The Best Barbecue in Atlanta

What's more Southern than barbecue? And what the city of Atlanta lacks in a distinct style of smoked meat like its counterparts in Texas and Kansas City, it makes up for with variety. So whether you're partial to Carolina style or Asian influenced; craving smoked wings or a plate stacked high with ribs; are grabbing a plate on the go or want a full sit-down experience, Atlanta has you covered. Here is our list of the 10 best barbecue restaurants in the city.

01 of 10

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Close up of half a Montreal smoked meat sandwich on Rye with yellow mustard — Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Address

1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307-2026, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-577-4030

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This Candler Park spot from Texas natives, self-taught pit masters and twin brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox has a loyal local following — and a celebrity fan in "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” host Guy Fieri. Come for the beef brisket and stay for the bestselling Frito Pie, served with brisket chili, red onions and cheese.

02 of 10

Sweet Auburn BBQ

Glazed chicken Wings with a few scallion slices and two lime slices — Sweet Auburn BBQ

Address

656 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 678-515-3550

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Expect traditional barbecue with an Asian twist at this Poncey-Highland spot run by brother-sister duo Howard and Anita Hsu, who got their start dishing smoked meats and homemade sides from a mobile trailer. Notable dishes include the sweet and sour "Wu-Tang" wings and the crispy pimento cheese wontons, served with sweet Thai chili sauce.

03 of 10

B's Cracklin' BBQ

overhead shot of a red plastic basket with some ribs and shredded pork, a side of beans and a side of collard greens — Jonathan Philipps

While the flagship Riverside location is shut down temporarily due to a recent fire, you can still feast on James Beard chef semi-finalist's Bryan Furman's South Carolina-style, whole hog 'cue at breweries around Atlanta during pop-up events. Check out their Facebook for dates. Don't miss the signature hash and rice dish—chopped hog's head meat served over rice.

04 of 10

Heirloom Market BBQ

Line of people waiting infront of a building with a large red sign that reads "Bar B Que" in large letters and "Heirloom Market" in smaller letters underneath it — Andrew Thomas Lee

Address

2243 Akers Mill Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 770-612-2502

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The love child of husband and wife team Cody Taylor and Jiyeon Lee, the restaurant blends the flavors of their roots — Texas and Tennessee for him, Korea for her. Located just off I-285 in the northwest corner of the city, Heirloom offers a lone communal table for diners who stand in long lines for the restaurant's unique blend of barbecue—think Texas smoked ribs marinated in gochujang (a Korean sweet, fermented chili paste). Pro tip: order online so you can skip the line and pick up your order via the restaurant's side door.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

Dixie Q

one large rib on a paper towel with a dark drink garnish with a lemon — Heidi Harris

Address

2524 Caldwell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-228-1502

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Get New Orleans barbecue with a twist at this Brookhaven spot owned by South Louisiana native and owner/pitmaster Scott Serpas (also owner of Serpas True Food in Old Fourth Ward). The meats — including favorites like smoked St.Louis pork ribs — are smoked daily, so get there early before they run out!

06 of 10

Community Q BBQ

Wooden table with 10 red, wooden stools. There there three pig figurines on the table. On the wall behing the table is a large orange sign with black lettering that says "communitty BBQ" on it with a silhouette of a pig — Community BBQ

Address

1361 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-633-2080

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Get plates, sandwiches and meats like pulled chicken and St. Louis-style ribs by the half pound and pound at this no frills spot located in a small shopping center near Emory University in Decatur. Don't skip the sides — the three cheese macaroni and cheese and collard greens are standouts.

07 of 10

Das BBQ

man wearing black, rubber gloves slicing brisket on a cutting board. There is a bottle of hot sauce in the foreground — DAS BBQ

Address

1203 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318-2301, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-850-7373

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This Westside smokehouse on Collier Road specializes in Texas-style barbecue like tender beef brisket, smoked over hickory and pecan chips. Non-carnivores will appreciate the meat-free sides like collard greens, elote and vinegar-style coleslaw.

08 of 10

Pit Boss

Barbecue chicken quarter with a side of macaroni and cheese, a side of coleslaw and a dessert square — Pit Boss BBQ

Address

856 Virginia Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-768-0036

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Have a long layover at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? Stop by this Hapeville spot, about 2.5 miles from the airport, for slow smoked ribs, chopped chicken sandwiches and one of Atlanta's essential foods: chicken wings. Get the lemon pepper wet, and save room for the housemade peach cobbler.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

D.B.A. Barbecue

Stack of ribs with some macaroni and cheese and collard greens and some barbecue sauces in the background — D.B.A. Barbecue

Address

1190 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-249-5000

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Located in the heart of Virgina-Highland, this is the ultimate neighborhood bar that just so happens to serve amazing barbecue. See why Atlanta is a top destination for beer snobs and try one of 18 beers on tap while you feast on pulled pork, certified Angus beef brisket or the restaurant's specialty: slice house-cured pastrami.

10 of 10

The Greater Good BBQ

Address

4441 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 404-303-8525

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With locations in Buckhead, East Lake, Tucker and West Midtown, you're never far from the Greater Good's brand of 'cue. In addition to smoked meats (we're partial to the baby back ribs), the restaurant has an extensive menu that includes tacos, sandwiches and even a signature burger, guaranteed to keep everyone in your party happy and full.