Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama: Meet the Pitmaster

Best BBQ Near Birmingham? Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama Is a Must-Stop Smokehouse

We sat down with Executive Pitmaster Rusty Tucker of Rusty's Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama. Located just off I-20, Rusty’s is a classic Alabama roadside BBQ stop that blends convenience with deeply rooted Southern flavor. At its core, this is Alabama BBQ done right—approachable, flavorful, and rooted in tradition, with a loyal following that considers it a must-stop when passing through the Birmingham area.

Image Credit: Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama

The outdoor seating and casual setup make it an easy, laid-back place to enjoy smoked meats without pretense. The menu leans heavily into traditional Southern barbecue—think tender ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and rich, house-made sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. What sets Rusty’s apart is its variety of sauces, including classic Southern styles and Alabama white sauce, giving diners a customizable flavor experience that stands out in the region.

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

My mornings are a little different these days than they used to be. I spend most of my time reviewing catering orders, helping coordinate deliveries, and making sure everything is running smoothly. The truth is that I have an incredible team that deserves the credit for what happens every morning. Anthony Franklin and Travis Acton are the guys getting there early, lighting the fires, and cooking the meat. They've had my back for years, and Rusty's wouldn't be what it is without them. At the end of the day, I like to slow down and spend time at the house with the family.

Do you have a favorite pitmaster that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I have several chefs and pitmasters that I admire. Here in Alabama, Frank Stitt has been an incredible ambassador for Southern cuisine and is someone I've always respected. On the bar-b-q side, Christopher Prieto from Prime Bar-b-q in Knightdale, North Carolina, is one of the best in the business. He's annoyingly good at what he does, but he's also a genuinely kind person, which makes me respect him even more.

As for aspiring chefs, my advice is a little different than what most people expect. First and foremost, take care of yourself. This industry is demanding, both mentally and physically, and it's easy to neglect your health while you're taking care of everyone else. I also encourage young chefs to figure out their "why" early on. Ask yourself whether this isa job or a career. Where do you want to be when you're 30, 40, or 50 years old? Once you know the answer, manage your time, your energy, and your money in a way that helps you get there. Finally, the sign of a mature chef isn't how well they handle chaos — it's how well they're prepared for it. You can't control everything that will go wrong in a restaurant, because something always will. But you can prepare. Show up early. Plan ahead. Have a backup plan. The chefs who succeed over the long haul are the ones who put themselves in a position to handle problems before they become emergencies.

Image Credit: Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

We've been fortunate to receive some wonderful recognition over the years. Only In Your State named us the Best Bar-B-Q in Alabama, and we were honored to win Best Mom & Pop Bar-B-Q in Alabama in 2015. We've also been featured in publications such as Southern Living, Men's Journal, and Food & Wine. Those accolades are certainly appreciated, but what means the most to me is seeing families come back year after year and knowing we've become part of their traditions.

What do you typically cook at home? 

After spending all day in a restaurant, it's sometimes hard to find the motivation to cook at home. Over the years, there have been plenty of bowls of cold cereal and more freezer pizzas than I'd like to admit. When I do cook, it's usually something quick and simple—steaks, tacos, burgers, or anything that can be on the table in 20 minutes or less.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I may be the wrong person to ask because I've never considered myself a trendy chef. In fact, I can probably name more food trends I'd like to see disappear than ones I love. What I do appreciate is seeing people focus on making honest, quality food. As long as good people are putting care and effort into what they're serving, I'm a fan.

What drink do you enjoy most?

I should probably say water, but I'd be lying. I'm a sucker for just about any caramel-flavored coffee drink.

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Over the last 18 years, we've had quite a few celebrities come through our doors. Since we're located in Leeds, Alabama — the hometown of Charles Barkley — he was actually the first celebrity to visit the restaurant. Our proximity to Barber Motorsports Park has also brought in countless racing legends over the years. Between IndyCar drivers and motorcycle racers, there have been more than I can keep track of. My biggest celebrity disappointment happened when Ewan McGregor came in for lunch. Obi-Wan Kenobi was sitting in my restaurant, and I completely missed it because I had stepped out to run errands! I think he enjoyed the food; maybe he’ll come back some day.

Image Credit: Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama

What’s Your Instagram So Readers Can Follow You?

You can find us on Instagram at @rustysbarbq.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? AND did you like it?

The strangest thing I've tried recently was a burger that my friend Lee Pantazis made using an Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly sandwich as the bun. I think it came from a TikTok video. It was definitely memorable. The flavor combination that really surprised me, though, was wasabi and watermelon. As a young chef, I never expected those flavors to work together, but the contrast between the sweetness of the watermelon and the pungent heat of the wasabi was incredible. I absolutely loved it.

Image Credit: Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama

Why should readers visit Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds, Alabama?

Rusty's Bar-B-Q is the kind of small-town bar-b-q restaurant many of us grew up with. It's not trendy, and it's not trying to be. What you'll find instead is great bar-b-q, homemade sides, Southern hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. We've spent years trying to create a place where families, friends, and neighbors can gather around a table and enjoy a good meal together. At the end of the day, we're just trying to make the world a little better one bar-b-q sandwich at a time.

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