Posted in Georgia February 05, 2023 by

The Most Delicious Georgia Road Trip Takes You To 6 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants

Barbecue is quite the big debate among states in the U.S., each claiming to offer the best of the best. But for Georgians, it’s hard to debate anywhere else having barbecue as good as ours. If you want to really try a taste of the state from some down-home, hole-in-the-wall barbecue spots, then this Georgia road trip is for you. While it might look like it stretches across the entirety of the state from south to north, the whole trip to the best BBQ joints in Georgia only takes under four hours to complete, plus added stoppage time. Follow along on the interactive map of the best road trip in Georgia for hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurants.

Google Maps
1. Pit Stop Bar-B-Q, 1112 8th St, Tifton, GA 31793
TripAdvisor WMSCV
TripAdvisor Michael A
Pit Stop Bar-B-Q in Tifton is a delightful roadside stop for anyone looking for a taste of Georgia. With a delicious Brunswick Stew option, plus tons of chopped pork, tender ribs, and prime-cut steak, this is one spot you do not want to overlook.
1112 W 8th St, Tifton, GA 31793, USA
2. Smoakies Bar-B-Que
Google Diane Miller
Google Elizabeth Marie
Smoakies Bar-B-Que in Cordell certainly is a diamond in the rough. This roadside hideaway might be easy to drive by if you’re not looking, but we guarantee it’s worth the stop. Plus, if you happen to be running short on time, they even offer drive-thru barbecue service!
602 S Greer St, Cordele, GA 31015, USA
3. Fincher's Barbecue
Google Vu Ngo
Google Chris Hermann
Despite the fact that Fincher’s Barbecue has been a longstanding restaurant in the state, it still remains unassuming and impossibly delicious. With a handful of locations throughout the state, we guarantee this is going to be a meal you won’t forget.
5627 Houston Rd, Macon, GA 31216, USA
4. Fresh Air Bar-B-Que
TripAdvisor smpfen
TripAdvisor dunnonsite
It’s tough to have a list of BBQ spots in Georgia and not include a place like Fresh Air Bar-B-Cue. This old-fashioned spot serves up some of the most coveted Southern staples, from slow-cooked pork to BBQ meats and some of the best Brunswick Stew in town. While many people visit the original location, this hole-in-the-wall hideaway is just as delicious.

Find out how this scrumptious barbecue is made:

3076 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31210, USA
5. Hawg and Ale Smokehouse
TripAdvisor pizzaman1970
Google Bunny Aug
While Marietta, Georgia may have a plethora of barbecue spots worth raving about, this one was oh-so-tasty and slightly under the radar. Hawg and Ale Smokehouse served up some of the best brisket, barbecue, and pulled pork in the southeast. This more modern barbecue spot had some pretty incredible draft beer options, too. (Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Hawg and Ale Smokehouse has closed its doors for good.)
25 Powder Springs St, Marietta, GA 30064, USA
6. Big Shanty Smokehouse
TripAdvisor management
3393 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
TripAdvisor David B
Big Shanty Smokehouse is a family-owned barbecue spot that Kennesaw locals rave about. Anyone looking for some quality Southern-style barbecue will find it here, from the pulled pork platters to the combo with ribs and chicken. Sit outside on the air-conditioned porch and enjoy some top-notch meat.
3393 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

So, what do you think about this Georgia road trip? Have you been to any of these places on the list? Share with us your experiences in the comments section! Or if you have more hole-in-the-wall spots you think we should know about, make sure to shout them out, too! If you can’t get enough barbecue, then check out several more of the best BBQ joints in Georgia.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

The Culinary Diversity of Georgia

February 10, 2023
William Suphan

What are the most classic dishes in Georgia?

The most classic dishes in Georgia include:

  • Shrimp and Grits. This is a local staple that can be eaten any time of day or night and is made in so many different ways.
  • Boiled Peanuts. This is a popular snack that is found everywhere, from festivals, sporting events, roadside stands, and local stores.
  • Chicken and Waffles. This dish was somewhat of a local secret until recent years, but when it was discovered, it spread everywhere.
  • Vidalia Onions. These are the official vegetable of Georgia and they have a sweet, mellow taste that goes well with so many dishes.

Discover more about the most classic dishes in Georgia. 

What are the most unique restaurants in Georgia?

The most unique restaurants in Georgia include:

  • Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q in Kingsland. This is the place to go for scrumptious brisket, mac & cheese, chicken, and Brunswick Stew.
  • Dan’s Grill in Blairsville. This Cuban restaurant has delicious dishes like Roast Pork with Yucca and Mojo Sauce and a Pan con Lechon Sandwich.
  • Home Grown in Atlanta. People wait in a long line here for some of the best breakfast food in the state.
  • Southern Soul BBQ in Saint Simons Island. This was once a gas station and is now home to some of the most delectable barbecue in Georgia.

Learn more about the most unique restaurants in Georgia. 

What are some bucket list restaurants in Georgia?

Bucket list restaurants in Georgia include:

  • The Garden Room. This restaurant has lush foliage surrounding the outdoor seating and is absolutely stunning to behold.
  • Yoder’s Deitsch Haus Restaurant and Bakery. This is a Mennonite restaurant that serves simple, yet delicious foods cafeteria style.
  • The Varsity. This massive drive-in restaurant spans two whole city blocks in Atlanta and serves classic diner fare.
  • Treehouse Grill. Come here during the warmer months to dine up in the trees for a delicious meal with a stunning view.

Find out about these and other bucket list restaurants in Georgia.