11 Georgia BBQ Joints So Famous, Folks Drive Miles For A Plate
Georgia knows barbecue like nobody’s business, and trust me, I’ve driven my fair share of backroads chasing smoky perfection.
From the mountains to the coast, this state is packed with legendary pits where pitmasters work their magic over hickory and oak, creating flavors that’ll make you want to slap your grandma (but please don’t).
These aren’t your average roadside stops—they’re destinations that draw hungry travelers from states away, all willing to burn a tank of gas for just one bite of tender, sauce-slathered heaven.
1. Fresh Air Barbecue (Jackson, GA)
Pulling into Fresh Air Barbecue feels like stepping back in time, and honestly, that’s exactly what you want from a proper BBQ joint. This Jackson treasure has been smoking meat over oak and hickory since way back, creating that deep, woodsy flavor that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. The building itself has more character than most people I know, with weathered wood and that unmistakable aroma greeting you before you even park.
I remember my first visit here—I ordered way too much because everything looked incredible, and I regret nothing. The pitmasters here take their sweet time, letting the smoke work its magic for hours until the meat practically falls apart when you look at it funny. It’s the kind of place where locals and travelers mix, all united by their love of authentic Georgia barbecue that’s worth every single mile.
2. Thompson Brothers BBQ (Smyrna, GA)
When brothers decide to team up and sling barbecue, you know something special is about to happen. Thompson Brothers BBQ in Smyrna has built a reputation that stretches far beyond the Atlanta suburbs, drawing crowds who crave that perfect balance of smoke, spice, and tenderness. These guys aren’t playing around—they’ve turned their passion into a full-blown BBQ empire that keeps people coming back week after week.
What really gets me about this spot is how they’ve managed to keep that homestyle feel even as they’ve grown. The meat is consistently fantastic, whether you’re going for ribs, pulled pork, or brisket that melts faster than butter on hot cornbread. My cousin drove three hours just to grab lunch here last month, and she said it was better than therapy—and way cheaper too!
3. Sprayberry’s Barbecue (Newnan, GA)
Sprayberry’s has been feeding hungry Georgians since forever, and they’ve perfected the art of no-frills, straight-up delicious barbecue. Located in Newnan, this spot doesn’t need fancy decorations or Instagram-worthy walls—the food does all the talking, and boy, does it have a lot to say. Walking in feels like visiting your cool uncle’s backyard cookout, except the BBQ is professionally smoked to perfection.
The Brunswick stew here deserves its own fan club, thick and hearty with just enough kick to keep things interesting. I’ve watched entire families demolish platters of ribs and chicken without coming up for air, which is basically the highest compliment you can give a BBQ joint. The sauce strikes that magical balance between tangy and sweet, complementing rather than drowning the smoky meat underneath it all.
4. Old Brick Pit Barbeque (Atlanta, GA)
Right in the heart of Atlanta sits Old Brick Pit Barbeque, proving that you don’t need to leave the city limits for world-class smoke. This joint has been holding down the BBQ fort in the big city for decades, serving up plates that make office workers forget all about their afternoon meetings. The brick pit they use isn’t just a clever name—it’s the real deal, pumping out perfectly cooked meat day after day.
I’ve dragged more out-of-town friends here than I can count, and every single one has asked for the address before we even finished eating. The chopped pork sandwich is legendary, piled high with meat that’s been loved by smoke for hours until it reaches that perfect texture. Their sauce selection lets you customize your experience, whether you like it vinegary and sharp or thick and sweet enough to make your teeth ache.
5. The Pink Pig (Cherry Log, GA)
Up in the North Georgia mountains, The Pink Pig stands out like, well, a pink pig in a sea of green trees. Cherry Log might be a tiny dot on the map, but this BBQ spot has put it on the radar for meat lovers across multiple states. The building itself is worth the drive, with enough personality and charm to fill a museum, plus that glorious smoke smell that hits you from the parking lot.
Mountain folk take their barbecue seriously, and The Pink Pig delivers with portions that could feed a small army. I stopped here during a fall color tour last year and ended up staying way longer than planned, too stuffed to move and too happy to care. The ribs fall off the bone like they’re trying to escape, and the pulled pork has that beautiful smoke ring that tells you it’s been treated right.
