15 Georgia BBQ Joints Serving Up The Kind Of Smoke Locals Swear By
Georgia knows how to do barbecue right, and I’m talking about the kind of smoky, tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness that keeps locals coming back for more.
From the mountains to the coast, this state has BBQ spots that have perfected their craft over decades, using secret rubs and smoking techniques passed down through generations.
Whether you’re craving ribs, pulled pork, or brisket that melts in your mouth, these joints deliver flavors you won’t forget. Let me take you on a mouthwatering tour of the best BBQ places in Georgia that locals absolutely swear by.
1. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
When you step into Fox Bros., you’ll immediately smell the hickory smoke that’s been filling this Atlanta spot since 2007. Brothers Justin and Jonathan Fox started this place with a dream of bringing Texas-style barbecue to Georgia, and boy, did they succeed.
Their brisket is legendary around town, with a beautiful smoke ring and bark that crunches perfectly. I’d recommend trying their Frito pie loaded with chopped brisket, beans, and all the fixings.
The casual vibe makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re in work clothes or weekend gear. Lines can get long during lunch and dinner rushes, but trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it for meat this good.
2. Sam’s BBQ-1
Since 1988, Sam’s has been serving up authentic Georgia barbecue in Marietta with recipes that haven’t changed one bit. This family-owned gem keeps things simple and delicious, focusing on what matters most: perfectly smoked meat.
Their pulled pork is incredibly tender with just the right amount of smokiness that makes your taste buds dance. The Brunswick stew here is another winner, thick and hearty with a homemade taste you can’t fake.
Don’t expect fancy decorations or trendy sides this place is all about traditional barbecue done right. Locals have been gathering here for over three decades, and that kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the quality you’ll find.
3. Fresh Air Barbecue
How does a place stay in business since 1929? By serving barbecue so good that generations keep coming back for more. Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson represents everything authentic about Georgia BBQ culture.
They cook their pork over hickory coals in open pits, creating a flavor profile that modern smokers just can’t replicate. The meat comes out with a distinctive taste that’s earned them a spot in the Georgia BBQ Hall of Fame.
Their sauce has the perfect balance of tang and sweetness without overpowering the natural smoke flavor. It’s the kind of place where grandparents bring their grandkids to share a tradition that spans nearly a century of barbecue excellence.
4. B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue
Did you know that B’s started as a food truck before becoming one of Georgia’s most talked-about BBQ destinations? Bryan Furman turned his passion for smoking meat into multiple locations across the state.
What sets B’s apart is their commitment to cooking everything fresh daily, meaning they sometimes sell out of popular items. Their ribs have a beautiful caramelized exterior that gives way to meat so tender it practically falls off the bone.
The cracklin’ cornbread is a must-try side that combines crispy pork skins with sweet cornbread in an unexpectedly delicious way. Whether you visit their Savannah or Atlanta location, you’ll find the same dedication to quality that made them famous.
5. Swig & Swine
Though originally from South Carolina, Swig & Swine’s Augusta location has won over Georgia locals with their low-and-slow approach to barbecue. Their name perfectly captures what they’re about: great smoked meat and cold drinks.
The pulled pork here gets smoked for hours until it reaches that perfect texture where it shreds effortlessly. They offer multiple sauce options, from vinegar-based to mustard-based, letting you customize your BBQ experience.
Their loaded tater tots topped with brisket, cheese, and BBQ sauce make an incredible appetizer that could honestly be a meal. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual and lively, making it perfect for both family dinners and hanging out with friends.
6. Southern Soul Barbeque
It’s not every day you find award-winning barbecue on a beautiful Georgia island, but Southern Soul delivers exactly that on St. Simons Island. Harrison Sapp opened this place in 2011 and quickly became a local legend.
Their brisket has won numerous competitions and features a peppery bark with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness throughout. The location near the coast means you can enjoy your BBQ with an island breeze, which somehow makes everything taste even better.
Buffalo wings smoked instead of fried give you a unique twist on a classic favorite that you won’t find elsewhere. Lines form early and often, especially during tourist season, so arrive hungry and ready to wait for greatness.
7. Heirloom Market BBQ
When Korean cooking techniques meet Georgia barbecue traditions, something magical happens at Heirloom Market BBQ. Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor created a fusion concept that initially sounds unusual but tastes absolutely incredible.
Their Korean-style smoked pork belly tacos combine crispy meat with kimchi and gochujang sauce in a flavor explosion. Traditional BBQ purists might raise an eyebrow at first, but one bite converts even the most skeptical eaters.
The couple’s dedication to quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods earned them a James Beard Award nomination. You’ll find familiar items like brisket and ribs alongside adventurous options that push BBQ boundaries in the best possible way.
