Best Atlanta Barbecue for the Money?
Decatur Metro | April 16, 2013This should be interesting and will likely result in some sauce-laden fisticuffs.
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This should be interesting and will likely result in some sauce-laden fisticuffs.
Latest from Decaturish
Ooo, that’s a toughie. Fox Bros has the best brisket anywhere. But Burnt Fork has the best sides and sauces. I really like Community Q’s pulled pork. GAH! I can’t pick just one!! They are ALL delicious!
No, this won’t be interesting. Anyone who says it’s anything other than Fox Bros is just silly and not worth listening to.
Oh Junderscore,
Your loyalty is mis-placed. I won’t question your dedication to Trackside, but Fox Bros. is OVER RATED.
I’ve tried Fox Bros. a few times, and the pork is always burnt and dry. Plus it is expensive, and the service is poor.
I’ve not tried the brisket, because I live in Georgia. When I want barbecue, I want slow cooked pulled pork where the fat has soaked into the meat.
Community is the best I’ve had in our area.
‘Nuff said.
I totally agree with your assessment of Fox Bros as we’ve had the same experience with the meat being overcooked & dry (and sometimes burned). We gave them several chances thinking that our bad experience was an anomaly, but they always came up short.
Community Q is the best in the Decatur area, but we sure do miss Maddy’s (and their potato salad)!
Huh. Funny that you both mention Community, because every time I’ve eaten there I’ve walked away thinking “I spent how much for how little mediocre bbq?” Different strokes, or should I say different smokes…
That’s what I thought about Burnt Fork (or is it “I’ve been burned” Fork)
I will have to look up this Community Q place though, haven’t heard of it.
But just outside Decatur on Memorial at Maynard Terrace is Wyatts. AWESOME beef ribs!
+1 for Wyatts. It may be a daunting “homeboy” place for some, but I love local joints. When I went in there a year or so ago with no idea what to order, I queried the folks in line–all locals older than 50–and they each were buying a different thing! So I think its’ all great. Cash only, tho.
I am with you, J_T. I have also always encountered rudeness at Community as well. RUDENESS.
that potato salad was amazing, we definitely miss that!
When you incorporate “for the money, ” my answer changes.
For this, I recommend a recipe:
1) Find friends who have a Big Green Egg.
2) Give them some hickory chips, and tell them to get the Egg up to 250 degrees.
3) Give them an 8 lb. pork butt, rub it with your spices of choice, and tell ‘em to put that butt in the Egg for 12 hours.
4) Return for dinner at their house after the butt has rested for an hour.
5) Drink beer and eat with a little sauce.
I highly recommend this approach for two reasons:
1) because Big Green Eggs are very expensive
2) people who havebought them, like to show off how good they are at using them.
Are you suggesting that the Big Green Egg is an over-priced way to show off or a better value than the BBQ shacks? Confused.
as a Big Green owner for the last 17 years, i can report i’ve recouped whatever price I paid for it by:
a. it lasting 17 years, with probably another 17 to come
b. its ability to smoke butts better than a pissed off principle with a paddle
c. it enabling me to enjoy three of my top favorite five things in life on a weekly basis: fire, meat, and bourbon
YES ^ ^
oh, wait, we don’t paddle anymore, do we?
instead, we ask young men,”how you were *feeling* when you put Krazy Glue on the toilet seat? would you please give us some feedback on how we might better design your educational experience so that your emotional needs are met in a way that diminishes your desire to act out inappropriately?”
Correct. It is no longer socially acceptable to physically abuse children.
+1 Any principal or teacher who has to use physical force to control students is incompetent, not to mention in big trouble legally.
simma down now, simma down.
i’m not proposing we return to corporal punishment in schools, merely catching myself using an analogy that no longer has currency, and chuckling at where the pendulum has swung to since my youth.
i don’t believe in violence as a problem solving device, and if my son or daughter were to be spanked in school, i’d kick that spanker’s butt ; )
. . . but we digress.
i love bbq’ing on my green egg!
Love it, Rick!!
