And Seminole Heights' Best Barbecue Is ....

We know, we know — isn't in Seminole Heights. But it's close enough, and obviously regarded well enough by Seminole Heights Patch readers, to win our .

And the win was decisive, with 37 percent of your votes going to the Northeast Community fixture. Second place, or 28 percent of your votes, went to a restaurant that is in Seminole Heights, yet only serves barbecue once a week.  offers up the Q only on its Soul Food Sunday menu.

 near the Riverbend neighborhood came in third with 14 percent of your votes, while Seminole Heights' Sooo Good Southern Bar-B-Que,  and  got little more than honorable mentions.

Eufala, AL, native John Stephens opened the family business at 5707 N 40th St. in 1968, and it has been there ever since. "Big John" passed 16 years ago, said son Fred Stephens, who now runs the place and lords over the pit.

And it's the pit that makes it Alabama barbecue, according to Fred. It's an open indoor brick pit, meaning it's fed by an oak-fueled flame that's directly beneath the meat and vented by a chimney directly overhead, as opposed to an enclosed metal grill that uses offset heat and smoke sources.

And can't forget the sauce, perhaps barbecue's most essential aspect of geographical identity. Big John's take on Alabama style sauce, according to Fred, is ketchup-based, with Louisiana cayenne hot sauce, red wine vinegar, and ... well, that's all he would tell us.

There's no surprises on the menu: center cut and thin end ribs, chopped pork, beef, chicken, sausage, baked beans, slaw, corn on the cob, potato and macaroni salads, collard greens, and sweet potato pie are featured. And they cater.  

Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call 813-623-3600.

Want to make a case for your favorite local barbecue place? Speak your mind in the comments section below.