We asked you to tell us which Alabama barbecue joint deserves more love, and the verdict is finally in.

We spent a week asking you which Alabama barbecue joints you think are underrated, and then asked you to vote in our poll about which one is the best. (This is part of our Unsung Alabama series, which aims to highlight some of the state’s hidden treasures.)

We can announce that Buddy’s BBQ in Talladega is officially the winner.

Related: 9 underrated Alabama barbecue joints that are hidden gems

Buddy’s received plenty of nominations as well as the most votes in our poll, which featured hidden gem eateries from all over the state that came up early and often among submissions from readers, despite not having as much notoriety as the state’s more iconic spots.

That said, it wasn’t the only Alabama barbecue joint readers said is deserving of more recognition. To prove it, you can read some of the submissions we received for restaurants all over the state below. Plus, be on the lookout for more unsung barbecue features to come.

“Sam’s Smokehouse’s award-winning ribs in Fayette are as good as it gets.” — Sammy Smith

“T-N-T BBQ in York is the best barbecue and owners. Very friendly. Always a line waiting to get to the barbecue.” — Deborah Ezell Truelove

“I’ve never had a bad meal from Good Ole Boys BBQ in Childersburg, and the barbecue sauce is my favorite!” — Cassy Gable

“A slab and More BBQ in Demopolis! I will die on the hill that they have the best ribs in Alabama.” — Harrison Sentell

“Creekside BBQ in Pelham. They also have one of the best smash burgers around and the best side with their smoked cheese grits.” — Jeremy Hamm

“EG’S BBQ in Bremen has the best brisket and pork belly taco you can put in your mouth.” — Matt Chandler

“Kendall’s BBQ at the 114 exit in Georgiana! Ask any yearly beach travelers and they’ll tell you that’s their main stop!” — Tammy Head Hicks

“Tate’s Bar-B-Que in Scottsboro! The BEST barbeque in the world is coming out of that little cinderblock building. It has been there my entire life, decades of serving our community with this family-owned business. Definitely worth you checking out. I always order inside meat, and it is fabulous EVERY TIME!” — Abby Gentry Benson

“I drive to Butts To Go in Pell City for all my barbecue, and their Thanksgiving meals are wonderful! Best dressing I’ve ever found. Anytime I visit relatives in Tennessee, I am expected to bring their barbecue, delicious potato salad and wings.” — Bianca Judd Allen

“JJ’s Barbecue in Elba! This, folks, is REAL BBQ that is outstanding. Anything, and I mean anything, on the menu is delectable. You’ll stand in line for a bit, but the food is so very worth it. Small town businesses such as JJ’s deserve some love.” — Debra Calhoun

READ MORE: A small-town BBQ joint and the boy who inspired it

“If y’all drive up to try it, no other BBQ place will even be close to how delicious Chief & Snoogie’s Hickory Pit in Trinity is. Their stuffed potatoes are next level. We have tried six other barbecue places in our little town, and nobody’s potatoes look/taste like theirs! Their family pack with tater salad is another huge hit. Out of this world flavor. Don’t take my word for it, come on and try it yourselves!” — Clair Bear

“Smokehouse Pit BBQ in Millbrook has excellent brisket, and their breakfasts are to die for! They catered our daughter’s wedding and the food and service were exceptional!” — Tonya Copeland Lawless

“Holy Smoke BBQ in Hartselle deserves so much more love and recognition for their above and beyond barbecue!” — Laura Stevenson

“The Ranch House in Elba is an under-appreciated rising star.” — Don Hulgan

“The Shack BBQ in Talladega! Amazing people for so many decades! Best BBQ around!” — Brook Wills-Dabbs

“Big Man’s Barbecue in Florence is a must-try! The brisket baked potato is amazing.” — Lisa Marie Myrick

“I live in North Alabama, and we have tried all the others. Pigskin All Sports BBQ in Hartselle is the best all-around. The barbecue, the turkey, the ribs, stuffed potatoes…it is all delicious.” — Tammy Warnke Thompson

“Fatty Matty’s BBQ in Fruitdale is the best around!” — Victoria Williams

“The Pottery Grill Restaurant in Cottondale (near Tuscaloosa). Pulled pork, chicken, sausage and the the best baked beans around!” — Robby Lett

“Cotton’s Alabama Barbecue in Eclectic. Food is great, big portions and not expensive. Worth the trip if you are in or around Lake Martin.” — Christopher Utter