

It sure wasn't fancy, but this was the best Q I ever had outside of North Carolina. Just ribs and white bread, but fantastic.

As a recent patron of Dreamland BBQ as well as Golden Rule BBQ in Birmingham, I have to say that I was super happy with their meals, especially Dreamland BBQ. Thanks to Sundancer7 and a few others including Lleechef, my race team and I really enjoyed everything that was suggested to us. Of course there are always people whose tastes vary but these guys certainly know their "stuff" in my book. IMHO, the ribs and banana pudding were both superb and I can't wait to go back.

Basically, Dreamland's Appeal is to the diehard Alabama football fans (multitudes in the Tennessee Valley), a representation for them of the original old neighborhood grocery store that the late John "Big Daddy" Bishop founded so many years ago off Highway 82 in Tuscaloosa.
Whether folks actually make pilgrimages there every year before going to the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, or have just heard TV sportscasters like Keith Jackson rant and rave about it, it's a piece of Crimson Tide nation for them, mainly. Sadly, I'm not sure most patrons really appreciate the true story behind Mr. Bishop's hard years of work at perfecting that sharp, vinegary sauce, or why he arrived at that oddly limited menu (as I understand it, Bishop had burgers and the like, but people only ordered his ribs, so he dropped everything else).
It's just a shame that he didn't get enough recognition during his lifetime, but, franchise or not, at least his descendants are reaping the fruits of his decades of sweat and toil.

As everyone well knows by now, we loved the ribs at Dreamland in Birmingham (they weren't too shabby at Jim 'n Nicks, either). When asked by the waitress if we wanted banana pudding for dessert we said, "Naw, just bring us another slab of ribs!"

lleechef - lol - we said the same thing when we were there. Problem was that be ate WAY TOO many ribs and stuffed outselves silly. I REALLY wanted to try the banana pudding afterwards and even though I ate just under a full slab and one half slab, I still managed to pack in a few bites of pudding.

I was lucky to win my race the next day because my car was riddin' lowwww

The ribs were among the best I had ever had. I sincerely love their sauce. I am not always a fan of banana pudding but I will say this. It was absolutely wonderful.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

It's me Again,

I could not resist, I just have to discuss Dreamland one more time. I was in Mobile last week and I had to Slide Tires On Payment. (STOP). Dreamland is such a nice place to visit and the aroma when you first walk in will force you to order a slab. I am most likely headed to Birmingham next week and guess where I am headed?

quote:

Originally posted by Iwanago

It's me Again,

I could not resist, I just have to discuss Dreamland one more time. I was in Mobile last week and I had to Slide Tires On Payment. (STOP). Dreamland is such a nice place to visit and the aroma when you first walk in will force you to order a slab. I am most likely headed to Birmingham next week and guess where I am headed?

I went to DREAMLAND before it became a chain. I loved it. So glad to hear that it is still wonderful. I wonder how many more places they are going to open before it turns bad like the rest of the chain restaurants do?

I tried Dreamland in Huntsville, it was ok but I prefer the Big Bob Gibson's ribs from their old restaurant in Decatur. Very different flavors, both good, but Dreamland's just wasn't my cup of tea.

quote:

Originally posted by reflex

I tried Dreamland in Huntsville, it was ok but I prefer the Big Bob Gibson's ribs from their old restaurant in Decatur. Very different flavors, both good, but Dreamland's just wasn't my cup of tea.

I am sorry they did not pleae you but I sure did enjoy their ribs and banana pudding. I also enjoyed their BBQ sauce with dipping it in the white bread.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Dreamland opened in Mobile back in I think early 90's, late 80's...I will say this about the company, they are adaptive....their big thing when they opened in Mobile was that the menu would be identical to the original Tuscaloosa location..ribs, sauce and white bread....no sides...they even had T-shirts originally that said...No Sides...Don't ask for'em.....well that didn't go over down here in LA (lower AL)...BBQ HAS to have sides,chopped pork and chicken...the natives were restless and not impressed at first and the Mobile restaurant was not doing as well as projected and guess what? They added sides, chicken and chopped pork..peace and prosperity prevailed..it's one of my favorite BBQ joints to eat at now....I see that some of GA restaurants have Brunswick Stew, which I wish the Mobile location would add..

I found this report in another BBQ discussion group.