6. Twin Oaks Drive-In (Brunswick, GA)
Brunswick’s Twin Oaks Drive-In is where nostalgia meets serious barbecue chops, serving up smoked meats with a side of old-school charm. This isn’t your typical drive-in with mediocre burgers—they’ve elevated the concept by combining that retro experience with legitimate pit-smoked perfection. The coastal location means you might catch a salty breeze while chowing down, which somehow makes everything taste even better.
What makes Twin Oaks special is how they’ve preserved that classic drive-in culture while refusing to compromise on quality. The stew here is thick enough to stand a spoon in, loaded with meat and vegetables that have been simmering forever. Last summer, I watched a family of six polish off enough BBQ to feed twelve people, then immediately order dessert because apparently their stomachs are bottomless when the food’s this good.
7. Smithy’s Family Restaurant & Bar-B-Que (Carnesville, GA)
Carnesville might not ring bells for most people, but mention Smithy’s to any BBQ enthusiast and watch their eyes light up like fireworks. This family-run operation has been perfecting their craft for generations, treating every customer like they’re sitting at the family dinner table. The restaurant has that lived-in comfort that only comes from years of serving good food to good people who keep coming back for more.
Everything here tastes like someone’s grandma made it with extra love, from the tender ribs to the sides that could easily be the main event. I’ve never seen a menu item I didn’t want to try, which makes ordering a genuine challenge every single time. The prices are so reasonable you’ll wonder if they forgot to update them since 1985, but that’s just small-town Georgia hospitality working its magic on your wallet.
8. Country’s Barbecue (Columbus, GA)
Columbus knows good food, and Country’s Barbecue has been proving it since they first fired up their pits way back when. This isn’t some trendy newcomer trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s a tried-and-true BBQ institution that’s earned every bit of its reputation through consistent excellence. The line out the door during lunch rush tells you everything you need to know about how the locals feel about this place.
What really impressed me was how they manage to serve crowds without sacrificing quality or making you feel rushed. The brisket here has a bark that crunches beautifully before giving way to meat so tender it barely needs chewing. My brother claims their sauce recipe haunts his dreams, and honestly, I can’t argue with that assessment after my last visit left me licking the container clean when nobody was looking.
9. Holcomb’s Bar-B-Q (Greensboro, GA)
Greensboro’s Holcomb’s Bar-B-Q represents everything right about Georgia barbecue—simple, honest, and smoky enough to make your clothes smell amazing for days. They’ve been doing things the same way forever because when you’ve got a winning formula, why mess with it? The building might not win any architecture awards, but the smoke pouring from the pit could win every BBQ competition in existence if it were a contestant.
Pork is king here, cooked low and slow until it reaches that magical point where it’s simultaneously juicy and tender. I once watched an elderly couple drive up in a vintage Cadillac, clearly making their regular pilgrimage for their weekly BBQ fix, which tells you this place has been creating loyal customers for decades. The banana pudding for dessert is criminally good, providing the perfect sweet ending to all that savory perfection.
10. Old Clinton Bar-B-Q (Gray, GA)
Gray’s Old Clinton Bar-B-Q has history soaked into its walls along with decades of glorious smoke and laughter. This place has seen generations of families grow up on their barbecue, creating food memories that last lifetimes. The name references the old town of Clinton, giving you a little history lesson with your lunch, which is more than you can say for most restaurants these days.
Every bite here tastes like it was made by someone who genuinely cares about what they’re serving you. The chopped pork is textbook perfect, with just enough crispy bits mixed in to add texture and extra flavor. I drove past this place three times before finally stopping last year, and I’m still kicking myself for all those wasted opportunities.
11. Sconyers Bar-B-Que (Augusta, GA)
Augusta’s Sconyers Bar-B-Que isn’t just famous—it’s legendary, the kind of place where people plan their road trips around. This BBQ powerhouse has been smoking meat since before your parents were born, perfecting techniques that other joints try desperately to copy. Masters Week brings golf fans from around the world, but locals know the real championship happens daily at Sconyers, where perfectly smoked pork takes the green jacket every single time.
The buffet-style setup means you can sample everything until your plate looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa made entirely of meat and sides. I’ve seen grown men get emotional over the ribs here, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve been one of them. The hash and rice is a South Carolina Low country tradition done Georgia-style, proving that great BBQ joints know how to honor regional flavors while making them their own.