Dreamland started as a single rib joint in Tuscaloosa in 1958 and has expanded across Alabama, but the Birmingham location near Five Points South is a reliable pilgrimage stop for anyone interested in Alabama barbecue. The ribs are the only item that matters — thick-cut slabs cooked over hickory with a thin, tangy sauce and served with white bread. The bread is not incidental; it mops the sauce.
Order the full slab, get extra sauce on the side, and don't overthink the rest of the menu. Dreamland is a no-frills operation and doesn't pretend to be anything else. Good for lunch before heading to the Civil Rights District.