If you’re the kind of person who plans road trips around where to eat, then get ready because Georgia knows how to do BBQ right.
We’re talking about ribs so tender they fall apart with no effort, smoked meats that smell like heaven, and sides that deserve their own spotlight.
Some spots sit in big cities with long lines and lively patios, while others hide in quiet towns marked only by the scent of hickory smoke.
These 7 BBQ joints in Georgia are the kind of places you’ll rave about to friends while secretly hoping they stay undiscovered.
1. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Dekalb Avenue, Atlanta
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q on DeKalb Avenue in Atlanta is a smoked-meat legend, known for its Texas-style barbecue with a Southern twist.
The place is run by twin brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox, who grew up in Texas, and they’ve been dishing out slow-cooked goodness here since 2007.
The line out the door is totally worth it for their juicy beef short ribs, crispy smoked wings, and the famous Fox Bros. Burger piled with brisket and pimento cheese.
Whether you sit inside or enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio, you’re sure to remember this as one of the best barbecue meals you’ve ever had.
2. Fresh Air Barbecue – Jackson
If you don’t mind a little sauce on your shirt, make the drive to Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson, where they’ve been smoking pork since 1929.
It’s right off Highway 42, with screen doors, wooden tables, and a brick pit that’s all about slow, smoky tradition.
Their chopped pork sandwich and Brunswick stew are the stuff Georgia BBQ dreams are made of!
They keep it simple here.
No fancy menus, just generations of barbecue know-how and a flavor that hits you the second you step out of the car.
3. Smokey Bones Columbus – Columbus
Next up is Smokey Bones in Columbus, where the energy gets a little rowdier.
This place feels more like a BBQ sports bar, with multiple big screens, a full bar, and a menu that goes way beyond your usual pulled pork.
Go for the tender baby back ribs with sweet sauce, and save room for the hot skillet cornbread served with rich honey butter.
It’s part of the Columbus Park Crossing shopping area, so you can refuel here after a long day of shopping.
4. Smok’n Pig BBQ – Valdosta
Keep the delicious fun going with a stop at Smok’n Pig BBQ in Valdosta, right off I-75, not too far from the Florida state line.
This family-run spot is all about large portions, low-and-slow cooking, and sweet tea served by the glass.
Their baby back ribs fall right off the bone, and the crispy fried okra or homestyle mac and cheese might just steal the show.
The warm, country-style dining room makes it easy to settle in and even easier to stay for some peach cobbler.
5. Southern Soul Barbeque – St. Simons Island
Down on the coast, Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons Island is another must-visit BBQ spot.
Located at 2020 Demere Road, it’s every bit as cool as it sounds, with outdoor picnic tables and a line that moves quickly.
Their brisket melts like butter, the slab of ribs is massive, and the smoked wings are a must-try.
One of the reasons this place is famous is that Guy Fieri featured it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and fans still talk about it like BBQ gospel.
6. Sconyers Bar-B-Que – Augusta
Now swing over to Augusta for Sconyers Bar-B-Que, where the portions are huge and the Southern charm is even bigger.
This stop looks like a log cabin straight out of a country postcard, and they’ve been serving up smoky goodness since 1956.
Order the pit-cooked pork, and make sure not to skip the hash and rice because it’s a local favorite you’ll be thinking about for days.
With its relaxed pace, friendly faces, and comforting food, it’s a place that you won’t forget about.
7. Bar H Barbecue – Franklin Springs
End your journey at Bar H Barbecue in Franklin Springs, where small-town charm meets seriously bold barbecue.
This roadside BBQ joint is only open on Thursday through Saturday, so plan ahead if you want to try their menu favorites.
They slice brisket to order, stack it high in their sandwich or plate options, and the rib plate and Brunswick stew consistently earn rave reviews.
Expect a no-frills atmosphere here, with locals gathering for hearty plates and friendly service that keeps folks coming back.
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