Diners looking for a break from the usual Thanksgiving preparations have a new option to consider in Saraland, where Stoney’s BBQ has been drawing local lunch crowds with smoked meats, made-from-scratch sides and a menu that stretches well beyond standard barbecue fare.
Located at 429 Saraland Blvd. N., the restaurant has quickly become a go-to stop for area residents who want a change of pace from turkey and dressing this time of year. The dining room has an open floor plan and a casual, welcoming feel, with a staff that is quick to check in on tables and keep the space clean.
The menu covers familiar barbecue standards alongside a handful of surprises. A pulled pork sandwich, priced at $4.99, offers a lean cut of meat with a mellow smoke flavor, paired with a squirt-bottle sauce on each table that leans slightly sweet. For those wanting something heartier, the half smoked chicken ($11.99) delivers a deep, smoky profile and a juicy bite, cooked just enough to stay tender without drying out.
Sides at Stoney’s BBQ round out the plates with real, homestyle preparation rather than the heavily breaded versions found at some buffet-style restaurants. The fried okra, in particular, stands out for its light coating and visible ingredients, while the potato salad has the kind of old-fashioned, homemade quality that keeps regulars ordering it. Turnip greens are also on the menu when available, along with a side salad option for lighter appetites.
Perhaps the bigger surprise on the menu is the seafood. Catfish fillets ($13.99) are fried crisp in a well-seasoned cornmeal batter, a rarity for a barbecue joint and a sign that the kitchen’s skills extend past the smoker. Hush puppies and onion rings served alongside the catfish also earned high marks for their consistency and crunch. For dessert, a banana pudding ($3.25) offers a sweet finish to the meal and travels well for anyone hoping to bring a portion home.
With ribs and a ribeye steak also on the menu, there’s plenty left to explore for return visits. Stoney’s BBQ sits a short drive off Interstate 65, making it an easy stop for Saraland residents and visitors passing through Mobile County alike. The restaurant can be reached at 251-679-1212.
Elsewhere in the region, families looking to lighten their Thanksgiving workload have another local option this year. Arabelle Food, based in Mobile, is offering a menu of soups, sides, appetizers and desserts designed to help home cooks fill out their holiday spread without starting from scratch. The offerings include candied jalapeno cheese squares, gumbo, cranberry sauce, casseroles, dressing and pies, all available by phone or online order.
Orders for Thanksgiving items must be placed by Thursday, Nov. 19, before noon. Customers can place orders by calling 251-263-4009 or emailing Sheridan@ArabelleFood.com. Pickup is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Nov. 25, at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 151 S. Ann St. in Mobile.