Georgia is a BBQ lover’s dream. From the bustling city streets of Atlanta to quiet coastal towns and scenic small towns tucked in the mountains, the state offers unique barbecue experiences that satisfy both locals and travelers. If you want fall‑off-the-bone ribs, smoky brisket, and authentic Southern flavors, this guide will help you plan the ultimate BBQ tour in Georgia for 2026.
Address: 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Price Range: $20–30 per person
Website: Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
Rating: 4.6/5
Fox Bros Bar-B-Q is more than just a restaurant; it’s an Atlanta institution. Opened by twin brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox, this BBQ spot blends Southern BBQ traditions with bold Texas flavors. Their brisket is smoked for over 14 hours, creating a tender, juicy texture and a perfect smoke ring. The ribs are glazed in a tangy house sauce, and the pulled pork is slow-cooked to perfection.
What to Order:
Smoked Brisket Sandwich
Baby Back Ribs
Collard Greens & Mac & Cheese
Peach Cobbler (for dessert!)
Tips:
Fox Bros offers catering for events — a great way to bring Georgia BBQ to your party.
Weekends are busy; reservations are recommended.
- Fun Fact: The restaurant has been featured on Food Network shows like Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, cementing its status as a must-visit spot in Georgia.
2. Southern Soul Barbeque — St. Simons Island, GA
Address: 2020 Demere Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Price Range: $10–20 per person
Website: Southern Soul Barbeque
Rating: 4.6/5
Nestled on Georgia’s scenic coast, Southern Soul Barbeque has earned a reputation for authentic, oak-smoked barbecue. Chef and owner Brad Markham focuses on traditional Southern flavors, with a modern touch that keeps locals and tourists coming back.
What to Order:
Pulled Pork Plate with Signature Sauce
Smoked Turkey
Brunswick Stew
Sweet Potato Casserole
Tips:
Perfect for a beach day — the restaurant is only minutes from St. Simons Island’s beaches.
Their sauces are sold in bottles for take-home enjoyment.
- Fun Fact: Southern Soul Barbeque has been recognized by Southern Living as one of the top BBQ spots in the South.
3. Sweet Auburn BBQ — McDonough, GA (Greater Atlanta)
Address: 1828 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough, GA 30253
Price Range: $20–30 per person
Website: Sweet Auburn BBQ
Rating: 4.6/5
Sweet Auburn BBQ brings a fusion twist to traditional barbecue. Known for integrating Korean flavors into classic Southern BBQ, this spot offers a unique culinary experience that food adventurers will love. It’s a smaller establishment, so the food is always fresh and made with care.
What to Order:
Korean-Style Ribs
Brisket Sliders
Mac & Cheese with a smoky twist
Pickled Vegetables
Tips:
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Ask for their daily specials — they often feature unique smoked meats not found elsewhere.
- Fun Fact: Sweet Auburn BBQ celebrates Atlanta’s cultural diversity by blending BBQ traditions from around the world into Southern classics.
4. Wardlaw's Lucky Eye Q — LaFayette, GA
Address: 103 N Chattanooga St, LaFayette, GA 30728
Price Range: $10–20 per person
Website: Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q
Rating: 4.9/5
Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q is a hidden gem in Northwest Georgia. Known for its tender smoked meats and cozy small-town vibe, it’s the kind of place where the locals hang out. The restaurant emphasizes traditional smoking techniques, using hickory wood and low heat to enhance flavors naturally.
What to Order:
Chopped Brisket
Smoked Sausage
Pulled Pork Plate with Slaw
Sweet Tea
Tips:
Arrive early — their signature dishes sell out quickly.
Friendly staff often give insider tips on the best combinations and sauces.
- Fun Fact: Despite its small-town location, Lucky Eye Q frequently wins local BBQ competitions, earning a loyal following across Georgia.
5. BBQ 56 — Atlanta, GA
Address: 1563 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Price Range: $20–30 per person
Website: BBQ 56
Rating: 4.8/5
BBQ 56 is perfect for visitors who crave classic, no-frills Southern BBQ. Their focus on high-quality ingredients, slow-smoking techniques, and consistency makes them a standout in Atlanta’s competitive BBQ scene.
What to Order:
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Chicken Wings
Signature BBQ Sauce
Tips:
Check their website for seasonal specials.
Great spot for takeout if you’re on a road trip through Atlanta.
- Fun Fact: BBQ 56 has a strong following among Atlanta locals and is often recommended by travel bloggers as a “must-try” BBQ destination.
