No one does barbecue like the South. If you’ve visited Georgia before, you know there’s no shortage of authentic barbecue joints in the state. From the coastal region to the capital Atlanta, every part of Georgia has a unique regional taste that has plenty of history and culinary creativity behind it.
Although the state isn’t primarily known for its barbecue, some of the joints in Georgia have been regularly featured in the “best BBQ” lists of top publications. So, whatever you prefer, from pork to beef, spicy to sweet and smoky — this definitive guide will help you find the best BBQ in Georgia the next time you visit!
Best BBQ in North Georgia
1. Wallace Barbecue
Wallace Barbecue is one of those places that the community knows about, and for good reason. This barbecue joint has been around since 1966 and has made a reputation for itself by serving the best BBQ in Georgia at great prices.
Whether you feel like pit-cooked beef and pork, a Brunswick stew, or Southern-style BBQ, Wallace has you covered. The restaurant serves generous servings of everything from ribs, steaks, and chicken to hamburgers and hotdogs. It’s more than likely you’ll have leftovers to take home with you!
Where: 3035 Veterans Memorial Hwy SW, Austell, GA 30168
Timings: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
2. DBA Barbecue
A visit to Atlanta isn’t complete without experiencing the unique barbecue spots that the city has to offer. One such joint is DBA Barbecue, a restaurant offering smoked meats and homemade sides. It also has a full-service bar, which features twenty local tap beers.
While the menu offers a variety of options, their grilled meats make it the best BBQ in Georgia. If you’re a fan of the classics, the restaurant also has barbecue favorites like St. Louis ribs, brisket, pulled chicken and pork sandwich, and wings.
Where: 1190 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Timings: Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
3. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q was started by brothers Justin Fox and Jonathan Fox after feeling homesick for classic Texas-style barbecue. And where there is Texas, there is heat and southern spice!
The duo started as a barbecue catering operation located on DeKalb Avenue, and now has three franchises in Atlanta. The best BBQ in Georgia is well-known for its juicy briskets, but that’s not all there is to this joint. The slow-roast ribs as well as the pulled pork are one of the best you’ll find in town.
Where: 1238 DeKalb Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Timings: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
4. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
If you enjoy your barbecue with beer and blues, there’s no spot quite like Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. The award-winning joint has been serving the best BBQ in Georgia since 1990.
Along with the ribs, the sandwiches are a standout in this restaurant. They also offer classic sides and a sweet potato pie that you shouldn’t miss. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack offers a lively ambiance combined with lip-smacking BBQ — there’s nothing you won’t like about this place!
Where: 1811 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Timings: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Best BBQ in West Georgia
5. Sam’s House BBQ
While Atlanta may be known for having a diverse range of BBQ joints, it doesn’t mean the smaller cities are far behind. Sam’s House BBQ is one such place in Carrollton and the best BBQ in Georgia.
The restaurant has a variety of BBQ classics on its menu that you can get by the plate or pound. You can also order scrumptious sandwiches that will leave you completely satisfied. The place has an industrial-style decor with great music, providing a great overall vibe for the whole family.
Where: 108 Alabama St, Carrollton, GA 30117
Timings: Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
6. Zombie Pig BBQ
This barbecue joint in Columbus, Georgia is as intriguing as its name. Zombie Pig BBQ started as a food truck by a group of friends has since become a full-service restaurant after rising in popularity.
The great thing about this restaurant is everything on the menu is freshly made in the kitchen which makes it the best BBQ in Georgia. Whether you like juicy pork ribs or smoked sausages, the restaurant will leave your mouth watering with their offerings.
Where: 6201 Veterans Pkwy STE B, Columbus, GA 31909
Timings: Wednesday & Thursday: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Best BBQ in Central Georgia
7. Fresh Air Bar-B-Que
If you want to experience the best BBQ in Georgia that uses the state’s signature style, here’s where your search ends. Dating back to 1929, this decades-old barbecue joint will take you back in time with its traditional ambiance and food.
