Back in the 70s, we'd get off work at Reynold's Aluminum on 2nd ave and almost daily go to Carlile's BBq for beer and bbq. In all my travels since, I've never really found any BBQ taste comparable to Carlile's. To really appreciate what I think of Carlile's BBQ, I've lived in San Antonio for 40 years, and to date, I speak of only 2 bbq joints I've stumbled across in Texas that are worthy of using the 'bbq' label. Judging by the photos, it would appear to me that the old greasy fries I recall haven't been changed at all. Cheers for buying this place and keeping the memories alive.

Food and service was exceptional. Still the same as I remember 45 years ago. One of the only places in Birmingham that still offers fresh cut French fries. I would go across town for just the french fries.

I've been eating at this place for several years but I used to go with my friend Len. He introduced me to it even though he doesn't eat BBQ! He always would get French fries and a grilled cheese. Well the ribs are really good and the fries are outstanding. Sadly, my friend Len has passed away. I will always think of him when I eat at Carlile's.

If you are looking for old school, southern BBQ this is your place. In fact, this restaurant has been around since 1945. We had relatives from Virginia visiting and they were interested in Alabama BBQ. On the way from the airport, we stopped at Carliles for lunch. Some suggestions I have for newcomers, their fries are amazing!! In fact, for his sides, my husband always orders double fries. I also recommend the BBQ pork plate and the mac and cheese. Carliles is known for its southern hospitality, and it shows everytime we visit. Just FYI, it is only open during weekdays 10:30 - 3 pm.

Needed to be at a nearby business for a meeting so we ended up here for lunch beforehand. I was intrigued by the fact they've been in business since 1945. This is exactly the type of place I love. Nothing pretentious; no fancy decor driving up the prices; just a modest business offering good food. I was kind of hoping that the people dining with me would order something different from me so I could see what it all looked like, so I purposely ordered last (third). Well, as soon as I did, one changed the order to the same thing I had ordered. Then the other also said that sounded pretty good and changed, too. I, and subsequently all three of us, ordered the Carlile Burger. Comes with bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and some Carlile special sauce. The burger was not greasy, and I even asked if they ground their own since it seemed to be a finer grind than many burgers. They do not, but they do hand pat their own burgers each day. And the special sauce turns out to be a combo of the Original and Red Sauce Carlile makes. They do offer it bottled at the register if you want to take some home. We also split a pint of their hand-cut fries for the table. Added some cookies at the end since we didn't have time for the pudding or pie, but they looked fantastic. I think the cookies may be another brand they just bake instead of homemade--like the baked ones you might find at several fast food joints. Definitely a place I would go back!

I came here for lunch recently. Mainly in part due to me not wanting to driving anywhere far. I also remembered that Carlile's BBQ has a pretty good burger and it had been awhile since I ate here. I ordered one of their ten combos available; I was amazed at the number of options available! I went with the #2 (Fresh Ground Chuck Cheeseburger w/t no mayo) which came with two sides for $8.29 plus tax. Yes, you read that right!!! $8.29 for this meal! I had sweet tea to drink, so that made the price increase. The burger is well made and the toppings (lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles ) all were fresh. I had to take some of the onions off because there were just too, too many! I also requested extra pickles. The french fries were fresh , not frozen. I didn't care for the baked beans since they were mushy to me. I definitely think the portion sizes were well worth the price! I really liked the two different sauces available on the table . One is vinegar based and the other is not... both tasty! The service for the most part was good but some parts were annoying. This is an older restaurant so it has that feel to it and the floors were extremely greasy to me!! Ewwww Whether you are craving a burger , bbq , meat and 3, etc. Carlile's has a solid menu and offers a down home experience.

I'm a HUGE fan of Carlile's! They have the absolute BEST French Fries in the City! I went to Carlile's today for the Baggett Burger - a bacon cheeseburger with pork bbq and red sauce on it. It never disappoints. Messy, sloppy cheeseburgers are my thing, and this one is oozing cheese, sauce, and BBQ. It's amazingly delicious. But the fries, y'all! They really do have the best fries in Birmingham. Super crispy, so fresh and potato-ey tasting. I smother the fries in Carlile's red sauce, which is also one of the best BBQ sauces in Birmingham. There's a reason this place is a Birmingham institution!