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Where to Eat Barbecue in Atlanta

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The word "barbecue" is synonymous with the American South. In addition to all the ketchup-based, vinegary, mustard-laden variations throughout the Southeast, Atlanta also throws the melting pot of urbanity into the mix. Atlantans count their blessings on their finger-licked hands when the barbecue joints they love are influenced by the variety of immigrants who have settled here with their spice racks. This map includes 11 of the meat havens we love in the metro Atlanta area.

— Eater Atlanta contributor Jamie Lee

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Heirloom Market BBQ

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You won’t find an abundance of seats or parking at this Cobb County staple, but you can find a more sit-down-and-stay-a-while atmosphere at their sister restaurant, Sobban Kitchen. Visit Heirloom for spicy pork Korean sandwiches and a front row seat to the chefs’ work.

Greater Good BBQ

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Greater Good feels like your neighborhood pizza place, only instead of pizza, they serve up racks of ribs and pulled pork sandwiches to satisfy comfort-food cravings. Pair the tasty and tender rib sandwich with pimento BBQ potato skins smothered in pork or brisket for an a la carte meal fit for a king.

Smokebelly BBQ

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The team behind Tin Lizzy’s, Milton’s, and The Big Ketch might be the new kids on the barbecue block, but their Southern hospitality and al fresco attitude draw hungry crowds. Bustling Buckhead fades away amidst live music and killer sides.

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

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Don’t be deterred by the line out the door or the lack of parking, the line moves quick and parking spots appear out of thin air at the Piedmont Road mainstay. Heralded by Anthony Bourdain, the restaurant hosts live blues bands that play sweetly to the tune of rib-eating patrons.

Bone Lick BBQ

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For barbecue as spicy as the staff, venture into this Westside storefront for house-infused moonshine, a vinyl-only music policy, and 48-hour marinated wings. Adventurous diners, ask for the Just Trust Us appetizer plate, and for those looking for more structure, build your own sandwich with a variety of bun choices.

D.B.A. Barbecue

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If The Archie Bunker sandwich, complete with smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese, sweet barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese on Texas toast, doesn’t hook you, the banana pudding will. Dine here for a rambunctious patio in the heart of Virginia-Highland and return to try all of the creative combinations.

Community Q BBQ

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The reliable pulled pork is enough to fill up the Decatur location, but the unconventional and creative side dishes take the cake. David Roberts’ infamous mac and cheese blends rigatoni, cheddar, Monterey Jack, parmesan, and heavy cream, and the blueberry-pecan bread pudding will satiate any sweet tooth.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue

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Start with Asian-inspired pimento cheese wontons at the first brick-and-mortar shop by Howard Hsu, who started with a Sweet Auburn Barbecue food truck and a counter at Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Stick to the Asian path with coconut lemongrass spare ribs, or go domestic with Memphis-, Carolina-, and Texas- style dishes.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

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Jonathan and Justin Fox don’t mess around. Their Texas-style barbecue joint is famous for bringing Frito pie to the Southeast, but their brilliance shines in the Tominator, a base of tater tots covered in Brunswick stew and smothered in melted cheese.

The Smoke Ring

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Nestled in the shadow of the Georgia Dome in Castleberry Hill, Smoke Ring is the hipster brother of barbecue joints. The sleek interior and wagon wheel decor accent the perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts and heavy helpings of bourbon and smoked meats.

Daddy D'z

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For true barbecue sans frills, Daddy D’z is the ITP choice. Located on Memorial Drive in Grant Park, the ribs and Brunswick stew far outshine the decor. Start with their famous que wraps and settle into the bite-size barbecued pork wrapped in dough and deep fried.

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Heirloom Market BBQ

You won’t find an abundance of seats or parking at this Cobb County staple, but you can find a more sit-down-and-stay-a-while atmosphere at their sister restaurant, Sobban Kitchen. Visit Heirloom for spicy pork Korean sandwiches and a front row seat to the chefs’ work.

Greater Good BBQ

Greater Good feels like your neighborhood pizza place, only instead of pizza, they serve up racks of ribs and pulled pork sandwiches to satisfy comfort-food cravings. Pair the tasty and tender rib sandwich with pimento BBQ potato skins smothered in pork or brisket for an a la carte meal fit for a king.

Smokebelly BBQ

The team behind Tin Lizzy’s, Milton’s, and The Big Ketch might be the new kids on the barbecue block, but their Southern hospitality and al fresco attitude draw hungry crowds. Bustling Buckhead fades away amidst live music and killer sides.

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

Don’t be deterred by the line out the door or the lack of parking, the line moves quick and parking spots appear out of thin air at the Piedmont Road mainstay. Heralded by Anthony Bourdain, the restaurant hosts live blues bands that play sweetly to the tune of rib-eating patrons.

Bone Lick BBQ

For barbecue as spicy as the staff, venture into this Westside storefront for house-infused moonshine, a vinyl-only music policy, and 48-hour marinated wings. Adventurous diners, ask for the Just Trust Us appetizer plate, and for those looking for more structure, build your own sandwich with a variety of bun choices.

D.B.A. Barbecue

If The Archie Bunker sandwich, complete with smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese, sweet barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese on Texas toast, doesn’t hook you, the banana pudding will. Dine here for a rambunctious patio in the heart of Virginia-Highland and return to try all of the creative combinations.

Community Q BBQ

The reliable pulled pork is enough to fill up the Decatur location, but the unconventional and creative side dishes take the cake. David Roberts’ infamous mac and cheese blends rigatoni, cheddar, Monterey Jack, parmesan, and heavy cream, and the blueberry-pecan bread pudding will satiate any sweet tooth.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue

Start with Asian-inspired pimento cheese wontons at the first brick-and-mortar shop by Howard Hsu, who started with a Sweet Auburn Barbecue food truck and a counter at Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Stick to the Asian path with coconut lemongrass spare ribs, or go domestic with Memphis-, Carolina-, and Texas- style dishes.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Jonathan and Justin Fox don’t mess around. Their Texas-style barbecue joint is famous for bringing Frito pie to the Southeast, but their brilliance shines in the Tominator, a base of tater tots covered in Brunswick stew and smothered in melted cheese.

The Smoke Ring

Nestled in the shadow of the Georgia Dome in Castleberry Hill, Smoke Ring is the hipster brother of barbecue joints. The sleek interior and wagon wheel decor accent the perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts and heavy helpings of bourbon and smoked meats.

Daddy D'z

For true barbecue sans frills, Daddy D’z is the ITP choice. Located on Memorial Drive in Grant Park, the ribs and Brunswick stew far outshine the decor. Start with their famous que wraps and settle into the bite-size barbecued pork wrapped in dough and deep fried.

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