Chester’s Barbeque In Phenix City wins for best area barbecue. Blame it on the brisket

Sundi Rose

May 9, 2024 at 1:46 p.m.·2 min read

Columbus, you have spoken and named the winner of The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s barbecue contest in an overwhelming landslide. Let’s all say a huge congratulations to Chester’s Barbeque.

With 71% of the vote, Kenyatta and George Ivory, owners and proprietors of Chester’s, have a real claim to fame over the other 15 restaurants in the poll, and the votes seem to prove it. They run a welcoming and friendly restaurant, and it is plain they treat everyone like family.

Traditional meat and three done right

Chicken and ribs are among the food options at Chester’s BBQ at 270 Alabama Hwy 165 in Phenix City, Alabama. 05/04/2024

For 10 years, Chester’s has been serving Columbus and Phenix City with some of the most mouth-watering barbecue in the region. Famous for their meat and three meals, the chipped pork is the runaway winner most days, but you definitely shouldn’t sleep on the pork chop sandwich.

They have just about anything you could want from a barbecue restaurant, including loyal customers who eat there at least three times a week and a dedicated “cake lady” who isn’t “afraid to skimp on the butter.” The place is packed to the brim with patrons, drawing a faithful crowd as the gathering place on Sundays.

This is the menu at Chester’s BBQ at 270 Alabama Hwy 165 in Phenix City, Alabama. 05/04/2024

Kin through love

Cassandra Wansley and her daughter, CeCobily Wansley, are Chester’s staples and were quick to tell how much they adore the people and food. The Wansleys gave the restaurant the highest praise one can get. Cassandra said the reason she’s so loyal is because she “can trust them with [her] stomach” and that she and the Chester family are “kin through love.”

Margaret Chester, resident cake lady, is known for her caramel and pound cakes. These are hot-ticket items and Chester’s was sold completely out of both by the time the Ledger came for lunch.

Collards plus macaroni and cheese for the win

This is the type of food served at Chester’s BBQ at 270 Alabama Hwy 165 in Phenix City, Alabama. 05/04/2024

Stop by Chester’s for lunch, and do yourself a favor: pick the collards and macaroni and cheese as your sides. They’re made with a Chester’s specific recipe, and it produces a one-of-a-kind flavor.

Ideas or opinions about local restaurants? Email me or follow me on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

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Chester’s Barbeque In Phenix City wins for best area barbecue. Blame it on the brisket

Traditional meat and three done right

Kin through love

Collards plus macaroni and cheese for the win

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