Costa’s

Food was solid but after 5pm they will not make anything fresh. I asked for a burger and fried okra they refused to make it because it was late. I could only order ribs or chicken… Pathetic.

While the BBQ at Costa’s is far from inimitable, there’s something unexplainable that keeps me returning, like listening to «A Prairie Home Companion» every week, even though I don’t understand poetry. The portions are large, and the sauce is center stage. Again, not that the sauce is anything you haven’t tasted before, but it’s applied heavily by the kitchen staff. Pickles on the sandwich provide the perfect balance to the chopped beef. Be sure to ask for extra napkins… without any tables to eat at, you’ll find yourself sitting in the nearby Walmart parking lot, eating in your car.
The sandwich combo comes with fries and a drink. Otherwise be sure to try the onion rings. I give this dive of a restaurant four stars. I’ll always enjoy stopping at Costa’s, but among the bevy of BBQ options in Birmingham, it’s not the best you can get.

Very good BBQ and great value. Large sides and portions that should make your belly happy. I ordered the famous platter with pork, chicken and ribs. Great flavor with or without the BBBQ sauce. I would go back the next time I am in town.

Got the bbq pork plate. The baked beans and potato salad were pretty good but the pork was average and not enough sauce. I would probably go back though to try something different just based on the other reviews I’ve seen.

A bun full of juicy goodness!
If time is of the essence and you’re craving for something delicious w minimal crowds, something fast, but not greasy, something out of the ordinary amongst the wave of nearby chains w long lines of cars, this is the place to go to!
LOCATION & PARKING ⁴⁄₅
Easily accessible once you get past the long line at Chik_​_​_​. We opted for the quick drive-​thru w only 1 vehicle at the window and another at the kiosk on the right lane (the other seems to be blocked off).
ATMOSPHERE & AMBIANCE ²⁄₅
The exterior seems dated. Not much to rave about here when it comes to style and décor. I’m guessing it was another chain establishment before Costa’s moved in. There appeared to be a few picnic like tables out front w a window to order from for those who prefer to walk up vs drive thru.
SERVICE ⁴⁄₅
Ordering was quick once you scan the menu board. With only one vehicle now behind us, we didn’t feel rushed when placing our order. The lady on the kiosk speaker seemed patient yet quick and thorough when taking our small order. Upon arriving at the window, we were greeted w genuine southern hospitality. $ 7.61 was our total. As we patiently waited in our car at the window, we could hear them preparing our meal — a knife chopping away at the pork on a board. It’s nice to know our food was made to order rather than having it pre-​made sitting under a heat lamp as in most fast food places.
FOOD ⁴⁄₅
Overwhelmed by the many available mouthwatering options, we kept it simple. I ordered the Old Famous BBQ Pork Sandwich ($ 2.99). Hubby got the Jumbo BBQ Pork Sandwich ($ 3.99). Both were wrapped in paper/​foil. I could not immediately tell which one was which until I pulled them both out of the bag. Mine visually looked bigger, but hubby’s jumbo order seemed wider and obviously had more meat and weighed a ton! 8P Both tasted equally delicious with just enough BBQ sauce mixed in and 3 slices of pickles on top of the thick layer of shredded pork. The buns were fresh, not soggy. Pork portion was generous and juicy, not dry nor bland. Wish there were more pickles, but 3 fresh slices sufficed. In the end, we were stuffed and happily satisfied! For the small price we paid, we received a BIG savory bite that elsewhere could have easily run for double the cost. Easy on the pocket yet not lacking in taste or flavor. Definitely worth a visit especially if BBQ is your thang.
VERDICT & RETURN ⁴⁄₅
As with most southern BBQ establishments, come for the grub, not the ambiance. ;P If we lived nearby, we’d likely return often when the BBQ cravings arise.

There are lots of fancy BBQ places around these days but if you want to be taken back in time, this is the place. The simple, old fashion BBQ pork sandwich is just fantastic. You don’t choose from 8 sauces, you just order a sandwich, pay your $ 3 plus tax and bang, it’s BBQ the way it’s suppose to taste. The bag they hand you is a little greasy, you try and wait till you’re back in your office or at home but as the aroma fills the car, you just have to pull over and dig in to that sandwich. No grizzle, just the right chop, kind of chunked, and the flavor is out of this world. The sauce is a bit sweet, classic Costas sauce, finish that with the toasted bun and the pickle and you’ve got the perfect real Alabama bbq lunch on the go.
Now, this location is drive through only but don’t let that scare you off. They have wood delivered and they’re smoking that ‘Q right on site! Man, if I worked near there I’d be in for a sandwich every day!
This is the real deal. Want a fancy meal, probably not your place. Want fantastic ‘Q, maybe a sweet tea, this is the place to go.

Got the baked potato with the works topped with pork. Delicious and feeds 3 people! Probably will go back since I’m here for a couple of weeks.

I like Costa’s., I’ll admit that I’ve never eaten at the lakeshore location but saw that the only reviewer was reviewing the wrong restaurant. I’ve eaten at 2 – 3 other Costa’s and always have good experiences.