The 10 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Atlanta

These 10 restaurants will make your taste buds water next time your are in Atlanta, GA.

1. Zeigler’s BBQ & Catering

3451 Cobb Pkwy NW #13
Acworth, GA 30101(770) 529-5227

Some say the best ribs in metro Atlanta can be found way up yonder in Acworth. Whether that’s true or not, the ribs are definitely good and worth ordering. This 15-year-old restaurant and catering business serves everything from those popular ribs and wings to platters of chicken and pork smoked over pecan wood. Make sure to order a side of mac and cheese and Zeigler’s banana pudding for dessert paired with a glass of sweet tea.

2. Grand Champion BBQ

982 Canton St #100
Roswell, GA(770) 998-2800

Owner Robert Owens is working on a burgeoning barbecue empire. After originally opening Grand Champion in Roswell in 2011, he added several locations in Milton, Inman Park’s Krog Street Market, and another Roswell location on Canton Street.

Grand Champion BBQ

3. Sam’s BBQ 1

4944 Lower Roswell Rd
Marietta, GA(770) 977-3005

Since opening his restaurant in 2004, Sam Huff has lived the dream of being able to quit his day job as an attorney to run a barbecue joint full-time. Sam’s is a favorite of Sen. Johnny Isakson, and it’s catered several lunches in Washington, D.C.

Sam's BBQ 1

4. Dave Poe’s BBQ

660 Whitlock Ave NW
Marietta, GA(770) 792-2272

Dave Poe opened his barbecue dream restaurant in 2009. In addition to the traditional barbecue mains and sides, Poe serves the ridiculous “redneck lasagna,” which is macaroni and cheese topped with Brunswick stew.

Dave Poe's BBQ

5. Heirloom Market BBQ

2243 Akers Mill Rd SE
Atlanta, GA(770) 612-2502

This Cobb County barbecue spot has limited seating, but chefs and owners Cody Taylor and Jiyeon Lee bring more than enough flavor to compensate for the cramped quarters or a ride home with a to-go box. Look for Korean-inspired Southern ‘cue and pitch-perfect sides.

A line of customers outside Heirloom Market BBQ

6. Thompson Brothers Barbeque

2445 Cobb Pkwy SE
Smyrna, GA 30080(770) 818-9098

Run by five brothers, this is where to head for smoked ribs near SunTrust Park. Make it a sandwich with a side, a plate with two sides, or a platter with three sides and nearly a pound of ribs. Order a bowl of Brunswick stew and a slice of pineapple upside-down cake for dessert.

7. Greater Good BBQ

4441 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA(404) 303-8525

Greater Good feels like your neighborhood pizza place, only instead of pizza, they serve up racks of ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Pair the tasty and tender rib sandwich with pimento-barbecue potato skins, smothered in pork or brisket, for an a la carte meal fit for a king. The Greater Good has locations in Tucker, East Lake, and Buckhead.

The exterior of The Greater Good Barbecue in East Lake.

8. Old Hickory House

2202 Northlake Pkwy
Tucker, GA 30084(770) 939-8621

Once a metro Atlanta chain, the last remaining Old Hickory House is still going strong in Tucker after over 50 years. This barbecue institution serves hickory-smoked meats on its menu like baby back ribs, sliced or chopped pork, and half chickens. Don’t pass on the squash casserole or Brunswick stew here. For those not into ‘que, Old Hickory House also doubles as a meat-and-three, of sorts, with platters such as country fried steak and catfish served with a corn bread muffin and a choice of two vegetable sides.

9. Lovies BBQ

3420 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305(404) 254-2848

Off the beaten path in Buckhead, Lovie’s is known for their traditional smoked meats, comforting sides and from-scratch desserts. Visit in the mornings for a house made biscuits like the simple egg and cheese or the over-the-top brisket, bacon, egg, and au jus.

10. B’s Cracklin BBQ at State Farm Arena

2061 Main St NW
Atlanta, GA(678) 949-9912

Pitmaster Bryan Furman and his wife Nikki opened an Atlanta outpost of their Savannah smokehouse in 2016. Located in the former Hottie Hawgs space in the Riverside neighborhood on Atlanta’s Westside, the Furmans serve heritage breed, whole hog ‘cue, South Carolina-style hash and rice, and moreNOTE: The Riverside restaurant is TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO A FIRE. But, B’s Cracklin’ has a location inside State Farm Arena and in Savannah, GA. Keep an eye out for B’s pop-ups at local breweries and their temporary location opening this summer at Emory Point.

A plate of ribs, chopped whole hog, barbecue beans, and greens.

All credit for this awesome list goes to Eater Atlanta. https://atlanta.eater.com/maps/where-eat-barbecue-atlanta

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