Review: Miss Myra's Pit Bar-B-Q

I am really starting to question why I try to cook at all. Now that I am back in Birmingham, there are one thousand and one dishes I need to try and, more times than not, the next dish is better than the last. Which brings me to today's unexpected delight in Cahaba Heights: Miss Myra's Pit Bar-B-Q.

I was actually on my way to try the coconut soup at Tin Drum Asiacafe today when I passed Miss Myra's Pit Bar-B-Q. I had heard about it but did not know where it was or that I lived so close to it. The atmosphere was practically an Alabama cliche: older cafe with walls filled with pictures of the late Coach Paul Bryant and other University of Alabama memorabilia (one University of Alabama-Birmingham football calendar) and Lynyrd Skynyrd singing 'Sweet Home, Alabama' in the background. I am not making this up.

Good golly, Miss Myra. I can honestly say it was the best BBQ I've had in a long time. I ordered the pulled pork plate with potato salad. The BBQ was perfectly cooked, i.e., tender but not overcooked, and no smoky, wood-cooked aroma. I tried both the red and white sauces on the table. The red had more tomato and black pepper based with less vinegar than I'm used to and was quite good. The white sauce, usually reserved for chicken, was a treat! Don't frown at the sound of a mayonnaise-base sauce. It was thin, not thick, and had a perfect blend of vinegar, black pepper, and salt. I don't generally like restaurant-style potato salad. Miss Myra's proved to be the exception, again with what seemed to me to be a perfect blend of ingredients. Served with a roll and pickle spear, it turned out to be a delicious lunch and enough to bring home for later. All that, drink and take-out order of the best banana pudding I've had in 30 years was $12.95.

I may go back just for the desserts. Lemon Ice Box and Chocolate Chess will be on my list for my next visit....if I can pass up that amazing banana pudding. There are whole pies available, as well as the single slices. Full menu here.

I'm fairly certain Miss Myra's will become my first choice for desserts....I mean, BBQ....from now on. For those of you who visit Birmingham, it is easy to get to from The Summit.