9 Georgia BBQ Restaurants Serving Smoky Ribs, Tender Brisket, And Southern Favorites

One of the best-known barbecue joints in Georgia used to sell gasoline. Today it sells oak-smoked brisket instead, and I honestly love that swap.

Another spot on this list fries its ribs like chicken. A third serves chicken mull, a creamy stew that plenty of folks outside the state have never even heard of.

I can’t resist that kind of local quirk.

The common thread is smoke. Ribs, brisket, and pulled pork show up across the list, but each kitchen puts its own spin on them.

Mustard-based sauce, pecan smoke, loaded barbecue potatoes, and pimento cheese brisket melts all make an appearance.

1. Wiley’s Championship BBQ

A name with the word championship in it sets a high bar for a plate of ribs. On US-80 in Savannah, this smokehouse backs up that confidence with slow-cooked staples.

The location makes it a handy stop for anyone heading to or from the barrier islands. Think of it as your smoky reward after a day of sand and sun.

Ribs are the headliner here, with a texture that makes them a top pick. Brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends round out the lineup of smoked meats.

Can’t decide? The sampler platter solves that problem with brisket, smoked chicken, pulled pork, and ribs on one plate.

Sides deserve their own spotlight. You can pick from baked beans, mac and cheese, sweet potato souffle, potato salad, red rice, and Brunswick stew.

Red rice is a Lowcountry classic, so ordering it here feels right. Sweet potato souffle, meanwhile, practically counts as dessert in disguise.

Speaking of dessert, save room for peach cobbler or banana pudding. Both are classic Southern endings to a smoky meal.

The house sauces get plenty of love too, so try a few. A pulled pork sandwich makes a quick lunch if you’re short on time.

The space is low-key and casual, with a patio for outdoor meals. Dogs are welcome outside, and kids get their own menu.

Doors open daily at 11 AM and close at 8 PM. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry.

Address: 4700 US-80, Savannah, GA 31410

2. Southern Soul Barbeque

Fill up the tank? These days, the old gas station on Demere Road fills you up with oak-smoked meat instead.

Southern Soul Barbeque took over a former mid-century gas station on St. Simons Island. The result is a funky, bustling joint with real personality.

Oak smoke drives the menu here. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken all come off the pit with that steady smoky flavor.

Brisket fans can grab the Beef Brisket Plate Up or a brisket sandwich. On a cooler day, the brisket chili sounds like a smart move.

Curious about the Barbecuban? It’s one of the menu’s specialties, and the name alone earns it a look.

Smoked wings are another option if you want something to share. Just know that sharing may be harder than you think.

The sides lean proudly Southern. Fried okra, collard greens, mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, and soulslaw are all on the lineup.

Banana pudding closes things out nicely. It’s a sweet, creamy break from all that smoke.

Ordering happens at the counter, and there’s outdoor seating for island breezes. Dogs are allowed inside and out, which is a rare treat.

Plan for a wait at busy times, since reservations aren’t taken. Hours run 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday and until 8 PM Friday through Sunday.

Address: 2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

3. Fox Bros Bar-B-Q

Two Texan brothers walk into Atlanta with a smoker. That’s not a joke setup, it’s the origin of one of the city’s busiest barbecue spots.

Fox Bros Bar-B-Q sits in a converted garage on DeKalb Avenue. It’s near the Little Five Points and Candler Park area, with a big outdoor patio.

Texas roots show in the brisket. Sliced beef brisket is a star, and the chopped brisket comes by the pound for serious appetites.

The rib plates are another favorite. Slow-roasted ribs land on the table with a helping of Southern sides.

Now for the wild card: Chicken Fried Ribs. Yes, someone looked at a perfectly good rib and decided to fry it like chicken.

Bravery like that deserves your attention. The beef short rib is another big, beefy option for curious eaters.

Not in a barbecue mood? There’s also the Fox Bros Burger, though ordering it here feels a little like skipping the fireworks.

On the side, jalapeno cornbread brings a gentle kick. Mac and cheese and banana pudding cover the comfort-food bases.

Hours run late for a barbecue joint. It’s open until 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Expect a wait during busy stretches, and parking can be tricky. Curbside pickup is an easy workaround when you want brisket on the couch.

Address: 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

4. J Walker Brisket Company LLC

When a business puts brisket right in its name, you know where its heart is. This Macon smokehouse calls its brisket the best in Middle Georgia.

That’s a bold claim, and you get to test it. J Walker Brisket Company sits on Arkwright Road and focuses on premium smoked meats.

The brisket comes out tender and moist with a dark, flavorful bark. That crusty outer edge is the part brisket lovers fight over.

Ribs are a strong second act. They’re tender enough to fall apart with barely a tug.

Pulled pork and chicken round out the meat lineup. You can mix and match if you can’t choose just one.

Sides keep things classic and balanced. Look for green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and Brunswick stew.

Coleslaw adds a cool crunch that cuts through the rich brisket. Brunswick stew brings that hearty, tomato-rich comfort Georgia loves.

Timing matters here, so plan ahead. The doors open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM only.

That makes it a lunch-and-early-afternoon kind of place. If you’re passing through Macon on a weekday, it’s an easy detour.

The space is casual and quiet, with dine-in and takeout. There’s no delivery, so this brisket rewards those who show up in person.

Address: 3975 Arkwright Rd #5, Macon, GA 31210

5. 13th Street Bar-Be-Que

Mustard on barbecue? In Columbus, that’s not a mistake, it’s the house style.

13th Street Bar-Be-Que on Veterans Parkway serves a mustard-based sauce. It also has a famous signature: the pork chop sandwich.

