9 Georgia BBQ Joints That Nail Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a Southern treasure with deep roots in Georgia cooking. This hearty, tomato-based concoction packed with meat and vegetables has been simmering in cast iron pots across the state for generations.

Whether you like it thick or soupy, chunky or smooth, these nine Georgia BBQ joints serve up Brunswick stew that’ll make you understand why locals get so passionate about this beloved side dish.

1. Fresh Air Barbecue: A Century Of Stew Excellence

Operating since 1929, this Jackson landmark serves Brunswick stew that’s become the stuff of legend. Their recipe hasn’t changed in nearly a century – thick, smoky, and packed with perfectly shredded pork.

Locals drive for miles just for a quart to take home. The rich tomato base carries hints of sweetness that balance the hickory-smoked meat perfectly.

2. Old Brick Pit BBQ: Chunky Stew That Steals The Show

Tucked away in Atlanta’s Chamblee neighborhood, Old Brick Pit’s stew often upstages their excellent barbecue. The hearty, tomato-rich mixture features generous chunks of hickory-smoked pork that retain their distinct texture.

Family-owned since 1976, they’ve perfected a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between thickness and spice. Each spoonful delivers a different combination of vegetables and meat.

3. Old Hickory House BBQ: Time-Honored Stew Recipe

Step back in time at Tucker’s Old Hickory House where their Brunswick stew recipe hasn’t changed since the 1950s. The slightly spicy kick sets this version apart from milder competitors.

Their stew achieves that perfect consistency – not too thick, not too thin. Red pepper flakes provide gentle heat that builds with each bite, while the smoky undertones remind you you’re eating authentic barbecue joint stew.

4. Scott’s Walk-Up Bar-B-Q: Hidden Gem With Triple-Meat Magic

Blink and you’ll miss this Cartersville treasure where the Brunswick stew contains not one, not two, but three different meats. The combination of pork, chicken, and beef creates unmatched depth of flavor.

Only open Thursday through Saturday, Scott’s creates small batches that frequently sell out. The stew’s texture strikes a perfect balance – substantial enough to satisfy yet smooth enough to complement their outstanding smoked meats.

5. Southern Soul Barbeque: Island-Style Brunswick Bliss

Who says beach trips can’t include world-class Brunswick stew? This St. Simons Island hotspot brings coastal flair to this classic dish.

James Beard-recognized pitmasters Harrison Sapp and Griffin Bufkin simmer their stew for hours, creating remarkable depth. The slightly sweet corn kernels pop against the savory backdrop of smoked pork and chicken, while their signature spice blend adds complexity without overwhelming heat.

6. The Love Shack BBQ: Brunswick-Born Brunswick Stew

How fitting that some of Georgia’s best Brunswick stew comes from the city that (arguably) gave it its name! The Love Shack’s version honors tradition while adding their unique touch.

Hearty and substantial, their stew features a slightly darker tomato base than most competitors. The meat-to-vegetable ratio leans heavily toward protein, with generous amounts of their oak-smoked pulled pork creating a meal-worthy side that locals can’t get enough of.

7. Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q: Consistent Stew Across Counties

With multiple Georgia locations, Willie Jewell’s delivers remarkable Brunswick stew consistency whether you’re in Augusta or Valdosta. Their recipe leans traditional with a velvety texture that falls between chunky and smooth.

The balance of sweet corn, tender lima beans, and smoky pulled pork creates comfort in every spoonful. What makes their stew special is the hint of molasses that adds depth without excessive sweetness – a touch that elevates the entire dish.

8. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack: Blues-Backed Brunswick Brilliance

While live blues music fills the air at this Atlanta institution, their Brunswick stew quietly steals hearts. Fat Matt’s serves a slightly thinner version that works perfectly for soaking up their famous sauce.

The stew’s brightness comes from a tomato base that balances acidity with natural sweetness. Each batch includes a generous portion of their hickory-smoked pulled pork, creating a perfect harmony between meat and vegetables that has kept locals coming back since 1990.

9. Sam’s House BBQ: Family Recipe That Wows Carrollton

Sam’s House doesn’t just make Brunswick stew; they celebrate it as the crown jewel of their menu. This Carrollton favorite uses a generations-old family recipe that strikes the perfect balance between chunky and smooth.

Their stew features a distinctive sweetness from corn and a hint of brown sugar that complements the smoky meat. The consistency is thick enough to stand a spoon in – exactly how many Georgia BBQ purists believe proper Brunswick stew should be served.