"We arrived on a Friday evening around 6 PM, and the restaurant was already bustling with activity and a line to order. Full Moon BBQ has an interesting setup that feels like a blend of a fast food counter and a traditional restaurant dining area. It's a model I wish more places would adopt. While we were there, a local school was hosting a fundraiser, and students were delivering food and drinks to customers. Ordering was easy; I just went to the counter, placed my order, and then found a seat with our order number. Fortunately, my friend and I snagged a good booth near the kitchen before it got too busy.
Though it was peak dinner time in Alabaster, the atmosphere felt typical for a fast casual restaurant, with a touch of class. The barbecue was delightful—definitely a change of pace from my usual pre-marathon meals. The restaurant was clean and pleasant, though I didn't check the air conditioning or Wi-Fi availability. But honestly, knowing I had to run over 26 miles the next day was enough for me.
My overall experience at Full Moon BBQ was what I expected; it was a solid place to enjoy Alabama-style barbecue. I ordered the chicken and baby back ribs combo, which was well-received by my stomach. The restaurant had plenty of space, so it didn’t feel overly crowded, allowing for some social distancing. As a tourist dressed like a local, I appreciated that I didn’t stand out as a typical visitor.
The menu was extensive, but I found myself drawn to the combo options for the best variety. Unfortunately, I didn't have room for dessert, which I might try next time I'm in town. They offered a good range of drinks, including self-serve iced tea, both sweet and unsweetened.
Overall, the food was rich and flavorful. While it may not be the pinnacle of barbecue, it certainly satisfied my cravings, and the local patrons suggested it was a trustworthy spot. Prices were clear-cut, ranging from $15 to $20 depending on your selection, and I definitely felt I got my money's worth.
Full Moon BBQ can be compared to a blend of a fast food joint like McDonald's and a casual dining place like Chili's, minus the alcohol service. The restaurant, located at 470 Colonial Promenade Parkway, is near the area’s two hotels, Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn Express, and accepts major credit cards and cash. Parking wasn’t an issue, as there were plenty of spaces in the commercial area.
While I’m not certain about local public transportation in Alabaster, driving would be your best bet, and options like Uber and Lyft are readily available. If you're in the area and have a passion for homestyle Alabama barbecue, I recommend checking out Full Moon BBQ. You’ll find a satisfying meal that deviates from the usual pasta or potatoes, particularly their delicious baby back ribs.
In summary, I rate the experience as follows: 4.0 stars for the overall experience, 4.5 stars for the location, 3.5 stars for pricing, and 4.0 stars for service and food. Support local businesses!"
