Dreamland BBQ Anchors Montgomery, Alabama's Downtown Alley

Long an Alabama tradition, Dreamland BBQ has set up shop in Montgomery's downtown Alley, a new collection of eateries strategically situated to offer quality casual dining to residents and visitors to the downtown area. Offering open air dining as well as a cozy indoor atmosphere, Dreamland has quickly become an integral part of Montgomery's ongoing riverfront renewal project. Best of all, the restaurant offers some of the best barbecue available in the Southeast.

Originally launched as a single location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dreamland has opened a number of restaurants around the state. Unlike some local eateries that make the leap to chain status, Dreamland restaurants avoid the pitfall of taking on a cookie-cutter mentality. The result is a dining experience that has the feel of being local while offering the controlled quality that makes sure every item on the menu is up to the chain's high standards.

Obviously, barbecue is the foundation for the selections guest can enjoy at Dreamland. Both pork and chicken dishes are available. For those with healthy appetites, plates loaded with chopped meat ensure that no one goes away hungry. Several different sauces are available, including a signature Dreamland sauce that is based on a recipe developed at the original Tuscaloosa restaurant. Only meat that is juicy and prepared to perfection ever makes it to a guest table.

For those who enjoy ample and sloppy sandwiches, the Big Daddy boasts a half-pound of chopped chicken or pork served on a warm and tender bun. If something a little less ambitious is preferred, there are smaller chopped BBQ sandwiches available as well. Sauces are served on the side, allowing patrons to mix and match the flavors to create the ideal topping for the meat. When going for a BBQ sandwich of any size, it is a good idea to ask for extra napkins to help keep things under control while enjoying the meal.

If something other that chopped BBQ is desired, Dreamland offers several other options. Ribs basted with Dreamland sauce are tender, juicy and just as much fun to eat as the sandwiches. Beef lovers can go for the Dreamland cheeseburger, a huge hamburger loaded with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and plenty of condiments on the side. Link sausages are also split and used to stuff perfectly toasted buns to create yet another entrée option.

The sides at Dreamland offer a little something for everyone. The French fries are large, hot, and can be served with melted cheese over the top or with a side of your favorite sauce. Salads range from a simple side salad to plate sized creations topped with ample amounts of chopped pork or chicken. In like manner, baked potatoes can include simple toppings like butter and sour cream, or be loaded with your choice of meats. To round out the sides, try the signature baked beans, Cole slaw, potato salad or baked macaroni and cheese.

A children's menu mirrors all the options available to adults, but also includes simple fare such as chicken fingers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. For drinks, guests can enjoy a range of soft drinks or freshly brewed sweet and unsweet tea with free refills. To top off the meal, homemade banana pudding made fresh daily brings the Dreamland experience full circle, leaving patrons smiling and satisfied.

Along with the great food and casual atmosphere, Dreamland is also distinguished by the friendly and professional staff. Tea glasses never have the chance to become empty and extra napkins are known to appear on the table as if by magic at just the right time. Managers and other staff make it a point to greet each guest and often can help visitors with directions to local sites of interest. The level of service creates the impression of enjoying a meal at the home of a friend rather than at a public establishment.

Situated on Tallapoosa Street in downtown Montgomery, Dreamland is within walking distance of the three major downtown hotels, the River Walk and Amphitheater, and Riverwalk Stadium, home to the city's minor league baseball team, the Montgomery Biscuits. Offering lunch and dinner as well as service throughout the afternoon, convention goers attendees or locals attending concerts or sports events in the downtown area have discovered Dreamland and made it one of their favorite hot spots for casual family style dining.