If you’ve been looking for the best piece of beef in Alabama, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association says you need to plan a trip to Livingston.

There, you’ll find Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna’s, a restaurant where the menu includes the Diamond Jim’s Famous Ribeye. It “starts with a hand cut 16-ounce ribeye, marinated for hours and seasoned with a secret blend known only by the Dial family. It is then grilled over charcoal until the tender, savory steak develops the perfect crust.”

The dish is the winner of the 2023 Bama’s Best Beef contest, which the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association launched in late September, drawing more than 200 entries from restaurants across Alabama. After voters narrowed it down to regionals semifinalists and then two finalists, judges picked the winner.

“Since October is Beef Month in Alabama, it was the perfect time to showcase Alabama restaurants and the vital role they play in providing delicious, high-quality beef to local consumers,” said ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley. “We are so thankful for the restaurants involved in this contest and the fans who supported it.”

Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna’s will receive additional Facebook advertising and coverage in the Alabama Cattleman magazine, which features a circulation of 10,000 readers.

According to information provided by the Cattlemen’s Association, the restaurant at 440 Ala. 28 in Livingston has been operated by the Dial family for 18 years. Family members currently involved include Jim, Donna and their grandson JJ, who serves as grill master.

“Jim taught JJ to cook from the time he was just a little boy,” said Donna Dial. “Now we have a great-grandson that comes into the restaurant, and we hope that he will learn the same way.”

The Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna’s menu lists the famous ribeye at $31.95. That puts it right below Mrs. Donna’s Filet Mignon, at $32.95. Other options include a King Cut Ribeye ($38.95), a Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye ($40) and a Porterhouse T-Bone ($40).

This year’s runner-up was the ribeye at Ole Gin Steakhouse in Section, Ala. Semifinalists included the Big Daddy Don Burger at The Greasy Spoon Kitchen in Gallant and the Southern Style Beef Roast at Tabby D’s in Andalusia. Notable regional dishes included the brisket at MaePop’s Barbecue in Tallassee; brisket at BBQ Haven in Enterprise; the Hamburger Steak Plate at Lynnie Bo’s in Lineville; and the Brisket Dinner at Mitchell’s Smoked Meats in Muscle Shoals.