Big Green Egg is where it is at. Like Rick, I’ve had mine forever (future MIL gave it to me for graduation from college) and do pork BBQ only. I do mine for about 18-20 hrs usually but just a slightly lower cook temp. I almost always combine the experience w bourbon and it usually makes for a long night…
When I cant make the effort to cook, I will drive to Heirloom.
Yes!
1) Big Green Eggs produce BBQ as good as the best you’ll ever have.
2) I’m lazy
3) I’m cheap
4) I have friends who are neither lazy, nor cheap
5) I am glad to compliment said friends on their smoker skills, in return for great BBQ.
My Big Green Egg > Community > Fox Brothers > Burnt Fork
For the price I’ve always liked Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. I’d definitely like to see the responses of others, though.
No smoke ring, mopped in sauce = not real BBQ.
Isn’t the rap on Fatt Matt’s that they boil the ribs?
Fatt Matt’s used to be the best around, 10+ years ago. I haven’t gone back there to see if they’ve upped their game, but if they are still putting out similar product, it is ok but other spots mentioned here way better. I was definitely disappointed in Bourdain’s highlighting of Fatt Matt’s during is Layover show here. Hangover cure maybe, best Atl bbq, no way.
If you listened carefully, he did concede that it was not real BBQ, simply that it was good in a nasty sort of way, and in that sense he is accurate. He did spend way too much of the show there when there were far better places warranting his attention, but his excellent coverage of The Clermont/Blondie (and taking Alton Brown there) made up for it.
yeah, I heard him clearly state this wasn’t the best bbq, but why even go there in the first place?! It sort of reminded me of people who have heard they need to go to the Underground and then still go even after I/others tell them that is way old travel advice.
I also loved the Clermont segment of that show.
Heirloom Market BBQ, 2243 Akers Mill Rd SE Atlanta, GA 30339. Absolutely, no question, hands down, best in Atlanta. Co-owner, chef, Jiyeon Lee, who has an impressive resume, brings the flavors of her native Korea to good old Southern barbecue. You can get all the traditional sides (baked beans, mac and cheese, collards), or you can sample some of the special sides (Korean Sweet Potatoes, kimchi cole slaw).
The. Best. Ever.
This is by my office but I’ve never been because at lunch it is ALWAYS slammed. Every comment I’ve heard about it has been a glowing one. I will leave early one day and get on the front end of the crowd.
Do it. You won’t be disappointed. Their burger is fantastic as well.
Thank you. I was about to have to smack these folks for failing to mention Heirloom. It’s doing the most interesting things with BBQ in the city right now. I love the Korean influence, but their standards are amazing as well. Their brisket stomps pretty much anyone else in town.
My office is also nearby and I’ve been eating here since the week they opened. Do a late lunch (gets manageable around 1:30 or so) or stop by for dinner to avoid the crowds. Start with the Start with the spicy Korean pork sandwich to get a sense of what they’re doing, and then work your way out from there.
Joe – what are you thinking?!? Now it will be even more packed.
Mmmm, I may have to go tomorrow now that you’ve brought it up.
How many of us Decaturites work up near Galleria/Riverwood, I wonder?
At least three or four of us based on this thread. We should start a support group…Technically I’m still ITP, even though I can see it out my window.
I console myself with the knowledge that a decade and a half ago (and before I worked here) I used to actually live in the apartments on the hill off Akers Mill, dreaming of someday living in Decatur. Done and done.
If Heirloom had been here back then, I might have thought twice about it, though.
Count me in as:
A) another Decatur resident who works near Heirloom Market (2 days a week, anyway)
B) another rabid Heirloom Market fan
I thought I was the only one working up here in the hinterlands across the river! I love Heirloom too, and have found that going around 11am usually works out.
I horrify the Dude because I love all types of BBQ: Carolina, Memphis, brisket, pork, chicken (gasp!). I’ve found Fox Bros good for brisket and cornbread, Burnt Fork for pork, and have to shout out the Mac and cheese at Community.