8. Wiley’s Championship BBQ
Competition BBQ champions know something special about smoking meat, and Wiley McCrary has the trophies to prove it. His Savannah restaurant serves the same award-winning recipes that have dominated BBQ contests across the Southeast.
The ribs here showcase championship-level technique with a glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and smoky all at once. McCrary’s attention to detail shows in every bite, from the perfectly rendered fat to the ideal meat texture.
Their mac and cheese gets made with a secret blend of cheeses that creates the creamiest, most indulgent side dish imaginable. When someone with this many competition wins opens a restaurant, you know you’re getting barbecue that’s been perfected to the highest standard.
9. Old Clinton BBQ
Are you looking for that hidden gem that only locals know about? Old Clinton BBQ in Gray fits that description perfectly, serving authentic Georgia barbecue away from the tourist crowds.
Their chopped pork comes piled high on plates with a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness beautifully. This place keeps things wonderfully simple, focusing on traditional preparation methods that have worked for decades.
The homemade sides taste like something your grandmother would make, with real ingredients and no shortcuts. Small-town BBQ joints like this one preserve the authentic spirit of Georgia barbecue culture, where community and good food come together in the most satisfying way possible.
10. Pig-N-Chik BBQ
Since 1952, Pig-N-Chik has been a Columbus institution serving both barbecue and fried chicken under one roof. The dual concept might seem unusual, but they’ve mastered both proteins with equal skill.
Their barbecued ribs get coated in a sauce that generations of Georgia families have grown up loving and craving. The meat pulls away from the bone with minimal effort, showing hours of patient smoking.
What makes this place special is the consistency they’ve maintained over seven decades of operation. When your parents and grandparents ate at the same place and loved it just as much, you know you’ve found something truly special worth preserving and celebrating.
11. Buckner’s Family Restaurant
Though the name says restaurant, Buckner’s heart and soul lies in their barbecue program that’s been perfecting pork for years. This Jackson establishment represents the family-friendly side of Georgia BBQ culture.
Their pulled pork sandwich comes dressed with coleslaw right on top, creating that classic Southern combination of textures and flavors. The meat stays moist and flavorful without being overly sauced, letting the natural smoke shine through.
Big portions mean you’ll likely have leftovers, which honestly isn’t a bad problem to have with BBQ this good. The family atmosphere makes everyone feel comfortable, from couples on dates to grandparents treating the whole family to Sunday lunch.
12. Smokin’ Pig BBQ
With multiple locations across Georgia, Smokin’ Pig has become a reliable name for consistent, quality barbecue throughout the state. They’ve managed to grow while maintaining the standards that made them popular initially.
Their Brunswick stew recipe includes a perfect blend of meats and vegetables in a thick, savory base that warms you up. Each location smokes meat fresh daily, ensuring you’re never eating reheated barbecue from yesterday.
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a go-to spot for weeknight dinners when you’re craving BBQ without breaking the bank. Sometimes consistency and reliability matter just as much as being trendy, and Smokin’ Pig delivers on both fronts reliably.
13. Rodney Scott’s BBQ
James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott brought his whole-hog barbecue expertise from South Carolina to Atlanta, and Georgia locals couldn’t be happier. His approach to barbecue represents old-school techniques meeting modern recognition.
The whole-hog method means every part of the pig gets smoked together, creating a mix of textures and flavors in each serving. Scott’s signature vinegar-pepper sauce enhances rather than masks the natural pork flavor.
Their banana pudding provides the perfect sweet ending to a savory BBQ feast with layers of vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. When a pitmaster with this level of acclaim opens nearby, you owe it to yourself to experience barbecue elevated to an art form.
14. Grand Champion BBQ
Competition barbecue brings a level of precision and perfection that home cooks rarely achieve, and Grand Champion BBQ applies those standards to every plate they serve. Their name isn’t just marketing it reflects actual championship wins.
The brisket here gets trimmed and smoked with the attention to detail that BBQ judges demand at competitions. Each slice shows a perfect smoke ring with tender, juicy meat throughout.
Their burnt ends take the flavorful point of the brisket and transform it into caramelized, smoky cubes of heaven. When you eat at a place run by competition champions, you’re experiencing barbecue that’s been judged against the best and came out on top repeatedly.
15. Community Q BBQ
Located in Decatur, Community Q lives up to its name by creating a neighborhood gathering spot centered around excellent barbecue. They’ve built a loyal following by treating customers like family and serving food that keeps them coming back.
Their pulled chicken offers a lighter alternative to pork while still delivering that signature smoke flavor people crave. The sides here deserve special mention, particularly the collard greens cooked with just the right amount of seasoning.
A rotating selection of craft beers pairs perfectly with smoked meats, making this an ideal spot for casual evenings out. The welcoming atmosphere and quality food prove that great BBQ joints become community hubs where neighbors connect over shared meals.
