Just south of the Eastern Shore Centre along Highway 181, Mike’s Smokehouse Market has been quietly building a following among Baldwin County barbecue fans — and doing it with a pricing model that undercuts most of the competition.
While many area BBQ joints charge close to $10 for a smoked chicken dinner with two sides, Mike’s starts its version at $7.50. The difference in philosophy extends to the sauce: instead of smothering the meat at the pass, the restaurant lets diners choose their own style from a self-serve sauce bar — sweet, tangy, North Carolina vinegar, or Alabama’s signature white barbecue sauce.
What’s on the Tray
The menu is classic counter-service smokehouse: pulled pork, smoked sausage, and a beef brisket served with the kitchen’s house brisket sauce. Sides run from baked beans to potato salad, prepared in-house. Portions are generous for the price point, and the dining room includes outdoor seating.
Mike’s Smokehouse Market operates at 28396 State Highway 181 in Daphne, a short drive from Spanish Fort and the Eastern Shore. For Eastern Shore shoppers and commuters looking for a midday plate lunch, it has become a go-to alternative to the chain-heavy corridors along I-10 and Highway 98.