Also, there is a mythical shack we found one time up near Oglethorpe I think, that had the BEST pork ever. Sadly, the sauce tasted like used ketchup. If we can find it again, we will definitely get meat to go!
Heirloom does turkey too, and it’s pretty durn good.
The best part about working in an office a stone’s throw from Heirloom is that I turned my boss and the office manager on to it shortly after it opened and for just about every office function (or free leftovers after bigwig meetings) since, that’s what’s in the breakroom.
I’d go with Fox Bros at #1. Is Rolling Bones still open? Back in the day it could be a bit inconsistent, but on its good days, it was very hard to beat.
Sorry, but Fatt Matt’s is average at best.
But Fat Matt’s got a shout out in “Up in the Air,” so they’ve got that going for them. I guess.
Rolling Bones on Edgewood is long gone.Chef Todd Richards has been at The Shed at Glenwood since last summer. I miss the place. It was very convenient for takeout for our family.
Anyone who answers a question about BBQ with ‘brisket’ needs slapped upside the head with a hickory log.
+1
+2
This is an irrational prejudice if ever there was one. Well-cooked and smoked brisket tastes damn good. Who really cares that it comes from a cow and not a pig? There is room in the BBQ world for both.
Who cares? Anyone who appreciates southern BBQ cares. DM should feel free to start a brisket thread. Then he can start a smoked tofu thread. Until then, a BBQ thread should be focused on the pig. BTW – rationality has absolutely nothing to do with this. Never did, never will, never should. That’s why it’s so fun.
If it ain’t pig, it ain’t que. Everything else is “cooking outside” or “grilling”.
Community Q is so over rated, imo. No smoke smell or taste. We call that crock pot que.
Try Hickory House over at Northlake for some dang fine chopped outside pork. The que guys are cooking it right in front of you. Still the best.
There’s a whole state called Texas that would disagree with you.
They’re just wrong though about this and so many other things…
Bless their hearts.
If God had intended Texans to ski, she would’ve made B.S. white.
Go to Austin, have the brisket or the beef ribs, and report back. I think you will agree that in this instance, Texas knows what it is talking about.
Texas? Never heard of it. I have been to Austin and had some good brisket. Didn’t see anyone offering BBQ, though.
+1000000000000000000000000000000000000
Pig n’ Chick. The meat is done right and they offer up a variety of quality sauces – even though anyone who lets tomato-based sauce on their meat is foolish.
Community Q is great, but loses when you add “for the money.” Fox Bros. – similar situation.
Pig N Chick was the worst thing I have ever eaten. Terrible. The collards were a total joke. I was excited when I saw hush puppies on the menu but “we changed suppliers and haven’t been able to get them”. I guess I should be thankful they let me know they were frozen hush puppies. Nothing about that experience was good. Community Q is pretty good and the sides are good. They support local farmers/ranchers too. Fox Bros is way over rated. I could walk there from my house (ok, it is a bit of a stroll) but just don’t care for it. Burnt Fork does have good sides. I ate there quite often in their first year but sometimes their meat is cold.
I’m a transplanted Yankee and I grew up not knowing what “good” BBQ was supposed to be. I could try to explain what I knew as “Ham bar-b-que” but I won’t. Anyway, I LOVE Burnt Fork! Really, I like all the places named but if I could only go to one, it would Burnt Fork. The food is great but I also like their stand on local and sustainable.
+1 on Burnt Fork, but the service, layout and ambiance are lacking. When Las Brasas runs out of chicken we head over to Burnt Fork for take-out chicken. More $ but more good.
I agree about the service, layout and ambiance. Seems like they are missing easy marks in those areas, which keep me from being a regular, even though I’m close enough I really would like to be there much more. I’d be happy to provide details, because I’ve given this much thought . .
New Scott, “good” BBQ is Fresh Air Barbeque in Jackson, Georgia.
Best BBQ ever! Ahhhhhh, I love Fresh Air so much!
