Where to Eat BBQ in Atlanta
Browse BBQ restaurants in Atlanta as well as recommendations for the best ribs and sandwiches. CL's critics & readers weigh in on where to eat BBQ in Atlanta.
Photo credit: CL Photo Archives
BBQ Restaurant Recommendations
Best BBQ in Atlanta: Heirloom BBQ - Critic's Pick
Best BBQ in Atlanta: Fox Brothers BBQ - Readers's Pick
BBQ Dishes to Try
If you ask the average Atlantan where to eat barbecue, you'll get a wide variety of answers. Around here, CL's Critics and Readers have settled around a few choices that seem to win the Best Barbecue awards each year. That being said, there are a handful more BBQ restaurants that are well worth the visit. In fact, we'd recommend you eat your way thru the list below:
The Best Barbecue in Atlanta according to our Critics is:
Heirloom Market BBQ Barbecue
With its subtle Korean influences, Heirloom Market consistently turns out some of the best and most unique barbecue in town. If you want to sample a wide array of Heirloom's Far East meets West meat-and-three mastery, the Georgia Sampler is the way to go - two trays piled with pulled pork, smoked ch...
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The Best Barbecue in Atlanta according to our Readers is:
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q Barbecue
The mega-popular barbecue joint serves up super-smoky ribs, pork, chicken and brisket that inspires passionate barbecue love on good days. The atmosphere the brothers have created is admirable, turning the space into what feels like a genuine Texas shack.
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2018 Critic's Choice for Best BBQ
GQ's Bar B Que Barbecue
Black-owned Business
From GQ's website: Originally from Florida our family operated taste of heaven was inspired by several family owned establishments that specialized in mustard based, vinegar based, or tomato based sauces. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then we can only hope that our preparation and...
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BBQ Dishes from our 100 Dishes List
All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue combo at 678
Available at 678 Korean BBQIt may seem pricey, but grab your friends to help you take down one of these enormous and gorgeous meat assortments tidily tucked into a light wood box. Fresh cuts of meat - unmarinated and marinated - are grilled over charcoal by your server and accompanied by tangy salad, banchan (small plates), and a spicy noodle soup to finish. It's destination-worthy. $25.99-$29.99.
BBQ pork bahn mi at Quoc Huong
Available at Quoc Huong Banh Mi Fast FoodVietnam's most recognizable sandwich is old-school fusion: a French demi-baguette stuffed with pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, and, in this case, some barbecue pork. Quoc Huong's crusty bread rivals that of any bakery in the city, and banh mi devotees flock here where they're jonesin' for a sandwich. $2.
Beef rib with coleslaw at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Available at Fox Bros. Bar-B-QThis enormous beef rib is reminiscent of "The Flintstones'" opening scene where Fred's order tips over the car. Only available on certain days (call first, and then get there fast - they sell out quickly), Fox Bros.' bone-in rib is slow-cooked until the meat is black with bark and so tender you could eat it with a spoon. Add a little of the coleslaw that's just creamy and tangy enough to cut the fat of the rib for a truly superior gut-bomb meal. $22.95.?
STILL THE ONE: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q's beef rib with coleslaw was featured in the 2011 edition of 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die
Georgia Sampler at Heirloom Market BBQ
Available at Heirloom Market BBQWith its subtle Korean influences, Heirloom Market consistently turns out some of the best and most unique barbecue in town. If you want to sample a wide array of Heirloom's Far East meets West meat-and-three mastery, the Georgia Sampler is the way to go - two trays piled with pulled pork, smoked chicken, a quarter rack of ribs, then your choice of brisket or turkey or Texas beef sausage (go brisket), AND three sides as well. You can't deny Heirloom's mac and cheese, but the Korean-influenced sides are especially worth exploring. Kimchi slaw or green tomato kimchi are musts and work wonders alongside smoked meats. $26.50.
Pork ribs at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Available at Fox Bros. Bar-B-QSince making the switch from baby back ribs to the fatty and arguably more flavorful St. Louis-style in 2014, Fox Bros.’ pork ribs have achieved barbecue nirvana status. After rub and brown sugar are massaged into the meat, the racks are smoked over hickory wood until the bones are easy to pull apart. Tearing into a spicy, sticky rack is an all-consuming experience that will have you shamelessly sucking your fingers clean in public. You won’t be the only one. Half rack: $13/full rack: $26.
Pulled pork barbecue sandwich at P'cheen
Available at P'cheenAvailable only on Mondays during P'cheen's weekly barbecue extravaganza, this cultural mishmash of a sandwich hits all the sloppy, spicy, piggy notes to satiate that 'cue craving. The whole hog pulled barbecue comes on buttered Texas toast with pickles and slaw; douse it with the North Carolina-style spicy vinegar sauce for the best results. A side is included - we recommend the absurdly hot jalapeno mac and cheese. $8.
