Big Al's Fish & Rib Crib

Big Al's is a soul food restaurant in the gritty heart of Flint, Michigan. You can eat there at one of the dozen or so formica tables, but most people seem to carry out. Be patient, this isn't fast food. The menu is large with a southern slant but there are also quintessentially Michigan selections such as several varieties of fried lake fish. The portions are generous and quality generally good. The bbq beef ribs are not smoked but baked until very tender and smothered in a rich smoky-sweet sauce. It aint Kansas City bbq, that would be 700 miles south and west, but it was tasty to a home sick southerner living in nearby Grand Blanc for 18 mos. The corn muffins were top notch and the mac & cheese had distinct personality. There are certain dishes only available on weekends like full turkey dinners. Baked chicken, several kinds of sausages and chicken wings as sandwiches or dinners are all at Big Al's. One of my many good memories of Flint. Pros: good food and atmosphere Cons: no booze more

"food so good you'll think yo momma was in the kitchen" is the motto on the mural outside and Big Al delivers. It was a simple joint with great food that is inexpensive, honest and tasty! The sauce for the ribs was not too spicy or sweet or too thick and the meat fell right off the bone. The collards were smoky with a hint of spice and I will definitely return to sample the wings, catfish, perch and jumbo shrimp! Pros: great food, good prices, good quality more