Only went to Burnt Fork once. Meat was too fatty, service was rude. BBQ on a bun, please, not on toast. I go to Athens a lot, and often bring home BBQ from Fresh Air, on Atlanta Highway west of Hwy 78. Don’t know if it’s related to Fresh Air in Jackson, which I admit is the best, but is better than anything I’ve eaten in Atlanta area.
The ribs at Miss Betty’s House of Ribs on Bouldercrest and Fayetteville are mighty fine.
Henslers in Avondale. Oh, wait. That’s been gone now for at least ten years. But it was great.
Along with some butter fries and sweet tea.
I have very serious issues with this thread. I don’t have much opportunity to try BBQ joints because…wait for it…my wife doesn’t care much for it.
Yeah, you heard (read) me right. She ain’t into BBQ.
Oh, woe is me.
Bless her heart…
I will definitely use this thread to pursue some new leads, but mostly this makes me miss North Carolina.
I was excited to see Wiliamson Bros. at the festival on Ponce this weekend- I find they do the best NC bbq around here. Anyone else have good leads on NC/vinegar based bbq in the area? Ryan Stewart used to do a good NC bbq plate at The Glenwood and then Farmstead… has he landed anywhere else lately?
Um, there’s no such thing as “North Carolina” BBQ. There’s Eastern Carolina and Western Carolina. The dividing line is somewhere east of Charlotte and there is no “in between.” Either you use tomatoes in your sauce or you don’t. And if you do, then . . . bless your heart and go to hell. And while Williamson Bros. is good, it’s not Eastern/Vinegar BBQ. They put vinegar in the sauce, but also tomatoes. Which might taste ok to some, but is actually akin to calling brisket, BBQ. You can get good eastern style BBQ at Pig n Chick. Which is now over by Emory in the dearly departed Dusty’s BBQ building.
hmm, how did I not notice the tomatoes in there?!
If you want to be precise about it, Warren, I agree that there’s no such thing as NC BBQ. There’s just Bar-B Que, which you can mostly find in eastern NC. For a real treat there’s a pig pickin.
Don’t get me started on hush puppies.
Eastern style and Lexington style.
My family likes Community BBQ the best. But I like Burnt Fork a lot. Does anyone besides me like Wyatt’s in Kirkwood? I don’t go by there often but, when I do, I always pick up some food. The whole family likes Wyatt’s. Note, it’s a pickup not sit-down and eat place.
Wyatt’s is fine. Another convenient spot for takeout for us down near I-20.
I’m not sure if everyone here is scared of downtown or what but I’m more than surprised not to see a single mention of Daddy D’z!
Regarding claims that Fox Bros. is always “burnt and dry,” you’re either exaggerating or don’t know your ‘cue. There are times when they are victims of their own success, and the pork isn’t as tender as usual. I find this to be the case on the weekends when their customer volume is sheer insanity. You’ve also got to factor in that some of the “bark” is going to be mixed in. Their prices can be on the high end, but if you’re throwing in the “for the money” qualifier, I would argue that their portions mitigate the expense. I find it better to split menu items or count on bringing home tomorrow’s lunch (also helps avoid leaving there stuffed to the gills).
I would agree with those who cite Community’s lack of smoke flavor. Not appealing.
I like Burnt Fork but IMO their prices are in line with Fox Bros. without the large portions. I really like all the different sauces they trot out, though.
Yes! I was waiting for someone to mention Daddy Dz. The real deal fo sho.
Best outside Atlanta is Old Clinton Bar-B-Q. Hoo, I miss that place!
As intimated above, Heirloom Market is my favorite ‘cue joint in this city at the moment.
That said, I still like Fox Bros. for their weird stoner improvisations (my favorite meal there is their “burger” with a side of Fox-a-roni, and their tater tot creations are mighty fine), and Community Q for what they’re trying to do with sourcing and veggies and such. And the cue itself is usually very good (not to mention their mac and cheese), though I agree with the comments about the inconsistency of their meats and occasional lack of smoke.
Burnt Fork has disappointed me every time I’ve been, which is sad because it’s the only place in walking distance. Clearly they feel what they’re doing is working for them because they haven’t changed very much.
