Georgia, known for its peaches and Southern hospitality, is also home to some of the best barbecue joints you'll find anywhere. From hole-in-the-wall smokehouses to award-winning food trucks, the Peach State serves up a mouthwatering choice of smoky, savory barbecue favorites that keep locals coming back for more. Grab a napkin and loosen your belt – here are some of Georgia's most beloved under-the-radar BBQ spots.

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The Chipped BBQ Special: Oglethorpe Barbecue Company

In the small town of Oglethorpe, the single barbecue restaurant serves up some of the best barbecue in the region. This hidden gem might be off the beaten path, but it's well worth the journey. Oglethorpe Barbecue serves chipped meat baked in the sauce, a traditional Middle Georgia way of serving barbecue that ensures the meat is flavored and moist. They also offer sliced pork, other meats, and traditional barbecue sides. 

The Time-Honored Tradition: Wallace Barbecue

Nestled in the heart of Austell, Wallace BBQ has been serving delicious smoked meats since 1966. This family-owned establishment is known for its tender pulled pork and perfectly smoked ribs. The secret? A well-honed smoking process and a signature thin, vinegar-style sauce passed down through generations.

The Rising Star: SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ

Currently operating as a popular food truck with three trucks in Augusta, SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ is on the cusp of expanding its reach with a soon-to-open brick-and-mortar restaurant. Known for their amazing pulled pork sandwich and Momma’s mac and cheese, Smokeshow has built a loyal following with their mobile operations. The upcoming restaurant promises to be a new hotspot for barbecue enthusiasts in the area.

Photo bySmokeShow Bar-B-Que

All Wood-Smoked: J.D.'s Bar-B-Que

With three locations now, Acworth, Woodstock, and one on Lake Allatoona, J.D.'s Bar-B-Que is quickly becoming a barbecue king. This no-frills joint focuses on what matters most: perfectly smoked meats and homemade sides that keep the locals lining up. Their onion rings are to die for! For more than 20 years, J.D.’s commitment to excellence has snagged them as a must-visit spot for barbecue lovers in the area.

Southeast with a Twist: SandFly Bar-B-Q

Situated in Savannah's historic Sandfly neighborhood, this barbecue joint brings a taste of Memphis-style barbecue to Georgia's oldest city. Locals love Sandfly Bar-B-Q's Brunswick stew and sweet potato fries, and the pork, ribs, and smoked sausage keep folks coming back for more.

Island Vibes and Smoky Goodness: Beachcomber BBQ

Located a block from the beach on St. Simons Island, Beachcomber BBQ & Grill has been featured on Food Network’s show Best Thing I Ever Ate as one of Alton Brown’s top choices. A quaint dive bar with a local cult following, Beachcomber’s offers low and slow-cooked pork, traditional sides, and some of the best burgers on the island.

Where BBQ Meets the Lake: Gumlog Barbque & Fish Lodge

Nestled in Lavonia near Lake Hartwell, Gumlog BBQ & Fish Lodge offers a unique dining experience. This rustic eatery serves up hearty portions of barbecue and fresh fish, with slow-smoked ribs alongside some of the best fried catfish and hushpuppies you’ll ever put in your mouth.

Urban Smoke Masters: DAS BBQ

Owner and pitmaster Stephen Franklin has been around barbecue his whole life. With a dad who first cooked meat in his backyard and then began judging barbecue contests all over the country, it was almost inevitable that he would grow up to be a barbecue master. With their thickly sliced brisket and unique sides, DAS has quickly become a favorite in metro Atlanta.

Marietta's Smoke Legends: Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q

For over three decades, Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q has served classic Georgia barbecue topped with their famous sauce. Right in the waiting area, you’ll sit by a huge smoking fireplace where sausages and meat hang while they smoke. The sauce is so revered that they began bottling and selling it years ago, and now Williamson Bros. sauce is found in most grocery stores nationwide. 

The Hidden Hickory Haven: Pea-Ridge BBQ

Pea-Ridge BBQ in Dearing might be off the beaten path, but local barbecue fans swear it's worth the trip. This small, family-owned spot is known for its barbecue pork plates, catfish fillets, and hash.

Mountain-High Flavors: Blue Hound Barbecue

Located in Dillard, Blue Hound Barbecue brings delicious smoked meats to the North Georgia mountains. With a menu that includes both traditional barbecue and unique dishes like smoked lobster rolls and smoked brisket meatloaf, Blue Hound has something for everyone.

Sauce Boss of Marietta: Dave Poe's BBQ

Dave Poe's in Marietta is rumored to serve the best brisket in the Atlanta area. The meat is smoked for over 12 hours and is moist and tender every time. Known for the amazing cheesy, gooey mac and cheese, this place is one to try in West Cobb.

The No-Fuss Flavor Shack: Scott's Walk-Up Bar-B-Q

Despite the name, Scott's Walk-Up Bar-B-Q in Cartersville has plenty of seating inside and out. Despite its humble appearance, Scott's is known for serving some of the best barbecue in northwest Georgia. Their traditional smoked pulled pork is a local favorite, along with their homemade sides and three special sauces.

Small-town Favorite: 2 Dukes Bar-B-Que

Smoked ribs and chops, along with good old country cooking, draw the crowds to this barbecue favorite. 2 Dukes has been voted #1 barbecue restaurant in Americus several times, and it’s easy to see why. They serve traditional barbecue and sides, along with comfort food like hamburger steak and squash casserole. They are rumored to have the best Brunswick stew in Middle Georgia. 

Vinegar-Kissed Traditions: Zeb's Bar-B-Q

A fixture in Danielsville since 1946, Zeb's Bar-B-Q continues to serve up classic Georgia barbecue. Known for their secret recipe vinegar-based sauce and tender pork, Zeb's has some of the best pulled pork and sauce in Northeast Georgia. When UGA plays Clemson, there’s always a line out the door. It’s worth the drive!

South Georgia's Pit Master Paradise: Boyd's Pit Bar-B-Que

In the charming city of Bainbridge, Boyd's Pit Bar-B-Que is a barbecue favorite. Their commitment is to make the best of everything, and they do a great job. Smoked ribs, wings, brisket, and classic sides like fries, onion rings, slaw, and baked beans, have folks coming from miles around.

Georgia's barbecue scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions, from urban smokehouses to rural hidden gems. Whether you're a local or just passing through, these diverse establishments showcase the best of what Georgia barbecue has to offer. Bring your appetite and prepare for a smoky, savory journey through the Peach State's remarkable barbecue landscape.