At Fresh Air Bar-B-Que, you get all kinds of BBQ that are slow-cooked to perfection, from pulled pork and Brunswick stew to special Georgia-style barbecue. Need more reasons to visit this establishment? The restaurant cooks its pork hams overnight on an open-pit grill — it doesn’t get more authentic than this!
Where: 3076 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31210
Timings: Every day: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
8. McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-B-Que
Started by Fred and Brenda McGhin back in 1984, McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the best-loved joints among locals. While the food definitely plays a part, it’s the exceptionally friendly and efficient service that makes the restaurant so popular.
When you get here, you have to try out their signature pit-cooked pork dishes. The slow-cooked BBQ at this joint is unlike any you’ve had before, which explains why the place is multi-awarded!
Where: 2964 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223
Timings: Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Best BBQ in East Georgia
9. Wiley’s Championship BBQ
The “championship” in Wiley’s Championship BBQ isn’t for nothing. Wiley and Janet McCrary have been offering the best BBQ in Georgia for a long time, and they have the trophies to prove it. The restaurant has also been routinely featured in publications and claimed national-level titles.
The menu at Wiley’s Championship BBQ will leave you spoiled for choice. It includes everything from smoked meats, smoked wings, and pulled pork sandwich, to sides like stuffed baked potatoes. The Redneck Nachos is another can’t-miss signature dish.
Where: 4700 Highway 80 East, Savannah, GA 31410
Timings: Thursday to Monday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
10. BowTie Barbecue Co.
Almost everything you’ll find at BowTie Barbecue Co. is made in-house. The signature sauces, French fries as well as batters are also made in the kitchen. It would be hard to find a restaurant that’s as committed to authenticity as BowTie Barbecue Co.
But that’s not the only good thing about their menu. The menu is varied and contains everything from smoked wings, brisket nachos, and salads to filling burgers and sandwiches made from the best-cut meats. A selection of over 120 whiskeys is the cherry on top.
Where: 6724 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31406
Timings: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
11. Sconyers Bar B Que
Sconyers Bar B Que is not just the best BBQ in Georgia, but also the best in the South. The restaurant is big on following traditional methods of BBQ, which is why the meat here is pit-cooked over live mesquite coals for 24 hours just like in the old days.
Secret family recipes always have a unique touch that makes them special, and Sconyers is no different. Slow-cooked, tender ribs paired with hash and rice will leave you wanting more. The flavorful beef brisket is another item on the menu that you won’t want to miss.
Where: 2250 Sconyers Way, Augusta, GA 30906
Timings: Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Best BBQ in South Georgia
12. Southern Soul Barbeque
Southern Soul Barbeque is another joint that has been routinely featured on lists of best BBQ places. Considered the best BBQ in Georgia, this award-winning restaurant used to be a gas station!
From smoked pork and briskets to turkey and chicken, Southern Soul stays true to its name with its authentic barbecue dishes. While Brunswick stew is a staple at most BBQ joints, the one you have here will make you forget every stew you’ve had so far. The restaurant also has plenty of side dishes that go well with scrumptious meats.
Where: 2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Timings: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday-Monday & Wednesday-Thursday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
13. Blackbeard’s B&B Bar-B-Que
The right ambiance is necessary to enjoy the best BBQ in Georgia. And Blackbeard’s B&B Bar-B-Que does not disappoint. The rustic-style restaurant takes you back in time while you enjoy their Georgia hardwood smoked BBQ and hand-cut steaks.
Whether you love smoked ribs or barbecued pork, Blackbeard’s stays true to Southern traditions with all the staples it has to offer. You’ll also find fresh fried catfish and country-fried steaks. It’s no surprise that the restaurant is among the best BBQ in Georgia.
Where: 2209 N Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA 31701
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Conclusion
As a Southern state, Georgia has no shortage of authentic barbecue restaurants. With this list of the best BBQ in Georgia, you’re only one trip away from the Southern-style gustatory experience you’re looking for. The only problem you have now is which one to visit first!
Check out more places and things to do in Georgia on our main GA page!