"I spoke with the guy who does most of the cooking in Mobile and he gave me the lowdown. The main thing they do not do is slow-cook. They cook their ribs for
about 2 hours. With about 30 minutes left they mop the ribs with a half and half mixture of their sauce
and vinegar. That gives the ribs a little tanginess. Then when they serve the ribs they put a good dose of their sauce at full strength on. That's about it. They use hickory for the wood."

Frm what I've read here and there, the Dreamland sauce is a big part of why folks enjoy these ribs. pb

The Mobile Dreamland cooks their food on a pretty common method down here; pit BBQ, over a wood fire and kinda fast and hot...their wood pile is stacked on the building wall facing I-65, I drive by the restaurant everyday going to work and the Interstate is raised as you pass Dreamland, just high enough that the smoke coming out of the pit's chimmney can settle across the lanes....pure torture everyday to have to smell that and not be able to pull in...I don't think their wood is all hickory...pits down here use a mixture of hickory with red oak or other southern hardwoods...found this on the internet the other day...don't know if it is "the Sauce", but seems to have the ingredients that I pick up in their sauce...I'll experiment over the holiday with a small batch:

Dreamland BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
1 can (28 oz.) tomato puree
1/3 cup yellow mustard
3 cups water
1 ½ cups cider vinegar
1/4 dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground red pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder


In large saucepan, whisk together the tomato puree and mustard until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.

I know one thing about the Dreamland sauce. It is like a dipping sauce that you can put your bread in and enjoy the flavor.

In addition, their ribs are the best I have ever had.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

We ate at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa this past summer on our way back from Gulfport, MS. The ribs were great for grilled ribs. And everyones right, the sauce is killer. Not having eaten at any of the others I wouldn't comment on their franchising but the Tuscaloosa location will be a regular stop for us from now on.
Ditto for Gibsons in Decatur. Mediocre sauce but great slow cooked ribs.

Well I stopped at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa and I got to say I was disappointed. Six bones swimming in a pool of vinegary tasting sauce ain't what I call great q. The ribs weren't real meaty and would have probably been much better without the sauce. Six bones swimming in sauce with sauce and four slices of white bread on the side and a Coke for seventeen bucks isn't what I call a great meal!

IMHO great bbq should be able to stand on it's own without the aid of sauce. The sauce should not be the prime flavor source of the meat.

quote:

Originally posted by frankly73

Well I stopped at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa and I got to say I was disappointed. Six bones swimming in a pool of vinegary tasting sauce ain't what I call great q. The ribs weren't real meaty and would have probably been much better without the sauce. Six bones swimming in sauce with sauce and four slices of white bread on the side and a Coke for seventeen bucks isn't what I call a great meal!

IMHO great bbq should be able to stand on it's own without the aid of sauce. The sauce should not be the prime flavor source of the meat.

My experience at Dreamland was much better than yours - for which I am grateful. Just the same, I concur regarding sauce. This is what I love about Sam & Dave's BBQ 1 in Marietta, Georgia - plus the fact that I drive near their place several times each week. Sam & Dave's meat is all served without sauce. The smoke flavor is very evident, and they have two sauces - sweet and vinegar based - which may be applied as liberally as one desires. The meat is so good (especially their brisket) that several times I have been halfway through the sandwich before I remembered to add some sauce.

quote:

Originally posted by frankly73

Well I stopped at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa and I got to say I was disappointed. Six bones swimming in a pool of vinegary tasting sauce ain't what I call great q. The ribs weren't real meaty and would have probably been much better without the sauce. Six bones swimming in sauce with sauce and four slices of white bread on the side and a Coke for seventeen bucks isn't what I call a great meal!

IMHO great bbq should be able to stand on it's own without the aid of sauce. The sauce should not be the prime flavor source of the meat.

The Dreamland in Tuscaloosa is one of the football fans and sports announcers favorites. It somehow is different than the rest of the Dreamlands. It is my understanding that that location is the only one that smokes their BBQ. I believe the rest pit cook which is much faster, leaves the pork much more moist and I never order my sauce over the ribs, I always get it on the side for dipping only.

Personally I enjoyed their sauce.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I just had the pleasure of visiting (and eating!) Dreamland in Tuscaloosa off Jug Factory Road. I ate there on Wednesday for a late lunch and had the rib 'sandwich' which is 3 slices of white bread with a side of sauce, and then they bring out 4 ribs. I would have had more, but I was having dinner that night celebrating a family member's birthday and figured I ought to be good and hungry for that!

