“Who has the best barbeque in Alabama?” That’s a question I’ve been asked often through the years. It’s more polarizing than “Are you an Alabama or Auburn fan?” And the answer is all the more complicated because it’s impossible to pick the “best” when there are so many delicious choices in our state.

I will say, however, that near the top of that list is McMillan Bar-B-Que in Whistler, Alabama. This little restaurant, with its fall-off-the-bone ribs, will become an instant favorite on your first visit. This culinary icon has its roots in disaster, when 1979’s Hurricane Frederic destroyed the body shop and gas station located on the site. Facing adversity, R.C. McMillan — commonly known as Mr. Mac — decided his old business spot was perfect for a barbecue restaurant. Now, his daughter, Carolyn Jackson, carries on the family tradition at McMillan Bar-B-Que.

Watch my interview with Carolyn on Simply Southern TV, a production of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

And check out this schedule to see when Simply Southern airs on your local station, as well as RFD-TV. Of course, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and listen to my podcast for more great stories from across Fred Hunter’s Alabama.