That sandwich alone makes it worth a stop. Still, the ribs and brisket earn plenty of attention on their own.

The ribs have a nice chew and a good dose of spice. You can order a full slab if you’re feeling ambitious.

Brisket comes out moist and works great in a sandwich. A combo plate with brisket lets you sample more than one meat.

Now meet the Q tater. It’s a huge baked potato loaded with butter, cheese, sour cream, and barbecue.

Think of it as a meal that happens to wear a potato costume. Baked beans and mac and cheese are solid side picks too.

Half chicken is another option for anyone wanting a break from pork and beef. Plates come with bread slices for mopping up sauce.

Here’s a handy bonus: there’s a drive-through. That makes grabbing ribs on a busy workday surprisingly easy.

Hours run mostly lunch, opening at 10 AM and closing at 3 PM on most days. Thursday and Friday stretch to 7 PM, and Sunday is closed.

Address: 5506 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31904

6. 5th & Fire

Brisket tacos named after Austin, Carolina barbecue, and pimento cheese all share one menu in downtown Augusta. 5th & Fire clearly likes to travel without leaving Broad Street.

The restaurant is spacious and sits in the walkable heart of downtown. It’s an easy pick before or after exploring the area.

Smoked meats lead the way here. The brisket comes out juicy and tender, while the ribs get brushed with a house sauce.

That sauce lands between sweet and tangy. It’s the kind of balance that makes you reach for another napkin.

Now for the fun stuff. The Pimento Cheese Brisket Melt mixes two Southern loves into one gooey sandwich.

Austin Brisket Tacos give a nod to Texas. Carolina BBQ represents the neighbors to the east.

BBQ Nachos work well for a group that likes to snack. Just don’t expect leftovers.

Classic sides keep things grounded. Collard greens, baked beans, and potato salad are all on the list.

Banana pudding wraps things up the old-school way. It’s a sweet finish after a smoky, saucy meal.

Unlike many barbecue joints, this one accepts reservations and has a private dining room. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Address: 551 Broad St, Augusta, GA 30901

7. Smok’n Pig BBQ

High ceilings, heavy timber, and a massive stone fireplace give this Valdosta barbecue hall the feel of a mountain lodge. Except you’re in South Georgia, and the smoke smells like pecan.

Smok’n Pig BBQ sits on North Valdosta Road in a cavernous, rustic space. It’s roomy enough for big family meals.

Pecan smoke flavors the meats here. Sliced pork, pulled pork, and beef brisket all carry that nutty, smoky edge.

The brisket sandwich is the house’s noted order. Its sauce turns a simple sandwich into a must-try.

Ribs come off the bone with ease. A variety of barbecue sauces lets you play mix and match.

Hungry for everything? The Smok’n Pig Combo Platter is built for exactly that mood.

The menu wanders past barbecue too. Onion Tanglers, fried mushrooms, and a shrimp basket all make an appearance.

Fresh fried porkskins offer a crunchy, salty snack. There’s even a salad bar if you want some green on the plate.

Wash it down with sweet tea, then finish with peach cobbler. That combo feels about as Southern as it gets.

Doors open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. Reservations are accepted, and a private dining room helps with larger gatherings.

Address: 4228 N Valdosta Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602

8. Carroll’s Barbeque

Mountain air makes people hungry, and Blue Ridge has an answer on Lance Street. Carroll’s Barbeque brings smoky comfort to this small Appalachian town.

The vibe is casual and local, with a hole-in-the-wall charm. It’s the kind of place that fits a day of mountain wandering.

Brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are the signatures. The ribs fall off the bone, and the brisket stays moist.

Some brisket gets a seasoning with a little heat. Spice fans will appreciate that extra spark.

The brisket sandwich is an easy grab for lunch. Pulled pork is sold by the pound if you’re feeding a cabin full of people.

Chicken wings and smoked sausage add more variety. The chicken earns plenty of praise too.

For crunchy sides, go with onion rings or fried pickles. A Brunswick Stew Bowl brings hearty comfort on a cool day.

Sweet tea here is the kind that makes you smile at the first sip. Pair it with your plate and you’re set.

Dessert means a choice between apple cobbler and banana pudding. Apple cobbler feels especially fitting in the North Georgia mountains.

The restaurant opens Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Reservations are accepted, which is a nice perk on busy weekends.

Address: 39 Lance St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

9. Butt Hutt BBQ

With a name that grins at you, it’s clear this Athens shack doesn’t take itself too seriously. The barbecue, on the other hand, gets serious attention.

Butt Hutt BBQ sits on Macon Highway in the college town of Athens. The setting is simple and relaxed, like a classic roadside barbecue stop.

Ribs here are known for falling right off the bone. The rib plate is the easy order if that’s your weakness.

Brisket gets equal billing with its own brisket plate. Pulled pork and chopped chicken fill out the smoky side of the menu.

Four sauces sit ready for experimenting. Try them all, then pick a favorite like you’re judging a contest.

Here’s a regional treat worth knowing: Chicken Mull. It’s a creamy chicken stew that’s a true Northeast Georgia tradition.

If you’ve never tried it, this is a great place to start. Brunswick stew is also on hand for a side-by-side stew showdown.

Snackers can grab fried pickles or a basket of meat skins. Mac and cheese brings the creamy comfort.

Portions run generous, so pace yourself. A half chicken or a Chickwich basket works well for lighter appetites.

The kitchen is closed Monday and opens at 11 AM the rest of the week. There’s live music at times, plus outdoor seating and plenty of parking.

Address: 480 Macon Hwy, Athens, GA 30606