Fat Matt’s is not BBQ.
Community is the best intown, imo. Fox Brothers is good, but Community is better overall. Their ribs are amazing. Pulled pork is always juicy when I’ve had it. Brisket is fantastic, as is Fox Brothers, but Community’s sides are what set them apart, imo. I need to go back to Burnt Fork. I had it after they opened and just haven’t been back yet. I want to give Bone Lick on the west side a try too.
Best in metro Atlanta is hard to say. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Heirloom and need to give it a shot. BBQ 1 in Marietta(East Cobb) is about as good as gets, and Community is an offshoot of that. I haven’t had anything else there, but Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell had some of the best pulled pork I’ve tasted.
And of course, my ribs from YDFM, off my smoker are hard to beat.
Yes — I’ve only been to Swallow at the Hollow a few times, but it was awesome. Pork from YDFM, i.e., Eden Farms Berkshire pork, is just great in all of its manifestations. Off topic, but the Eden Farms deli ham and bacon are both top notch.
I’ll third Swallow at the Hollow. Great ribs, great portabello sandwich, and great mac-n-cheese for the kids. The effort required to go OTP makes the great food taste that much better.
Swallow was so much better when they had live music!!
I always like Fatt Matts,but Burnt Fork has some great pork (ha,that rhymes)and the sides I’ve tried rock.Not so sure what the fuss about Fox brothers is,been there many times,never been impressed
I enjoy all three of the primary local players, Burnt Fork, Community, and Fox Bros, but I’d give the edge to Community. Great pork and great sides. The kids menu makes it a little easier “for the money.”
Fox Bros is perfectly enjoyable if you’re looking for Texas style, but mostly when I want BBQ I want pulled pork with a hickory smoke ring and a Georgia sauce (sweet tomato or vinegar will both do the trick).
I’d go to Burnt Fork more often except that my better half doesn’t like something about the vibe.
For the money, Whole Foods on Ponce, 8.99 per pound. No atmosphere but good pulled pork BBQ. I have eaten A LOT of pork BBQ in my life. Try it & then offer your opinion.
Oh, no no no! Best is pork, in red banks, Mississippi , where big haired ladies call me babe or lil gal. Second best is Memphis!
Best BBQ is at Atlanta airport-that’s right only a short flight away to Kansas City and Jack Stacks BBQ to go. They will pack in dry ice for the ride home.
Closer is DBA BBQ on highland. Pulled pork is very smoky and sides are great.
We take out from Community though sometimes it is too fatty. It is $$$. There chicken is great.
We have dry wings from Fox Brothers. BBQ is overrated there.
Burnt Fork is just a disappointment. Too bad because we are within walking distance.
Fatt Matt’s is not BBQ but fun music.
Wyatt’s is great for takeout.
Dang…now I want BBQ.
KC…no thanks.
Heirloom Market BBQ has the best BBQ in Atlanta. The Mac N Cheese is a great side!
The past few weekends, there has been a guy with his smoker parked on Church (I think) in one of the old car lots selling bbq – anyone tried it? I keep meaning to stop but haven’t yet.
I had some fine pork at Hottie Hawgs in the Riverside neighborhood about a year ago. Funky place with a biker vibe and vaguely Hootersesque servers. It’s decorated with some pieces by the late outsider artist Mr. Imagination.
I think the answer to this depends on what you consider to be “barbecue.” For us, it’s pulled pork. We love Community over here. Love the meat and the sides, just wish they’d carry a mustard based sauce. I know Burnt Fork does, but we’re just not fans.
community – hands down. love their pulled pork. that its pristine, tender, in big pulls, with no squiggly bits (formerly a vegetarian). vinegar sauces a must. great sides like yams w/kale, penne mac cheese, rosemary peas, bread puddn, cobbler, blueberry stuff. egads. the only part i leave behind is the little red/white checkered tray liner. oh, and my half of the texas toast. aint got no use for that with all the other goodness. fox bros and burnt fork just dont compare.