Best Barbecue In Atlanta

Atlanta is quickly becoming the barbecue capital of the Southeast. What was once a city of chain and cookie cutter barbecue joints, has now been replaced by family owned and local barbecue restaurants that have taken pulled pork and brisket to new levels in the Atlanta metro area. Sauces that range from sweet to extra heat give foodies in and around Atlanta many great choices when it comes to traditional barbeque. I haven't even mentioned the sides which usually include mac and cheese, cole slaw and a local favorite in Brunswick stew. So grab a fork, a spoon and extra napkins and see where you can enjoy great barbecue in Atlanta.

Bub-Ba-Q
10200 Hwy. 92
Woodstock, GA 30188
(678) 402-1662
www.facebook.com/pages/Bub-Ba-Q

There's nothing fancy about Bub-Ba-Q, just some of the best BBQ you will have anywhere. The people behind Bub-Ba-Q are world champion sauce makers. Just look at all the trophies when you come in the door. It doesn't matter what your order here, the meat will melt in your mouth and the sauces are the perfect companion to go along with your pork, chicken or brisket. Bub-Ba-Q also gets creative with their BBQ Quesadilla and special sandwiches which include their BBQ version of a Philly cheese steak. Come to Bub-Ba-Q expecting traditional BBQ, but don't be afraid to try some of their own delicious creations.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
1238 Dekalb Ave. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 577-4030
www.foxbrosbbq.com

Fox Bros. is regarded as some of the best BBQ sold within the city limits of Atlanta. You will notice Fox Bros. Texas influence with their brisket and rib sandwiches, but you can also go a little on the Southern side with the pork. Fox Bros. also serves a mean burger with brisket, bacon, tomato, red onion, pickles, melted pimento cheese and jalapeño mayonnaise. Sides that are unique to Fox Bros. that are must haves include the jalapeño cornbread, Frito pie an Fox-a-Roni. For dessert, share a piece of chocolate pecan pie.

Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q
1425 Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 971-3201
www.williamsonbros.com

This Marietta institution claims that it's all about their sauce, but it goes deeper than that. The smell grabs you as you exit your car. That smokehouse smell can't be beat and neither can any of Williamson Brothers' combo platters. Get two meats and you will leave a happy camper. The ribs and the chargrilled chicken will melt on the way to your mouth. The sauces here range from original to Carolina style. Try the chipotle if you are feeling bold and bring a piece of key lime pie home for later.

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The Freakin' Incan
4905 Alabama Rd. N.E.
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 592-4420
www.facebook.com/thefreakincan

While The Freakin' Incan isn't a traditional BBQ joint, Chef Mikiel Arnold serves up the best Peruvian food in the region and some of it puts a new twist on Southern BBQ. Arnold says fans of BBQ will love his chicharron de chanclomo. Basically this is fatty pieces of pork braised and then fried in its own rendered fat served with fried sweet potato and salsa criolla, which is onion salsa. Also try lomo saltado and pollo saltado sandwiches, which are steak and chicken stir fried with onions and tomatoes in a bun. Arnold also operates The Freakin' Incan food truck, but his location in Roswell is one of the hottest new restaurants in the metro area.

Bone Lick BBQ
1133 Huff Rd. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 343-6574
www.bonelickbarbecue.com

Bone Lick is bold BBQ served right in Atlanta, with an Atlanta flair. Chef Mike LaSage may have started with a roadside stand, but he now has one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The slow-cooked BBQ draws people from all over and the great staff, local beers and late night burnt ends keeps them coming back. Delicious and filling are two ways to describe Bone Lick.

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Rick Limpert is a freelance writer/photographer in Atlanta and he loves covering anything sports and tech-related. His work can be found at Examiner.com.