6. Lewis Barbecue — Atlanta, GA
Address: 1123 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Price Range: $25–35 per person
Rating: 4.7/5
Lewis Barbecue brings Central Texas-style BBQ to Atlanta. Chef John Lewis focuses on simple, bold flavors using oak-smoked brisket and handmade sausages. This is a must for BBQ purists who crave the authentic Texas smokehouse experience without leaving Georgia.
What to Order:
Brisket Plate (smoky and tender)
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Smoked Turkey Breast
Classic Beans and Pickles
Tips:
Get there early; lines form quickly on weekends.
Their burnt ends are legendary — don’t miss them
7. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack — Atlanta, GA
Address: 1260 Huff Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Price Range: $15–25 per person
Rating: 4.5/5
A classic Southern BBQ experience, Fat Matt’s is all about generous portions and bold flavors. From ribs slathered in tangy sauce to juicy pulled pork, it’s the kind of place where locals and tourists mix.
What to Order:
St. Louis Ribs
Pulled Pork Plate
Sweet Potato Fries
Peach Cobbler
Tips:
Perfect spot for a casual meal with family or friends.
They offer catering for larger events — ideal for BBQ lovers hosting parties.
8. Blue Hound Barbecue — Dillard, GA
Address: 21 N Main St, Dillard, GA 30537
Price Range: $20–30 per person
Rating: 4.8/5
Located in the scenic North Georgia mountains, Blue Hound Barbecue offers a small-town BBQ experience with big flavor. They specialize in hickory-smoked meats, emphasizing traditional techniques.
What to Order:
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Brisket
Southern-style Sides
Tips:
Visit during a weekend getaway — the view and atmosphere are part of the experience.
Don’t skip the house-made BBQ sauce tasting.
9. Smoke Friendly BBQ — Covington, GA
Address: 2098 Alcovy Rd, Covington, GA 30016
Price Range: $15–25 per person
Rating: 4.7/5
Smoke Friendly BBQ is a local favorite in Covington. Known for its slow-smoked meats and flavorful rubs, this BBQ spot blends classic Southern BBQ with a modern twist.
What to Order:
Smoked Chicken
Brisket Sandwich
Pulled Pork Plate with Slaw
Classic BBQ Beans
Tips:
Ask about daily specials; they rotate smoked meats regularly.
Great stop for a quick, casual BBQ meal while exploring East Georgia.
10. Southern Pit Bar‑B‑Que — Griffin, GA
Address: 1534 Macon St, Griffin, GA 30223
Price Range: $10–20 per person
Rating: 4.6/5
Southern Pit Bar-B-Que is one of Georgia’s classic, no-frills smokehouses, offering affordable, authentic Southern BBQ. Their smoked ribs, pulled pork, and sausage plates have made them a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
What to Order:
St. Louis Ribs
Pulled Pork Plate
Smoked Sausage
Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens
Tips:
Ideal for road-trippers — their quick service makes it easy to grab a hearty meal on the go.
Visit during local events; they often participate in community BBQ competitions.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is truly a barbecue lover’s paradise. From the bustling streets of Atlanta to small towns and scenic coastal areas, the state offers a diverse range of BBQ experiences. Whether you’re drawn to traditional Southern smokehouses, Texas-style brisket joints, or fusion BBQ spots like Sweet Auburn, there’s something for every palate.
Planning a road trip to these BBQ destinations allows you to explore local culture, meet passionate pitmasters, and discover why Georgia BBQ is celebrated nationwide. Remember, the best BBQ experience is about flavors, atmosphere, and local charm, so don’t just stick to the popular spots—venture off the beaten path to find hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best BBQ style in Georgia?
Georgia BBQ is diverse, but most places specialize in slow-smoked meats with hickory or oak wood, served with Southern-style sauces. Northern Georgia often favors tangy, smoky flavors, while Southern Georgia leans slightly sweeter.
Are these BBQ spots family-friendly?
Yes! Most of the listed restaurants, such as Fox Bros Bar-B-Q and Southern Soul, are family-friendly with casual seating, kids’ options, and welcoming atmospheres.
Do I need to make reservations?
For popular spots like Fox Bros and Lewis Barbecue, it’s recommended to make reservations, especially on weekends or holidays. Smaller towns like Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q may not take reservations but open early to serve their daily specials.
What are the must-try BBQ dishes in Georgia?
Must-try dishes include:
Brisket – smoked for hours with a perfect smoke ring
Pulled Pork – tender and flavorful
Baby Back Ribs – sweet, tangy, or spicy depending on the sauce
Signature Sides – mac & cheese, collard greens, baked beans
Can I take BBQ to-go or get it delivered?
Yes! Many spots, including Fox Bros and BBQ 56, offer takeout, catering, and limited delivery. If you’re planning a road trip, packing BBQ to-go is a convenient option, but some small-town smokehouses may sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
