Steak Shapiro’s Top 12 BBQ Joints in Atlanta
Okay, so I’m kinda proud of being dubbed the “Food Guy of Atlanta” and I get asked by folks near and far, what is it Atlanta is truly known for from a dining perspective? In essence, what does Atlanta do best? I have a lot of answers to that question but one of those has to be we have kick-ass BBQ, and it only keeps getting better. Atlanta doesn’t focus on one particular region or sauce, or focus on brisket over pork over chicken, etc…we dig it all, and we love our BBQ restaurants, in all shapes and sizes and great stories behind them. Therefore it is a pleasure to give you my top 12 BBQ spots in Atlanta, listed below in alphabetical order.
Anna’s BBQ
They got some serious BBQ happening in the Kirkwood neighborhood with this modest spot that packs a powerful punch. Great vibe of families and hipsters getting busy with the smoked turkey ribs that often sell out, the superb collard greens and the you-best-clear-off-the-table BBQ nachos.
Community Q
They do so much well at this classic Decatur spot that’s satisfying folks for years, but the side dishes are where the shit gets real. Brunswick stew, baked beans, collared are strong but the Mac n’ cheese is unrivaled. If you go there and don’t order it, we can’t be friends.
Das BBQ
An Atlanta Eats favorite from the first time we highlighted this father/son team on our show. The love for Das BBQ just keeps growing and growing. The smokers “Pancho” and “Lefty” at their original location are cranking out close to the finest sliced brisket on the planet. Add to that their snappy beef sausage and cream corn, and you have the perfect BBQ feast.
Dave Poe’s BBQ
You best drag your happy butt to Marietta to get cozy with the “Redneck Lasagna” consisting of macaroni and cheese topped with Brunswick Stew. If that don’t shake you up then just go deep with the ribs, either the tender baby back or the insanely strong St. Louis spare ribs.
Fox Bros. BBQ
Okay no BBQ joint or maybe any restaurant in Atlanta has been as celebrated as Fox Bros. during the last 15 years. How did they get so famous and beloved? Umm, because they’re awesome. Get cozy with the hickory smoked bBBQ wings, insanely fun Frito Pie and ribs that the whole Southeast is talking about.
Greater Good BBQ
I love everything about this legendary Atlanta BBQ spot with multiple locations. The Roswell Rd. location is my neighborhood joint and with good reason. The sliced brisket runs out often because it’s tremendous, the baked beans and mac n’ cheese are stupid good but the pimento cheese/pork/cole slaw potato skins since appearing on Atlanta Eats are simply the talk of the town.
Heirloom Market BBQ
The hype is real and always has been. Located next to a gas station on Akers Mill Rd. only adds to the charm as does the husband and wife team that brings Korean flavors with classic southern BBQ to blow your mind with intense flavors. Hammer down the Korean pork sandwich with a side of Mac n’cheese and simply send me a thank you note later.
Pig N’ Chik
Before Atlanta BBQ was all the rage this Atlanta Eats favorite was delivering incredibly solid Cue to the folks all over town in multiple locations. Of course they always have great smoked meats and ribs but any spot that delivers “Redneck Nachos,” fries loaded cheddar with chunks of pork and bbq sauce is gonna have to be worth a trip.
Pit Boss BBQ
If great BBQ spots need to be dives then indeed we have a Hall of Famer in Hapeville’s Pit Boss BBQ. You won’t find a couple more passionate about their meats or their customers than Wade and Tracy McSwain or a sandwich more crazy tasty than Best Bet Brisket Sandwich. Make the drive, you can owe me a drink later.
Socks Love BBQ
There is a reason that I keep having folks ask me “have you been to Socks Love” in Cumming and that’s because owner Steven Hartsock is as serious as a Braves playoff game about his BBQ and his guests. A true “local” spot that excels across the board with pulled pork, brisket and sides that dominate like Freddie Freeman with fire-roasted cream corn, “OMG” mac & cheese and Frito-Chili Pie.
Sweet Auburn Barbecue
The pulled pork and the pimento cheese wontons are what I dream about. Owners Howard and Anita Hsu are making darn good BBQ with a an added bit of Asian flavor like their Southern Seoul sandwich with Korean style steak and sriracha.
Zeigler’s
I am more than happy to throw on my favorite podcast (Conan, Joe Rogan, Bill Burr) and take the easy drive to Acworth to smash me some Zeigler’s BBQ in particular the legendary ribs and wings. Bad Bryon’s Butt Rub used on all their meats tastes as delicious as it sounds and for sure leaving the joint without sampling the homemade bread pudding would be kinda criminal.