I really enjoyed it! Very 'roadfood'-esque atmosphere. Dark paneling with all sorts of pictures and license plates, etc. The ribs were excellent. I really enjoyed them. Although I liked the sauce, I wasn't crazy about it. The ribs were sauced, and that was fine, but dipping the bread in the sauce was not as enjoyable to me. It was good, but it seemed to overwhelm my taste buds a bit too much. It was like I got the flavor, and then either the vinegar or perhaps hotness (peppers?) hit me so I couldn't 'savor the flavor' for long. So I left most of the bread until after I ate the ribs...then tried some more. Again, it was good, just a little different from what I enjoy the most.

They had sausage too! If I had seen that, I would have been tempted to try a little...but, the aforementioned birthday dinner was on the horizon, and I needed to be able to still see my shoes! I had to turn my eyes away from the banana pudding, else i would have over-indulged. Rats! Well, I won't pass that up if I get by there again!

Edit to add: Oh, and I kept a low profile...didn't mention I was from Tennessee...didn't want to get into any Tuscaloosa tussles over UT football!

Rockbeast. I always mention that I am from Knoxville. It usually gets something going. I always enjoy getting to Dreamland pretty early when they are getting the ribs frsh off the grill.

Unlike you, I really enjoy the sauce. It is one of my personal favorites.

The only thing that I have ever had is their ribs which I sure do like.

The Glee Club met in Mobile and we enjoyed their ribs there. I have been to Dreamland in Mobile, Bham and Huntsville. I like the ribs off the grill. Some went back twice.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I sent my sister & her family to the one in Montgomery a few weeks ago & they were just crazy about the place. And the food. I've not seen any reports on their one location near Atlanta.

We ate at the one in Roswell, GA last year and thought it was up to the Birmingham standards.

quote:

Originally posted by mjambro

We ate at the one in Roswell, GA last year and thought it was up to the Birmingham standards.

What is the address of the Dreamland in Roswell, GA?

Thanks
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

for locations near you - http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/default.aspx?id=4

Has the Birmingham Dreamland operation changed it's cooking technique since I've been there 3-4 years ago? When I was there I watched them throw raw slabs of ribs over a flaming pit and they were taken off after a matter of 10 to 15 minutes! The ribs were tough as hell. They were not slow cooked and of course had no smoke ring. I was very, very disappointed. But, the banana pudding was the best I have ever had. I liked all the sides actually.

I heard their original locations were much better. This one in Birmingham was opened by a cousin or some relative. It does a terrific business and it's a great looking place. But those ribs Not for me.

Baah Ben, sorry you had such a disappointing experience. Every Dreamland I have been to did the ribs similar to what you indicated except they grilled them much longer. More like a hour and they were very tender and I certainly enjoyed their sauce.

The roadfood group enjoyed the Dreamland in Mobile this past February. Some went back twice.

The original Dreamland is in Tusculoosa and is totally different that the rest. They smoke and the rest grill I believe. I prefer grilled myself.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben


I heard their original locations were much better. This one in Birmingham was opened by a cousin or some relative. It does a terrific business and it's a great looking place. But those ribs Not for me.

The original one in Tuscaloosa is The Real Deal- The only other one I went to was in Mobile- That was good- but "paled considerably" compared to Tuscaloosa.

That's exactly what I'd heard..after I'd been to the one in Birmingham (great town!). The original was the one to go to. For years, I'd be watching college football on ABC and their announcers would rave about Dreamland's ribs. This was when Bama was still good. But, they were talking about the original location. So when I went to visit my cousins in Birmingham several years ago, I was so excited I was going to go to a Dreamland. Just did not work out.

Hey, I'd go back, order something else other than the ribs, get the sides and a double order of banana pudding.

Reflex - Big Bob Gibson's...Now you're talking legitimate "Q" Great place..Loved the white sauce. Wonderful ribs...Probably the 3rd best I've ever had...First being Arthur Bryant's and second Tom Jenkin's right here in So. Florida.

Dreamland in Tuscaloosa is the real thing - the original. The others are all franchises and seem to stand on their own - some are better than others. In metro Atlanta, there are numerous choices which are better than Dreamland. In Tuscaloosa, the ribs are fantastic.