Alabama's Beloved Big Oak BBQ Is Smokin’ Up a New Spot at the Orion Amphitheater

Big Oak BBQ, the Auburn-based smokehouse that's earned a cult following across the state, is opening a second location , and it's landing right here in Huntsville at the Orion Amphitheater.

• •Big Oak BBQ is opening a new location at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville.
• •The restaurant will operate as a full-service kitchen during concerts and events.
• •This marks the first expansion outside of Auburn for the popular Alabama barbecue brand.

If you've driven past the Orion recently, you've probably noticed construction crews working near the main entrance. That space, once used for temporary concessions, is being transformed into a permanent home for slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and all the fixings Big Oak is known for.

The new outpost won't just cater to concertgoers. While it'll be fully operational during Orion's event calendar , think concerts at the amphitheater and festivals at the adjacent MidCity District , it'll also open on weekends for locals looking for a hearty plate of ribs or their famous smoked turkey.

Here's the thing: this isn't just another food stand. Big Oak co-owner Will Bowling told The Orion Huntsville that the kitchen is being built to match the specs of their original location, down to the same Southern Pride smokers. That's promising for fans who care about consistency.

And let's be honest , we've all suffered through underwhelming event food. This feels like a step up.

Having covered this beat for a while, I can say Huntsville's dining scene is shifting. We're not just getting more restaurants , we're getting ones that choose us as expansion targets. Big Oak picked Huntsville over bigger markets. That says something.

The Orion Amphitheater, which opened in 2022, has steadily added food and retail options around the venue. Big Oak fits the MidCity District's vision of blending culture, music, and local flavor , literally.

No official opening date has been announced, but construction is moving fast. We'll update as soon as we get a soft launch window.

In the meantime, keep an eye on Big Oak's social media and the Orion's event calendar. When they fire up those smokers, we'll be first in line.

Check out Big Oak BBQ when it opens , they're going to be on Rocket Pass.