Barbecue Kitchen

1437 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337 404-766-9906

Description: AIRPORT AREA. It's not that the Barbecue Kitchen is hard to get to (it's located just off I-85), but the ill-informed may consider its airport area setting a bit "out there." In point of fact, this A-frame smokehouse is a reward worth traveling for, and the heavy traffic is proof positive that if you serve up good food and neighborly service, people will go out of the way to give you their business. The finger-licking house specialty is hickory-smoked pulled pork, and when a heaping portion arrives flanked by made-from-scratch biscuits (or corn muffins), collard greens, fresh rutabagas and candied yams ... Well, let's just say that nature'll kick in, and you'll know exactly what to do! MARTA: College Park
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Daddy D'z

264 Memorial Dr, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-222-0206

Description: GRANT PARK. Don't dismiss Daddy D'z based on its appearance ­ as with any BBQ joint worth its sauce, this one isn't dressed to impress, and they don't hang their hats on any false pretense, In fact, most just leave their hats right on their heads where they belong! And, if you're looking for pedigree, publications from all over the country have heaped praise and awards on the place for its tender, flavorful smoked spare ribs. In addition to everyday ditties like pulled pork, chicken, turkey and bodacious Brunswick stew, Daddy D'z delivers terrific live blues on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Dreamland BBQ

10730 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076 678-352-7999

Description: ROSWELL. When the subject of Southern legends comes up, Dreamland should no doubt be mentioned in the same breath as George Wallace, Bear Bryant and Bo Jackson. "Big Daddy" Bishop and crew started outside of Tuscaloosa, took a simple concept (ribs, their signature sauce, and a few pieces of white Sunbeam bread) and, over the years, developed it into something that can be described only as down-home gourmet. While the neophyte Atlanta sibling can't quite boast the character of the original Jerusalem Heights, AL, location, it's not really atmosphere that people hail Dreamland for. Indeed, the ribs truly steal the show. As the saying goes, "Ain't nothing like' em nowhere!"
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Fat Matt's Rib Shack

1811 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-607-1622

Description: MIDTOWN. This comfortable BBQ joint serves the juiciest, most flavorful ribs in town. There's no doubt about it: Matt's is a messy, fun, eat-with-your hands kind of place where you can order a big slab of ribs, a side of slaw and a big glass of sweet tea. You'll also find a variety of different beers. It's a lively place to stop at for a quick bite of lunch (despite the crowds, tables usually become available quickly), but be warned: Fat Matt's maintains an unofficial dress code ­ ties are permitted only if their knots are loosened. Outdoor dining is available, and live blues or jazz is often featured in the evening.
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Harold's Barbecue

171 McDonough Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 404-627-9268

Description: SOUTHSIDE. While Harold's neighborhood is not particularly scenic, those who frequent this no-frills, family-run joint say it's a diamond in the rough. Regulars devour tasty smoked meats slathered in flavorful red sauce, served with old-fashioned cornbread that melts in your mouth and other classic sides. Ribs and Brunswick stew are popular, too.
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Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

5153 Jimmy Lee Smith Pkwy, Hiram, GA 30141 770-439-2662

Description: HIRAM. Founded in Birmingham back in the early 80s, Jim 'N Nick's brings folks in the ATL area a genuine taste of downhome Alabama cooking. Pork, chicken and savory brisket are lovingly prepared the old fashioned way ­ slow-cooked over a hickory wood fire ­ and will satisfy even the heartiest appetite. What's more, side fixings (here they're dubbed "trimmings") like fresh-cut fries, steamed cabbage, mac and cheese, collard greens and creamed spinach make a meal at this roadsider truly unforgettable.
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Old Hickory House

5490 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30338 770-671-8185

Description: DUNWOODY. A time-tested Atlanta tradition, Old Hickory House has been around since the 1950s, and though the chain doesn't boast as many locations as it did during its heyday, the Dunwoody edition has never stopped serving up its delicious "Q and stew." In fact, rumor is the Brunswick stew is so good, a certain peanut farmer had it flown to DC whenever the Oval Office found itself in dire need of Southern cooking. Heaping helpings of slow-roasted pork, chicken and beef headline the platters, and the homemade sides range from fried okra and mac-n-cheese to sweet potato soufflé. If you're in the market for a good country breakfast, their biscuits and gravy is hard to beat.
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One Star Ranch

25 Irby Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 404-233-7644

Description: BUCKHEAD. Okay, so this Buckhead fav may not look like much more than a shack from the outside. In fact, that's what it looks like on the inside! 'Course, that doesn't mean it'd be a good idea to pass the place by. If you did, you'd miss out on some of the area's tastiest imports ­ Texas-style baby-back ribs, smoked turkey, sausage, chicken and beef brisket ­ and that would indeed be a crying shame. All meats are smoked on-site, and all of the side dishes, from Mexican cornbread to baked beans, are prepared from scratch each day.
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Pig-N-Chik

4920 Roswell Rd, Fountain Oaks Shopping Center, Atlanta, GA 30342 404-255-6368

Description: SANDY SPRINGS. Hickory-smoked eats and downhome blues draw big crowds to this casual 'cue joint, where the specials are written out on paper and hung in front of the counter, and the beer is always just as it should be: ice cold. Must-orders include the pulled-pork sandwich ­ a simple yet delicious classic, especially when it's topped off by a few hits of their vinegar-based sauce. Platters of pork, beef, turkey and chicken are available as well, each accompanied by two homemade sides (coleslaw and Brunswick stew are the best bets as far as that goes).
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Rolling Bones BBQ

377 Edgewood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-222-2324

Description: SWEET AUBURN. One of the best lunch deals on the east side of Downtown, this converted gas station is convenient to top sights and attractions like Ebenezer Baptist Church, the High Museum of Art and the MLK National Historic Site. In a few years, Rolling Bones may find itself an attraction in its own right, thanks to its delicious Texas-style mesquite barbecue. Combo plates featuring beef brisket, pork ribs or hot links never miss the mark, and homestyle side dishes such as mustard greens, Texas toast and potato salad are always solid complements.
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Slope's BBQ

200 Johnson Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30328 404-252-3220

Description: SANDY SPRINGS. You may have to hop in the car to get to this Sandy Springs smoke house, whose specialty is hand-pulled pork that's been hit with just the right amount of homemade ketchup-based sauce. Sandwiches and "large portions" are available for those on the go, but those planning to dine definitely should go for a plate of chopped chicken, ribs, or pulled pork accompanied by two sides, bread and a pickle. The truly hearty, though, will want to tackle something like the C Plate, a combo that features ribs and a chicken quarter. If there's any room left, go ahead and take a stab at their delicious cobbler or banana pudding.
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Swallow at the Hollow

1072 Green St, Roswell, GA 30075 678-352-1975

Description: ROSWELL. Housed in a rustic lodge with a tin roof and a covered front porch, this Roswell eatery's a lively candidate for the area's best barbecue. Throw back some cold beer and dig into a platter of pork or beef, accompanied by macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes or three-bean baked beans. Great live music and bar scene to boot!
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