The All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Shack In Alabama That Tourists Think Is A Myth

Deep in the heart of Selma, Alabama, there’s a place that sounds too good to be true – a legendary BBQ joint where you can eat as much smoked meat as your heart desires. Lannie’s BBQ Spot has been whispered about in local circles for years, but tourists often dismiss it as just another tall tale until they see the heaping plates for themselves. With its authentic Southern charm and endless trays of slow-cooked ribs and chicken, this humble shack proves that some myths are deliciously real.

The Legendary All-You-Can-Eat Spread

Walk up to the buffet line at Lannie’s, and prepare to have your mind blown. Trays overflow with slow-smoked ribs that fall off the bone, tender pulled pork glistening with sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken that’s been kissed by hickory smoke for hours. The best part? You can go back as many times as you want.

Unlike those chain buffets where quantity beats quality, every dish here tastes like it came straight from someone’s backyard cookout. The meats are the stars, but they share the stage gracefully with classic Southern sides. Each item gets the same careful attention, whether it’s the first plate or your third trip back.

Tourists genuinely can’t believe the value – unlimited BBQ at prices that seem frozen in time.

A Hidden Gem on Broad Street

Tucked away at 227 N Broad St in Selma, Lannie’s BBQ Spot doesn’t look like much from the outside. The building is modest, with weathered siding and a hand-painted sign that locals know by heart. But step through those doors, and you’ll discover why this place has become the stuff of legend.

Most travelers driving through Alabama would never guess that this unassuming shack houses one of the state’s best-kept secrets. There are no flashy billboards or tourist traps here – just honest food and honest people. The parking lot fills up fast during lunch and dinner, a sure sign that something special is happening inside.

Finding Lannie’s feels like stumbling upon buried treasure, especially when you realize the all-you-can-eat feast waiting for you.

Sides That Steal the Show

While the smoked meats get most of the glory, the sides at Lannie’s deserve their own round of applause. Creamy mac and cheese bubbles with real cheddar, not that powdered stuff. Collard greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning, and the baked beans carry a hint of molasses sweetness that balances the smoky pork.

Don’t skip the coleslaw – it’s crisp, tangy, and cuts through the richness of the BBQ perfectly. Fresh cornbread sits in a basket, still warm enough to melt butter on contact. There’s also potato salad made the old-fashioned way, with chunks of real potato and a creamy dressing.

Honestly, you could make a meal out of just the sides and leave happy and full.

Homemade Desserts Worth Saving Room For

Just when you think you can’t eat another bite, the dessert table calls your name. Lannie’s rotates homemade sweets daily, so you never know exactly what you’ll find – but you can bet it’ll be worth loosening your belt another notch. Peach cobbler appears regularly, with a buttery crust that crumbles just right.

Banana pudding is another favorite, layered thick with vanilla wafers and topped with real whipped cream. Sometimes there’s sweet potato pie or bread pudding drizzled with warm caramel sauce. These aren’t fancy bakery creations; they’re the kind of desserts your grandmother would make for Sunday dinner.

Locals know to pace themselves during the main course specifically so they have room for whatever sweet treat is waiting at the end.

An Atmosphere of Pure Southern Hospitality

Lannie’s isn’t trying to impress anyone with fancy décor or Instagram-worthy walls. The tables are simple, the chairs are practical, and the napkin dispensers are always full – because you’ll need them. What makes this place special isn’t the furniture; it’s the feeling you get the moment you walk in.

Staff members greet you like you’re a neighbor stopping by, not just another customer. Regulars chat with newcomers over shared tables, swapping stories about the best items on the buffet. There’s laughter, the clink of silverware, and the constant hum of satisfied diners.

You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been welcomed into a community, not just fed at a restaurant. That warmth is what keeps people coming back, sometimes driving hours just for another visit.

From Local Secret to Traveler’s Treasure

For years, Lannie’s was Selma’s best-kept secret, known only to locals who guarded it like precious family recipes. Word of mouth travels fast in small towns, but it stayed mostly contained – until social media changed everything. Now, food bloggers and BBQ enthusiasts from across the country make pilgrimages to this humble spot.

Despite the growing attention, Lannie’s hasn’t changed a bit. The owners still cook with the same recipes and welcome everyone with the same warmth. Tourists show up skeptical, having heard tales that sound exaggerated, only to leave as true believers spreading the gospel themselves.

The mix of curious travelers and loyal locals creates an energy that’s both exciting and comforting, like discovering something amazing while knowing it’s been cherished all along.

Unbeatable Value in a World of Rising Prices

In an era where restaurant prices seem to climb weekly, Lannie’s feels like stepping back in time. The all-you-can-eat buffet costs less than a single entrée at most chain restaurants, yet the quality blows those places out of the water. You’re not paying for fancy marketing or corporate overhead – just great food made with care.

Families can eat here without breaking the bank, which makes it especially popular with locals who return week after week. Travelers on a budget discover they can fuel an entire day of sightseeing with one satisfying meal. The value isn’t just about the low price tag; it’s about getting authentic, delicious BBQ without compromise.

When you calculate dollars per smile, Lannie’s might just be the best deal in Alabama.

Plan Your Visit and Bring Your Appetite

Before you head to Lannie’s, know that this place gets busy, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. Arriving slightly before or after the rush gives you a better chance at snagging a table without a wait. The buffet stays well-stocked throughout service, so don’t worry about missing out on anything.

Come hungry – seriously. Wearing stretchy pants isn’t just a joke here; it’s solid advice. Most first-timers underestimate how much they’ll want to eat once they see and smell everything. Bring cash if you can, as some small establishments prefer it, though it’s worth calling ahead to confirm payment options.

Finally, save room for dessert, chat with the staff about their favorite dishes, and prepare to leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first.