Pulled pork sandwich at Community Q
Available at Community Q BBQLast we checked, there are more places to buy a pulled pork sandwich in the Atlanta metro area than we have fingers and toes to count on. Many of them are pretty good, but none are as consistently adept at balancing the smoke, the moisture, the bark, and portion size for a pulled-pork sandwich as Community Q. Top it with a splash of the house vinegar sauce. $6.50.
Pulled Pork Sandwich at Community Q BBQ
Available at Community Q BBQLast we checked, there were more places to buy a pulled pork sandwich in the Atlanta metro area than we have fingers and toes to count on. Many of them are pretty good, but none are as consistently adept at balancing the smoke, the moisture, the bark, and portion size for a pulled-pork sandwich as Community Q. Top it with a splash of the Carolina style house vinegar sauce.
Spare ribs at Daddy D'z BBQ Joynt
Available at Daddy D'z BBQ JoyntA zillion barbecue joints have opened around town, but the spare ribs here remain unforgettable. Lean, tender, spicy and spotted with coveted bark, they have an antidepressant effect on the doleful blues often performed at the restaurant. $14.99 for a half slab.
The beef rib at Fox Brother's Bar-B-Q
Available at Fox Bros. Bar-B-QThe Flintstones would be proud of this monstrous, nicely fatty beef short-rib. One poke with your fork and the beefy goodness falls off the bone. Each smoky shred of is a hefty heaven, especially when it's paired with a bowl of creamy and tangy coleslaw. Half rack: $11.94; whole rack: $22.95.
Whole Suckling Pig from Porch Light Latin Kitchen
Available at Porch Light Latin KitchenChef Andre Gomez loves bringing a bit of his Puerto Rican heritage to Smyrna, and what better way than an entire suckling pig? Call ahead at least two days, and Gomez will phone up his farmer friends to find a little heritage piggy just for you and your party of eight to 12. Each pig (typically 20-30 pounds) gets a mojo brine, a rub of olive oil and salt and a slow roast before being shown to the dinner table. The kitchen then breaks it down and brings all the pork back (including the crisp skins) with a bevy of sides and intricate sauces like tomatillo salsa verde, chimichurri and guava chipotle barbecue. $200-$300 based on size of pig.
Where to Eat BBQ in Atlanta
Community Q BBQ Barbecue
At owner David Robert's (of Marietta's Sam & Dave's) Community Q table runners pinch your kids' cheeks, seem genuinely concerned whether you're enjoying your meal, and just "get" what it means to make someone feel at home in an establishment. And the food definitely doesn't hurt the impact. Pleasant...
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Daddy D'z BBQ Joynt Barbecue
Black-owned Business
The funky run-down shack is packed with crowds looking for 'cue. Blue collar, white collar and no collar at all — folks gather to dive into plates piled high with sweet, savory barbecue (beef, pork, ribs and chicken) and traditional sides.
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Fat Matt's Rib Shack Late Night Food, Barbecue
Live blues and the love of good barbecue bring people from all over town to the small, boxy barbecue joint. An Atlanta landmark, Fat Matt's turns out ribs, chopped-pork barbecue sandwiches and chickens by the score. With classic sides like a creamy coleslaw, "rum" baked beans and Brunswick stew, thi...
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Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q Barbecue
The mega-popular barbecue joint serves up super-smoky ribs, pork, chicken and brisket that inspires passionate barbecue love on good days. The atmosphere the brothers have created is admirable, turning the space into what feels like a genuine Texas shack.
|
more...
GQ's Bar B Que Barbecue
Black-owned Business
From GQ's website: Originally from Florida our family operated taste of heaven was inspired by several family owned establishments that specialized in mustard based, vinegar based, or tomato based sauces. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then we can only hope that our preparation and...
|
more...
Heirloom Market BBQ Barbecue
With its subtle Korean influences, Heirloom Market consistently turns out some of the best and most unique barbecue in town. If you want to sample a wide array of Heirloom's Far East meets West meat-and-three mastery, the Georgia Sampler is the way to go - two trays piled with pulled pork, smoked ch...
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more...
Loyal Q and Brew Barbecue
From Loyal Q's website: Why all the Smoak? The 18th Century marked the first appearance of the “smoakhouse”. These buildings for smoaking and curing meats were popping up in American backyards at the first of the century. We chose to stick with the traditional (yet unconventional) spelling of “smoak...
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Pig-N-Chik BBQ Barbecue
A branch of the popular north Atlanta barbecue joint serves beef, pork, chicken and turkey.
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Sweet Auburn BBQ Barbecue
Sweet Auburn Barbecue, known for its locations at the Atlanta Food Truck Park and Sweet Auburn Curb Market, now has its independent location in Poncey-Highland. Sweet Auburn Barbecue's specialty is southern barbecue with international twists featuring smoked meats, brisket, and barbecue pork along w...
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The Greater Good BBQ Barbecue
From Greater Good's website: Life was different back then, I remember singing in our garden as we picked the vegetables that would become a treat at our supper table. When I wasn't helping I was watching my mother cook and our kitchen was the warmest space in our home. I smile at the memories of the...
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Wood’s Chapel BBQ Barbecue
From Wood's Chapel BBQ's website Named for one of the first churches to serve the Summerhill community immediately following the Civil War, Wood's Chapel BBQ uses traditional wood-fired pits to prepare an extensive barbecue menu including whole hog, prime brisket, salmon, and turkey. Barbecue is pri...
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CL Articles on Barbecue
NEWS BRIEF: National best BBQ survey disses Atlanta Article
Wednesday July 6, 2022 02:00 AM EDT
The ATL deserves better
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8 places to satisfy your sandwich craving in Atlanta Article
Thursday January 7, 2021 04:00 AM EST
When only delicious things between two slices of bread will do
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Where to Eat BBQ in Atlanta Article
Thursday January 31, 2019 09:28 PM EST
Browse BBQ restaurants in Atlanta as well as recommendations for the best ribs and sandwiches. CL's critics & readers weigh in on where to eat BBQ in Atlanta.
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SEE & DO: CL's ATL Restaurant Week Article
Friday March 24, 2017 07:00 PM EDT
Starting this Sunday, dozens of restaurants around the city offer special prix fixe menus just for Creative Loafing readers
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First Look: Das BBQ Article
Monday March 6, 2017 03:00 PM EST
Pitmaster Stephen Franklin brings Texas-style smoked BBQ to Underwood Hills
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First Look: B's Cracklin BBQ Article
Monday October 17, 2016 05:00 PM EDT
Bryan Furman brings heritage hogs from the farm to the smoker to the table
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Cheap Eats: Gator's BBQ & Soul Food Article
Wednesday September 28, 2016 02:00 PM EDT
Friendly Clarkston joint serves up hearty Southern fare
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5 things to do: Cecily McMillan Book Party Article
Saturday August 13, 2016 11:00 AM EDT
What's happening in Atlanta today
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Omnivore - Koreatown takeover at Chai Pani Article
Thursday June 9, 2016 11:59 AM EDT
Koreatown cookbook authors bring Seoul-satisfying feast to Chai Pani
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Atlanta according to Ricky Raw Article
Tuesday February 23, 2016 04:00 AM EST
The bass music ambassador was born for this
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Omnivore - Pop goes the dinner Article
Friday February 19, 2016 01:01 PM EST
Best Bets for Atlanta pop-ups
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ART PAPERS auction returns Article
Tuesday February 16, 2016 02:11 PM EST
Featuring work from more than 250 artists, plus, music from DJ Timothy S. DeGroot.
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First Slice 1-21-16: A new bill would end felony charges for marijuana possession Article
Thursday January 21, 2016 09:43 AM EST
Plus, the fiery reign of PARKAtlanta comes to a close and a new bill could make sure it never reboots.
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Omnivore - Procrastinatory Atlanta diner's guide to New Year's Eve 2015 Article
Wednesday December 23, 2015 10:01 AM EST
NYE food happs
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Omnivore - Merry Beardmas Article
Friday November 27, 2015 01:01 PM EST
Chef Kevin Gillespie and crew ready for photos dressed as santa and his elves
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Omnivore - Atlanta Thanksgiving 2015: Taking out and dining in Article
Tuesday November 17, 2015 09:31 AM EST
Thanksgiving things to eat and do
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Tracklist: Colbert joins Pearl Jam Article
Thursday September 24, 2015 03:01 PM EDT
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/27/arts/music/selena-gomez-tilts-the-disney-halo-with-revival.html
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Wednesday September 2, 2015 04:00 AM EDT
These Best of Atlanta 2014 winners are worth another visit one year later
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Omnivore - B's Cracklin BBQ benefit is coming to Kimball House Article
Thursday July 23, 2015 07:01 AM EDT
Eat barbecue to help rebuild B's crackling BBQ at Kimball House
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19 restaurants good for going ham Article
Friday June 5, 2015 04:00 AM EDT
Where to tell swimsuit season to screw off
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Omnivore - New restaurant development coming to East Lake Article
Wednesday May 27, 2015 01:01 PM EDT
Fellini's and La Fonda Latina founders plan restaurant development in East Lake
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First Look: Grand Champion BBQ Article
Wednesday April 8, 2015 04:00 AM EDT
The OTP transplant serves up quality 'cue at Krog Street Market
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10 ATL shows to hit up this week (March 17-21) Article
Tuesday March 17, 2015 06:43 PM EDT
Twerps, AL lover, Dean Ween, and more music you don't want to miss
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Wax 'n' Facts' new and notable releases for Feb. 17 Article
Monday February 16, 2015 02:36 PM EST
What new records are you excited about picking up this week?
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Omnivore - Best Bets: Where to watch the Super Bowl in Atlanta (and why) Article
Friday January 30, 2015 01:13 PM EST
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